Professional Documents
Culture Documents
OPERATOR
MANUAL
STATE OF
DELAWARE
DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
MOM Manual.qxp 1/9/03 3:19 PM Page 2
PREFACE
This manual has been prepared with the cooperation of the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation with your safety–and the safety of all Delaware motorists–in mind.
We hope that you will use the safe driving tips contained in this manual and
enjoy your motorcycle.
1
HOW TO OBTAIN A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT
ON A DELAWARE DRIVER’S LICENSE
1. You must be a Delaware licensed driver before applying for this endorsement.
2. You can apply at one of the following Motor Vehicle Facilities:
• Wilmington at 8th & Bancroft Parkway • Dover at Rt. 113 - Bay Road
• Georgetown at S. Bedford St. Ext.
3. If you are under 18 years of age you must complete the state approved Motorcycle Rider
Education Course. Upon successful completion of the course, which includes a knowledge and skill
test, you receive a Student Completion Card.
Present this card at the Division of Motor Vehicles, pay a fee of $8.00, pass an eye test and a
motorcycle endorsement will be issued indicating your eligibility to operate a motorcycle. Student
Completion Cards are valid for a period of six (6) months from the date of issue. Parents signature
is required for M endorsement.
4. If you are over 18 years of age:
• You must pass a written test and an eye and road sign test.
• You will be issued a 60 day temporary motorcycle learner’s permit after passing the
preliminary tests and paying a fee of $8.00. A 60 day extension is available for
$2.00.
• You can take a state approved Motorcycle Rider Education course and be waived the
knowledge and skill test and the 60 day learner’s permit upon successful completion
of the course.
5. With a temporary motorcycle learners permit the law states:
• No passengers allowed on a motorcycle.
• Operating a motorcycle between sunset and sunrise is prohibited.
• A safety helmet and eye protection as approved by the Division must be worn when
operating a motorcycle.
• Operation of a motorcycle is not permitted on an Interstate Highway.
• You may take the motorcycle road test anytime after 10 days but within the 60 days
at the Lane where the permit was issued.
Upon satisfactorily completing all of the above requirements, a new photo driver’s license will be
issued indicating your eligibility to operate a motorcycle.
INSURANCE - Liability Insurance coverage is compulsory for you, your passengers, and your
cycle because of possible damage you might cause to other motorcyclists, their cycles, other
vehicles, or property. Minimum coverage in Delaware is $15,000, $30,000 and $10,000. Make sure
that you are covered adequately both in terms of state law and in terms of the kind of riding you
plan to undertake. Failure to have your motorcycle properly insured can lead to a fine and a
suspension of your driver’s license.
Students successfully completing the approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course are eligible
for a 10% insurance liability premium reduction by presenting their Student Completion Course
Card to their insurance company.
Students successfully completing the Experienced Rider Course within 2 yrs., 6 mo. and 3 yrs.
of the approved Motorcycle Rider Course are eligible for a 15% liability insurance premium
reduction by presenting their Student Completion Card to their insurance company.
MOTORCYCLE REGISTRATION FEE - The annual fee for a motorcycle registration (license
plate) is $10.00.
DELAWARE HELMET LAW - Every person operating or riding on a motorcycle shall have in
his possession a safety helmet approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and shall wear eye
protection approved by said Secretary; provided, however, that every person operating or riding on
a motorcycle up to 19 years of age shall wear a safety helmet and eye protection approved by the
Secretary of Public Safety.
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CONTENTS
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PREPARING TO RIDE
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward
determining whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely.
Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:
1. Wear the right gear.
2. Become familiar with the motorcycle.
3. Check the motorcycle equipment.
4. Be a responsible rider.
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HELMETS
HELMET USE
• Meets U.S. Department of Goggles protect your eyes,
Transportation (DOT) and state though they won’t protect the rest of
standards. Helmets with a label your face like a faceshield does. A
from the Snell Memorial windshield is not a substitute for a
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MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
Light Switch (high/low) Engine Cut-Off
Choke (varies) Switch
Turn-Signal Electric
Switch Start
Button
Ignition Key
(varies)
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• Make all the checks you would • Brake Light — Try both brake
CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE on your own motorcycle. controls, and make sure each one
• Find out where everything is, turns on the brake light.
