Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
MOTORCYCLE
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL
In the District of Columbia, you must have a valid driver’s license with motorcycle (M)
endorsement to operate a motorcycle.
DC law refers to a motorcycle as a 2 or 3 wheeled motor vehicle that has one or more
of the following characteristics:
Note: If your 2 or 3 wheeled motor vehicle has none of the above 5 characteristics, it falls under the
definition of motorized bicycle and may be operated by a person holding a provisional operator's permit
or a driver's license (provided the vehicle passes inspection, is registered, and is insured).
You may obtain a motorcycle (M) endorsement on your DC driver’s license if you:
Service Locations
To take the DC DMV motorcycle knowledge test, you may visit any DMV service center.
You must obtain a DC motorcycle learner’s permit after passing the motorcycle
knowledge test, if you are taking the DC DMV motorcycle demonstration skills test.
To schedule a motorcycle demonstration skills test, you may schedule online or call
(202) 727-5000.
Rev. 07/2007
PREFACE
3
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.
4
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
Foundation give you an added faceshield or goggles. Most
5
CLOTHING KNOW YOUR
The right clothing protects you MOTORCYCLE
CLOTHING
6
At minimum, your street-legal are licensed and know how to ride
motorcycle should have: before allowing them out into traffic.
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
Light Switch (high/low) Engine Cut-Off
Choke (varies) Switch
Turn-Signal Electric
Switch Start
Button
Ignition Key
(varies)
7
• Make all the checks you would • Brake Light — Try both brake
on your own motorcycle. controls, and make sure each one
CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE
8
KNOW YOUR • Be visible — wear proper
RESPONSIBILITIES clothing, use your headlight, ride
9
RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.
That’s something you can learn only through practice. But control begins with
knowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and
obeying the rules of the road.
• Posture — Sit so you can use your the gas tank to help you keep your
arms to steer the motorcycle rather balance as the motorcycle turns.
than to hold yourself up. • Feet — Keep your feet firmly on
• Seat — Sit far enough forward so the footrests to maintain balance.
that arms are slightly bent when Don’t drag your feet. If your foot
you hold the handlegrips. Bending catches on something, you could
your arms permits you to press on be injured and it could affect your
the handlebars without having to control of the motorcycle. Keep
stretch. your feet near the controls so you
• Hands — Hold the handlegrips can get to them fast if needed.
firmly to keep your grip over Also, don’t let your toes point
rough surfaces. Start with your downward — they may get caught
right wrist flat. This will help you between the road and the footrests.
keep from accidentally using
SHIFTING GEARS
HOLDING HANDLEGRIPS
SHIFTING GEARS
10
Make certain you are riding Also, using the front brake
slowly enough when you shift into a incorrectly on a slippery surface
BRAKING
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 integrated
brakes to slow enough before braking systems that activate the
downshifting safely. Work toward a front and rear brakes together
smooth, even clutch release, when 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
BRAKING the turn, they end up crossing into
TURNING
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.
11
• ROLL — Roll on the throttle 3 Test Yourself
through the turn to stabilize the When riding, you should:
suspension. Maintain steady speed A. Turn your head and shoulders to
or accelerate gradually through the look through turns.
turn. This will help keep the B. Keep your arms straight.
motorcycle stable. C. Keep your knees away from the
gas tank.
In normal turns, the rider and the
D. Turn just your head and eyes to
motorcycle should lean together at look where you are going.
the same angle. Answer - page 40
• Time to react.
• Space to maneuver.
LANE POSITIONS
In some ways the size of the
motorcycle can work to your
advantage. 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
SLOW, TIGHT TURNS 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.
12
LANE POSITIONS
FOLLOWING
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
13
FOLLOWING
14
PASSING stay in the center portion of your
1. Ride in the left portion of the lane. Riding any closer to them could
PASSING
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
4. Signal again, and complete mirror vehicles — They can affect your
and headchecks before returning
BEING PASSED
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.
15
LANE SHARING another lane if one is open. If there is
no room for a lane change, adjust
LANE SHARING
Cars and motorcycles need a full
speed to open up space for the
lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is
merging driver.
usually prohibited.
Riding between rows of stopped CARS ALONGSIDE
or moving cars in the same lane can
leave you vulnerable to the Do not ride next to cars or trucks
unexpected. A hand could come out in other lanes if you do not have to.
of a window; a door could open; a car You might be in the blind spot of a
could turn suddenly. Discourage lane car in the next lane, which could
sharing by others. Keep a center- switch into your lane without
portion position whenever drivers warning. Cars in the next lane also
might be tempted to squeeze by you. block your escape if you come upon
Drivers are most tempted to do this: danger in your own lane. Speed up or
drop back to find a place clear of
• In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic on both sides.
traffic.
• When they want to pass you. BLIND SPOTS
• When you are preparing to turn at
an intersection.
• When you are moving into an exit
lane or leaving a highway.
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
16
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 influence 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
limited visibility. Visually “busy” at 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.
17
In potential high-risk areas, such INTERSECTIONS
as intersections, shopping areas and The greatest potential for
INTERSECTIONS
school and construction zones, cover conflict between you and other traffic
the clutch and both brakes to reduce is at intersections. An intersection
the time you need to react. can be in the middle of an urban area
or at a driveway on a residential
street — anywhere traffic may cross
your path of travel. Over one-half of
motorcycle/car crashes are caused by
5 Test Yourself drivers entering a rider’s right-of-
To reduce your reaction time, you way. Cars that turn left in front of
should: you, including cars turning left from
A. Ride slower than the speed limit. the lane to your right, and cars on
B. Cover the clutch and the brakes. side streets that pull into your lane,
C. Shift into neutral when slowing. are the biggest dangers. Your use
D. Pull in the clutch when turning. of SEE [p. 17] at intersections
Answer - page 40 is critical.
There are no guarantees that
others see you. Never count on “eye
contact” as a sign that a driver will
yield. Too often, a driver looks right
at a motorcyclist and still fails to
“see” him or her. The only eyes that
you can count on are your own. If a
car can enter your path, assume that it
will. Good riders are always “looking
for trouble” — not to get into it, but
to stay out of it.
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections. Ride with your
headlight on in a lane position that
provides the best view of oncoming
traffic. Provide a space cushion
around the motorcycle that permits
you to take evasive action.
SMALL INTERSECTIONS
18
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
As you approach the intersec- cross street can see him as soon as
tion, select a lane position that possible.
increases your visibility to the driver.
Cover the clutch and both brakes to BLIND INTERSECTIONS
reduce 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
19
STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS
PARKED CARS
20
INCREASING Reflective material on a vest and
CONSPICUITY on the sides of the helmet will help
CLOTHING
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 new motorcycles sold in
cars that may pose a problem to the USA since 1978 automatically
them. have the headlights on when run-
ning). Studies show that, during the
Even if a driver does see you
day, a motorcycle with its light on is
coming, you aren’t necessarily safe.
twice as likely to be noticed. Use low
Smaller vehicles appear farther away
LIGHTS
beam at night and in fog.
and seem to be traveling slower than
they actually are. It is common for
drivers to pull out in front of SIGNALS
motorcyclists, thinking they have The signals on a motorcycle are
plenty of time. Too often, they similar to those on a car. They tell
are wrong. others what you plan to do.
However, you can do many
things to make it easier for others to SIGNALING
recognize you and your motorcycle.
CLOTHING
Most crashes occur in broad
daylight. Wear bright-colored
clothing to increase your chances of
being seen. Remember, your body is
SIGNALS
21
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
for you. ahead, you can’t afford to ignore
USING YOUR MIRRORS
22
USING MIRRORS HEAD CHECKS
Checking your mirrors is not
HEAD CHECKS
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.
23
RIDING AT NIGHT CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are,
NIGHT RIDING
At night it is harder for you to
see and be seen. Picking your there will be times when you find
headlight or taillight out of the car yourself in a tight spot. Your chances
lights around you is not easy for other of getting out safely depend on your
drivers. To compensate, you should: ability to react quickly and properly.
• Reduce Your Speed — Ride even Often, a crash occurs because a rider
slower than you would during the is not prepared or skilled in crash-
day — particularly on roads you avoidance maneuvers.
don’t know well. This will increase
your chances of avoiding a hazard. Know when and how to stop or
swerve, two skills critical in avoiding
• Increase Distance — Distances
a crash. It is not always desirable or
are harder to judge at night than
during the day. Your eyes rely possible to stop quickly to avoid an
upon shadows and light contrasts obstacle. Riders must also be able to
to determine how far away an swerve around an obstacle. Deter-
object is and how fast it is coming. mining which skill is necessary for
These contrasts are missing or dis- the situation is important as well.
CRASH AVOIDANCE
24
STOPPING DISTANCE in the last few feet of stopping. The
motorcycle should then be straight up
SWERVING
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
25
feet solidly on the footrests. Let the CORNERING
motorcycle move underneath you. A primary cause of single-
CORNERING
26
Change lane position depending on HANDLING DANGEROUS
traffic, road conditions and curve of SURFACES
DANGEROUS 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 to • Grooves and gratings.
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
27
• Rise slightly off the seat with your brake lever gradually to avoid
weight on the footrests to absorb locking the front wheel.
the shock with your knees and Remember, gentle pressure on the
elbows, and avoid being thrown off rear brake.
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 (painted lines), and on bridges and overpasses.
steel plates and manhole covers, Wet surfaces or wet leaves are just
especially when 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 you
before you get to a slippery
can’t avoid a slippery surface, keep
surface to lessen your chances of
your motorcycle straight up and
skidding. Your motorcycle needs
proceed as slowly as possible. If you
more 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
28
CROSSTRACKS-RIGHT enough away from tracks, ruts, or
pavement seams to cross at an angle
TRACKING GRATINGS
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
29
MECHANICAL STUCK THROTTLE
PROBLEMS Twist the throttle back and forth
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
30
Trying to “accelerate out of a ENGINE SEIZURE
wobble” will only make the When the engine “locks” or
motorcycle more unstable. Instead: “freezes” it is usually low on oil. The
• Grip the handlebars firmly, but engine’s moving parts can’t move
don’t fight the wobble. smoothly against each other, and the
• Close the throttle gradually to engine overheats. The first sign may
slow down. Do not apply the be a loss of engine power or a change
brakes; braking could make the in the engine’s sound. Squeeze the
wobble worse. clutch lever to disengage the engine
from the rear wheel. Pull off the road
• Move your weight as far forward and stop. Check the oil. If needed, oil
and down as possible. should be added as soon as possible
• Pull off the road as soon as you or the engine will seize. When this
can to fix the problem. happens, the effect is the same as a
locked rear wheel. Let the engine
10 Test Yourself cool before restarting.
If your motorcycle starts to wobble:
A. Accelerate out of the wobble. ANIMALS
B. Use the brakes gradually.
C. Grip the handlebars firmly and
Naturally, you should do
close the throttle gradually. everything you safely can to avoid
D. Downshift. hitting an animal. If you are in traffic,
Answer - page 40
however, remain in your lane. Hitting
something small is less dangerous to
CHAIN PROBLEMS you than hitting something big —
A chain that slips or breaks while like a car.
you’re riding could lock the rear Motorcycles seem to attract
wheel and cause your cycle to skid. dogs. If you are chased, downshift
Chain slippage or breakage can be and approach the animal slowly. As
avoided by proper maintenance. you approach it, accelerate away and
• Slippage — If the chain slips leave the animal behind. Don’t kick
when you try to speed up quickly at an animal. Keep control of your
or ride uphill, pull off the road. motorcycle and look to where you
Check the chain and sprockets. want to go.
Tightening the chain may help. If For larger animals (deer, elk,
the problem is a worn or stretched cattle) brake and prepare to stop —
chain or worn or bent sprockets, they are unpredictable.
replace the chain, the sprockets or
both before riding again.
11 Test Yourself
• Breakage — You’ll notice an If you are chased by a dog:
instant loss of power to the rear A. Kick it away.
wheel. Close the throttle and brake B. Stop until the animal loses interest.
to a stop. C. Swerve around the animal.
D. Approach the animal slowly, then
speed up.
Answer - page 40
31
FLYING OBJECTS CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are
struck by insects, cigarettes thrown Only experienced riders should
from cars or pebbles kicked up by the carry passengers or large loads. The
tires of the vehicle ahead. If you are extra weight changes the way the
wearing face protection, it might get motorcycle handles, balances, speeds
smeared or cracked, making it up and slows down. Before taking a
difficult to see. Without face passenger or a heavy load on the
protection, an object could hit you in street, practice away from traffic.
the eye, face or mouth. Whatever
happens, keep your eyes on the road EQUIPMENT
and your hands on the handlebars.
To carry passengers safely:
When safe, pull off the road and
repair the damage. • Equip and adjust your
motorcycle to carry passengers.
GETTING OFF THE ROAD • Instruct the passenger before you
start.
GETTING OFF THE ROAD
• Pull off the road — Get as far off Adjust the suspension to handle
the road as you can. It can be very the additional weight. You will
hard to spot a motorcycle by the probably need to add a few pounds of
side of the road. You don’t want pressure to the tires if you carry a
someone else pulling off at the passenger. (Check your owner’s
same place you are. manual for appropriate settings.)
• Park carefully — Loose and While your passenger sits on the seat
sloped shoulders can make setting with you, adjust the mirror and
the side or center stand difficult. headlight according to the change in
the motorcycle’s angle.
32
INSTRUCTING PASSENGERS • Ride a little slower, especially
when taking curves, corners or
CARRYING PASSENGERS
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,
belt, or to the bike’s passenger
stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over
handholds.
a bump. Turn your head slightly to
• Keep both feet on the footrests, make yourself understood, but keep
even when stopped. your eyes on the road ahead.
• Keep legs away from the
muffler(s), chains or moving parts. CARRYING LOADS
• Stay directly behind you, leaning Most motorcycles are not
as you lean. designed to carry much cargo. Small
• Avoid unnecessary talk or loads can be carried safely if
motion. positioned and fastened properly.
Also, tell your passenger to • Keep the Load Low — Fasten
tighten his or her hold when you: loads securely, or put them in
saddlebags. Piling loads against a
• Approach surface problems. sissybar or frame on the back of
• Are about to start from a stop. the seat raises the motorcycle’s
• Warn that you will make a center of gravity and disturbs its
sudden move. balance.
• Keep the Load Forward — Place
RIDING WITH PASSENGERS the load over, or in front of, the
rear axle. Tankbags keep loads
Your motorcycle will respond forward, but use caution when
more slowly with a passenger on loading hard or sharp objects.
board. The heavier your passenger, Make sure the tankbag does not
the longer it will take to slow down interfere with handlebars or
and speed up — especially on a light controls. Mounting loads behind
motorcycle. 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.
33
• Secure the Load — Fasten the down a little to stay with the
load securely with elastic cords tailender.
GROUP RIDING
34
cushion. The leader rides in the left 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 safely, position themselves:
the second rider should move up to A. Just behind the leader.
the left position and watch for a B. In front of the group.
safe chance to pass. After passing, C. At the tail end of the group.
this rider should return to the right D. Beside the leader.
position and open up room for
Answer - page 40
35
BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders pay
attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle, identifying
potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisions quickly and
skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road and traffic
conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and other drugs,
more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly and to ride
safely. As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance.
Let’s look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs.
What to do to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined.
ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION
37
– Four drinks over the span of two that judges must impose them.
hours would have at least two (4 – 2 If you are convicted of riding
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
begins well below the legal limit. • Costs — Additional lawyer’s fees
to pay, lost work time spent in
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW court or alcohol-education
In most states, a person with a programs, public transportation
BAC of .08% or above is considered costs (while your license is
intoxicated; in others the legal limit is suspended) and the added
.10%. It doesn’t matter how sober psychological costs of being
you may look or act. The breath or tagged a “drunk driver.”
urine test is what usually determines
whether you are riding legally or MINIMIZE THE RISKS
illegally. Your ability to judge how well
Your chances of being stopped you are riding is affected first.
for riding under the influence of Although you may be performing
alcohol are increasing. Law more and more poorly, you think you
enforcement is being stepped up are doing better and better. The result
across the country in response to the is that you ride confidently, taking
senseless deaths and injuries caused greater and greater risks. Minimize
by drinking drivers and riders. the risks of drinking and riding by
taking steps before you drink.
CONSEQUENCES OF
Control your drinking or control
CONVICTION your riding.
Years ago, first offenders had a
good chance of getting off with a DON’T DRINK
small fine and participation in Don’t Drink — Once you start,
alcohol-abuse classes. Today the laws your resistance becomes weaker.
of most states impose stiff penalties Setting a limit or pacing yourself
on drinking operators. And those are poor alternatives at best. Your
penalties are mandatory, meaning ability to exercise good judgment is
38
one of the first things affected by It helps to enlist support from
alcohol. Even if you have tried to others when you decide to step in.
FATIGUE
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 would
• Wait — If you exceed your in a car. Avoid riding when tired.
limit, wait until your system Fatigue can affect your control of the
eliminates the alcohol and its 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 to cost if you plan to ride long
drink are unable to make a responsible distances.
decision. It is up to others to step in
• Limit your distance — Experi-
and keep them from taking too great a
risk. No one wants to do this — it’s enced riders seldom try to ride
uncomfortable, embarrassing and more than about six hours a day.
thankless. You are rarely thanked for • Take frequent rest breaks —
your efforts at the time. But the Stop and get off the motorcycle at
alternatives are often worse. least every two hours.
There are several ways to keep • Don’t drink or use drugs —
friends from hurting themselves: Artificial stimulants often result in
• Arrange a safe ride — Provide extreme fatigue or depression
alternative ways for them to when they start to wear off. Riders
get home. are unable to concentrate on the
• Slow the pace of drinking — task at hand.
Involve them in other activities.
• Keep them there — Use any 14 Test Yourself
excuse to keep them from getting If you wait one hour per drink for the
on their motorcycle. Serve them alcohol to be eliminated from your
food and coffee to pass the time. body before riding:
Explain your concerns for their A. You cannot be arrested for drinking
and riding.
risks of getting arrested or hurt
B. Your riding skills will not be
or hurting someone else. Take their affected.
key, if you can. 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
slowly.
to intervene. Answer - page 40
39
EARNING YOUR LICENSE
EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best
measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your
own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s even
harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively.
To earn your license, you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skill
test. Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices and ideas
from this manual. They require that you know and understand road rules and
safe riding practices. An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actual
traffic environment or in a controlled, off-street area.
tire.
A. Someone is following too closely.
C. Brake on the good tire and steer to
B. You will be slowing suddenly.
the side of the road.
C. There is a stop sign ahead.
D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.
D. Your signals are not working.
5. The car below is waiting to enter
2. The FRONT brake supplies how
the intersection. It is best to:
much of the potential stopping
power? A. Make eye contact with the driver.
B. Reduce speed and be ready to
A. About one-quarter.
react.
B. About one-half.
C. Maintain speed and position.
C. About three-quarters.
D. Maintain speed and move right.
D. All of the stopping power.
3. To swerve correctly:
A. Shift your weight quickly.
B. Turn the handlebars quickly.
C. Press the handlegrip in the
direction of the turn.
D. Press the handlegrip in the
opposite direction of the turn.
_____________________________________
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
40
ON-MOTORCYCLE • Adjust speed and position to the
SKILL TEST traffic situation.
• Stop, turn and swerve quickly.
Basic vehicle control and
crash-avoidance skills are included in • Make critical decisions and carry
on-motorcycle tests to determine them out.
your ability to handle normal and Examiners may score on
hazardous traffic situations. factors related to safety such as:
You may be tested for your • Selecting safe speeds to perform
ability to: maneuvers.
• Know your motorcycle and your • Choosing the correct path and
riding limits. staying within boundaries.
• Accelerate, brake and turn • Completing normal and quick
safely. stops.
• See, be seen and communicate • Completing normal and quick
with others. turns or swerves.
Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only
and are not to correct scale for size of vehicles and distances.
41
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE –
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
3
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.
4
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
Foundation give you an added faceshield or goggles. Most
5
CLOTHING KNOW YOUR
The right clothing protects you MOTORCYCLE
CLOTHING
6
At minimum, your street-legal are licensed and know how to ride
motorcycle should have: before allowing them out into traffic.
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
Light Switch (high/low) Engine Cut-Off
Choke (varies) Switch
Turn-Signal Electric
Switch Start
Button
Ignition Key
(varies)
7
• Make all the checks you would • Brake Light — Try both brake
on your own motorcycle. controls, and make sure each one
CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE
8
KNOW YOUR • Be visible — wear proper
RESPONSIBILITIES clothing, use your headlight, ride
9
RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.
That’s something you can learn only through practice. But control begins with
knowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and
obeying the rules of the road.
• Posture — Sit so you can use your the gas tank to help you keep your
arms to steer the motorcycle rather balance as the motorcycle turns.
than to hold yourself up. • Feet — Keep your feet firmly on
• Seat — Sit far enough forward so the footrests to maintain balance.
that arms are slightly bent when Don’t drag your feet. If your foot
you hold the handlegrips. Bending catches on something, you could
your arms permits you to press on be injured and it could affect your
the handlebars without having to control of the motorcycle. Keep
stretch. your feet near the controls so you
• Hands — Hold the handlegrips can get to them fast if needed.
firmly to keep your grip over Also, don’t let your toes point
rough surfaces. Start with your downward — they may get caught
right wrist flat. This will help you between the road and the footrests.
keep from accidentally using
SHIFTING GEARS
HOLDING HANDLEGRIPS
SHIFTING GEARS
10
Make certain you are riding Also, using the front brake
slowly enough when you shift into a incorrectly on a slippery surface
BRAKING
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 integrated
brakes to slow enough before braking systems that activate the
downshifting safely. Work toward a front and rear brakes together
smooth, even clutch release, when 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
BRAKING the turn, they end up crossing into
TURNING
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.
11
• ROLL — Roll on the throttle 3 Test Yourself
through the turn to stabilize the When riding, you should:
suspension. Maintain steady speed A. Turn your head and shoulders to
or accelerate gradually through the look through turns.
turn. This will help keep the B. Keep your arms straight.
motorcycle stable. C. Keep your knees away from the
gas tank.
In normal turns, the rider and the
D. Turn just your head and eyes to
motorcycle should lean together at look where you are going.
the same angle. Answer - page 40
• Time to react.
• Space to maneuver.
LANE POSITIONS
In some ways the size of the
motorcycle can work to your
advantage. 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
SLOW, TIGHT TURNS 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.
12
LANE POSITIONS
FOLLOWING
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
13
FOLLOWING
14
PASSING stay in the center portion of your
1. Ride in the left portion of the lane. Riding any closer to them could
PASSING
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
4. Signal again, and complete mirror vehicles — They can affect your
and headchecks before returning
BEING PASSED
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.
15
LANE SHARING another lane if one is open. If there is
no room for a lane change, adjust
LANE SHARING
Cars and motorcycles need a full
speed to open up space for the
lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is
merging driver.
usually prohibited.
Riding between rows of stopped CARS ALONGSIDE
or moving cars in the same lane can
leave you vulnerable to the Do not ride next to cars or trucks
unexpected. A hand could come out in other lanes if you do not have to.
of a window; a door could open; a car You might be in the blind spot of a
could turn suddenly. Discourage lane car in the next lane, which could
sharing by others. Keep a center- switch into your lane without
portion position whenever drivers warning. Cars in the next lane also
might be tempted to squeeze by you. block your escape if you come upon
Drivers are most tempted to do this: danger in your own lane. Speed up or
drop back to find a place clear of
• In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic on both sides.
traffic.
• When they want to pass you. BLIND SPOTS
• When you are preparing to turn at
an intersection.
• When you are moving into an exit
lane or leaving a highway.
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
16
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 influence 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
limited visibility. Visually “busy” at 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.
17
In potential high-risk areas, such INTERSECTIONS
as intersections, shopping areas and The greatest potential for
INTERSECTIONS
school and construction zones, cover conflict between you and other traffic
the clutch and both brakes to reduce is at intersections. An intersection
the time you need to react. can be in the middle of an urban area
or at a driveway on a residential
street — anywhere traffic may cross
your path of travel. Over one-half of
motorcycle/car crashes are caused by
5 Test Yourself drivers entering a rider’s right-of-
To reduce your reaction time, you way. Cars that turn left in front of
should: you, including cars turning left from
A. Ride slower than the speed limit. the lane to your right, and cars on
B. Cover the clutch and the brakes. side streets that pull into your lane,
C. Shift into neutral when slowing. are the biggest dangers. Your use
D. Pull in the clutch when turning. of SEE [p. 17] at intersections
Answer - page 40 is critical.
There are no guarantees that
others see you. Never count on “eye
contact” as a sign that a driver will
yield. Too often, a driver looks right
at a motorcyclist and still fails to
“see” him or her. The only eyes that
you can count on are your own. If a
car can enter your path, assume that it
will. Good riders are always “looking
for trouble” — not to get into it, but
to stay out of it.
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections. Ride with your
headlight on in a lane position that
provides the best view of oncoming
traffic. Provide a space cushion
around the motorcycle that permits
you to take evasive action.
SMALL INTERSECTIONS
18
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
As you approach the intersec- cross street can see him as soon as
tion, select a lane position that possible.
increases your visibility to the driver.
Cover the clutch and both brakes to BLIND INTERSECTIONS
reduce 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
19
STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS
PARKED CARS
20
INCREASING Reflective material on a vest and
CONSPICUITY on the sides of the helmet will help
CLOTHING
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 new motorcycles sold in
cars that may pose a problem to the USA since 1978 automatically
them. have the headlights on when run-
ning). Studies show that, during the
Even if a driver does see you
day, a motorcycle with its light on is
coming, you aren’t necessarily safe.
twice as likely to be noticed. Use low
Smaller vehicles appear farther away
LIGHTS
beam at night and in fog.
and seem to be traveling slower than
they actually are. It is common for
drivers to pull out in front of SIGNALS
motorcyclists, thinking they have The signals on a motorcycle are
plenty of time. Too often, they similar to those on a car. They tell
are wrong. others what you plan to do.
However, you can do many
things to make it easier for others to SIGNALING
recognize you and your motorcycle.
CLOTHING
Most crashes occur in broad
daylight. Wear bright-colored
clothing to increase your chances of
being seen. Remember, your body is
SIGNALS
21
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
for you. ahead, you can’t afford to ignore
USING YOUR MIRRORS
22
USING MIRRORS HEAD CHECKS
Checking your mirrors is not
HEAD CHECKS
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.
23
RIDING AT NIGHT CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are,
NIGHT RIDING
At night it is harder for you to
see and be seen. Picking your there will be times when you find
headlight or taillight out of the car yourself in a tight spot. Your chances
lights around you is not easy for other of getting out safely depend on your
drivers. To compensate, you should: ability to react quickly and properly.
• Reduce Your Speed — Ride even Often, a crash occurs because a rider
slower than you would during the is not prepared or skilled in crash-
day — particularly on roads you avoidance maneuvers.
don’t know well. This will increase
your chances of avoiding a hazard. Know when and how to stop or
swerve, two skills critical in avoiding
• Increase Distance — Distances
a crash. It is not always desirable or
are harder to judge at night than
during the day. Your eyes rely possible to stop quickly to avoid an
upon shadows and light contrasts obstacle. Riders must also be able to
to determine how far away an swerve around an obstacle. Deter-
object is and how fast it is coming. mining which skill is necessary for
These contrasts are missing or dis- the situation is important as well.
CRASH AVOIDANCE
24
STOPPING DISTANCE in the last few feet of stopping. The
motorcycle should then be straight up
SWERVING
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
25
feet solidly on the footrests. Let the CORNERING
motorcycle move underneath you. A primary cause of single-
CORNERING
26
Change lane position depending on HANDLING DANGEROUS
traffic, road conditions and curve of SURFACES
DANGEROUS 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 to • Grooves and gratings.
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
27
• Rise slightly off the seat with your brake lever gradually to avoid
weight on the footrests to absorb locking the front wheel.
the shock with your knees and Remember, gentle pressure on the
elbows, and avoid being thrown off rear brake.
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 (painted lines), and on bridges and overpasses.
steel plates and manhole covers, Wet surfaces or wet leaves are just
especially when 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 you
before you get to a slippery
can’t avoid a slippery surface, keep
surface to lessen your chances of
your motorcycle straight up and
skidding. Your motorcycle needs
proceed as slowly as possible. If you
more 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
28
CROSSTRACKS-RIGHT enough away from tracks, ruts, or
pavement seams to cross at an angle
TRACKING GRATINGS
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
29
MECHANICAL STUCK THROTTLE
PROBLEMS Twist the throttle back and forth
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
30
Trying to “accelerate out of a ENGINE SEIZURE
wobble” will only make the When the engine “locks” or
motorcycle more unstable. Instead: “freezes” it is usually low on oil. The
• Grip the handlebars firmly, but engine’s moving parts can’t move
don’t fight the wobble. smoothly against each other, and the
• Close the throttle gradually to engine overheats. The first sign may
slow down. Do not apply the be a loss of engine power or a change
brakes; braking could make the in the engine’s sound. Squeeze the
wobble worse. clutch lever to disengage the engine
from the rear wheel. Pull off the road
• Move your weight as far forward and stop. Check the oil. If needed, oil
and down as possible. should be added as soon as possible
• Pull off the road as soon as you or the engine will seize. When this
can to fix the problem. happens, the effect is the same as a
locked rear wheel. Let the engine
10 Test Yourself cool before restarting.
If your motorcycle starts to wobble:
A. Accelerate out of the wobble. ANIMALS
B. Use the brakes gradually.
C. Grip the handlebars firmly and
Naturally, you should do
close the throttle gradually. everything you safely can to avoid
D. Downshift. hitting an animal. If you are in traffic,
Answer - page 40
however, remain in your lane. Hitting
something small is less dangerous to
CHAIN PROBLEMS you than hitting something big —
A chain that slips or breaks while like a car.
you’re riding could lock the rear Motorcycles seem to attract
wheel and cause your cycle to skid. dogs. If you are chased, downshift
Chain slippage or breakage can be and approach the animal slowly. As
avoided by proper maintenance. you approach it, accelerate away and
• Slippage — If the chain slips leave the animal behind. Don’t kick
when you try to speed up quickly at an animal. Keep control of your
or ride uphill, pull off the road. motorcycle and look to where you
Check the chain and sprockets. want to go.
Tightening the chain may help. If For larger animals (deer, elk,
the problem is a worn or stretched cattle) brake and prepare to stop —
chain or worn or bent sprockets, they are unpredictable.
replace the chain, the sprockets or
both before riding again.
11 Test Yourself
• Breakage — You’ll notice an If you are chased by a dog:
instant loss of power to the rear A. Kick it away.
wheel. Close the throttle and brake B. Stop until the animal loses interest.
to a stop. C. Swerve around the animal.
D. Approach the animal slowly, then
speed up.
Answer - page 40
31
FLYING OBJECTS CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are
struck by insects, cigarettes thrown Only experienced riders should
from cars or pebbles kicked up by the carry passengers or large loads. The
tires of the vehicle ahead. If you are extra weight changes the way the
wearing face protection, it might get motorcycle handles, balances, speeds
smeared or cracked, making it up and slows down. Before taking a
difficult to see. Without face passenger or a heavy load on the
protection, an object could hit you in street, practice away from traffic.
the eye, face or mouth. Whatever
happens, keep your eyes on the road EQUIPMENT
and your hands on the handlebars.
To carry passengers safely:
When safe, pull off the road and
repair the damage. • Equip and adjust your
motorcycle to carry passengers.
GETTING OFF THE ROAD • Instruct the passenger before you
start.
GETTING OFF THE ROAD
• Pull off the road — Get as far off Adjust the suspension to handle
the road as you can. It can be very the additional weight. You will
hard to spot a motorcycle by the probably need to add a few pounds of
side of the road. You don’t want pressure to the tires if you carry a
someone else pulling off at the passenger. (Check your owner’s
same place you are. manual for appropriate settings.)
• Park carefully — Loose and While your passenger sits on the seat
sloped shoulders can make setting with you, adjust the mirror and
the side or center stand difficult. headlight according to the change in
the motorcycle’s angle.
32
INSTRUCTING PASSENGERS • Ride a little slower, especially
when taking curves, corners or
CARRYING PASSENGERS
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,
belt, or to the bike’s passenger
stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over
handholds.
a bump. Turn your head slightly to
• Keep both feet on the footrests, make yourself understood, but keep
even when stopped. your eyes on the road ahead.
• Keep legs away from the
muffler(s), chains or moving parts. CARRYING LOADS
• Stay directly behind you, leaning Most motorcycles are not
as you lean. designed to carry much cargo. Small
• Avoid unnecessary talk or loads can be carried safely if
motion. positioned and fastened properly.
Also, tell your passenger to • Keep the Load Low — Fasten
tighten his or her hold when you: loads securely, or put them in
saddlebags. Piling loads against a
• Approach surface problems. sissybar or frame on the back of
• Are about to start from a stop. the seat raises the motorcycle’s
• Warn that you will make a center of gravity and disturbs its
sudden move. balance.
• Keep the Load Forward — Place
RIDING WITH PASSENGERS the load over, or in front of, the
rear axle. Tankbags keep loads
Your motorcycle will respond forward, but use caution when
more slowly with a passenger on loading hard or sharp objects.
board. The heavier your passenger, Make sure the tankbag does not
the longer it will take to slow down interfere with handlebars or
and speed up — especially on a light controls. Mounting loads behind
motorcycle. 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.
33
• Secure the Load — Fasten the down a little to stay with the
load securely with elastic cords tailender.
GROUP RIDING
34
cushion. The leader rides in the left 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 safely, position themselves:
the second rider should move up to A. Just behind the leader.
the left position and watch for a B. In front of the group.
safe chance to pass. After passing, C. At the tail end of the group.
this rider should return to the right D. Beside the leader.
position and open up room for
Answer - page 40
35
BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders pay
attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle, identifying
potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisions quickly and
skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road and traffic
conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and other drugs,
more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly and to ride
safely. As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance.
Let’s look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs.
What to do to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined.
ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION
37
– Four drinks over the span of two that judges must impose them.
hours would have at least two (4 – 2 If you are convicted of riding
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
begins well below the legal limit. • Costs — Additional lawyer’s fees
to pay, lost work time spent in
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW court or alcohol-education
In most states, a person with a programs, public transportation
BAC of .08% or above is considered costs (while your license is
intoxicated; in others the legal limit is suspended) and the added
.10%. It doesn’t matter how sober psychological costs of being
you may look or act. The breath or tagged a “drunk driver.”
urine test is what usually determines
whether you are riding legally or MINIMIZE THE RISKS
illegally. Your ability to judge how well
Your chances of being stopped you are riding is affected first.
for riding under the influence of Although you may be performing
alcohol are increasing. Law more and more poorly, you think you
enforcement is being stepped up are doing better and better. The result
across the country in response to the is that you ride confidently, taking
senseless deaths and injuries caused greater and greater risks. Minimize
by drinking drivers and riders. the risks of drinking and riding by
taking steps before you drink.
CONSEQUENCES OF
Control your drinking or control
CONVICTION your riding.
Years ago, first offenders had a
good chance of getting off with a DON’T DRINK
small fine and participation in Don’t Drink — Once you start,
alcohol-abuse classes. Today the laws your resistance becomes weaker.
of most states impose stiff penalties Setting a limit or pacing yourself
on drinking operators. And those are poor alternatives at best. Your
penalties are mandatory, meaning ability to exercise good judgment is
38
one of the first things affected by It helps to enlist support from
alcohol. Even if you have tried to others when you decide to step in.
FATIGUE
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 would
• Wait — If you exceed your in a car. Avoid riding when tired.
limit, wait until your system Fatigue can affect your control of the
eliminates the alcohol and its 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 to cost if you plan to ride long
drink are unable to make a responsible distances.
decision. It is up to others to step in
• Limit your distance — Experi-
and keep them from taking too great a
risk. No one wants to do this — it’s enced riders seldom try to ride
uncomfortable, embarrassing and more than about six hours a day.
thankless. You are rarely thanked for • Take frequent rest breaks —
your efforts at the time. But the Stop and get off the motorcycle at
alternatives are often worse. least every two hours.
There are several ways to keep • Don’t drink or use drugs —
friends from hurting themselves: Artificial stimulants often result in
• Arrange a safe ride — Provide extreme fatigue or depression
alternative ways for them to when they start to wear off. Riders
get home. are unable to concentrate on the
• Slow the pace of drinking — task at hand.
Involve them in other activities.
• Keep them there — Use any 14 Test Yourself
excuse to keep them from getting If you wait one hour per drink for the
on their motorcycle. Serve them alcohol to be eliminated from your
food and coffee to pass the time. body before riding:
Explain your concerns for their A. You cannot be arrested for drinking
and riding.
risks of getting arrested or hurt
B. Your riding skills will not be
or hurting someone else. Take their affected.
key, if you can. 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
slowly.
to intervene. Answer - page 40
39
EARNING YOUR LICENSE
EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best
measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your
own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s even
harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively.
To earn your license, you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skill
test. Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices and ideas
from this manual. They require that you know and understand road rules and
safe riding practices. An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actual
traffic environment or in a controlled, off-street area.
tire.
A. Someone is following too closely.
C. Brake on the good tire and steer to
B. You will be slowing suddenly.
the side of the road.
C. There is a stop sign ahead.
D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.
D. Your signals are not working.
5. The car below is waiting to enter
2. The FRONT brake supplies how
the intersection. It is best to:
much of the potential stopping
power? A. Make eye contact with the driver.
B. Reduce speed and be ready to
A. About one-quarter.
react.
B. About one-half.
C. Maintain speed and position.
C. About three-quarters.
D. Maintain speed and move right.
D. All of the stopping power.
3. To swerve correctly:
A. Shift your weight quickly.
B. Turn the handlebars quickly.
C. Press the handlegrip in the
direction of the turn.
D. Press the handlegrip in the
opposite direction of the turn.
_____________________________________
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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ON-MOTORCYCLE • Adjust speed and position to the
SKILL TEST traffic situation.
• Stop, turn and swerve quickly.
Basic vehicle control and
crash-avoidance skills are included in • Make critical decisions and carry
on-motorcycle tests to determine them out.
your ability to handle normal and Examiners may score on
hazardous traffic situations. factors related to safety such as:
You may be tested for your • Selecting safe speeds to perform
ability to: maneuvers.
• Know your motorcycle and your • Choosing the correct path and
riding limits. staying within boundaries.
• Accelerate, brake and turn • Completing normal and quick
safely. stops.
• See, be seen and communicate • Completing normal and quick
with others. turns or swerves.
Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only
and are not to correct scale for size of vehicles and distances.
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE –
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING