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ENGLISH

2011

California

Motorcycle
Handbook

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Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor
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State of California
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George Valverde, Director


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Department of Motor Vehicles


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Your li

Visit dmv.ca.gov for the


California Motorcycle Handbook
taBle.oF.coNteNts

Disclaimer............................. ii
Turning......................................13

Keeping.Your.Distance................13

Where.to.Write....................... ii

Lane Positions..........................13

Dmv.iNFormatioN.....................1
Following Another Vehicle........14

Being Followed.........................15

iNtroDUctioN...........................2

Passing and Being Passed......15

tWo-Wheel.vehicle.oPeratioN...2
Passing.....................................15

Motorcycles....................................2
Being Passed...........................15

Motor-Driven.Cycles......................2
Lane Sharing.
............................16

Motorized.Bicycles.........................3
Merging Cars............................16

Motorized.Scooter..........................3
Cars Alongside.........................16

Search,.Evaluate,.and..

liceNse.reQUiremeNts..............3

Execute.(SEE)........................... 17

Earning.Your.License.....................4

Search....................................... 17

Basic.Rider.Course........................4

Evaluate..................................... 17

Application.Requirements..—.All.
.

Execute..................................... 17

Drivers.........................................4

Intersections................................18

Minors’.M1/M2.Permit.

Blind Intersections....................18

Requirements..............................5

Passing Parked Cars................19

Minors’.M1/M2.License.

Parking at the Roadside...........20

Requirements..............................5

Increasing.Visibility......................20

Adults’.18-21.Years.of.Age.

Clothing.....................................20

M1/M2.Permit.Requirements......5

Headlight...................................20

Adults’.18-21.Years.of.Age..

Turn Signals..............................21

M1/M2.License.Requirements....6

Brake Light................................21

License.Requirements.—..

Using Your Mirrors....................22

All.Drivers....................................6

Head Checks............................22

Motorcycle.Skills.Test....................6

Horn..........................................23

PrePariNG.to.riDe....................7
Riding at Night..........................23

Wearing.the.Right.Gear.................7
Collision.Avoidance.....................23

Helmet Use.................................7
Quick Stops..............................24

Helmet Selection.........................8
Swerving or Turning Quickly.....24

Eye and Face Protection............8


Cornering..................................25

Clothing.......................................9
Handling.Dangerous.Surfaces.....26

Know.Your.Motorcycle...................9
Uneven Surfaces and

The Right Motorcycle..................9


Obstacles...............................26

Get Familiar with the


Slippery Surfaces.....................27

Motorcycle Controls...............10
Railroad or Trolley Tracks and

Check Your Motorcycle.............10


Pavement Seams...................28

Know.Your.Responsibilities......... 11
Grooves and Gratings.
..............28

Mechanical.Problems..................28

riDe.WithiN.YoUr.aBilities....... 11

Tire Failure................................28

Basic.Vehicle.Control................... 11

Stuck Throttle............................29

Body Position............................ 11

Wobble......................................29

Shifting Gears...........................12

Chain Problems........................30

Braking......................................12

Engine Seizure..........................30

-i-
Animals........................................30
BeiNG.iN.shaPe.to.riDe............. 34

Flying.Objects..............................30
Blood.Alcohol.Concentration.......34

Getting.Off.The.Road..................30
Alcohol.and.the.Law....................35

Carrying.Passengers.and..
Minimize.the.Risks.......................35

Cargo........................................31
Fatigue.........................................35

Equipment.................................31

motorcYcle.iNsUraNce..

Instructing Passengers.............31

Riding With Passengers...........32

Facts.................................. 35

Carrying Loads.........................32
evaDiNG.a.Peace.oFFicer.......... 36

Group.Riding................................32

Keep the Group Small..............32

treaD.liGhtlY!....................... 36

Keep the Group Together.........33

Keep Your Distance..................33

Disclaimer
This handbook is only a summary of the laws and regulations. DMV, law
enforcement, and courts follow the full and exact language of the law contained
in the California Vehicle Code. You may buy a copy of the California Vehicle
Code at any DMV office or visit our website at www.dmv.ca.gov.

Where to Write
If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this publication, please
send them to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

Customer Communications Section MS H165

PO Box 932345

Sacramento, CA 94232-3450

© Copyright, Department of Motor Vehicles 2011



All rights reserved.

This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. DMV owns the copyright of this work.

Copyright law prohibits the following: (1) reproduction of the copyrighted work; (2)

distribution of copies of the copyrighted work; (3) preparation of derivative works

based upon the copyrighted work; (4) displaying the copyrighted work publicly; or

(5) performing the copyrighted work publicly. All requests for permission to make
copies of all or any part of this publication should be addressed to:
Department of Motor Vehicles

Legal Office MS C128

PO Box 932382

Sacramento, CA 94232-3820

- ii -
Dmv.iNFormatioN

DMV offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and
Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. A few offices offer only driver
license or vehicle registration services. Go online or call the toll-free number
below to find the office locations and service options of an office near you.
Go online at www.dmv.ca.gov for:
• Field office locations, hours, directions, and phone numbers
• Making appointments (except for commercial driving tests)
• Ordering personalized plates
• Driver license and identification card information
• Vehicle/vessel registration information
• Downloadable forms
• Publications—handbooks, brochures, and sample tests
• Senior driver information
• Teen driver information
• Links to other state and federal agencies
• Renew your driver license or vehicle registration with the Renewal
Identification Number (RIN) provided on your renewal notice
• Call 1-800-777-0133 during normal – Renew your vehicle registration
business hours to: using a check, debit card, or credit
– Get driver license and vehicle card. You will need to have the
registration information, forms, Renewal Identification Number
and publications. provided on your billing notice.
– Find office locations and
– Make an office appointment.
hours.
• TTY
– Make a driving test appoint- – Persons with speech or hearing
ment. impairments can call, toll free,
– Speak to a DMV representative. 1-800-368-4327 for assistance
with DMV services. Only typed
• Call 1-800-777-0133 for automated
messages from another TTY are
service 24 hours a day, 7 days a received and responded to at this
week to: number.
– Access DMV’s voice recogni-
tion system.

Advertising sponsorship, instead of your fees, helps defray the printing costs of this
publication. The products and services provided by the advertising sponsors are not
promoted or endorsed by DMV, but the significant contribution by the advertising
sponsors is most appreciated.
If you would like to advertise in this publication, please call the Office of State
Publishing Advertising Department at 1-866-824-0603.

-1-
iNtroDUctioN
tWo-Wheel.vehicle.
This handbook supplements the oPeratioN
California Driver Handbook The basic rules of the road
concerning traffic laws, safe contained in the California Vehicle
driving rules, and driver licenses. Codeapply to all two-wheel vehicles
Study the California Driver Hand- which include motorcycles, motor-
book as well as this supplement. driven cycles, mopeds, or bicycles
This supplement provides in- with a motor attached. Minibikes,
formation for both novice and tote-goats, trail bikes, and similar
experienced drivers of two-wheel vehicles may fall within the defini-
vehicles. Portions of this handbook tion of motorcycle, motor-driven
which deal with safe driving prac- cycle, or motorized bicycle. If any
tices (rather than traffic laws) were of these vehicles are operated on a
developed initially by the National highway, they must meet applicable
Public Services Research Institute equipment, registration, licensing,
in cooperation with the Motorcycle and operation requirements, if
Safety Foundation (MSF). required. Any person registering a
The MSF, California Highway Pa- motorcycle is required to obtain a
trol (CHP), California Motorcyclist Class M1 or M2 driver license prior
Safety Program (CMSP), various to operating the vehicle.
motorcyclist enthusiast groups, and Do not ride a moped on a freeway,
the Department of Motor Vehicles bicycle path or trail, equestrian
(DMV) all agree that improved (horse) trail, hiking trail, or recre-
licensing, along with quality motor- ational trail unless that path or trail
cycle rider education and increased is on or next to a road or permission
public awareness, has the potential to use the trail or roadway is granted
to reduce the number and severity by local law.
of motorcycle collisions.
motorcycles
When using this handbook, remem-
A motorcycle:
ber that it is only a summary of the
laws and regulations. DMV, law • Has a seat or saddle for the rider
enforcement, and courts follow the and is designed to travel on not
full and exact language of the law more than three wheels.
contained in the California Vehicle motor-Driven cycles
Code (CVC).
A motor-driven cycle is:
• A motorcycle with a 149 cc or
less engine size.

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NOTE: You may not operate a motorizeD scooter
motor-driven cycle on a freeway if A motorized scooter is defined as
signs are posted to prohibit motor- any two-wheeled “device” with:
driven cycle operation.
• A motor, handlebars, and a
motorizeD Bicycles floorboard for standing on when
There are two definitions of motor- riding, and
ized bicycle (moped). A motorized • The options of having:
bicycle is: – A driver seat which cannot
• A two- or three-wheeled device, interfere with the operator’s
capableofnomorethan30mphon ability to stand and ride.
level ground, and equipped with: – The ability to be powered by
– Fully operative pedals for hu- human propulsion.
man propulsion. NOTE:Amotorized scooter may be
– A motor producing less than driven with any class driver license.
two gross brake horsepower Amotorized scooter may not be used
and an automatic transmission. to take a Class M1 or M2 skills test.
– An electric motor, with or The motorized scooter’s exhaust
without pedals for human pro- system must not be modified or
pulsion. (CVC §406[a]) altered.
• Avehicle with pedals and an elec-
tric motor (not more than 1,000 liceNse..
watts) which cannot be driven at reQUiremeNts
speeds of more than 20 mph on California issues the following li-
level ground even if assisted by cense classes for two-wheel vehicle
human power. (CVC §406[b]) operation:
If you operate a motorized bicycle • Class M1—You may operate
which meets the definition of any two-wheel motorcycle,
CVC §406(b), you: motor-driven cycle, or motorized
• Must be 16 years of age or older. scooter and all vehicles listed
• Must wear a properly fitted and under Class M2.
fastened bicycle helmet. NOTE: The permit and license
• Are exempt from the motor requirements in this handbook
vehicle financial responsibility, pertain to two-wheel vehicles
driver license, and moped plate andarereferencedinSection12804.9
requirements. (CVC §12804.9) of the California Vehicle Code.
You may ride a moped in a bicycle • Class M2—You may operate any
laneatareasonablespeed.Becareful motorized bicycle, moped, or a
of bicyclists using the lane. bicycle with an attached motor,
or a motorized scooter.

-3-
You may obtain a Class M1 or M2 environment or in a controlled off-
license at any DMV office which street area.
provides driver license services.
Motorcycle law tests and skill tests Basic riDer course
are required. Motorcycle applicants under 21
years of age are required to complete
NOTE: Class C licensees may
a Basic Rider Course before receiv-
operate a motorcycle with a side
ing a motorcycle instruction permit.
car attached or a three-wheel
motorcycle. Motorcycle applicants 21 years of
age and older are encouraged to
earning your license enroll in the Basic Rider Course.
Safe riding requires knowledge The Basic Rider Course offered by
and skill. Testing two-wheel vehicle the California Motorcyclist Safety
operators is the best measurement Program (CMSP) provides hands-
of the skills necessary to operate on motorcycle knowledge and skill
safely in traffic because people training for novice and experienced
often overestimate their own abili- riders. CMSP has trained thousands
ties. DMV’s licensing exams are of riders over the past several years.
designed to be scored objectively. The DMV motorcycle skills test
Toobtainyourlicense,youmustpass is waived upon completion of the
a knowledge test and a motorcycle Basic Rider Course and submission
skills test. of the Certificate of Completion of
Motorcycle Training (DL 389). For
Knowledge test questions are based
more information you may contact
on information, practices, and ideas
CMSP at 1-877-RIDE-411 or visit
from this handbook. The use of
www.ca-msp.org.
testing aids during the examination
process is strictly prohibited. This application requirements —
includes, but is not limited to: The all Drivers
California Driver Handbook, Cali- These are the requirements if you
fornia Motorcycle Handbook, cheat already have a basic class driver
sheets, or electronic communication license and are 21 years of age and
devices such as a cell phone, etc. If over. Refer to the California Driver
any testing aid(s) are used during the Handbook for basic class driver
written test, the written test will be license requirements.
marked as a “failure.”An action may
also be taken against your driving To obtain an instruction permit to
privilege or the driving privilege of operate an M1/M2 vehicle on public
anyone else who assists the applicant roads, you must:
in the examination process. • Submit a completed DMV appli-
The motorcycle skills test is con- cation form (DL 44 or DL 44C).
ducted in either an actual traffic • Pay the required application fee.

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• Pass an eye exam. DL 389 before issuance of an
• Have your picture taken. instruction permit. Motorcycle
training courses are located
• Give a fingerprint and signature.
throughout California. For more
• Pass a test(s) on traffic laws and information and to locate the
signs for the class of license you nearest training site, call 1-877-
now have unless you have taken RIDE-411 or visit www.ca-msp.
the test(s) within the prior twelve org.
months.
• Pass an additional law test on minors’ m1/m2 license
motorcycle driving rules. requirements
NOTE: The Class M1/M2 permit To obtain a Class M1/M2 license,
does not allow you to carry pas- you must:
sengers and you must ride during • Complete the requirements listed
daylight hours only and not on a above.
freeway. • Be at least 16 years old.
minors’ m1/m2 permit • Hold a Class M1/M2 permit for
requirements 6 months prior to the issuance of
a motorcycle license.
To obtain a Class M1/M2 permit,
you must: NOTE: The skills test is waived for
any person presenting a valid DL
• Be 15 ½ years of age and bring
389; however, you may be required
proof you have finished both driv-
to perform an observation test for a
er education and driver training.
motorcycle only license.
(Certificates of Completion of
Driver Education and Completion aDults’ 18-21 years of age
of Driver Training are required) m1/m2 permit requirements
or be currently licensed. To obtain a Class M1/M2 instruction
• Complete the application require- permit, you must:
ments. • Complete the application require-
• Have your parents’ * signatures ments.
on the application form. • Provide a Completion of Mo-
• Provide a Completion of Motor- torcycle Training Certificate (DL
cycleTrainingCertificate(DL389) 389) from an approved CHP
from an approved CHP mo- motorcycle rider training course.
torcycle rider training course. Applicants under 21 years of age
Applicants under 21 years of age are required by law to provide a
are required by law to provide a DL 389 before issuance of an
* The term parents means both custodial parents unless only one parent has custody, or all legal
guardians unless only one legal guardian has custody.

-5-
instruction permit. Motorcycle ing Certificate (DL 389) to waive
training courses are located the skill test.
throughout California. For more NOTE: If you are 21 years of age
information and to locate the or older, you can attend a CHP ap-
nearest training site, call 1-877- proved motorcycle training course.
RIDE-411 or visit www.ca-msp. If you complete this motorcycle
org. training course and submit a valid
aDults’ 18-21 years of age DL389, your insurance cost may be
reduced. Check with your insurance
m1/m2 license requirements company to see if you qualify for
To obtain a Class M1/M2 license, a reduced rate. Additionally, the
you must: knowledge and skills you learn
• Complete the requirements listed in this motorcycle rider training
above. course may help you avoid a seri-
• Hold the Class M1/M2 permit ous injury or a fatal collision. This
for 6 months prior to issuance of motorcycle training course is highly
a motorcycle license. recommended.
NOTE: The skills test is waived for • Pass a road test, if you are apply-
any person presenting a valid DL ing for a Class M1/M2 license
389; however, you may be required only.
to perform an observation test for a
motorcycle only license.
motorcycle skills test
Basic vehicle control skills are in-
license requirements — cluded in the motorcycle skills test to
all Drivers determine your ability to maneuver
To obtain a Class M1/M2 license, in normal traffic situations.
you must: You will be asked to identify nine
• Complete the application and items on your motorcycle before the
permit requirements listed above. actual riding portion of the test. The
items you will be asked to identify
• Pass a DMV skill test or present a
are the:
Completion of Motorcycle Train-
Start
End

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• Starter the circle ride twice in a counter-
• Kill switch clockwise direction or by turning
right into the circle tracking path.
• Clutch
• Gear Shift Ride – Ride in a
• Throttle
straight path, shifting gears up,
• Gear selector then down, complete a U-turn
• Dimmer switch and return, shifting gears up, then
• Brakes down and end in a smooth stop at
• Turn signals the starting point.
• Horn
PrePariNG.to.riDe
The motorcycle skills test allows What you do before you start a trip
the rider to demonstrate his or her goes a long way toward determining
ability to control the motorcycle whether you’ll get where you want
through several skills. Applicants to go safely. Before starting any trip,
taking the skills test at the same a safe rider makes a point to:
time should consider taking the test
on the size motorcycle they plan to • Become familiar with the mo-
operate. The motorcycle skills test torcycle.
is a pass/fail test. You will be asked • Check the motorcycle equipment.
to demonstrate the following four • Wear the right gear.
skills, which include tracking paths • Be a responsible rider.
(the area within and including the
tracking lines): Wearing the right gear
• Serpentine Ride – Beginning When you ride, your gear is “right” if
on the right of the first cone, you it protects you. In any collision, you
will weave through a row of five have a far better chance of avoiding
traffic cones. At the end of the serious injury when you wear:
row of cones you will begin the • A motorcycle safety helmet.
circle ride. • Face or eye protection.
• Circle Ride – Ride around the • Protective clothing.
circle twice in a clockwise di-
rection keeping the front wheel Helmet Use
within the tracking path, and Many collisions result in head in-
return to the starting point, weav- juries. All operators and passengers
ing once more through the row of are required by law to wear a mo-
five cones. torcycle safety helmet when riding
• Slow Ride – Ride slowly between a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or
twoparallellineskeepingthefront motorized bicycle. The motorcycle
tire within the tracking path. At safety helmet must be certified by
the end of the tracking path, begin the manufacturer that the helmet

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complies with the Department of NOTE: The DOT lettering should
Transportation, Federal Motor Ve- not be a stick-on label or easily
hicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. removed.
Research shows that head injuries • Fits snugly, all the way around.
account for a majority of serious and
• Has no obvious defects such as
fatal motorcyclist injuries and that
cracks, loose padding or frayed
with few exceptions, head injuries
straps.
are reduced by properly wearing a
motorcycle safety helmet. Here are Keep your motorcycle safety helmet
some facts to consider: securely fastened on your head when
you ride. Otherwise, if you are in-
• Amotorcyclesafetyhelmetallows
volved in a collision, it may fly off
you to see as far to the sides as
your head before it gets a chance to
necessary.
protect you.
• Most collisions happen on short
trips (less than five miles long) just Eye and Face Protection
a few minutes after starting out. Aplastic shatter-resistant face shield
• Most riders are riding slower than can help protect your whole face in
30 mph when a collision occurs. a collision. It also protects you from
At these speeds, a motorcycle wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, and
safety helmet can cut both the pebbles thrown up from the vehicles
number and the severity of head ahead. If you don’t have to deal with
injuries by half. these types of problems, you can
devote your full attention to the road.
No matter what your speed in a colli-
sion, if you are wearing a motorcycle Goggles protect your eyes, but they
safety helmet you are three times don’t protect the rest of your face
more likely to survive a head injury as a face shield does. A windshield
than if you aren’t wearing one. is not a substitute for a face shield
or goggles. Most windshields will
Helmet Selection not protect your eyes from the wind,
There are three types of helmets to nor will eyeglasses or sunglasses.
consider: Ahalf shell, three quarters Glasses won’t keep your eyes from
or full face helmet. watering, and they might blow off
Whichever style you choose, you when you turn your head.
get the most protection by making To be effective, eye or face shield
sure the helmet: protection must:
• Meets U.S. Department of Trans- • Be free of scratches.
portation (DOT) safety standards. • Be resistant to punctures.
• Has the manufacturer applied • Give a clear view to either side.
DOT lettering on the back of the
• Fasten securely, so it does not
helmet for your safety.
blow off.

-8-
• Permit air to pass through, to Riding for long periods in cold
reduce fogging. weather can cause severe chill and
• Permit enough room for eye- fatigue. You cannot control a motor-
glasses or sunglasses, if needed. cycle well if you are numb. In cold
or wet weather, your clothes should
Tinted eye protection should not be
keep you warm and dry, as well as
worn at night or any other time when
protect you from injury. A winter
little light is available.
jacket should resist wind and fit
Clothing snugly at the neck, wrists, and waist.
The right clothing protects you in a Good-quality rain suits designed for
collision. It also provides comfort, motorcycle riding resist tearing apart
as well as protection from heat, cold, or ballooning up at high speeds.
debris, and the hot and moving parts
knoW your motorcycle
of the motorcycle.
There are many things on the high-
• Jacket and pants should cover way that can cause you trouble.
arms and legs completely. They Your motorcycle should not be one
should fit snugly enough to keep of them. To make sure that your
from flapping in the wind, but still motorcycle won’t let you down:
allow you to move freely. Leather
• Start with the right motorcycle
or a sturdy synthetic material
for you.
offers the most protection. Wear
a jacket even in warm weather • Read the owner’s manual first.
to prevent dehydration. Many • Be familiar with the motorcycle
are designed to protect without controls.
getting you overheated, even on • Check the motorcycle before
summer days. every ride.
• Boots or shoes should be high • Keep it in safe riding condition
and sturdy enough to cover your between rides.
ankles and support them. Soles
• Avoid add-ons and modifications
should be made of hard, durable,
that make your motorcycle harder
slip-resistant material. The heels
to handle.
should be short so they do not
catch on rough surfaces. Tuck in The Right Motorcycle
laces so they won’t catch on your First, make sure your motorcycle
motorcycle. “fits” you. Your feet should reach
• Gloves allow a better grip and the ground while you are seated on
help protect your hands. Your the motorcycle.
gloves should be made of leather At minimum, your street-legal mo-
or similar durable material. torcycle must have:

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• Tires with sufficient tread for safe • Fluids—Oil and fluid levels. At a
operation. minimum, check hydraulic fluids
• Headlight, taillight, brake light, and coolants weekly. Look under
and turn signals. the motorcycle for signs of an oil
or gas leak.
• Front and rear brakes.
• Headlights and Taillight—
• A horn and two mirrors.
Checkthemboth.Testyourswitch
Get Familiar with the Motorcycle to make sure both high and low
Controls beams work.
Be completely familiar with the • TurnSignals—Turnonbothright
motorcycle before you take it out and left turn signals. Make sure
on the street. all lights work properly.
If you use an unfamiliar motorcycle: • Brake Light—Try both brake
• Make all the safety and mainte- controls and make sure each one
nance checks you would on your turns on the brake light.
own motorcycle. Once you are on the motorcycle,
• Find out where everything is, complete the following checks
particularly the turn signals, horn, before starting out:
headlight switch, fuel-supply • Clutch and Throttle—Make
valve, and engine cut-off switch. sure they work smoothly. The
You should be able to find them throttle should snap back when
without having to look for them. you let go. The clutch should feel
• Know the gear pattern. Work the tight and smooth.
throttle, clutch and brakes a few • Mirrors—Clean and adjust both
times before you start riding. All mirrors before starting. Adjust
controls react a little differently. each mirror so you can see the
• Ride very cautiously and be aware lane behind and as much as
of your surroundings. Accelerate possible of the lane next to you.
gently, take turns more slowly, When properly adjusted, a mirror
and leave extra room for stopping. may show the edge of your arm
or shoulder—but it’s the road
Check Your Motorcycle behind and to the side that is most
A motorcycle needs more frequent important.
attention than a car. If something is
• Brakes—Try the front and rear
wrong with the motorcycle, you’ll
brake levers one at a time. Make
want to find out about it before you
sure each one feels firm and holds
get in traffic. Make the following
the motorcycle when the brake is
checks before every ride:
fully applied.
• Tires—Check the air pressure,
• Horn—Make sure the horn
general wear, and tread.
works.

- 10 -
In addition to the checks before ev- • Be visible. Wear proper clothing,
ery trip, check the following items at use your headlight, and ride in
least once a week: Wheels, cables, the best lane position to see and
fasteners, and fluids. Follow the be seen.
manufacturer’s recommendations. • Communicate your intentions.
Use the proper signals, brake light,
Collisions are fairly common among
and lane position.
new riders. Riding an unfamiliar
motorcycle adds to the problem. • Maintain an adequate space
Get familiar with any motorcycle cushion. Allow yourself enough
that is new to you, preferably in space when following, being fol-
a controlled area. (No matter how lowed, lane sharing, passing, and
experienced you may be, ride being passed.
extra carefully on any motorcycle • Scan your path of travel. Look
that is new or unfamiliar to you.) at least 10 to 15 seconds ahead.
Remember that more than half of • Identify and separate multiple
all collisions occur on motorcycles hazards.
ridden by riders with less than six
• Be prepared to act. Remain alert
months experience.
and know how to carry out proper
knoW your responsiBilities collision-avoidance skills.
“Accident” implies an unforeseen
event that occurs without anyone’s riDe.WithiN.YoUr.
fault or negligence. Most often in aBilities
traffic, that is not the case. In fact, This handbook cannot teach you
most people involved in a collision how to control direction, speed, or
can usually claim some responsibil- balance. You learn this only through
ity for what takes place. practice and by knowing your abili-
Blame doesn’t matter when some- ties and riding within them.
one is injured in a collision. There
is rarely a single cause of any colli- Basic vehicle control
sion. The ability to be aware, make Body Position
critical decisions, and carry them out To control a motorcycle well:
separates responsible riders from all
• Posture—Sit so you can use your
the rest. It is up to you to keep from
arms to steer the motorcycle rather
being the cause of, or an unprepared
than to hold yourself up.
participant in, any collision.
• Seat—Sit far enough forward so
As a rider, you can’t be sure that
your arms are slightly bent when
others will see you or yield the right
holding the handlegrips. Bending
of way. To reduce the chances of a
your arms permits you to press on
collision:
the handlebars without having to
stretch.

- 11 -
• Hands—Hold the handlegrips It is best to change gears before
firmly. Start with your right wrist starting a turn. However, sometimes
flat so you won’t accidentally use you may need to shift while in the
too much throttle. Also, adjust turn. Remember to shift smoothly
the handlebars so your hands are because a sudden change in power
even with or below your elbows. to the rear wheel can cause a skid.
This allows you to use the proper
muscles for precision steering. Braking
Yourmotorcyclehastwobrakes:one
• Knees—Keep your knees against
each for the front and rear wheel. Use
the gas tank to help with your bal-
both brakes at the same time. The
ance as you turn the motorcycle.
front brake is more powerful and
• Feet—Keep your feet firmly on can provide at least three-quarters
the footpegs for balance. Don’t of your total stopping power. The
drag your feet or you could be front brake is safe to use when you
injured and lose control of the use it properly.
motorcycle. Keep your feet near
REMEMBER:
the controls. Also, don’t point
your toes downward—they may • Use both brakes every time you
get caught between the road and slow or stop. Using both brakes
the footpegs. for “normal” stops permits you
to develop the proper habit and
Shifting Gears skillofusingbothbrakesproperly,
There is more to shifting gears than which you may need in an emer-
simplygettingthemotorcycletopick gency. Squeeze the front brake
up speed smoothly. Learning to use and press down on the rear brake.
the gears when downshifting, turn- Grabbing at the front brake or
ing, or starting on hills is important jamming down on the rear brake
for safe motorcycle operation. can cause the brakes to lock and
Shiftdownthroughthegearswiththe result in control problems.
clutch as you slow or stop. Remain • If you know the technique, using
in first gear while stopped so you can both brakes in a turn is possible,
move out quickly if needed. although it should be done very
Ride slowly enough when you shift carefully. When you lean the
into a lower gear or the motorcycle motorcycle, some of the traction
will lurch and the rear wheel may is used for cornering and less
skid. When riding downhill or shift- traction is available for stopping.
ing into first gear you may need A skid can occur if you apply too
to slow to downshift safely. Work much brake. Also, using the front
toward a smooth, even clutch release brake incorrectly on a slippery
especially when downshifting. surface may be hazardous. Use

- 12 -
caution and squeeze the brake This will help keep the motorcycle
lever, never “grab” it. stable.
• Some motorcycles have inte- In normal turns, the rider and the
grated braking systems that link motorcycle should lean together at
the front and rear brakes together the same angle.
when you apply the rear brake In slow tight turns, the rider should
pedal. (Consult your owner’s keep his or her body straight and
manual.) only lean the motorcycle.
Turning keeping your Distance
Riders often try to take curves or The best protection you can have is
turns too fast. When they can’t distance—a “cushion of space”—all
hold the turn, they end up cross- around your motorcycle. If some-
ing into another lane of traffic or one else makes a mistake, distance
going off the road. Or, they overreact gives you:
and brake too hard causing a skid
• Time to react.
and loss of control. Approach turns
and curves with caution. • Space to maneuver.
Use four steps for better control: Lane Positions
1. Slow—Reduce your speed before In some ways the size of the motor-
the turn by closing the throttle and, cycle can work to your advantage.
ifnecessary,applyingbothbrakes. Each traffic lane gives a motorcycle
2. Look—Look through the turn to three paths of travel, as indicated in
where you want to go. Turn only the illustration.
your head, not your shoulders,
and keep your eyes level with
lane positions
the horizon.
3. Press—To turn, the motorcycle
must lean.To lean the motorcycle,
press on the handlegrip in the di-
rection of the turn. Press left—lean
left—go left. Press right—lean
right—go right. Higher speeds
and/or tighter turns require the
motorcycle to lean more.
4. Roll—Roll on the throttle through
Your lane position should:
the turn to stabilize suspension.
Maintain steady speed or accel- • Increase your ability to see and
erate gradually through the turn. be seen.
• Avoid others’ blind spots.

- 13 -
• Protect your lane from other Following Another Vehicle
drivers. “Following too closely” (tailgat-
• Communicate your intentions. ing) could be a factor in collisions
• Help you avoid wind blasts from involving motorcyclists. In traffic,
other vehicles. motorcycles need as much distance
to stop as cars. Normally, you should
• Provide an escape route.
maintain a two-second following
Select the appropriate lane position distance.
to maximize your space cushion and
To gauge your following distance:
make yourself more visible to others
on the road. • Ahead of you, pick out a marker
such as a pavement marking or
In general, there is no “best lane
lamp post.
position” for riders in which to be
seen and to maintain a space cushion • When the rear bumper of the
around the motorcycle. Position vehicle ahead of you passes the
yourself in the lane that allows the marker, count off the seconds:
most visibility and space around “one-thousand-one, one-thou-
you. Change your lane position as sand-two.”
traffic situations change. Ride in • If you reach the marker before you
paths 2 or 3 if vehicles and other reach “two,” you are following
potential problems are on your left too closely.
side. If vehicles are on both sides of A two-second following distance
you, the center of the lane (path 2) gives you a minimum amount of
is usually the best option. space to stop or swerve, if the driver
The oily strip in the center portion ahead stops suddenly. It also gives
of the lane is usually no more than you a better view of potholes and
two feet wide. Unless the road is wet, other road hazards.
the average oily center strip permits You will need a larger space cushion
adequate traction on which to ride if your motorcycle takes longer than
safely. You can ride just to the left normal to stop. Open up a three-
or right of the oily strip and still be second or more following distance
withinthecenterportionofthetraffic when the pavement is slippery, or
lane. Avoid riding on oil and grease you cannot see through the vehicle
buildups which are usually found at ahead, or traffic is heavy, or someone
busy intersections or toll booths.Try may squeeze in front of you.
to travel in the most heavily traveled When you are stopped, keep well
portion of the traffic lane (path 1 or behind the vehicle ahead of you.
3) where other vehicles’ tires have This will make it easier to get out
traveled. of the way if a driver behind you is
traveling too quickly or the vehicle
ahead starts to back up.

- 14 -
When behind a vehicle, ride where Passing
the driver can see you in his or her 1. Ride in the left portion of your
rearview mirror. If you ride in the lane at a safe following distance
center portion of the lane, your im- to increase your line of sight and
age should be in the middle of the make you more visible. Signal and
driver’s rearview mirror—where check for oncoming traffic. Use
he or she is more likely to see you. your mirrors and turn your head
If you ride in the left or right portion to look for traffic behind.
of the lane, the driver may see you 2. When safe, move into the left lane
in his or her side view mirror. But and accelerate. Select a lane posi-
remember that most drivers don’t tion that doesn’t crowd the car you
look at their side view mirrors as are passing and provides space to
often as they check the rearview mir- avoid hazards in your lane.
ror. So if the traffic situation allows, 3. Ride through the driver’s blind
the center lane position is usually spot as quickly as possible.
the best place for you to be seen by
the driver ahead and to prevent lane 4. Signal again and complete mirror
sharing by others. and head checks before returning
to your original lane. Then cancel
Being Followed your turn signal.
When you speed up to lose a tail- Remember, passing must be com-
gater, you only end up with someone pleted within posted speed limits,
tailgating you at a higher speed. and only where permitted.
A better way to handle tailgaters is
Being Passed
to allow them to pass you. If you
can’t do this, slow down and open When you are being passed from
up extra space ahead of you which behind or by an oncoming vehicle,
will allow space for both you and stay in the center portion of your
the tailgater to stop. This will also lane. Riding any closer could put
encourage the tailgater to pass. But if you in a hazardous situation.
the tailgater doesn’t pass, you have at Avoid being hit by:
least given yourself and the tailgater • The othervehicle—Aslight mis-
more time and space to react in case take by you or the passing driver
an emergency develops. could cause a sideswipe.
Passing and Being Passed • Extended mirrors—Some driv-
Passing and being passed by a larger ers forget that their mirrors hang
vehicle is not much different than out farther than their fenders.
with a smaller passenger vehicle.
However, visibility is more critical.
Be sure other drivers see you and
that you see potential hazards.

- 15 -
• Objects thrown from win- Merging Cars
dows—Even if the driver knows Drivers on an entrance ramp may
you are there, a passenger may not not see you on the highway. Give
see you and might toss something them plenty of room. Change to
on you or the road ahead of you. another lane if one is open. If there
• Blasts of wind from larger is no room for a lane change, adjust
vehicles—They can affect your your speed to open up space for the
control. You have more room for merging driver.
error if you are in the middle por-
tion of the lane when hit by this merging
blast than if you are on either the
left or right portions of the lane.
Do not move into the portion of
the lane farthest from the passing
vehicle. It might invite the other
driver to move back into your lane
too early.
Lane Sharing
Cars and motorcycles each need
a full lane to operate safely. Lane
sharing is not safe.
Riding between rows of stopped or
moving cars in the same lane can
leave you vulnerable. A car could
turn suddenly or change lanes, a
door could open, or a hand could Cars Alongside
come out of a window. Discourage Do not ride next to passenger ve-
lane sharing by others. Keep a center hicles or trucks in other lanes if you
position whenever drivers might be don’t have to because you might be
tempted to squeeze by you. Drivers in the driver’s blind spot. The driver
are most tempted to do this: could change lanes without warning.
• In heavy, bumper-to-bumper Also, vehicles in the next lane can
traffic. block your escape if you come upon
• When they want to pass you. danger in your own lane. Speed up
• When you are preparing to turn or drop back to find a place clear of
at an intersection. traffic on both sides.
• When you are moving into an exit
lane or leaving a highway.

- 16 -
Search for factors such as:
BlinD spots
• Oncoming traffic that may turn
left in front of you.
• Traffic coming from either the
left, right, or behind.
• Hazardous road conditions.
Evaluate
Think about how hazards can create
risks for you. Anticipate potential
problems and have a plan to reduce
risks.
• Road and surface characteristics
such as potholes, guardrails,
bridges, telephone poles and
trees won’t move into your path
but may influence your riding
strategy.
search, evaluate, anD • Traffic control devices such as
execute (see) traffic signals, regulatory signs,
Experienced riders remain aware warning signs, and pavement
of what is going on around them. markings will help you evaluate
They improve their riding strategy circumstances ahead.
by using SEE, a three-step process
• Vehicles and other traffic may
for making appropriate judgments
move into your path and increase
and applying them correctly in dif-
the likelihood of a collision.
ferent traffic situations. SEE stands
for: Search, Evaluate, and Execute. Think about your time and space
requirements in order to maintain
Search a margin of safety. You must leave
Actively search ahead, to the sides, yourself time to react if an emer-
and behind to help you avoid poten- gency arises.
tial hazards. How you search and
Execute
how much time and space you have,
can eliminate or reduce harm. Fo- Carry out your decision. To create
cus even more on finding potential more space and minimize harm from
escape routes in or around intersec- any hazard:
tions, shopping areas, or school and • Communicate your presence with
construction zones. lights and/or your horn.
• Adjustyourspeedbyaccelerating,
stopping, or slowing.

- 17 -
• Adjust your lane position and/ eyes that you can count on are your
or direction of travel. own. If a vehicle can enter your path,
Apply the old saying “one step at a assume that it will. Good riders are
time” to handle two or more hazards. always “looking for trouble”—not
Adjust your speed so you can deal to get into it, but to stay out of it.
with each hazard separately. Then large intersections
deal with them one at a time as single
hazards. Decision-making becomes
more complex with three or more
hazards. Weigh the consequences
of each and give equal distance to
the hazards.
In high-risk areas, such as intersec-
tions, shopping areas, or school and
construction zones, cover the clutch
and both brakes to reduce your reac- Increase your chances of being seen
tion time. at intersections. Ride with your
headlight on in a lane position that
intersections provides you with the best view of
The greatest potential for conflict oncoming traffic. Maintain a space
between you and other traffic is cushion around your motorcycle that
at intersections. An intersection is permits you to take evasive action.
anywhere traffic may cross your As you approach an intersection,
path. It can be in the middle of an select a lane position that increases
urban area or at a driveway on a your visibility to the driver. Cover
residential street. Over one-half of the clutch and both brakes to reduce
motorcycle/passenger vehicle colli- reaction time.
sions are caused by drivers entering
Reduce your speed as you
a rider’s right-of-way. Vehicles that
approach an intersection. After en-
turn left in front of you, including
tering the intersection, move away
those illegally turning left from the
from vehicles preparing to turn. Do
wrong lane, and cars on side streets
not change speed or position radi-
that pull into your lane, are the big-
cally.The driver might think that you
gest dangers. Your use of SEE at
are preparing to turn.
intersections is critical.
There are no guarantees that others Blind Intersections
will see you. Never count on “eye When you approach a blind intersec-
contact” as a sign that a driver will tion, move to the portion of the lane
yield to you. Too often, a driver can that brings you into another driver’s
look right at a motorcyclist and still field of vision at the earliest possible
fail to “see” him or her. The only moment. In this picture the rider

- 18 -
has moved to the left portion of the A bigger problem can occur if a
lane—awayfromtheparkedcar—so driver pulls away from the curb
the driver on the cross street can see without checking for traffic behind.
him or her as soon as possible. Even if the driver looks, he or she
If you have a stop sign or stop line, may fail to see you.
stop there first. Then edge forward In either event, the driver might enter
and stop again, just short of where your path. Slow down or change
the cross-traffic lane meets your lanes to make room for someone
lane. From that position, lean your to enter.
body forward and look around build-
ings, parked cars, or bushes to see if parkeD cars
anything is coming. Make sure your
front wheel stays out of the cross
lane of travel while you are looking.

BlinD intersection

Passing Parked Cars


When passing parked cars, stay
toward the left portion of your lane.
Vehicles making a sudden U-turn
This way, you can avoid problems
are the most dangerous. They may
caused by doors opening, drivers
cut you off entirely, blocking the
getting out of cars, or people step-
whole roadway and leaving you with
ping from between cars. If oncoming
no place to go. Since you can’t tell
traffic is present, it is usually best
what a driver will do, slow down
to remain in the center portion of
and get the driver’s attention. Sound
the lane to maximize your space
your horn and continue with caution.
cushion.

- 19 -
Parking at the Roadside However, you can do many things to
Park at a 90° angle to the curb with make it easier for others to recognize
the rear wheel touching the curb. you and your motorcycle.

parking at curBs Clothing


Most collisions occur in broad day-
light.Wearbrightly-coloredclothing
to increase your chances of being
seen. Remember, your body is half
of the visible surface area of the
rider/motorcycle unit.
Bright orange, red, yellow, or green
jackets or vests are the best for being
seen. Brightly colored helmets can
also help others see you.
Reflective material on a vest and
on the sides of the helmet will help
drivers see you from the side. Re-
flective material can also be a big
increasing visiBility help for drivers coming toward you
In collisions with motorcyclists, or from behind.
drivers often say that they never
saw the motorcycle. From ahead Headlight
or behind, a motorcycle’s outline The best way to help others see
is much smaller than a passenger your motorcycle is to always keep
vehicle’s. Also, it’s hard to see the headlight on. Studies show that
something you are not looking for, during the day, a motorcycle with
and most drivers are not looking for its light on is twice as likely to be
motorcycles. More likely, they are noticed. Using your high beam dur-
looking through the skinny, two- ing the day and at night increases the
wheeled silhouette in search of cars chances that oncoming drivers will
that may pose a problem to them. see you. Use your high beam if it is
Even if a driver does see you coming, legal and safe to do so. When it is
you aren’t necessarily safe. Smaller foggy, use the low beam.
vehicles appear farther away and
seem to be traveling slower than they
actually are. It is common for drivers
to pull out in front of motorcyclists,
thinking they have plenty of time.
Too often, they are wrong.

- 20 -
Turn Signals
signals
The turn signals on a motorcycle are
similar to those on a car. They tell
others what you plan to do.

LEFT RIGHT
TURN TURN

SLOW.or.

STOP

However, due to a rider’s added


vulnerability, turn signals are even
more important. Use them anytime Brake Light
you plan to change lanes or turn. Your motorcycle’s brake light is
Signal your left or right turn during usually not as noticeable as a vehi-
the last 100 feet before reaching the cle’s—especially when the taillight
turning point. At highway speeds, it is on. If the situation permits, help
is best to signal at least five seconds others notice you by flashing your
before changing lanes. Use your turn brake light before you slow down. It
signals even when you think no one is especially important to flash your
else is around. Your turn signals also brake light before you slow:
make you easier to see. If bright • For a tight, fast turn off a high-
sunlight makes your turn signal speed highway.
lights hard to see, use hand signals. • Where others may not expect it
When you enter a freeway, drivers (in the middle of a block or at
approaching from behind are more an alley).
likely to see your turn signal blinking If you are being tailgated, it’s a
and make room for you. good idea to flash your brake light
Using your turn signals before each before you slow.
turn reduces confusion and frustra-
tion for the traffic around you. Once
you turn, be sure to turn them off or
a driver may pull directly into your
path, thinking you plan to turn again.

- 21 -
Using Your Mirrors • Then, turning around and looking
While it’s most important to know to see how close you came.
what’s happening ahead, you can’t • Practicing with your mirrors
ignore situations behind you.Traffic until you become a good judge
conditions change quickly. In order of distance.
to make safe decisions about how • Allowing extra distance before
to handle trouble ahead, you must you change lanes.
know what is going on behind you.
Frequent mirror checks should be Head Checks
part of your normal searching rou- Checking your mirrors is not
tine. Make a special point of using enough. Motorcycles have “blind
your mirrors: spots” just like other vehicles.
Before you change lanes, turn your
• When you are stopped at an
head and check that lane for other
intersection. Watch cars coming
vehicles.
up from behind. If the driver isn’t
paying attention, he could be on On a road with several lanes, check
top of you before he sees you. the far lane and the one next to you.
Adriver in the distant lane may drive
• Before you change lanes. Make
into the same space you plan to take.
sure no one is about to pass you.
Frequent head checks should be part
• Before you slow down. The
of your normal scanning routine.
driver behind you may not expect
Only by knowing what is happening
you to slow, or may be unsure
all around, can you be fully prepared
about where you will slow. For
to deal with it.
example, you signal a turn and the
driver thinks you plan to turn at BlinD spots
a distant intersection, rather than
at a nearer driveway.
Some motorcycles have rounded
(convex) mirrors. These mirrors
provide a wider view of the road
behind than flat mirrors. They also
make cars seem farther away than
they really are. If you are not used to
convex mirrors, you can get familiar
with them by:
• Picking out a parked car in your
mirror (while you are stopped).
• Forming a mental image of how
far away it is.

- 22 -
Horn or distorted at night. Open up a
Be ready to use your horn to get three-second or more following
someone’s attention quickly. distance. Allow more distance to
It is a good idea to give a quick beep pass and be passed.
before passing anyone that may • Use the Car Ahead. The head-
move into your lane. lights of the car ahead can give
Here are some situations: you a better view of the road
than your high beam. Taillights
• A driver in the lane next to you is bouncing up and down can alert
driving too closely to the vehicle you to bumps or rough pavement.
ahead and may want to pass.
• Use Your High Beam. Get all the
• A driver is seated in a parked car light you can. Use your high beam
ahead. whenever you are not following or
• Someone is in the street riding a approaching another vehicle. Be
bicycle or walking. visible. Wear reflective materials
In an emergency, press the horn but- when riding at night.
ton loud and long. Be ready to stop • Be Flexible about lane position.
or swerve away from the danger. Change to the portion of the lane
Remember that a motorcycle’s horn that helps you see, be seen, and
isn’t as loud as a car’s, so use it, but keep an adequate space cushion.
don’t rely on it. Other strategies may
be appropriate along with the horn.
collision avoiDance
No matter how careful you are,
Riding at Night there will be times when you find
At night it is harder for you to see and yourself in a tight spot.Your chances
be seen. Picking your motorcycle’s of getting out safely depend on your
headlight or taillight out of the other ability to react quickly and properly.
lights is not easy for drivers.To make Often, a collision occurs because a
up for this, you should: rider is not prepared or skilled in
• Reduce Your Speed. Ride even collision-avoidance maneuvers.
slower than you would during the Two skills critical in avoiding a col-
day—particularly on roads you lision are knowing when and how
don’t know well. This increases to stop or swerve. You can’t always
your chances of avoiding a hazard. stop quickly to avoid an obstacle.
• Increase Distance. Distances You must also be able to swerve
are harder to judge at night than around an obstacle.
during the day. Your eyes rely Studies show that most collisions
upon shadows and light contrasts involve riders who:
to determine how far away an • Underbrake the front tire and
object is and how fast it is com- overbrake the rear.
ing. These contrasts are missing

- 23 -
• Did not separate braking from motorcycle should now be straight
swerving or did not choose up and in balance.
to swerve when it was appropriate.
Swerving or Turning Quickly
Quick Stops Sometimes you may not have
To stop quickly, apply both brakes enough room to stop, even if you
at the same time. Don’t be shy about use both brakes properly. An object
using the front brake, but don’t might appear suddenly in your path
“grab” it either. Squeeze the brake or the car ahead might stop abruptly.
lever firmly with continuing steady The only way to avoid a collision
pressure. If the front wheel locks, may be to turn quickly or swerve
release the front brake immediately around it.
and then reapply it firmly. At the
same time, press down on the rear
brake. If you accidentally lock the sWerve, then Brake
rear brake on a good traction surface,
you can keep it locked until you have
completely stopped.
NOTE: Even with a locked rear
wheel, you can control the motor-
cycle on a straightaway if it is upright
and going in a straight line.
Always use both brakes at the same
time to stop. The front brake can
provide almost three-quarters of
your stopping power.
If you must stop quickly while
turning or riding a curve, the best
technique is to straighten the motor- Brake, then sWerve
cycle first and then brake. However,
it may not always be possible to
straighten the motorcycle and then
stop. If you must brake while lean-
ing, apply the brakes lightly and
reduce the throttle. As you slow,
reduce your lean angle and apply
more brake pressure until the motor-
cycle is straight and maximum brake
pressure is possible. Then in the last
few feet of stopping, you should
“straighten” the handlebars. The

- 24 -
A swerve is any sudden change in Cornering
direction. It can be two quick turns, A primary cause of single-vehicle
or a rapid shift to the side.To swerve, collisions is motorcyclists running
apply a small amount of hand pres- wide in a curve or turn and colliding
sure to the handlegrip on the side of with the roadway or a fixed object.
your intended direction of escape. Every curve is different. Be alert to
This causes the motorcycle to lean whether a curve remains constant,
quickly. The sharper the turn(s), the gradually widens, gets tighter, or
more the motorcycle must lean. involves multiple turns.
Keep your body upright and allow Ride within your skill level and
the motorcycle to lean in the direc- posted speed limits. Your best path
tion of the turn. Keep your knees may not always follow the curve
against the tank and your feet solidly of the road.
onthepegs.Letthemotorcyclemove
underneath you. Make your escape Change your lane position based on
route the target of your vision. Press traffic, road conditions, and curve of
on the opposite handlegrip once you the road. If there is no traffic, start
clear the obstacle and are ready to at the outside of a curve to increase
return to your original direction of your line of sight and the effective
travel. To swerve to the left, press radius of the turn. As you turn, move
the left handlegrip, then press the toward the inside of the curve, and
right to recover. To swerve to the as you pass the center, move to the
right, press right, then left. outside to exit.
If braking is required, separate Another choice is to move to the
it from swerving. Brake before or center of your lane before entering
after—never while swerving. a curve and stay there until you exit.
This allows you to see approaching
traffic as soon as possible. You can
also adjust for traffic “crowding”
the center line or debris blocking
part of your lane.

- 25 -
constant curves multiple curves

Decreasing curves WiDening curves

hanDling Dangerous surfaces Avoid obstacles by slowing or going


Your chance of falling or being around them. However, if you must
involved in a collision increases go over the obstacle, first determine
whenever you ride across: if it’s possible. Approach it at as
close to a 90° angle as possible.
• Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
Look where you want to go to con-
• Slippery surfaces. trol your path of travel. If you have
• Railroad tracks or pavement to ride over the obstacle, you should:
seams. • Slow down as much as possible
• Grooves and gratings. before contact.
Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles • Make sure the motorcycle is
straight.
Watch for uneven surfaces such as
bumps, broken pavement, potholes, • Rise slightly off the seat with your
or small pieces of highway trash. weight on the footpegs to absorb

- 26 -
the shock with your knees and surface. Squeeze the brake lever
elbows and avoid being thrown graduallytoavoidlockingthefront
off the motorcycle. wheel. Remember to use gentle
• Just before contact, roll on the pressure on the rear brake.
throttle slightly to lighten the • RememberThat the Center of a
front end. Lane Can be Hazardous When
If you ride over an object, pull off the Wet. When it starts to rain, ride
road and check your tires and rims in a vehicle’s tire tracks. Often,
for damage before riding any farther. the left tire track will be the best
lane position, depending on traffic
Slippery Surfaces and other road conditions as well.
Motorcycles handle better on sur- • Watch For Oil Spots when you
faces with good traction. Surfaces put your foot down to stop or park.
with poor traction include: You may slip and fall.
• Wet pavement, particularly just • Be Cautious of the Edge of the
after it starts to rain and before Road. Dirt and gravel collect
surface oil washes to the side of along the sides of the road, espe-
the road. cially on curves and ramps leading
• Gravel roads or where sand and to and from highways.
gravel collect. • Remember Rain Dries and
• Mud, snow, and ice. Snow Melts Faster on Some
• Lane markings, steel plates, Sections of a Road than on
and manhole covers, especially others. Patches of ice tend to de-
when wet. velop in low or shaded areas and
To ride safely on slippery surfaces: on bridges and overpasses. Wet
leaves are just as slippery as wet
• ReduceSpeed.Slowdownbefore road surfaces. Ride on the least
you get to a slippery surface to slippery portion of the lane and
reduce your chances of skidding. reduce your speed.
When slippery, your motorcycle
needs more distance to stop. It Cautious riders steer clear of roads
is especially important to reduce covered with ice or snow. If you
speed before entering wet curves. can’t avoid an icy or snowy surface,
keep your motorcycle straight up
• Avoid Sudden Moves. Any sud- and proceed as slowly as possible.
den change in speed or direction If you encounter a large surface so
can cause a skid. Be as smooth as slipperythatyoumustcoast,ortravel
possible when you speed up, shift at a walking pace, consider letting
gears, turn, or brake. your feet skim along the surface. If
• Use Both Brakes.The front brake the motorcycle starts to fall, you can
is still effective, even on a slippery catch yourself. Be sure to keep off

- 27 -
the brakes. If possible, squeeze the Grooves and Gratings
clutch and coast. Attempting this Riding over rain grooves or bridge
maneuver at anything other than gratings may cause your motorcycle
the slowest of speeds could prove to weave. This uneasy, “wandering”
hazardous. feeling is generally not hazardous.
Railroad or Trolley Tracks and Relax and maintain a steady speed
Pavement Seams and ride straight across. Crossing
Usually it is safer to ride straight at an angle forces riders to zigzag
within your lane to cross tracks. to stay in the lane. The zigzag is far
Turning to take tracks head-on (at more hazardous than the wandering
a 90° angle) can be more dangerous feeling.
because your path may carry you grate crossing-Wrong
into another lane of traffic.
For track and road seams that run
parallel to your course, move far
enough away from tracks, ruts, or
pavement seams to cross at an angle
of at least 45°. Then, make a quick,
sharp turn. Edging across could grate crossing-right
catch your tires and throw you off
balance.
crossing tracks-right

mechanical proBlems
You can find yourself in an emer-
crossing tracks-Wrong gency the moment something goes
wrong with your motorcycle. In
dealing with any mechanical prob-
lem, take into account the road and
traffic conditions you face. Here are
some guidelines that can help you
handle mechanical problems safely.
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat.
If the motorcycle starts handling
differently, it may be a tire failure.
You must be able to tell from the

- 28 -
way the motorcycle reacts if you Wobble
have tire failure. If one of your tires A “wobble” occurs when the front
suddenly loses air, react quickly to wheel and handlebars suddenly start
keep your balance. Stop riding and to shake from side to side at any
check the tires as soon as possible. speed. Most wobbles can be traced to
If the front tire goes flat, the steering improper loading, unsuitable ac-
will feel “heavy.” A front-wheel flat cessories, or incorrect tire pressure.
is particularly hazardous because If you are carrying a heavy load,
it affects your steering. You have lighten it. If you can’t lighten the
to steer well to keep your balance. load, shift it. Center the weight
If the rear tire goes flat, the back of lower and farther forward on the
the motorcycle may jerk or sway motorcycle. Make sure the tire pres-
from side to side. sure, spring pre-load, air shocks, and
dampers are at the recommended
If either tire goes flat while riding:
settings for that much weight. Make
• Hold the handlegrips firmly, ease sure windshields and fairings are
off the throttle, and keep a straight mounted properly.
course.
Check for poorly adjusted steering,
• If braking is required, gradually worn steering parts, a front wheel
apply the brake of the tire that isn’t that is bent, misaligned, or out of
flat, if you are sure which one it is. balance, loose wheel bearings or
• When the motorcycle slows, ride spokes, and swing arm bearings. If
to the side of the road, squeeze the none of these are the cause, have the
clutch, and stop. motorcycle thoroughly checked by
a qualified professional.
Stuck Throttle
Trying to “accelerate out of a wob-
Twist the throttle back and forth
ble” will only make the motorcycle
several times. If the throttle cable is
more unstable. Instead:
stuck, this may free it. If the throttle
stays stuck, immediately operate • Grip the handlebars firmly, but
the engine cut-off switch and pull don’t fight the wobble.
in the clutch at the same time. This • Close the throttle gradually to
will remove power from the rear slow down. Do not apply the
wheel, though engine noise may brakes; braking could make the
not immediately decline. Once the wobble worse.
motorcycle is “under control,” leave • Move your weight as far forward
the road and stop. and down as possible.
After you have stopped, check the • Leave the road as soon as you can
throttle cable carefully to find the to fix the problem.
trouble. Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start rid-
ing again.

- 29 -
Chain Problems Motorcycles seem to attract dogs.
A chain that slips or breaks while If you are chased, downshift and
you’re riding could lock the rear approach the animal slowly. As
wheel and cause your motorcycle to you approach it, accelerate away
skid. Chain slippage or breakage can and leave the animal behind. Don’t
be avoided by proper maintenance. kick at an animal. Keep control of
• Slippage — If the chain slips your motorcycle.
when you try to speed up or ride For larger animals (deer, elk, cattle)
uphill, pull off the road. Check brake and prepare to stop—they are
the chain and sprockets. Tighten- unpredictable.
ing the chain may help. Replace
the chain, the sprockets, or both
flying oBjects
From time to time riders are struck
before riding again, if needed.
by insects, cigarettes thrown from
• Breakage — You’ll notice an vehicles, or pebbles kicked up by
instant loss of power to the rear the tires of the vehicle ahead. If
wheel. Close the throttle and brake you are wearing face protection,
to a stop. it might get smeared or cracked,
Engine Seizure making it difficult to see. Without
When the engine “locks” or “freez- face protection, an object could
es” it is usually low on oil. If the hit you in the eye, face, or mouth.
engine’s moving parts can’t move Whatever happens, keep your
smoothly against each other, the eyes on the road and your hands
engine overheats. The first sign may on the handlebars. When safe, pull
be a loss of engine power or a change off the road and repair the damage.
in the engine’s sound. Squeeze the getting off the roaD
clutch lever to disengage the en- If you need to leave the road to check
gine from the rear wheel. Pull off the motorcycle (or just to rest for a
the road and stop. Check the oil. If while), be sure you:
needed, add oil as soon as possible
• Check the roadside. Make sure
or the engine will seize. When this
the roadside is firm enough to
happens, the effect is the same as a
ride on. If it is soft grass, loose
locked rear wheel. Let the engine
sand, or if you’re just not sure
cool before restarting.
about it, slow way down before
animals you turn onto it.
Do everything you safely can do to • Signal. Drivers behind might not
avoid hitting an animal. If you are expect you to slow down. Give
in traffic, however, remain in your a clear signal that you will be
lane. Hitting something small is slowing and changing direction.
less dangerous to you than hitting Check your mirror and make a
something big—like a car.

- 30 -
head check before you take any • Protective equipment should be
action. the same protective gear recom-
• Pull off the road. Get as far off mended for operators.
the road as you can. It can be very Adjust the suspension to handle
hard to see a motorcycle by the the additional weight. You will
side of the road. You don’t want probably need to add a few pounds
someone else leaving the road at of pressure to the tires if you carry
the same place you are. a passenger. (Check your owner’s
• Park carefully. Loose and sloped manual for appropriate settings.)
shoulders can make setting the While your passenger sits on the
side or center stand difficult. seat with you, adjust the mirror and
headlight according to the change in
carrying passengers anD the motorcycle’s angle.
cargo Instructing Passengers
Onlyexperiencedridersshouldcarry
passengers or large loads. The extra Even if your passenger is a mo-
weight changes the way the motor- torcycle rider, provide complete
cycle handles, balances, speeds up, instructions before you start. Tell
and slows down. Before taking a your passenger to:
passenger or a heavy load on the • Get on the motorcycle only after
street, practice away from traffic. you have started the engine.
• Sit as far forward as possible
Equipment
without crowding you.
To carry passengers safely:
• Hold firmly to your waist, hips,
• E q u i p a n d a d j u s t y o u r or belt.
motorcycle to carry passengers.
• Keep both feet on the pegs, even
• Instruct the passenger before when stopped.
you start.
• Keep legs away from the
• Adjust your riding technique for muffler(s), chains, or moving
the added weight. parts.
Equipment should include: • Stay directly behind you leaning
• Aproper seat large enough to hold as you lean.
both of you without crowding. • Avoid unnecessary talk or motion.
You should not sit any farther
forward than you usually do. Also, tell your passenger to tighten
his or her hold when you:
• Footrests for the passenger. Firm
footing prevents your passenger • Approach surface problems.
from falling off and pulling you • Are about to start from a stop.
off, too. • Warn that you will make a sud-
den move.

- 31 -
Riding With Passengers not interfere with handlebars or
Your motorcycle will respond more controls. Mounting a load behind
slowly with a passenger.The heavier the rear axle affects how the mo-
your passenger, the longer it will take torcycle turns and brakes. It can
to slow down and speed up—espe- also cause a wobble.
cially on a light-duty motorcycle. • Distribute the Load Evenly.
• Ride a little slower, especially Load saddlebags with about the
when taking curves, corners, or same weight. An uneven load
bumps. can cause the motorcycle to drift
• Begin slowing sooner as you ap- to one side.
proach a stop. • Secure the Load. Fasten the load
• Open up a larger cushion of space securely with elastic cords (bun-
ahead and to the sides. gee cords or nets). Elastic cords
with more than one attachment
• Wait for larger gaps to cross, enter, point per side are more secure. A
or merge with traffic. tight load won’t catch in the wheel
Warn your passenger of these spe- or chain, causing it to lock up and
cial conditions: Starting, stopping skid. Ropes tend to stretch and
quickly, turning sharply, or riding knots can come loose, permitting
over bumps. Turn your head slightly the load to shift or fall.
to make yourself understood, but • Check the Load. Stop and check
keep your eyes on the road ahead. the load often to make sure it has
Carrying Loads not worked loose or moved.
Most motorcycles are not designed group riDing
to carry much cargo. Small loads If you ride with others, do it in a way
can be carried safely, if positioned that promotes safety and doesn’t
and fastened properly. interfere with the flow of traffic.
• Keep the Load Low. Fasten loads
securely, or put them in saddle- Keep the Group Small
bags. Stacking loads against a Smallgroupsmakeiteasierandsafer
sissybar or frame on the back of for other drivers to get around them.
the seat raises the motorcycle’s A small number isn’t separated as
center of gravity and shifts its easily by traffic or red lights. Some
balance. riders won’t always be hurrying to
• Keep the Load Forward. Place catch up. If your group is larger than
the load over, or in front of, the four or five riders, divide it into two
rear axle. Tank bags keep loads or more smaller groups.
forward, but use caution when
loading hard or sharp objects.
Make sure the tank bag does

- 32 -
Keep the Group Together cushion. The leader rides in the
• Plan. The leader should look left portion of the lane while the
ahead for changes and signal second rider stays one second
early so there is plenty of time behind in the right portion of the
for everyone to follow. Start lane lane. A third rider rides in the left
changes early to permit everyone portion of the lane two seconds
tocompletethelanechangesafely. behind the first rider. The fourth
• Put Beginners Up Front. Place rider keeps a two-second distance
inexperienced riders behind the behind the second rider. This for-
leader so the more experienced mation keeps the group close and
riders can watch them. permits each rider a safe distance
from others ahead, behind, and to
• FollowThoseBehind.Letthelast the sides.
rider set the pace. Use your mir-
rors to keep an eye on the person – Passing in formation. Riders in
behind. If a rider falls behind, a staggered formation should
everyone should slow down a pass one at a time.
little to stay together. – First, the lead rider pulls out
• Know the Route. Make sure and passes when safe. After
everyone knows the route. Then, passing, the leader returns to
if someone is separated he or she the left portion of the lane and
won’t have to hurry to keep from continues riding at “passing
getting lost or taking a wrong turn. speed” to open room for the
Plan frequent stops on long rides. next rider.

Keep Your Distance staggereD formation


Maintain close ranks but at the same
time keep a safe distance to allow
each rider in the group time and
space to react to hazards. A close
group takes up less space on the
highway, is easier to see, and is less
likely to be separated. However, this
formation must be done properly.
• Don’t Pair Up. Never operate
directly alongside another rider.
There is no place to go to avoid a
car or a hazard on the road.To talk,
wait until you are both stopped.
• Staggered Formation. This is
the best way to keep ranks close
yet maintain an adequate space

- 33 -
– After the first rider passes drugs, more than any other factor,
safely, the second rider moves affect your ability to think clearly
up to the left portion of the lane and to ride safely. As little as one al-
and watches for a safe chance coholic drink can have a significant
to pass. After passing, this rider effect on your performance.
returns to the right portion of
the lane and opens up room for BlooD alcohol concentration
the next rider. BloodalcoholconcentrationorBAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation to
– Some people suggest that the
blood in the body. Generally, alcohol
leader should move to the
can be eliminated in the body at the
right portion of the lane after
rate of almost one drink per hour.
passing a vehicle. This is not
But a variety of other factors may
a good idea. It encourages the
also influence the level of alcohol
second rider to pass and return
retained. The more alcohol in your
to the lane before there is a
blood, the greater the degree of
large enough space cushion in
impairment.
front of the passed vehicle. It’s
simpler and safer to wait until Three factors play a major part in
there is enough room ahead of determining BAC:
the passed vehicle to allow each • The amount of alcohol you con-
rider to move into the same sume.
position held before the pass. • How fast you drink.
• Single-File Formation. Move • Your body weight.
into a single-file formation when “One drink” is a 1 1/2-ounce
riding curves, turning, or entering shot of 80-proof liquor (even if
or leaving a highway. mixed with non-alcoholic drinks),
a 5-ounce glass of 12% wine, or a
BeiNG.iN.shaPe.. 12-ounce glass of 5% beer. These
to.riDe “one drink” equivalents change if
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding you drink ale, malt liquors, or for-
and complex task. Skilled riders pay tified wines or if you drink on an
attention to their riding environment empty stomach, are tired, sick, upset,
and to operating the motorcycle, or have taken medicines or drugs.
identifying potential hazards, mak- The faster you drink, the more alco-
ing good judgments, and executing hol accumulates in your body. If you
decisions quickly and skillfully. drink two drinks in an hour, at the
Your ability to perform and respond end of that hour, at least one drink
to changing road and traffic condi- will remain in your bloodstream.
tions is influenced by how fit and
alert you are. Alcohol and other

- 34 -
alcohol anD the laW • Protect yourself from the ele-
In California, a person 21 years of ments. Wind, cold, and rain make
age or older with a BAC of .08% or you tire quickly. Dress warmly. A
above is considered intoxicated. It windshield is worth its cost if you
doesn’t matter how sober you may plan to ride long distances.
look or act. A breath or blood test • Limit your distance. Experi-
is what usually determines whether enced riders seldom try to ride
you are riding legally or illegally. more than about six hours a day.
IMPORTANT: You cannot le- • Take frequent rest breaks. Stop
gally purchase beer, wine, or hard and get off the motorcycle at least
liquor if you are under the age every two hours.
of 21. The law is very strict if • Don’t drink alcohol or use
you are under 21 and drive with drugs. Artificial stimulants often
a BAC that is 0.01% or more result in extreme fatigue or de-
(CVC §23136). The Califor- pression as they start to wear off.
nia Driver Handbook has more You won’t be able to concentrate
information. on the task at hand.
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol motorcYcle..
are increasing. Law enforcement is iNsUraNce.Facts
being stepped up across the country
The financial responsibility sections
in response to the senseless deaths
of the California Vehicle Code apply
and injuries caused by drinking
to all two-wheel vehicle owners and
drivers and riders.
operators.
minimize the risks If you, as an operator, are involved
Minimize the risks of drinking and in a collision which causes more
riding by taking the following steps: than $750 in property damage to
Don’t Drink. Once you start, your one person, including yourself, or in
resistance becomes weaker. which anyone, including yourself, is
injured, no matter how slightly, you
Or Don’t Ride. If you haven’t
(or your insurance agent, broker, or
controlled your drinking, you must
legal representative) must report the
control your riding.
collision to DMV.The CHPor police
fatigue will not make this report.
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring You must make this report within
than driving a car, especially on a 10 days on the Report of Traffic
long trip. Avoid riding when tired. Accident Occurring in California
Fatigue can affect your control of (SR1) form. You can get this form
the motorcycle. from any DMV or CHP office. This
form is also available on DMV’s

- 35 -
web site at www.dmv.ca.gov. Refer treaD.liGhtlY!

to the California Driver Handbook The U.S. Forest Service (USFS),


for more information. Bureau of Land Management
Check with your insurance company (BLM), and California Department
about your coverage before you buy of Parks and Recreation would
or ride a motorcycle. like you to TREAD LIGHTLY!
• Obtain a Travel Map from your
evaDiNG.a.Peace.. local USFS or BLM office, or
oFFicer regulations from other public
Any person who willfully flees or land agencies. Learn the rules and
attempts to evade a peace officer follow them.
performing his or her duties is guilty • Avoid running overyoung trees,
of a misdemeanor punishable by shrubs, and grasses—this can
imprisonment in a county jail for not damage or kill them.
more than one year (CVC §2800.1). • Stay off soft, wet roads and trails
If a person is convicted of causing readily torn up by vehicles.
serious bodily injury during the • Travel around meadows, steep
course of a police pursuit (CVC hillsides, or stream banks and lake
§2800.3[a]), he or she is subject to: shores easily scarred by churning
• Imprisonment in a state prison wheels.
for three, five, or seven years or • Resist the urge to pioneer a new
in a county jail for not more than road or trail, or to cut across a
one year. switchback.
• A fine of not less than $2,000 nor • Stay away from wild animals
more than $10,000. that are rearing young—or suf-
• Both that fine and imprisonment. fering from food shortages. The
If a person is convicted of killing stress uses up their limited energy
anyone during the course of a police reserves.
pursuit (CVC §2800.3[b]), he or she • Obey gate closures and regula-
is subject to imprisonment in a state tory signs.
prison for four, six, or ten years. • Stay out of designated wilder-
ness areas. Know where the
boundaries are. Vandalism costs
tax dollars.
• Get permission to travel across
privatelands.Respectlandowner
rights.

- 36 -
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He was lucky,
he walked away.
Do you know
how to ride safely?
Visit dmv.ca.gov for the
California Motorcycle Handbook
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DL.665.ENGLISH.(REV..3/2011)

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