particularly the turn signals, horn, Once you have mounted the
headlight switch, fuel-supply motorcycle, complete the following
valve and engine cut-off switch. checks before starting out:
Find and operate these items • Clutch and Throttle — Make
without having to look for them. sure they work smoothly. The
• Know the gear pattern. Work the throttle should snap back when
throttle, clutch and brakes a few you let go. The clutch should feel
times before you start riding. All tight and smooth.
controls react a little differently. • Mirrors — Clean and adjust both
• Ride very cautiously and be mirrors before starting. It’s
aware of surroundings. Accelerate difficult to ride with one hand
gently, take turns more slowly and while you try to adjust a mirror.
leave extra room for stopping. Adjust each mirror so you can see
the lane behind and as much as
CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE possible of the lane next to you.
When properly adjusted, a mirror
A motorcycle needs more may show the edge of your arm or
frequent attention than a car. A minor shoulder—but it’s the road behind
technical failure in a car seldom leads and to the side that’s most
to anything more than an important.
inconvenience for the driver.
• Brakes — Try the front and rear
If something’s wrong with the brake levers one at a time. Make
motorcycle, you’ll want to find out sure each one feels firm and holds
about it before you get in traffic. the motorcycle when the brake is
Make a complete check of your fully applied.
motorcycle before every ride. • Horn — Try the horn. Make sure
Before mounting the motorcycle, it works.
make the following checks: In addition to the checks you
• Tires — Check the air pressure, should make before every trip, check
general wear and tread. the following items at least once a
• Fluids — Oil and fluid levels. At a week: Wheels, cables, fasteners and
minimum, check hydraulic fluids fluid checks. Follow your owner’s
and coolants weekly. Look under manual to get recommendations.
the motorcycle for signs of an oil
or gas leak. 2 Test Yourself
• Headlights and Taillight — More than half of all crashes:
Check them both. Test your switch A. Occur at speeds greater than
to make sure both high and low 35 mph.
beams are working. B. Happen at night.
C. Are caused by worn tires.
• Turn Signals — Turn on both
D. Involve riders who have ridden
right and left turn signals. Make their motorcycles less than six
sure all lights are working months.
Answer - page 40
properly.
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SHIFTING GEARS
HOLDING HANDLEBARS There is more to shifting gears
than simply getting the motorcycle to
RIGHT pick up speed smoothly. Learning to
use the gears when downshifting,
turning or starting on hills is
important for safe motorcycle
operation.
Shift down through the gears
with the clutch as you slow or stop.
Remain in first gear while you are
WRONG stopped so that you can move out
quickly if you need to.
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Make certain you are riding Also, using the front brake
BRAKING
slowly enough when you shift into a incorrectly on a slippery surface
lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will may be hazardous. Use caution
lurch, and the rear wheel may skid. and squeeze the brake lever, never
When riding downhill or shifting into grab.
first gear you may need to use the • Some motorcycles have
brakes to slow enough before integrated braking systems that
downshifting safely. Work toward a link the front and rear brakes
smooth, even clutch release, together by applying the rear brake
especially when downshifting. pedal. (Consult the owner’s
It is best to change gears before manual for a detailed explanation
entering a turn. However, sometimes on the operation and effective use
shifting while in the turn is necessary. of these systems.)
If so, remember to do so smoothly. A
sudden change in power to the rear
TURNING
wheel can cause a skid. Riders often try to take curves or
turns too fast. When they can’t hold
TURNING
BRAKING the turn, they end up crossing into
another lane of traffic or going off the
Your motorcycle has two brakes:
road. Or, they overreact and brake too
one each for the front and rear wheel.
hard, causing a skid and loss of
Use both of them at the same time.
control. Approach turns and curves
The front brake is more powerful and
with caution.
can provide at least three-quarters
of your total stopping power. The Use four steps for better control:
front brake is safe to use if you use • SLOW
it properly. • LOOK
Remember: • PRESS
• Use both brakes every time you • ROLL
slow or stop. Using both brakes for
even “normal” stops will permit • SLOW — Reduce speed before
you to develop the proper habit or the turn by closing the throttle and,
skill of using both brakes properly if necessary, applying both brakes.
in an emergency. Squeeze the front • LOOK — Look through the turn
brake and press down on the rear. to where you want to go. Turn just
Grabbing at the front brake or your head, not your shoulders, and
jamming down on the rear can keep your eyes level with the
cause the brakes to lock, resulting horizon.
in control problems. • PRESS — To turn, the motorcycle
• If you know the technique, using must lean. To lean the motor-
both brakes in a turn is possible, cycle, press on the handlegrip in
although it should be done very the direction of the turn. Press
carefully. When leaning the left— lean left—go left. Press
motorcycle some of the traction is right— lean right—go right.
used for cornering. Less traction is Higher speeds and/or tighter
available for stopping. A skid can turns require the motorcycle to
occur if you apply too much brake. lean more.
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LANE POSITIONS
In some ways the size of the
motorcycle can work to your advan-
tage. Each traffic lane gives a
In slow tight turns, counterbalance motorcycle three paths of travel, as
by leaning the motorcycle only and indicated in the illustration.
keeping your body straight. Your lane position should:
• Increase your ability to see and be
NORMAL TURNING seen.
• Avoid others’ blind spots.
• Avoid surface hazards.
• Protect your lane from other
drivers.
• Communicate your intentions.
• Avoid wind blast from other
vehicles.
• Provide an escape route.
Select the appropriate path to
maximize your space cushion and
make yourself more easily seen by
others on the road.
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LANE POSITIONS
FOLLOWING
and to maintain a space cushion
“Following too closely” could
around the motorcycle. No portion
be a factor in crashes involving
of the lane need be avoided —
motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles
including the center.
need as much distance to stop as
Position yourself in the portion cars. Normally, a minimum of two
of the lane where you are most likely seconds distance should be
to be seen and you can maintain a maintained behind the vehicle ahead.
space cushion around you. Change To gauge your following
position as traffic situations change. distance:
Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and
• Pick out a marker, such as a
other potential problems are on your
pavement marking or lamppost, on
left only. Remain in path 1 or 2 if
or near the road ahead.
hazards are on your right only. If
vehicles are being operated on both • When the rear bumper of the
sides of you, the center of the lane, vehicle ahead passes the marker,
path 2, is usually your best option. count off the seconds: “one-
thousand-one, one-thousand-two.”
The oily strip in the center
portion that collects drippings from • If you reach the marker before
cars is usually no more than two feet you reach “two,” you are
wide. Unless the road is wet, the following too closely.
average center strip permits adequate A two-second following distance
traction to ride on safely. You can leaves a minimum amount of space to
operate to the left or right of the stop or swerve if the driver ahead
grease strip and still be within the stops suddenly. It also permits a
center portion of the traffic lane. better view of potholes and other
Avoid riding on big buildups of oil hazards in the road.
and grease usually found at busy A larger cushion of space is
intersections or toll booths. needed if your motorcycle will take
longer than normal to stop. If the
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FOLLOWING
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PASSING
1. Ride in the left portion of the lane. Riding any closer to them could
lane at a safe following distance put you in a hazardous situation.
to increase your line of sight and Avoid being hit by:
make you more visible. Signal • The other vehicle — A slight
and check for oncoming traffic. mistake by you or the passing
Use your mirrors and turn your driver could cause a sideswipe.
head to look for traffic behind.
• Extended mirrors — Some
2. When safe, move into the left lane drivers forget that their mirrors
and accelerate. Select a lane hang out farther than their fenders.
position that doesn’t crowd the
• Objects thrown from windows
car you are passing and pro-
— Even if the driver knows you’re
vides space to avoid hazards in
there, a passenger may not see you
your lane.
and might toss something on you
3. Ride through the blind spot as or the road ahead of you.
quickly as possible.
• Blasts of wind from larger
BEING PASSED
4. Signal again, and complete mirror vehicles — They can affect your
and headchecks before returning control. You have more room for
to your original lane and then error if you are in the middle
cancel the signal. portion when hit by this blast
Remember, passes must be than if you are on either side of
completed within posted speed limits, the lane.
and only where permitted. Know your
Do not move into the portion
signs and road markings!
of the lane farthest from the
BEING PASSED passing vehicle. It might invite the
When you are being passed from other driver to cut back into your lane
behind or by an oncoming vehicle, too early.
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MERGING CARS
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway. Give
them plenty of room. Change to
MERGING
4 Test Yourself
Usually, a good way to handle
tailgaters is to:
A. Change lanes and let them pass.
B. Use your horn and make obscene
gestures.
C. Speed up to put distance between
you and the tailgater.
D. Ignore them.
Answer - page 40
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SEE
SEE
Good experienced riders remain • Road and surface characteristics
aware of what is going on around — Potholes, guardrails, bridges,
them. They improve their riding telephone poles and trees won’t
strategy by using SEE, a three-step move into your path but may
process used to make appropriate infuence your riding strategy.
judgments, and apply them correctly • Traffic control devices — Look
in different traffic situations: for traffic signals, including
• Search regulatory signs, warning signs,
• Evaluate and pavement markings, to help
• Execute you evaluate circumstances
ahead.
Let’s examine each of these steps.
• Vehicles and other traffic —
May move into your path and
SEARCH increase the likelihood of a crash.
Search aggressively ahead, to the Think about your time and space
sides and behind to avoid potential requirements in order to maintain a
hazards even before they arise. How margin of safety. You must leave
assertively you search, and how yourself time to react if an
much time and space you have, can emergency arises.
eliminate or reduce harm. Focus even
more on finding potential escape
routes in or around intersections, EXECUTE
shopping areas and school and Carry out your decision.
construction zones. To create more space and
Search for factors such as: minimize harm from any hazard:
• Oncoming traffic that may turn • Communicate your presence with
left in front of you. lights and/or horn.
• Traffic coming from the left and • Adjust your speed by
right. accelerating, stopping or slowing.
• Traffic approaching from behind. • Adjust your position and/or
• Hazardous road conditions. direction.
Be especially alert in areas with Apply the old adage “one step at
limited visibility. Visually “busy” a time” to handle two or more
surroundings could hide you and hazards. Adjust speed to permit two
your motorcycle from others. hazards to separate. Then deal with
them one at a time as single hazards.
Decision making becomes more
EVALUATE complex with three or more hazards.
Think about how hazards can Weigh the consequences of each and
interact to create risks for you. give equal distance to the hazards.
Anticipate potential problems and
have a plan to reduce risks.
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LARGE INTERSECTIONS
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LARGE INTERSECTIONS
As you approach the intersec- cross street can see him as soon as
tion, select a lane position to increase possible.
your visibility to the driver. Cover the
clutch and both brakes to reduce LARGE INTERSECTIONS
reaction time.
Reduce your speed as you
approach an intersection. After
entering the intersection, move away
from vehicles preparing to turn. Do
not change speed or position
radically. The driver might think that
you are preparing to turn.
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
If you approach a blind
intersection, move to the portion of
the lane that will bring you into
another driver’s field of vision at the
earliest possible moment. In this Remember, the key is to see as
picture, the rider has moved to the much as possible and remain visible
left portion of the lane—away from to others while protecting your space.
the parked car—so the driver on the
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CLOTHING
CONSPICUITY on the sides of the helmet will help
drivers coming from the side to spot
In crashes with motorcyclists, you. Reflective material can also be a
drivers often say that they never saw big help for drivers coming toward
the motorcycle. From ahead or you or from behind.
behind, a motorcycle’s outline is
much smaller than a car’s. Also, it’s
HEADLIGHT
hard to see something you are not
looking for, and most drivers are not The best way to help others see
looking for motorcycles. More likely, your motorcycle is to keep the
they are looking through the skinny, headlight on — at all times
two-wheeled silhouette in search of (although motorcycles sold in the
cars that may pose a problem to USA since 1978 automatically have
them. the headlights on when running).
Studies show that, during the day, a
Even if a driver does see you
motorcycle with its light on is twice
coming, you aren’t necessarily safe.
LIGHTS
as likely to be noticed. Use of the
Smaller vehicles appear farther away
high beam during the day increases
and seem to be traveling slower than
the likelihood that oncoming drivers
they actually are. It is common for
will see you. Use low beam at night
drivers to pull out in front of
and in fog.
motorcyclists, thinking they have
plenty of time. Too often, they
are wrong. SIGNALS
However, you can do many The signals on a motorcycle are
things to make it easier for others to similar to those on a car. They tell
recognize you and your motorcycle. others what you plan to do.
CLOTHING SIGNALING
Most crashes occur in broad
daylight. Wear bright-colored
clothing to increase your chances of
SIGNALS
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However, due to a rider’s added • You slow where others may not
vulnerability, signals are even more expect it (in the middle of a
important. Use them anytime you block or at an alley).
plan to change lanes or turn. Use If you are being followed
them even when you think no one closely, it’s a good idea to flash your
else is around. It’s the car you don’t brake light before you slow. The
see that’s going to give you the tailgater may be watching you and
most trouble. Your signal lights also not see something ahead that will
make you easier to spot. That’s why make you slow down. This will
it’s a good idea to use your turn hopefully discourage them from
signals even when what you plan to tailgating and warn them of hazards
do is obvious. ahead they may not see.
When you enter onto a
freeway, drivers approaching USING YOUR MIRRORS
from behind are more likely to see While it’s most important to
your signal blinking and make room keep track of what’s happening
USING YOUR MIRRORS
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HEAD CHECKS
Checking your mirrors is not
enough. Motorcycles have “blind
spots” like cars. Before you change
lanes, turn your head, and look to the
side for other vehicles.
On a road with several lanes,
check the far lane and the one next
to you. A driver in the distant lane
may head for the same space you
plan to take.
Frequent head checks should
be your normal scanning routine,
also. Only by knowing what is
happening all around you are you
fully prepared to deal with it.
HORN
HORN
Some motorcycles have rounded Be ready to use your horn to
(convex) mirrors. These provide a get someone’s attention quickly.
wider view of the road behind than
do flat mirrors. They also make cars It is a good idea to give a quick
seem farther away than they really beep before passing anyone that
are. If you are not used to convex may move into your lane.
mirrors, get familiar with them. Here are some situations:
(While you are stopped, pick out a • A driver in the lane next to you is
parked car in your mirror. Form a driving too closely to the vehicle
mental image of how far away it is. ahead and may want to pass.
Then, turn around and look at it to • A parked car has someone in the
see how close you came.) Practice driver’s seat.
with your mirrors until you become a
good judge of distance. Even then, • Someone is in the street, riding a
allow extra distance before you bicycle or walking.
change lanes. In an emergency, press the horn
button loud and long. Be ready to
stop or swerve away from the danger.
Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s
horn isn’t as loud as a car’s —
therefore, use it, but don’t rely on it.
Other strategies may be appropriate
along with the horn.
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SWERVING
motorcycle should then be straight up
and in balance.
SWERVING OR TURNING
QUICKLY
Sometimes you may not have
enough room to stop, even if you use
both brakes properly. An object
might appear suddenly in your path.
Always use both brakes at the Or the car ahead might squeal to a
same time to stop. The front brake stop. The only way to avoid a crash
can provide 70% or more of the may be to turn quickly, or swerve
potential stopping power. around it.
If you must stop quickly while A swerve is any sudden change
turning or riding a curve, the best in direction. It can be two quick
technique is to straighten the bike turns, or a rapid shift to the side.
upright first and then brake. Apply a small amount of hand
However, it may not always be pressure to the handlegrip located on
possible to straighten the motorcycle the side of your intended direction of
and then stop. If you must brake escape. This will cause the
while leaning, apply light brakes and motorcycle to lean quickly. The
reduce the throttle. As you slow, you sharper the turn(s), the more the
can reduce your lean angle and apply motorcycle must lean.
more brake pressure until the Keep your body upright and
motorcycle is straight and maximum allow the motorcycle to lean in the
brake pressure is possible. You direction of the turn while keeping
should “straighten” the handlebars your knees against the tank and your
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DANGEROUS SURFACES
traffic, road conditions and curve of SURFACES
the road. If no traffic is present, start
Your chance of falling or being
at the outside of a curve to increase
involved in a crash increases
your line of sight and the effective
whenever you ride across:
radius of the turn. As you turn, move
toward the inside of the curve, and as • Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
you pass the center, move to the • Slippery surfaces.
outside to exit. • Railroad tracks.
Another alternative is to move • Grooves and gratings.
to the center of your lane before
entering a curve — and stay there UNEVEN SURFACES AND
until you exit. This permits you to OBSTACLES
spot approaching traffic as soon as Watch for uneven surfaces such
possible. You can also adjust for as bumps, broken pavement, potholes
traffic “crowding” the center line, or or small pieces of highway trash.
debris blocking part of your lane.
Try to avoid obstacles by
slowing or going around them. If you
must go over the obstacle, first
determine if it is possible. Approach
it at as close to a 90˚ angle as
possible. Look where you want to go
8 Test Yourself to control your path of travel. If you
The best way to stop quickly is to: have to ride over the obstacle, you
A. Use the front brake only. should:
B. Use the rear brake first. • Slow down as much as possible
C. Throttle down and use the front before contact.
brake.
D. Use both brakes at the same time.
• Make sure the motorcycle is
Answer - page 40 straight.
OBSTACLES
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• Rise slightly off the seat with your brake lever gradually to avoid
weight on the footpegs to absorb locking the front wheel.
the shock with your knees and Remember, gentle pressure on the
elbows, and avoid being thrown rear brake.
off the motorcycle. • The center of a lane can be
• Just before contact, roll on the hazardous when wet. When it
throttle slightly to lighten the front starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks
end. left by cars. Often, the left tire
track will be the best position,
If you ride over an object on the
depending on traffic and other
street, pull off the road and check
road conditions as well.
your tires and rims for damage before
riding any farther. • Watch for oil spots when you put
your foot down to stop or park.
SLIPPERY SURFACES You may slip and fall.
Motorcycles handle better when • Dirt and gravel collect along the
ridden on surfaces that permit good sides of the road — especially on
traction. Surfaces that provide poor curves and ramps leading to and
traction include: from highways. Be aware of
what’s on the edge of the road,
• Wet pavement, particularly just particularly when making sharp
after it starts to rain and before turns and getting on or off
surface oil washes to the side of freeways at high speeds.
the road.
• Rain dries and snow melts faster
• Gravel roads, or where sand and on some sections of a road than
gravel collect. on others. Patches of ice tend to
• Mud, snow, and ice. develop in low or shaded areas
• Lane markings, steel plates and and on bridges and overpasses.
manhole covers, especially when Wet surfaces or wet leaves are just
wet. as slippery. Ride on the least
slippery portion of the lane and
To ride safely on slippery
reduce speed.
surfaces:
Cautious riders steer clear of
• Reduce Speed — Slow down
roads covered with ice or snow. If
before you get to a slippery surface
you can’t avoid a slippery surface,
to lessen your chances of skidding.
keep your motorcycle straight up and
Your motorcycle needs more
proceed as slowly as possible. If you
distance to stop. And it is
encounter a large surface so slippery
particularly important to reduce
that you must coast, or travel at a
speed before entering wet curves.
walking pace, consider letting your
• Avoid Sudden Moves — Any feet skim along the surface. If the
sudden change in speed or motorcycle starts to fall, you can
direction can cause a skid. Be as catch yourself. Be sure to keep off the
smooth as possible when you brakes. If possible, squeeze the clutch
speed up, shift gears, turn or brake. and coast. Attempting this maneuver
• Use Both Brakes — The front at anything other than the slowest of
brake is still effective, even on a speeds could prove hazardous.
slippery surface. Squeeze the
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TRACKING GRATINGS
pavement seams to cross at an angle
of at least 45˚. Then, make a quick,
sharp turn. Edging across could catch
your tires and throw you off balance.
GROOVES AND GRATINGS
Riding over rain grooves or
CROSSTRACKS-WRONG bridge gratings may cause a
motorcycle to weave. The uneasy,
wandering feeling is generally not
hazardous. Relax, maintain a steady
speed and ride straight across.
Crossing at an angle forces riders to
zigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzag
is far more hazardous than the
RAILROAD TRACKS, TROLLEY wandering feeling.
TRACKS AND PAVEMENT SEAMS
Usually it is safer to ride straight GRATE CROSSINGS-RIGHT
within your lane to cross tracks.
Turning to take tracks head-on (at a
90˚ angle) can be more dangerous —
your path may carry you into another
lane of traffic.
For track and road seams that run
parallel to your course, move far
GRATE CROSSINGS-WRONG
PARALLEL TRACKS-RIGHT
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start.
If you need to leave the road to
check the motorcycle (or just to rest • Adjust your riding technique for
for a while), be sure you: the added weight.
• Check the roadside — Make sure Equipment should include:
the surface of the roadside is firm • A proper seat — large enough
enough to ride on. If it is soft to hold both of you without
grass, loose sand or if you’re just crowding. You should not sit
not sure about it, slow way down any farther forward than you
before you turn onto it. usually do.
• Signal — Drivers behind might • Footrests — for the passenger.
not expect you to slow down. Give Firm footing prevents your
a clear signal that you will be passenger from falling off and
slowing down and changing pulling you off, too.
direction. Check your mirror and • Protective equipment — the
CARRYING LOADS
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CARRYING PASSENGERS
when taking curves, corners or
Even if your passenger is a
bumps.
motorcycle rider, provide complete
instructions before you start. Tell • Start slowing earlier as you
your passenger to: approach a stop.
•Get on the motorcycle only after • Open up a larger cushion of
you have started the engine. space ahead and to the sides.
• Wait for larger gaps to cross,
• Sit as far forward as possible
enter or merge in traffic.
without crowding you.
Warn your passenger of special
• Hold firmly to your waist, hips
conditions — when you will pull out,
or belt.
stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over
• Keep both feet on the pegs, even a bump. Turn your head slightly to
when stopped. make yourself understood, but keep
• Keep legs away from the your eyes on the road ahead.
muffler(s), chains or moving parts.
• Stay directly behind you, leaning CARRYING LOADS
as you lean. Most motorcycles are not
• Avoid unnecessary talk or designed to carry much cargo. Small
motion. loads can be carried safely if
positioned and fastened properly.
Also, tell your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you: • Keep the Load Low — Fasten
loads securely, or put them in
• Approach surface problems. saddlebags. Piling loads against a
• Are about to start from a stop. sissybar or frame on the back of
• Warn that you will make a the seat raises the motorcycle’s
sudden move. center of gravity and disturbs its
balance.
RIDING WITH PASSENGERS • Keep the Load Forward — Place
the load over, or in front of, the
Your motorcycle will respond rear axle. Tankbags keep loads
more slowly with a passenger on forward, but use caution when
board. The heavier your passenger, loading hard or sharp objects.
the longer it will take to slow down Make sure the tankbag does not
and speed up — especially on a light interfere with handlebars or
motorcycle. controls. Mounting loads behind
the rear axle can affect how the
12 Test Yourself motorcycle turns and brakes. It can
Passengers should:
also cause a wobble.
A. Lean as you lean. • Distribute the Load Evenly —
B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat. Load saddlebags with about the
C. Sit as far back as possible. same weight. An uneven load can
D. Never hold onto you. cause the motorcycle to drift to
Answer - page 40
one side.
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• Secure the Load — Fasten the down a little to stay with the
GROUP RIDING load securely with elastic cords tailender.
(bungee cords or nets). Elastic • Know the Route — Make sure
cords with more than one everyone knows the route. Then,
attachment point per side are more if someone is separated they won’t
secure. A tight load won’t catch in have to hurry to keep from getting
the wheel or chain, causing it to lost or taking a wrong turn. Plan
lock up and skid. Rope tends to frequent stops on long rides.
stretch and knots come loose,
permitting the load to shift or fall. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
• Check the Load — Stop and Maintain close ranks but at the
check the load every so often to same time keep a safe distance to
make sure it has not worked loose allow each rider in the group time
or moved. and space to react to hazards. A close
group takes up less space on the
GROUP RIDING highway, is easier to see and is less
If you ride with others, do it in a likely to be separated. However, it
way that promotes safety and doesn’t must be done properly.
interfere with the flow of traffic. Don’t Pair Up — Never operate
directly alongside another rider.
KEEP THE GROUP SMALL There is no place to go if you have
Small groups make it easier and to avoid a car or something on the
safer for car drivers who need to get road. To talk, wait until you are
around them. A small number isn’t both stopped.
separated as easily by traffic or red Staggered Formation — This is the
lights. Riders won’t always be best way to keep ranks close yet
hurrying to catch up. If your group is maintain an adequate space
larger than four or five riders, divide
it up into two or more smaller groups.
STAGGERED FORMATION
KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER
• Plan — The leader should look
ahead for changes and signal early
so “the word gets back” in plenty
of time. Start lane changes early to
permit everyone to complete the
change.
• Put Beginners Up Front — Place
inexperienced riders just behind
the leader. That way the more
experienced riders can watch them
from the back.
• Follow Those Behind — Let the
tailender set the pace. Use your
mirrors to keep an eye on the
person behind. If a rider falls
behind, everyone should slow
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cushion. The leader rides in the left open up room for the next rider.
side of the lane, while the second Some people suggest that the
rider stays one second behind in leader should move to the right side
the right side of the lane. after passing a vehicle. This is not a
A third rider maintains in the left good idea. It encourages the second
position, two seconds behind the first rider to pass and cut back in before
rider. The fourth rider would keep a there is a large enough space cushion
two-second distance behind the in front of the passed vehicle. It’s
second rider. This formation keeps simpler and safer to wait until there
the group close and permits each is enough room ahead of the passed
rider a safe distance from others vehicle to allow each rider to move
ahead, behind and to the sides. into the same position held before
the pass.
• Passing in Formation — Riders
in a staggered formation should Single-File Formation — It is best
pass one at a time. to move into a single-file formation
when riding curves, turning,
• First, the lead rider should pull
entering or leaving a highway.
out and pass when it is safe. After
passing, the leader should return to
the left position and continue 13 Test Yourself
riding at passing speed to open When riding in a group,
room for the next rider. inexperienced riders should
• After the first rider passes position themselves:
safely, the second rider should A. Just behind the leader.
move up to the left position and B. In front of the group.
watch for a safe chance to pass. C. At the tail end of the group.
After passing, this rider should D. Beside the leader.
Answer - page 40
return to the right position and
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ALCHOHOL CONCENTRATION
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FATIGUE
alcohol. Even if you have tried to others when you decide to step in.
drink in moderation, you may not The more people on your side, the
realize to what extent your skills have easier it is to be firm and the harder
suffered from alcohol’s fatiguing it is for the rider to resist. While
effects. you may not be thanked at the
time, you will never have to say,
Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’t
“If only I had...”
controlled your drinking, you must
control your riding. FATIGUE
• Leave the motorcycle — Riding a motorcycle is more
so you won’t be tempted to ride. tiring than driving a car. On a long
Arrange another way to get home. trip, you’ll tire sooner than you
• Wait — If you exceed your would in a car. Avoid riding when
limit, wait until your system tired. Fatigue can affect your control
eliminates the alcohol and its of the motorcycle.
fatiguing effects.
• Protect yourself from the
STEP IN TO elements — Wind, cold, and rain
make you tire quickly. Dress
PROTECT FRIENDS warmly. A windshield is worth its
People who have had too much cost if you plan to ride long
to drink are unable to make a distances.
responsible decision. It is up to others
• Limit your distance — Experi-
to step in and keep them from taking
too great a risk. No one wants to do enced riders seldom try to ride
this — it’s uncomfortable, more than about six hours a day.
embarrassing and thankless. You are • Take frequent rest breaks —
rarely thanked for your efforts at the Stop and get off the motorcycle at
time. But the alternatives are often least every two hours.
worse. • Don’t drink or use drugs —
There are several ways to keep Artificial stimulants often result in
friends from hurting themselves: extreme fatigue or depression
• Arrange a safe ride — Provide when they start to wear off. Riders
alternative ways for them to are unable to concentrate on the
get home. task at hand.
• Slow the pace of drinking —
Involve them in other activities.
• Keep them there — Use any 14 Test Yourself
excuse to keep them from getting If you wait an hour for each drink
on their motorcycle. Serve them before riding:
food and coffee to pass the time. A. You cannot be arrested for drinking
Explain your concerns for their and riding.
risks of getting arrested or hurt B. Your riding skills will not be
affected.
or hurting someone else.
C. Side effects from the drinking may
• Get friends involved — Use peer still remain.
pressure from a group of friends D. You will be okay as long as you ride
to intervene. slowly.
Answer - page 40
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_____________________________________
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C, 2-D, 3-D, 4-A, 5-B, _____________________________________
6-C, 7-D 8-D, 9-C, 10-C, Answers to above Knowledge Test:
11-D, 12-A, 13-A, 14-C 1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-C, 5-B
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Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only
and are not to correct scale for size of vehicles and distances.
41
NOTES
42
MOTORCYCLE COURSE Checks MUST be made payable to the Division of Motor Vehicles
Compele and return with full paymentPcheck or money order) to: