1-866-355-9399 www.dmv.wv.gov/msp For information concerning scheduling the Rider Education classes for the West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program contact: MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE – State Program Provider SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Toll-free 1-866-355-9399 Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate, fun to ride and easy to park. Unfortunately, many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safely.

Professional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for real-world traffi c situations. Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach and improve such skills as:

• Effective turning • Braking maneuvers • Protective apparel selection • Obstacle avoidance • Traffi c strategies • Maintenance For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you, call toll free: 866.355.9399

The Motorcycle motorcycles. The infor- Safety Foundation’s (MSF) mation has been com- purpose is to improve the piled from publications, in- safety of motorcyclists on the nation’s terviews and observations of streets and highways. In an attempt to individuals and organizations familiar with reduce motorcycle crashes and injuries, the use of motorcycles, accessories, the Foundation has programs in rider and training. Because there are many education, licensing improvement, differences in product design, riding public information and statistics. styles, federal, state and local laws, These programs are designed for both there may be organizations and indi- motorcyclists and motorists. A viduals who hold differing opinions. national not-for-profi t organization, the Consult your local regulatory agencies MSF is sponsored by BMW, Ducati, for information concerning the opera- Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, tion of motorcycles in your area. KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Victory Although the MSF will continue to and Yamaha. research, fi eld test and publish The information contained in this responsible viewpoints on the sub- publication is offered for the benefi t of ject, it disclaims any liability for those who have an interest in riding the views expressed herein.

Printing and distribution courtesy of Motorcycle Safety Foundation 2 Jenner Street, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92618-3806 www.msf-usa.org

Second Revision ...... December 1978 Seventh Revision ...... September 1992 Third Revision ...... February 1981 Eighth Revision ...... January 1999 Fourth Revision ...... January 1983 Ninth Revision ...... March 2000 Fifth Revision ...... October 1987 Tenth Revision ...... January 2002 Sixth Revision ...... April 1991 Eleventh Revision ...... July 2002 Twelfth Revision ...... May 2004 Printed in the USA 000254 About This Book CONTENTS

PREPARING HANDLING DANGEROUS SURFACES ..27 TO RIDE Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ...... 27 Slippery Surfaces ...... 28 Operating a motorcycle safely in These revisions reflect: WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR ...... 4 Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks Helmet Use ...... 4 traffic requires special skills and • The latest finding of motorcycle- and Pavement Seams ...... 29 knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety Helmet Selection ...... 4 Grooves and Gratings ...... 29 safety research. Eye and Face Protection ...... 5 Foundation (MSF) has made this manual MECHANICAL PROBLEMS ...... 30 • Comments and guidance provided Clothing ...... 6 available to help novice motorcyclists Tire Failure ...... 30 by the motorcycling, licensing and reduce their risk of having a crash. The KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE ...... 6 Stuck Throttle ...... 30 traffic safety communities. The Right Motorcycle for You ...... 6 manual conveys essential safe riding Wobble ...... 30 Borrowing and Lending ...... 7 information and has been designed for • Expanded alcohol and drug Chain Problems ...... 31 Get Familiar with the Engine Seizure ...... 31 use in safe licensing programs. While information. Motorcycle Controls ...... 7 designed for the novice, all motorcyclists In promoting improved licensing Check Your Motorcycle ...... 8 ANIMALS ...... 31 FLYING OBJECTS ...... 32 can benefit from the information this programs, the MSF works closely with KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 9 manual contains. state licensing agencies. The Foundation GETTING OFF THE ROAD ...... 32 RIDE WITHIN The original “Motorcycle Operator has helped more than half the states in the CARRYING PASSENGERS Manual” was developed by the National nation adopt the “Motorcycle Operator YOUR ABILITIES AND CARGO ...... 32 Public Services Research Institute Manual” for use in their licensing BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL ...... 10 Equipment ...... 32 Instructing Passengers ...... 33 (NPSRI) under contract to the National systems. Body Position ...... 10 Shifting Gears ...... 10 Riding With Passengers ...... 33 Highway Traffic Safety Administration Improved licensing, along with Braking ...... 11 Carrying Loads ...... 33 (NHTSA) and within the terms of a high-quality motorcycle rider education Turning ...... 11 GROUP RIDING ...... 34 cooperative agreement between NHTSA and increased public awareness, has the KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE ...... 12 Keep the Group Small ...... 34 and the MSF. The manual and related potential to reduce crashes. Staff at the Lane Positions ...... 12 Keep the Group Together ...... 34 tests were used in a multi-year study of Foundation are available to assist state, Following Another Vehicle ...... 13 Keep Your Distance ...... 34 improved motorcycle operator licensing private and governmental agencies in Being Followed ...... 14 procedures, conducted by the California efforts to improve motorcycle safety. Passing and Being Passed ...... 14 BEING IN SHAPE Department of Motor Vehicles under Lane Sharing ...... 16 TO RIDE contract to NHTSA. Merging Cars ...... 16 WHY THIS INFORMATION IS The purpose of this manual is to Cars Alongside ...... 16 IMPORTANT ...... 36 educate the reader to help avoid crashes SEE ...... 17 ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN while safely operating a motorcycle. For INTERSECTIONS ...... 18 MOTORCYCLE OPERATION ...... 36 this edition, the MSF has updated and Blind Intersections ...... 19 ALCOHOL IN THE BODY ...... 37 expanded the content of the original Tim Buche Passing Parked Cars ...... 20 Blood Alcohol Parking at the Roadside ...... 20 Concentration ...... 37 manual. President, ALCOHOL AND THE LAW ...... 38 Motorcycle Safety Foundation INCREASING CONSPICUITY ...... 21 Clothing ...... 21 Consequences of Headlight ...... 21 Conviction ...... 38 Signals ...... 21 MINIMIZE THE RISKS ...... 38 Brake Light...... 22 STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS ...... 39 Using Your Mirrors ...... 22 FATIGUE ...... 39 Head Checks ...... 23 Horn ...... 23 EARNING Riding at Night ...... 24 YOUR LICENSE CRASH AVOIDANCE ...... 24 Knowledge Test ...... 40 Quick Stops ...... 24 On-Motorcycle Skill Test ...... 41 Swerving or Turning Quickly ...... 25 Cornering ...... 26

42 3 PREPARING TO RIDE ON-MOTORCYCLE SKILL TEST • Stop, turn and swerve quickly. What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward Basic vehicle control and • Make critical decisions and carry determining whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. crash-avoidance skills are included in them out. Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to: on-motorcycle tests to determine Examiners may score on 1. Wear the right gear. your ability to handle normal and factors related to safety such as: hazardous traffic situations. • Selecting safe speeds to perform 2. Become familiar with the motorcycle. You may be tested for your maneuvers. 3. Check the motorcycle equipment. ability to: • Choosing the correct path and 4. Be a responsible rider. • Know your motorcycle and your staying within boundaries. riding limits. • Completing normal and quick WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR • An approved helmet lets you see • Accelerate, brake and turn stops. When you ride, your gear is as far to the sides as necessary. A safely. • Completing normal and quick “right” if it protects you. In any study of more than 900 motorcycle • See, be seen and communicate turns or swerves. crash, you have a far better chance of crashes, where 40% of the riders with others. wore helmets, did not find even avoiding serious injury if you wear: • Adjust speed and position to the one case in which a helmet kept a • An approved helmet. traffic situation. EAR rider from spotting danger. G • Face or eye protection. • Most crashes happen on short • Protective clothing. trips (less than five miles

IGHT long), just a few minutes after

R HELMET USE starting out. Crashes can occur — • Most riderdseirM aretos riding slower particularly among untrained, than 30 mph when a crash beginning riders. And one out of occurs. At these speeds, helmets EAR THE every five motorcycle crashes results can cut both the number and the W in head or neck injuries. Head severity of head injuries by half. injuries are just as severe as neck No matter what the speed, injuries — and far more common. helmeted riders are three times more Crash analyses show that head and likely to survive head injuries than neck injuries account for a majority those not wearing helmets at the time of serious and fatal injuries to of the crash. motorcyclists. Research also shows To receive a motorcycle license with full privileges, most that, with few exceptions, head and ELMET ELECTION neck injuries are reduced by properly H S states require that maneuvers be performed as designed; wearing an approved helmet. There are two primary types of On-motorcycle skill tests are not designed for sidecars or three-wheeled helmets, providing two different Some riders don’t wear helmets vehicles. Those vehicles maneuver differently than a two-wheeled levels of coverage: three-quarter and because they think helmets will limit motorcycle. Depending on the state, a driver examiner may follow you full face. their view to the sides. Others wear on a car test-route. Restrictions (sidecar, three-wheeled vehicle) may helmets only on long trips or when Whichever style you choose, you be added until completion of a two-wheeled motorcycle test. riding at high speeds. Here are some can get the most protection by facts to consider: making sure that the helmet:

Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only and are not to correct scale for size of vehicles and distances.

4 41 EARNING YOUR LICENSE HELMETS H ELMET Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best

ICENSE measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your L

own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s U

even harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. SE

OUR Licensing exams are designed to be scored more objectively. Y 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

ARNING safe riding practices. An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actual

E traffic environment or in a controlled, off-street area.

• Meets U.S. Department of Goggles protect your eyes, Transportation (DOT) and state though they won’t protect the rest of KNOWLEDGE TEST 4. If a tire goes flat while riding and standards. Helmets with a label your face like a faceshield does. A

you must stop, it is usually best to: E (Sample Questions) from the Snell Memorial windshield is not a substitute for a YE 1. It is MOST important to flash A. Relax on the handlegrips. EST Foundation give you an added faceshield or goggles. Most

B. Shift your weight toward the good A T your brake light when: assurance of quality. windshields will not protect your tire. ND A. Someone is following too closely. eyes from the wind. Neither will C. Brake on the good tire and steer to • Fits snugly, all the way around. B. You will be slowing suddenly. eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses F the side of the road. • Has no obvious defects such ACE C. There is a stop sign ahead. won’t keep your eyes from watering, D. Use both brakes and stop quickly. as cracks, loose padding or D. Your signals are not working. and they might blow off when you

frayed straps. P

NOWLEDGE turn your head while riding.

5. The car below is waiting to enter ROTECTION 2. The FRONT brake supplies how Whatever helmet you decide K the intersection. It is best to: To be effective, eye or much of the potential stopping on, keep it securely fastened on your faceshield protection must: power? A. Make eye contact with the driver. head when you ride. Otherwise, if B. Reduce speed and be ready to •Be freeof scratches. A. About one-quarter. you are involved in a crash, it’s likely react. B. About one-half. to fly off your head before it gets a • Be resistant to penetration. C. Maintain speed and position. C. About three-quarters. chance to protect you. D. Maintain speed and move right. • Give a clear view to either side. D. All of the stopping power. • Fasten securely, so it does not 3. To swerve correctly: EYE AND FACE PROTECTION blow off. A. Shift your weight quickly. A plastic shatter-resistant • Permit air to pass through, to B. Turn the handlebars quickly. faceshield can help protect your reduce fogging. C. Press the handlegrip in the whole face in a crash. It also • Permit enough room for direction of the turn. protects you from wind, dust, dirt, eyeglasses or sunglasses, if D. Press the handlegrip in the rain, insects and pebbles thrown up needed. from cars ahead. These problems opposite direction of the turn. Tinted eye protection should are distracting and can be painful. not be worn at night or any other If you have to deal with them, you time when little light is available. can’t devote your full attention to ______Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages) the road. 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 5 LOTHING one of the first things affected by It helps to enlist support from F

C KNOW YOUR ATIGUE alcohol. Even if you have tried to drink others when you decide to step in. The right clothing protects you MOTORCYCLE in moderation, you may not realize to The more people on your side, the in a collision. It also provides There are plenty of things on the what extent your skills have suffered easier it is to be firm and the harder comfort, as well as protection from LOTHING highway that can cause you trouble. from alcohol’s fatiguing effects. it is for the rider to resist. While

C heat, cold, debris and hot and moving Your motorcycle should not be one of you may not be thanked at the Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’t parts of the motorcycle. them. To make sure that your time, you will never have to say, controlled your drinking, you must • Jacket and pants should cover motorcycle won’t let you down: “If only I had ...” control your riding. arms and legs completely. They •Readthe owner’s manual first. should fit snugly enough to keep • Leave the motorcycle — FATIGUE • Start with the right motorcycle for so you won’t be tempted to ride. from flapping in the wind, yet Riding a motorcycle is more you. Arrange another way to get home. loosely enough to move freely. tiring than driving a car. On a long Leather offers the most protection. • Be familiar with the motorcycle • Wait — If you exceed your trip, you’ll tire sooner than you Sturdy synthetic material provides controls. limit, wait until your system would in a car. Avoid riding when eliminates the alcohol and its a lot of protection as well. • Check the motorcycle before tired. Fatigue can affect your control fatiguing effects. Wear a jacket even in warm every ride. of the motorcycle. weather to prevent dehydration. • Keep it in safe riding condition STEP IN TO • Protect yourself from the elements — Wind, cold, and rain Many are designed to protect between rides. PROTECT FRIENDS without getting you overheated, make you tire quickly. Dress • Avoid add-ons and modifications People who have had too much even on summer days. warmly. A windshield is worth its that make your motorcycle to drink are unable to make a cost if you plan to ride long • Boots or shoes should be high and harder to handle. responsible decision. It is up to others distances. OTORCYCLE sturdy enough to cover your ankles to step in and keep them from taking • Limit your distance — Experi- M and give them support. Soles too great a risk. No one wants to do THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE enced riders seldom try to ride should be made of hard, durable, this — it’s uncomfortable, more than about six hours a day. slip-resistant material. Keep heels FOR YOU embarrassing and thankless. You are IGHT First, make sure your motorcycle rarely thanked for your efforts at the • Take frequent rest breaks —

R short so they do not catch on rough surfaces. Tuck in laces so they is right for you. It should “fit” you. time. But the alternatives are often Stop and get off the motorcycle at HE won’t catch on your motorcycle. Your feet should reach the ground worse. least every two hours. T • Don’t drink or use drugs — • Gloves allow a better grip and while you are seated on the There are several ways to keep friends from hurting themselves: Artificial stimulants often result in help protect your hands in a crash. motorcycle. extreme fatigue or depression Your gloves should be made of • Arrange a safe ride — Provide when they start to wear off. Riders leather or similar durable material. alternative ways for them to get home. are unable to concentrate on the In cold or wet weather, your task at hand. • Slow the pace of drinking — clothes should keep you warm and Involve them in other activities. dry, as well as protect you from injury. You cannot control a • Keep them there — Use any 14 Test Yourself motorcycle well if you are numb. 1 Test Yourself excuse to keep them from getting on their motorcycle. Serve them If you wait one hour per each drink for Riding for long periods in cold A plastic shatter-resistant face food and coffee to pass the time. the alcohol to be eliminated from your shield: weather can cause severe chill and Explain your concerns for their body before riding: fatigue. A winter jacket should resist A. Is not neccessary if you have a A. You cannot be arrested for drinking windshield. risks of getting arrested or hurt wind and fit snugly at the neck, and riding. B. Only protects your eyes. or hurting someone else. Take wrists and waist. Good-quality B. Your riding skills will not be affected. C. Helps protect your whole face. their key, if you can. rainsuits designed for motorcycle C. Side effects from the drinking may D. Does not protect your face as well • Get friends involved — Use peer still remain. riding resist tearing apart or as goggles. pressure from a group of friends D. You will be okay as long as you ride ballooning up at high speeds. Answer - page 40 slowly. to intervene. Answer - page 40

6 39 A person drinking: that judges must impose them. At minimum, your street-legal are licensed and know how to ride K NOW

AW motorcycle should have: before allowing them out into traffic. • 8 drinks in 4 hours would have at If you are convicted of riding L least four drinks remaining in their under the influence of alcohol or • Headlight, taillight and No matter how experienced you Y

HE system. drugs, you may receive any of the brakelight. may be, ride extra carefully on any OUR

T following penalties: • 7 drinks in 3 hours would have at • Front and rear brakes. motorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar • License Suspension — ND least four drinks remaining in their to you. More than half of all crashes • Turn signals. M A system. Mandatory suspension for occur on motorcycles ridden by the conviction, arrest or refusal to •Horn. OTORCYCLE There are times when a larger operator for less than six months. submit to a breath test. person may not accumulate as high a • Two mirrors. concentration of alcohol for each drink • Fines — Severe fines are another GET FAMILIAR WITH THE LCOHOL consumed. They have more blood aspect of a conviction, usually A levied with a license suspension. BORROWING AND LENDING MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS and other bodily fluids. But because Make sure you are completely of individual differences it is better • Community Service — Performing Borrowers and lenders of familiar with the motorcycle before not to take the chance that abilities tasks such as picking up litter motorcycles, beware. Crashes are you take it out on the street. Be sure and judgment have not been affected. along the highway, washing cars in fairly common among beginning to review the owner’s manual. This is Whether or not you are legally the motor-vehicle pool or working riders — especially in the first intoxicated is not the real issue. at an emergency ward. months of riding. Riding an particularly important if you are Impairment of judgment and skills unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the riding a borrowed motorcycle. ISKS • Costs — Additional lawyer’s fees

R begins well below the legal limit. to pay, lost work time spent in problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, If you are going to use an court or alcohol-education get familiar with it in a controlled unfamiliar motorcycle: ALCOHOL AND THE LAW programs, public transportation area. And if you lend your In West Virginia, a person with a costs (while your license is motorcycle to friends, make sure they

INIMIZE BAC of .08% or above is considered suspended) and the added

M intoxicated; in other states the legal psychological costs of being limit is between .05% and .10%. It tagged a “drunk driver.” MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS doesn’t matter how sober you may Light Switch (high/low) Engine Cut-Off look or act. The breath or urine test MINIMIZE THE RISKS Choke (varies) Switch is what usually determines whether Your ability to judge how well Turn-Signal Electric you are riding legally or illegally. Switch Start you are riding is affected first. Button Ignition Key Your chances of being stopped Although you may be performing (varies) for riding under the influence of more and more poorly, you think you alcohol are increasing. Law are doing better and better. The result enforcement is being stepped up is that you ride confidently, taking across the country in response to the greater and greater risks. Minimize senseless deaths and injuries caused Horn Button Throttle the risks of drinking and riding by by drinking drivers and riders. taking steps before you drink. Front Brake Lever CONSEQUENCES OF Control your drinking or control Clutch Lever your riding. Speedometer CONVICTION & Odometer Tachometer Years ago, first offenders had a DON’T DRINK (if equipped) good chance of getting off with a Don’t Drink — Once you start, small fine and participation in your resistance becomes weaker. Fuel Supply Valve alcohol-abuse classes. Today the laws (if equipped) Setting a limit or pacing yourself Rear Brake Pedal of most states impose stiff penalties Gear-Change Lever on drinking operators. And those are poor alternatives at best. Your Kick Starter penalties are mandatory, meaning ability to exercise good judgment is (if equipped)

38 7 • Make all the checks you would • Brake Light — Try both brake Other factors also contribute to B

ALCOHOL IN THE BODY LOOD on your own motorcycle. controls, and make sure each one the way alcohol affects your system. turns on the brake light. Alcohol enters the bloodstream Your sex, physical condition and • Find out where everything is, quickly. Unlike most foods and particularly the turn signals, horn, Once you have mounted the food intake are just a few that may A

beverages, it does not need to be LOCHOL headlight switch, fuel-supply motorcycle, complete the following cause your BAC level to be even digested. Within minutes after being higher. But the full effects of these OTORCYCLE valve and engine cut-off switch. checks before starting out: consumed, it reaches the brain and are not completely known. Alcohol M Find and operate these items • Clutch and Throttle — Make begins to affect the drinker. The may still accumulate in your body

without having to look for them. sure they work smoothly. The C major effect alcohol has is to slow even if you are drinking at a rate of ONCENTRATION

OUR throttle should snap back when • Know the gear pattern. Work the down and impair bodily functions — one drink per hour. Abilities and

Y you let go. The clutch should feel throttle, clutch and brakes a few both mental and physical. Whatever judgment can be affected by that tight and smooth. times before you start riding. All you do, you do less well after one drink. controls react a little differently. • Mirrors — Clean and adjust both consuming alcohol.

HECK A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed • Ride very cautiously and be mirrors before starting. It’s C drink with one shot of liquor and a 5- difficult to ride with one hand aware of surroundings. Accelerate BLOOD ALCOHOL ounce glass of wine all contain the while you try to adjust a mirror. gently, take turns more slowly and CONCENTRATION same amount of alcohol. leave extra room for stopping. Adjust each mirror so you can see the lane behind and as much as Blood Alcohol Concentration or The faster you drink, the more possible of the lane next to you. BAC is the amount of alcohol in alcohol accumulates in your body. If CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE When properly adjusted, a mirror relation to blood in the body. you drink two drinks in an hour, at A motorcycle needs more may show the edge of your arm or Generally, alcohol can be eliminated the end of that hour, at least one drink frequent attention than a car. A minor shoulder—but it’s the road behind in the body at the rate of almost one will remain in your bloodstream. drink per hour. But a variety of other technical failure in a car seldom leads and to the side that’s most Without taking into account any factors may also influence the level to anything more than an important. of the other factors, the formula of alcohol retained. The more alcohol inconvenience for the driver. below illustrates the LEAST amount •Brakes— Try the front and rear in your blood, the greater the degree If something’s wrong with the of drinks remaining in the brake levers one at a time. Make of impairment. motorcycle, you’ll want to find out sure each one feels firm and holds bloodstream: about it before you get in traffic. the motorcycle when the brake is Three factors play a major part Make a complete check of your fully applied. in determining BAC: Total # hours drinks motorcycle before every ride. drinks LESS since last EQUALS left • Horn — Try the horn. Make sure • The amount of alcohol you consumed drink in body Before mounting the motorcycle, it works. consume. ______- ______= ______make the following checks: In addition to the checks you • How fast you drink. •Tires— Check the air pressure, should make before every trip, check • Your body weight. general wear and tread. the following items at least once a • Fluids — Oil and fluid levels. At a week: Wheels, cables, fasteners and ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION minimum, check hydraulic fluids fluid levels. Follow your owner’s and coolants weekly. Look under manual to get recommendations. the motorcycle for signs of an oil or gas leak. 2 Test Yourself • Headlights and Taillight — More than half of all crashes: Check them both. Test your switch A. Occur at speeds greater than to make sure both high and low 35 mph. beams are working. B. Happen at night. C. Are caused by worn tires. • Turn Signals — Turn on both D. Involve riders who have ridden right and left turn signals. Make their motorcycles less than six sure all lights are working months. properly. Answer - page 40

8 37 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE KNOW YOUR • Be visible — wear proper K NOW

IDE clothing, use your headlight, ride Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders pay RESPONSIBILITIES R in the best lane position to see and

attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle, “Accident” implies an be seen. Y

identifying potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisions unforeseen event that occurs without OUR • Communicate your intentions — quickly and skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road anyone’s fault or negligence. Most use the proper signals, brake light

and traffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and R HAPE TO often in traffic, that is not the case. In and lane position. ESPONSIBILITIES S other drugs, more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly fact, most people involved in a crash and to ride safely. As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your can usually claim some responsibility • Maintain an adequate space performance. for what takes place. cushion — following, being followed, lane sharing, passing

EING IN Let’s look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs. Consider a situation where and being passed. B What to do to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined. someone decides to try to squeeze through an intersection on a yellow • Scan your path of travel 12 WHY THIS INFORMATION By becoming knowledgeable light turning red. Your light turns seconds ahead. IS IMPORTANT about the effects of alcohol and other green. You pull into the intersection • Identify and separate multiple drugs you will see that riding and without checking for possible hazards. Alcohol is a major contributor to substance abuse don’t mix. Take latecomers. That is all it takes for the motorcycle crashes, particularly fatal • Be prepared to act — remain positive steps to protect yourself and two of you to tangle. It was the crashes. Studies show that 40% to alert and know how to carry out RUGS prevent others from injuring driver’s responsibility to stop. And it proper crash-avoidance skills. D 45% of all riders killed in motorcycle themselves. was your responsibility to look crashes had been drinking. Only one- Blame doesn’t matter when before pulling out. Neither of you third of those riders had a blood ALCOHOL AND OTHER someone is injured in a crash. There held up your end of the deal. Just alcohol concentration above legal is rarely a single cause of any crash. DRUGS IN MOTORCYCLE because someone else is the first to limits. The rest had only a few drinks The ability to ride aware, make OPERATION start the chain of events leading to a in their systems — enough to impair critical decisions and carry them out riding skills. In the past, drug levels No one is immune to the effects crash, it doesn’t leave any of us free

LCOHOL AND separates responsible riders from all have been harder to distinguish or of alcohol or drugs. Friends may brag of responsibility. A the rest. Remember, it is up to you to have not been separated from about their ability to hold their liquor As a rider you can’t be sure that or perform better on drugs, but keep from being the cause of, or an drinking violations for the traffic other operators will see you or yield alcohol or drugs make them less able unprepared participant in, any crash. records. But riding “under the the right of way. To lessen your to think clearly and perform physical influence” of either alcohol or drugs chances of a crash occurring: poses physical and legal hazards for tasks skillfully. Judgment and the every rider. decision-making processes needed Drinking and drug use is as big a for vehicle operation are affected problem among motorcyclists as it is long before legal limitations are among automobile drivers. Motor- reached. cyclists, however, are more likely to Many over-the-counter, be killed or severely injured in a prescription and illegal drugs have crash. Injuries occur in 90% of side effects that increase the risk of motorcycle crashes and 33% of riding. It is difficult to accurately automobile crashes that involve measure the involvement of abuse of substances. On a yearly particular drugs in motorcycle basis, 2,100 motorcyclists are killed crashes. But we do know what effects and about 50,000 seriously injured in various drugs have on the process this same type of crash. These involved in riding a motorcycle. We statistics are too overwhelming to also know that the combined effects ignore. of alcohol and other drugs are more dangerous than either is alone. 36 9 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES cushion. The leader rides in the left open up room for the next rider. side of the lane, while the second This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance. Some people suggest that the rider stays one second behind in leader should move to the right side That’s something you can learn only through practice. But control begins with the right side of the lane. knowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and after passing a vehicle. This is not a good idea. It encourages the second obeying the rules of the road. A third rider maintains in the left 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 BASIC VEHICLE too much throttle. Also, adjust the the pass. handlebars so your hands are even • Passing in Formation — Riders CONTROL in a staggered formation should Single-File Formation — It is best with or below your elbows. This pass one at a time. to move into a single-file formation permits you to use the proper muscles when riding curves, turning, BODY POSITION • First, the lead rider should pull for precision steering. entering or leaving a highway. To control a motorcycle well: out and pass when it is safe. After • Knees — Keep your knees against passing, the leader should return to • Posture — Sit so you can use your the gas tank to help you keep your the left position and continue 13 Test Yourself

OSITION arms to steer the motorcycle rather balance as the motorcycle turns. riding at passing speed to open When riding in a group, P than to hold yourself up. • Feet — Keep your feet firmly on room for the next rider. inexperienced riders should •Seat— Sit far enough forward so the footrests to maintain balance. • After the first rider passes position themselves: ODY that arms are slightly bent when Don’t drag your feet. If your foot A. Just behind the leader.

B safely, the second rider should you hold the handlegrips. Bending catches on something, you could move up to the left position and B. In front of the group. your arms permits you to press on be injured and it could affect your watch for a safe chance to pass. C. At the tail end of the group. the handlebars without having to control of the motorcycle. Keep After passing, this rider should D. Beside the leader. stretch. your feet near the controls so you return to the right position and Answer - page 40 • Hands — Hold the handlegrips can get to them fast if needed. firmly to keep your grip over Also, don’t let your toes point GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1) GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2) 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 HANDLEBARS

EARS There is more to shifting gears

G than simply getting the motorcycle to RIGHT pick up speed smoothly. Learning to use the gears when downshifting, turning or starting on hills is

HIFTING important for safe motorcycle S operation. Shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in first gear while you are WRONG stopped so that you can move out quickly if you need to.

10 35 • Secure the Load — Fasten the down a little to stay with the Make certain you are riding Also, using the front brake B load securely with elastic cords tailender. slowly enough when you shift into a incorrectly on a slippery surface RAKING (bungee cords or nets). Elastic lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will may be hazardous. Use caution IDING • Know the Route — Make sure

R cords with more than one everyone knows the route. Then, lurch, and the rear wheel may skid. and squeeze the brake lever, never attachment point per side are more if someone is separated they won’t When riding downhill or shifting into grab. secure. A tight load won’t catch in have to hurry to keep from getting first gear you may need to use the • Some motorcycles have ROUP the wheel or chain, causing it to lost or taking a wrong turn. Plan brakes to slow enough before integrated braking systems that G lock up and skid. Rope tends to frequent stops on long rides. downshifting safely. Work toward a activate the front and rear brakes stretch and knots come loose, smooth, even clutch release, together when applying the rear permitting the load to shift or fall. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE especially when downshifting. brake pedal. (Consult the owner’s • Check the Load — Stop and Maintain close ranks but at the It is best to change gears before manual for a detailed explanation check the load every so often to same time keep a safe distance to entering a turn. However, sometimes on the operation and effective use make sure it has not worked loose allow each rider in the group time shifting while in the turn is necessary. of these systems.) or moved. and space to react to hazards. A close If so, remember to do so smoothly. A TURNING group takes up less space on the sudden change in power to the rear GROUP RIDING highway, is easier to see and is less wheel can cause a skid. Riders often try to take curves or If you ride with others, do it in a likely to be separated. However, it turns too fast. When they can’t hold T URNING way that promotes safety and doesn’t must be done properly. BRAKING the turn, they end up crossing into another lane of traffic or going off the interfere with the flow of traffic. Don’t Pair Up — Never operate Your motorcycle has two brakes: road. Or, they overreact and brake too directly alongside another rider. one each for the front and rear wheel. KEEP THE GROUP SMALL hard, causing a skid and loss of There is no place to go if you have Use both of them at the same time. control. Approach turns and curves Small groups make it easier and to avoid a car or something on the The front brake is more powerful and with caution. safer for car drivers who need to get road. To talk, wait until you are can provide at least three-quarters around them. A small number isn’t both stopped. of your total stopping power. The Use four steps for better control: separated as easily by traffic or red Staggered Formation — This is the front brake is safe to use if you use • SLOW lights. Riders won’t always be best way to keep ranks close yet it properly. • LOOK hurrying to catch up. If your group is maintain an adequate space larger than four or five riders, divide Remember: • PRESS it up into two or more smaller groups. • Use both brakes every time you •ROLL STAGGERED FORMATION slow or stop. Using both brakes for KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER even “normal” stops will permit • SLOW — Reduce speed before the turn by closing the throttle and, • Plan — The leader should look you to develop the proper habit or if necessary, applying both brakes. ahead for changes and signal early skill of using both brakes properly so “the word gets back” in plenty in an emergency. Squeeze the front • LOOK — Look through the turn of time. Start lane changes early to brake and press down on the rear. to where you want to go. Turn just permit everyone to complete the Grabbing at the front brake or your head, not your shoulders, and change. jamming down on the rear can keep your eyes level with the horizon. • Put Beginners Up Front — Place cause the brakes to lock, resulting inexperienced riders just behind in control problems. •PRESS— To turn, the motorcycle the leader. That way the more • If you know the technique, using must lean. To lean the motor- experienced riders can watch them both brakes in a turn is possible, cycle, press on the handlegrip in from the back. although it should be done very the direction of the turn. Press • Follow Those Behind — Let the carefully. When leaning the left — lean left — go left. Press tailender set the pace. Use your motorcycle some of the traction is right — lean right — go right. mirrors to keep an eye on the used for cornering. Less traction is Higher speeds and/or tighter person behind. If a rider falls available for stopping. A skid can turns require the motorcycle to behind, everyone should slow occur if you apply too much brake. lean more.

34 11 •ROLL— Roll on the throttle 3 Test Yourself INSTRUCTING PASSENGERS • Ride a little slower, especially C through the turn to stabilize the when taking curves, corners or ARRYING When riding, you should: Even if your passenger is a suspension. Maintain steady speed A. Turn your head and shoulders to bumps. or accelerate gradually through the look through turns. motorcycle rider, provide complete instructions before you start. Tell • Start slowing earlier as you turn. This will help keep the B. Keep your arms straight. approach a stop. motorcycle stable. C. Keep your knees away from the your passenger to: P gas tank. • Open up a larger cushion of ASSENGERS In normal turns, the rider and the • Get on the motorcycle only after D. Turn just your head and eyes to space ahead and to the sides. motorcycle should lean together at you have started the engine. look where you are going. • Wait for larger gaps to cross, the same angle. Answer - page 40 • Sit as far forward as possible enter or merge in traffic. without crowding you. Warn your passenger of special NORMAL TURNS KEEPING YOUR • Hold firmly to your waist, hips conditions — when you will pull out, or belt, or the bike’s passenger DISTANCE stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over handholds The best protection you can have a bump. Turn your head slightly to is distance — a “cushion of space” — • Keep both feet on the footrests, make yourself understood, but keep all around your motorcycle. If even when stopped. your eyes on the road ahead. someone else makes a mistake, • Keep legs away from the distance permits you: muffler(s), chains or moving parts. CARRYING LOADS • Time to react. • Stay directly behind you, leaning Most motorcycles are not • Space to maneuver. as you lean. designed to carry much cargo. Small OSITIONS

P • Avoid unnecessary talk or motion. loads can be carried safely if LANE POSITIONS positioned and fastened properly. Also, tell your passenger to ANE In some ways the size of the tighten his or her hold when you: • Keep the Load Low — Fasten L motorcycle can work to your advan- loads securely, or put them in • Approach surface problems. tage. Each traffic lane gives a saddlebags. Piling loads against a • Are about to start from a stop. sissybar or frame on the back of In slow tight turns, counterbalance motorcycle three paths of travel, as the seat raises the motorcycle’s by leaning the motorcycle only and indicated in the illustration. • Warn that you will make a center of gravity and disturbs its keeping your body straight. Your lane position should: sudden move. balance. • Increase your ability to see and be RIDING WITH PASSENGERS • Keep the Load Forward — Place SLOW, TIGHT TURNS seen. the load over, or in front of, the • Avoid others’ blind spots. Your motorcycle will respond rear axle. Tankbags keep loads more slowly with a passenger on • Avoid surface hazards. forward, but use caution when board. The heavier your passenger, loading hard or sharp objects. • Protect your lane from other the longer it will take to slow down Make sure the tankbag does not drivers. and speed up — especially on a light interfere with handlebars or • Communicate your intentions. motorcycle. controls. Mounting loads behind • Avoid wind blast from other the rear axle can affect how the vehicles. 12 Test Yourself motorcycle turns and brakes. It can also cause a wobble. • Provide an escape route. Passengers should: Select the appropriate path to A. Lean as you lean. • Distribute the Load Evenly — maximize your space cushion and B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat. Load saddlebags with about the make yourself more easily seen by C. Sit as far back as possible. same weight. An uneven load can others on the road. D. Never hold onto you. cause the motorcycle to drift to Answer - page 40 one side.

12 33 FLYING OBJECTS CARRYING PASSENGERS LANE POSITIONS From time to time riders are AND CARGO struck by insects, cigarettes thrown Only experienced riders should BJECTS

O 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

LYING smeared or cracked, making it up and slows down. Before taking a F 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. In general, there is no single FOLLOWING ANOTHER best position for riders to be seen • Instruct the passenger before you VEHICLE F

GETTING OFF THE ROAD and to maintain a space cushion OLLOWING start. “Following too closely” could around the motorcycle. No portion OAD If you need to leave the road to be a factor in crashes involving

R • Adjust your riding technique for of the lane need be avoided — check the motorcycle (or just to rest motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles for a while), be sure you: the added weight. including the center. HE need as much distance to stop as

T • Check the roadside — Make sure Equipment should include: Position yourself in the portion cars. Normally, a minimum of two • A proper seat — large enough of the lane where you are most likely FF the surface of the roadside is firm seconds distance should be

O enough to ride on. If it is soft to hold both of you without to be seen and you can maintain a maintained behind the vehicle ahead. grass, loose sand or if you’re just crowding. You should not sit space cushion around you. Change To gauge your following not sure about it, slow way down any farther forward than you position as traffic situations change. distance: before you turn onto it. usually do. Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and

ETTING • Pick out a marker, such as a other potential problems are on your

G •Signal— Drivers behind might • Footrests — for the passenger. pavement marking or lamppost, on left only. Remain in path 1 or 2 if not expect you to slow down. Give Firm footing prevents your or near the road ahead. hazards are on your right only. If a clear signal that you will be passenger from falling off and vehicles are being operated on both • When the rear bumper of the slowing down and changing pulling you off, too. sides of you, the center of the lane, vehicle ahead passes the marker, direction. Check your mirror and • Protective equipment — the path 2, is usually your best option. count off the seconds: “one- make a head check before you take same protective gear thousand-one, one-thousand-two.” any action. The oily strip in the center recommended for operators. • If you reach the marker before OADS portion that collects drippings from • Pull off the road — Get as far off L Adjust the suspension to handle cars is usually no more than two feet you reach “two,” you are the road as you can. It can be very the additional weight. You will wide. Unless the road is wet, the following too closely. hard to spot a motorcycle by the probably need to add a few pounds of average center strip permits adequate A two-second following distance side of the road. You don’t want pressure to the tires if you carry a traction to ride on safely. You can leaves a minimum amount of space to someone else pulling off at the passenger. (Check your owner’s ARRYING operate to the left or right of the stop or swerve if the driver ahead same place you are. C manual for appropriate settings.) grease strip and still be within the stops suddenly. It also permits a While your passenger sits on the seat • Park carefully — Loose and center portion of the traffic lane. better view of potholes and other with you, adjust the mirror and sloped shoulders can make setting Avoid riding on big buildups of oil hazards in the road. headlight according to the change in the side or center stand difficult. and grease usually found at busy A larger cushion of space is the motorcycle’s angle. intersections or toll booths. needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the

32 13 FOLLOWING 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 pavement is slippery, if you cannot drivers ahead and to prevent lane locked rear wheel. Let the engine see through the vehicle ahead, or if sharing by others. 10 Test Yourself cool before restarting. traffic is heavy and someone may If your motorcycle starts to wobble: squeeze in front of you, open up a BEING FOLLOWED A. Accelerate out of the wobble. ANIMALS three-second or more following Speeding up to lose someone B. Use the brakes gradually. distance. Naturally, you should do following too closely only ends up C. Grip the handlebars firmly and OLLOWED everything you safely can to avoid Keep well behind the vehicle close the throttle gradually. F with someone tailgating you at a hitting an animal. If you are in traffic, ahead even when you are stopped. D. Downshift. higher speed. Answer - page 40 however, remain in your lane. Hitting This will make it easier to get out

EING A better way to handle tailgaters something small is less dangerous to of the way if someone bears down on B is to get them in front of you. When CHAIN PROBLEMS you than hitting something big — you from behind. It will also give you someone is following too closely, A chain that slips or breaks while like a car. a cushion of space if the vehicle change lanes and let them pass. If you’re riding could lock the rear ahead starts to back up for some Motorcycles seem to attract you can’t do this, slow down and wheel and cause your cycle to skid. reason. dogs. If you are chased, downshift open up extra space ahead of you to Chain slippage or breakage can be and approach the animal slowly. As When behind a car, ride where allow room for both you and the avoided by proper maintenance. you approach it, accelerate away and the driver can see you in the rearview tailgater to stop. This will also • Slippage — If the chain slips leave the animal behind. Don’t kick mirror. Riding in the center portion encourage them to pass. If they don’t when you try to speed up quickly at an animal. Keep control of your of the lane should put your image pass, you will have given yourself or ride uphill, pull off the road. motorcycle and look to where you in the middle of the rearview mirror and the tailgater more time and space Check the chain and sprockets. want to go. — where a driver is most likely to to react in case an emergency does Tightening the chain may help. If For larger animals (deer, elk, see you. develop ahead. the problem is a worn or stretched cattle) brake and prepare to stop — Riding at the far side of a lane chain or worn or bent sprockets, they are unpredictable. may permit a driver to see you in a PASSING AND BEING PASSED replace the chain, the sprockets or sideview mirror. But remember that Passing and being passed by both before riding again. most drivers don’t look at their 11 Test Yourself another vehicle is not much different • Breakage — You’ll notice an sideview mirrors nearly as often as If you are chased by a dog: than with a car. However, visibility is instant loss of power to the rear they check the rearview mirror. If the A. Kick it away. more critical. Be sure other drivers wheel. Close the throttle and brake traffic situation allows, the center B. Stop until the animal loses interest. see you, and that you see potential to a stop. portion of the lane is usually the best C. Swerve around the animal. hazards. place for you to be seen by the D. Approach the animal slowly, then speed up. Answer - page 40

14 31 TUCK HROTTLE stay in the center portion of your P MECHANICAL S T PASSING ASSING PROBLEMS Twist the throttle back and forth 1. Ride in the left portion of the lane. Riding any closer to them could put you in a hazardous situation. several times. If the throttle cable is lane at a safe following distance You can find yourself in an stuck, this may free it. If the throttle to increase your line of sight and Avoid being hit by: ROBLEMS emergency the moment something make you more visible. Signal

P stays stuck, immediately operate the • The other vehicle — A slight goes wrong with your motorcycle. In engine cut-off switch and pull in the and check for oncoming traffic. mistake by you or the passing dealing with any mechanical Use your mirrors and turn your clutch at the same time. This will driver could cause a sideswipe. problem, take into account the road head to look for traffic behind. remove power from the rear wheel, • Extended mirrors — Some and traffic conditions you face. Here though engine sound may not 2. When safe, move into the left lane drivers forget that their mirrors are some guidelines that can help you immediately decline. Once the and accelerate. Select a lane hang out farther than their fenders.

ECHANICAL handle mechanical problems safely. position that doesn’t crowd the motorcycle is “under control,” pull • Objects thrown from windows

M car you are passing and pro- — Even if the driver knows you’re off and stop. vides space to avoid hazards in TIRE FAILURE there, a passenger may not see you After you have stopped, check your lane. You will seldom hear a tire go and might toss something on you the throttle cable carefully to find the 3. Ride through the blind spot as flat. If the motorcycle starts handling or the road ahead of you. source of the trouble. Make certain quickly as possible. differently, it may be a tire failure. the throttle works freely before you • Blasts of wind from larger B This can be dangerous. You must be 4. Signal again, and complete mirror vehicles — They can affect your EING start to ride again. and headchecks before returning able to tell from the way the control. You have more room for to your original lane and then error if you are in the middle

motorcycle reacts. If one of your tires P WOBBLE cancel the signal. portion when hit by this blast suddenly loses air, react quickly to ASSED Remember, passes must be than if you are on either side of keep your balance. Pull off and check A “wobble” occurs when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly completed within posted speed limits, the lane. the tires. and only where permitted. Know your start to shake from side to side at any Do not move into the portion If the front tire goes flat, the signs and road markings! speed. Most wobbles can be traced to of the lane farthest from the steering will feel “heavy.” A improper loading, unsuitable BEING PASSED passing vehicle. It might invite the front-wheel flat is particularly accessories or incorrect tire pressure. When you are being passed from other driver to cut back into your lane hazardous because it affects your If you are carrying a heavy load, behind or by an oncoming vehicle, too early. steering. You have to steer well to lighten it. If you can’t, shift it. Center keep your balance. the weight lower and farther forward PASSING BEING PASSED If the rear tire goes flat, the back on the motorcycle. Make sure tire of the motorcycle may jerk or sway pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks from side to side. and dampers are at the settings If either tire goes flat recommended for that much weight. while riding: Make sure windshields and fairings • Hold handlegrips firmly, ease off are mounted properly. the throttle, and keep a straight Check for poorly adjusted course. steering; worn steering parts; a front • If braking is required, however, wheel that is bent, misaligned, or out gradually apply the brake of the of balance; loose wheel bearings or tire that isn’t flat, if you are sure spokes; and worn swingarm bearings. which one it is. If none of these is determined to be the cause, have the motorcycle • When the motorcycle slows, edge checked out thoroughly by a to the side of the road, squeeze the qualified professional. clutch and stop.

30 15 LANE SHARING 16 Whenyou • Whenyou • •When Inheavy they• Drivers aremosttemptedtodothis: might betemptedtosqueezebyyou. portion positionwheneverdrivers sharing byothers.Keepacenter- could turnsuddenly. Discouragelane of awindow;doorcouldopen;car hand couldcomeout unexpected. A leave youvulnerabletothe or movingcarsinthesamelanecan usually prohibited. lane tooperatesafely. Lanesharingis them plentyofroom.Changeto not seeyouonthehighway. Give M L MERGING ANE exit laneorleavingahighway. an intersection. traffic. ERGING Riding betweenrowsofstopped Cars andmotorcyclesneedafull Drivers onanentrancerampmay S HARING , bumper-to-bumper C are movingintoan are preparingtoturnat want topassyou. ARS traffic onbothsides. drop backtofindaplaceclearof danger inyourownlane.Speedupor block yourescapeifyoucomeupon warning. Carsinthenextlanealso switch intoyourlanewithout car inthenextlane,whichcould You mightbeintheblindspotofa in otherlanesifyoudonothaveto. C merging driver. speed toopenupspaceforthe no roomforalanechange,adjust another laneifoneisopen.Ifthere BLIND SPOTS Test Yourself 4 .Ignore them. D. Speeduptoputdistancebetween C. Useyourhornandmakeobscene B. Changelanesandletthempass. A. tailgaters isto: Usually, agoodwaytohandle ARS you andthetailgater. gestures. Do notridenexttocarsortrucks A LONGSIDE Answer -page40 parallel toyourcourse,movefar lane oftraffic. your pathmaycarryyouintoanother 90 Turning totaketrackshead-on(ata within yourlanetocrosstracks. T R CROSSTRACKS-WRONG CROSSTRACKS-RIGHT AALLTRACKS-WRONG PARALLEL TRACKS-RIGHT PARALLEL RACKS AND AILROAD ˚ angle)canbemoredangerous— For trackandroadseamsthatrun Usually itissafertoridestraight T P RACKS AVEMENT , T ROLLEY S EAMS wandering feeling. is farmorehazardousthanthe zigzag tostayinthelane. The zigzag Crossing atanangleforcesridersto speed andridestraightacross. hazardous. Relax,maintainasteady wandering feelingisgenerallynot motorcycle toweave. The uneasy, bridge gratingsmaycausea G your tiresandthrowyouoff balance. sharp turn.Edgingacrosscouldcatch of atleast45 pavement seamstocrossatanangle enough awayfromtracks,ruts,or GRATE CROSSINGS-WRONG GRATE CROSSINGS-RIGHT Test Yourself 9 .Increase yourspeed. D. Rideinthetiretracksleft bycars. C. Pulloff to thesideuntilrain B. Rideinthecenteroflane. A. best to: When itstartstorainisusually ROOVES AND stops. Riding overraingroovesor ˚ . Then, makeaquick, G RATINGS Answer -page40

29

G T RATINGS AND RACKING SEE 17 Look

— — and/or by your presence with your Carry decision. out your space and more create To the old adage “one step Apply Think about your time and space Think about your — Potholes, guardrails, bridges, bridges, guardrails, — Potholes, poles and trees won’t telephone path but may into your move strategy. riding infuence your signals, including for traffic signs, regulatory signs, warning help markings, to and pavement circumstances evaluate you ahead. path and into your move May a crash. of increase the likelihood Communicate lights and/or horn. speed Adjust your accelerating, stopping or slowing. position Adjust your direction. XECUTE E hazard: any minimize harm from • • • or more at a time” to handle two to permitAdjust speed two hazards. Then deal with hazards to separate. them one at a time as single hazards. Decision-making becomes more three or more hazards. with complex the consequences of each and Weigh equal distance to the hazards. give • characteristics surface Road and • devices control Traffic • traffic and other Vehicles to maintain a requirements in order must leave You of safety. margin an time to react if yourself arises. emergency that may turn that may road conditions. coming from the left and approaching from behind. Be especially alert in areas with Be especially hazards can Think about how Search aggressively ahead, to the ahead, Search aggressively as: such factors for Search Good experienced riders remain remain riders experienced Good xecute valuate earch Let’s examine each of these steps. examine Let’s Hazardous E Oncoming traffic left in front of you. Traffic right. Traffic S E VALUATE EARCH • “busy” Visually limited visibility. surroundings and you could hide from others. motorcycle your E interact to create risks for you. and Anticipate potential problems a plan to reduce risks. have • S potential avoid sides and behind to arise. How before they hazards even search, and how you assertively can have, much time and space you even eliminate or reduce harm. Focus more on finding potential escape routes in or around intersections, shopping areas and school and construction zones. • • • SEE on around is going of what aware riding their improve They them. three-step using SEE, a by strategy appropriate to make process used correctly them and apply judgments, situations: traffic in different • • can be when you put collect along the as possible. If you slowly Cautious riders steer clear of brake lever gradually to avoid to lever gradually brake wheel. the front locking the pressure on gentle Remember, rear brake. When it when wet. hazardous ride in the tire tracks starts to rain, Often, the left tire left by cars. be the best position, track will and other depending on traffic road conditions as well. your foot down to stop or park. your foot down to stop may slip and fall. You sides of the road — especially on sides of the road — to and curves and ramps leading aware of from highways. Be on the edge of the road, what’s particularly when making sharp turns and getting on or off freeways at high speeds. on some sections of a road than on others. Patches of ice tend to develop in low or shaded areas and on bridges and overpasses. or wet leaves are just surfaces Wet Ride on the least as slippery. slippery portion of the lane and reduce speed. • The center of a lane • for Watch oil spots • and gravel Dirt surface so slippery encounter a large that you must coast, or travel at a walking pace, consider letting your feet skim along the surface. If the motorcycle starts to fall, you can the catch yourself. Be sure to keep off brakes. If possible, squeeze the clutch this maneuver Attempting and coast. at anything other than the slowest of speeds could prove hazardous. • dries and snow melts faster Rain If roads covered with ice or snow. avoid a slippery surface, you can’t keep your motorcycle straight up and proceed as — Any , roll on the , roll on the — The front — Slow down , particularly just , or where sand and off the seat with your the seat off URFACES S Motorcycles handle better when Motorcycles handle ride safely on slippery To If you ride over an object on the If you ride over an sudden change in speed or direction can cause a skid. Be as smooth as possible when you speed up, shift gears, turn or brake. even on a brake is still effective, slippery surface. Squeeze the after it starts to rain and before surface oil washes to the side of the road. gravel collect. steel plates and manhole covers, especially when wet. before you get to a slippery surface to lessen your chances of skidding. more motorcycle needs Your And it is distance to stop. particularly important to reduce speed before entering wet curves. weight on the footrests to absorb to on the footrests weight and your knees with the shock avoid being thrown elbows, and motorcycle. the off front to lighten the throttle slightly end. LIPPERY • Use Both Brakes S permit good ridden on surfaces that provide poor traction. Surfaces that traction include: • pavement Wet • Gravel roads • and ice. Mud, snow, • markings (painted lines), Lane surfaces: • Speed Reduce • Sudden Moves Avoid • slightly Rise • contact Just before the road and check street, pull off damage before your tires and rims for riding any farther. 28 In potential high-risk areas, such INTERSECTIONS Change lane position depending on HANDLING DANGEROUS D ANGEROUS as intersections, shopping areas and The greatest potential for traffic, road conditions and curve of SURFACES school and construction zones, cover the road. If no traffic is present, start conflict between you and other traffic Your chance of falling or being the clutch and both brakes to reduce at the outside of a curve to increase is at intersections. An intersection involved in a crash increases the time you need to react. your line of sight and the effective can be in the middle of an urban area whenever you ride across: or at a driveway on a residential radius of the turn. As you turn, move • Uneven surfaces or obstacles. S URFACES

NTERSECTIONS street — anywhere traffic may cross toward the inside of the curve, and as I your path of travel. Over one-half of you pass the center, move to the • Slippery surfaces. motorcycle/car crashes are caused by outside to exit. • Railroad tracks. drivers entering a rider’s right-of- 5 Test Yourself Another alternative is to move way. Cars that turn left in front of • Grooves and gratings. To reduce your reaction time, you you, including cars turning left from to the center of your lane before should: UNEVEN SURFACES AND the lane to your right, and cars on entering a curve — and stay there A. Ride slower than the speed limit. side streets that pull into your lane, until you exit. This permits you to OBSTACLES B. Cover the clutch and the brakes. are the biggest dangers. Yo ur use spot approaching traffic as soon as Watch for uneven surfaces such C. Shift into neutral when slowing. of SEE [p. 17] at intersections possible. You can also adjust for as bumps, broken pavement, potholes D. Pull in the clutch when turning. traffic “crowding” the center line, or Answer - page 40 is critical. or small pieces of highway trash. debris blocking part of your lane. There are no guarantees that Try to avoid obstacles by others see you. Never count on “eye slowing or going around them. If you contact” as a sign that a driver will must go over the obstacle, first yield. Too often, a driver looks right determine if it is possible. Approach at a motorcyclist and still fails to it at as close to a 90˚ angle as “see” him or her. The only eyes that possible. Look where you want to go you can count on are your own. If a to control your path of travel. If you car can enter your path, assume that it 8 Test Yourself have to ride over the obstacle, you will. Good riders are always “looking The best way to stop quickly is to: should: for trouble” — not to get into it, but to A. Use the front brake only. stay out of it. B. Use the rear brake first. • Slow down as much as possible C. Throttle down and use the front before contact. Increase your chances of being brake. seen at intersections. Ride with your D. Use both brakes at the same time. • Make sure the motorcycle is headlight on in a lane position that Answer - page 40 straight. provides the best view of oncoming traffic. Provide a space cushion around the motorcycle that permits OBSTACLES you to take evasive action.

SMALL INTERSECTIONS

18 27 feet solidly on the footrests. Let the CORNERING LARGE INTERSECTIONS motorcycle move underneath you. A primary cause of single- Make your escape route the target of vehicle crashes is motorcyclists your vision. Press on the opposite running wide in a curve or turn and handlegrip once you clear the ORNERING colliding with the roadway or a fixed C obstacle to return you to your original object. direction of travel. To swerve to the left, press the left handlegrip, then Every curve is different. Be alert press the right to recover. To swerve to whether a curve remains constant, to the right, press right, then left. gradually widens, gets tighter or involves multiple turns. IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED, Ride within your skill level and SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING. posted speed limits. Brake before or after — never while swerving. Your best path may not always follow the curve of the road.

CONSTANT CURVES MULTIPLE CURVES

As you approach the intersection, cross street can see him as soon as select a lane position that increases possible. your visibility to the driver. Cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce BLIND INTERSECTIONS reaction time. Reduce your speed as you approach an intersection. After entering the intersection, move away from vehicles preparing to turn. Do not change speed or position DECREASING CURVES (TIGHTER TURNS) WIDENING CURVES 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

26 19 in the last few feet of stopping. The S

STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS STOPPING DISTANCE WERVING motorcycle should then be straight up ARS

C and in balance.

SWERVING OR TURNING

ARKED QUICKLY P 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 stop. The only way to avoid a crash If you have a stop sign or stop same time to stop. The front brake can provide 70% or more of the may be to turn quickly, or swerve line, stop there first. Then edge around it. forward and stop again, just short of potential stopping power. where the cross-traffic lane meets If you must stop quickly while A swerve is any sudden change your lane. From that position, lean In either event, the driver might turning or riding a curve, the best in direction. It can be two quick your body forward and look around cut into your path. Slow down or technique is to straighten the bike turns, or a rapid shift to the side. change lanes to make room for buildings, parked cars or bushes to upright first and then brake. Apply a small amount of hand someone cutting in. see if anything is coming. Just make However, it may not always be pressure to the handlegrip located on sure your front wheel stays out of the Cars making a sudden U-turn are possible to straighten the motorcycle the side of your intended direction of cross lane of travel while you’re the most dangerous. They may cut and then stop. If you must brake escape. This will cause the looking. you off entirely, blocking the whole while leaning, apply light brakes and motorcycle to lean quickly. The roadway and leaving you with no PASSING PARKED CARS reduce the throttle. As you slow, you sharper the turn(s), the more the place to go. Since you can’t tell what When passing parked cars, stay can reduce your lean angle and apply motorcycle must lean. a driver will do, slow down and get toward the left of your lane. You can more brake pressure until the the driver’s attention. Sound your Keep your body upright and avoid problems caused by doors horn and continue with caution. motorcycle is straight and maximum allow the motorcycle to lean in the opening, drivers getting out of cars or brake pressure is possible. You direction of the turn while keeping people stepping from between cars. If PARKING AT THE ROADSIDE should “straighten” the handlebars your knees against the tank and your oncoming traffic is present, it is Park at a 90˚ angle to the curb with usually best to remain in the center- your rear wheel touching the curb. lane position to maximize your space SWERVE, THEN BRAKE BRAKE, THEN SWERVE cushion. A bigger problem can occur if PARKING AT CURBS the driver pulls away from the curb without checking for traffic behind. Even if he does look, he may fail to see you. 6 Test Yourself Making eye contact with other drivers: A. Is a good sign they see you. B. Is not worth the effort it takes. C. Doesn’t mean that the driver will yield. D. Guarantees that the other driver will yield to you. Answer - page 40

20 25 RIDING AT NIGHT CRASH AVOIDANCE INCREASING Reflective material on a vest and C on the sides of the helmet will help LOTHING At night it is harder for you to No matter how careful you are, CONSPICUITY drivers coming from the side to spot IDING see and be seen. Picking your there will be times when you find

R In crashes with motorcyclists, headlight or taillight out of the car yourself in a tight spot. Your chances you. Reflective material can also be a drivers often say that they never saw lights around you is not easy for other of getting out safely depend on your big help for drivers coming toward the motorcycle. From ahead or drivers. To compensate, you should: ability to react quickly and properly. you or from behind. IGHT behind, a motorcycle’s outline is

N • Reduce Your Speed — Ride even Often, a crash occurs because a rider much smaller than a car’s. Also, it’s slower than you would during the is not prepared or skilled in crash- HEADLIGHT hard to see something you are not day — particularly on roads you avoidance maneuvers. The best way to help others see don’t know well. This will increase looking for, and most drivers are not your motorcycle is to keep the your chances of avoiding a hazard. Know when and how to stop or looking for motorcycles. More likely, swerve, two skills critical in avoiding headlight on — at all times • Increase Distance — Distances they are looking through the skinny, a crash. It is not always desirable or two-wheeled silhouette in search of (although motorcycles sold in the are harder to judge at night than USA since 1978 automatically have during the day. Your eyes rely possible to stop quickly to avoid an cars that may pose a problem to the headlights on when running). upon shadows and light contrasts obstacle. Riders must also be able to them. Studies show that, during the day, a to determine how far away an swerve around an obstacle. Deter- Even if a driver does see you

motorcycle with its light on is twice L object is and how fast it is coming. mining which skill is necessary for coming, you aren’t necessarily safe. as likely to be noticed. Use low IGHTS These contrasts are missing or dis- the situation is important as well. Smaller vehicles appear farther away beam at night and in fog. torted under artificial lights at Studies show that most crash- and seem to be traveling slower than night. Open up a three-second fol- involved riders: they actually are. It is common for lowing distance or more. And drivers to pull out in front of SIGNALS VOIDANCE allow more distance to pass and • Underbrake the front tire and A be passed. overbrake the rear. motorcyclists, thinking they have The signals on a motorcycle are plenty of time. Too often, they similar to those on a car. They tell • Use the Car Ahead — The •Did notseparate braking from are wrong. others what you plan to do.

RASH headlights of the car ahead can swerving or did not choose However, you can do many C give you a better view of the road swerving when it was appropriate. than even your high beam can. things to make it easier for others to Taillights bouncing up and down The following information offers recognize you and your motorcycle. can alert you to bumps or rough some good advice. pavement. CLOTHING SIGNALING • Use Your High Beam — Get all QUICK STOPS the light you can. Use your high To stop quickly, apply both Most crashes occur in broad daylight. Wear bright-colored beam whenever you are not brakes at the same time. Don’t be shy following or meeting a car. Be clothing to increase your chances of S about using the front brake, but don’t IGNALS being seen. Remember, your body is visible: Wear reflective materials “grab” it, either. Squeeze the brake

TOPS when riding at night. half of the visible surface area of the

S lever firmly and progressively. If the rider/motorcycle unit. • Be Flexible About Lane Position. front wheel locks, release the front Change to whatever portion of the brake immediately then reapply it Bright orange, red, yellow or

UICK lane is best able to help you see, be firmly. At the same time, press down green jackets or vests are your best Q seen and keep an adequate space bets for being seen. Your helmet can cushion. on the rear brake. If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good traction do more than protect you in a crash. 7 Test Yourself surface, you can keep it locked until Brightly colored helmets can also Reflective clothing should: you have completely stopped; but, help others see you. A. Be worn at night. even with a locked rear wheel, you Any bright color is better than B. Be worn during the day. can control the motorcycle on a drab or dark colors. Reflective, C. Not be worn. straightaway if it is upright and going bright-colored clothing (helmet and D. Be worn day and night Answer - page 40 in a straight line. jacket or vest) is best.

24 21 However, due to a rider’s added • You slow where others may not USING MIRRORS HEAD CHECKS H EAD vulnerability, signals are even more expect it (in the middle of a Checking your mirrors is not important. Use them anytime you block or at an alley). enough. Motorcycles have “blind plan to change lanes or turn. Use C If you are being followed spots” like cars. Before you change HECKS them even when you think no one closely, it’s a good idea to flash your lanes, turn your head, and look to the else is around. It’s the car you don’t brake light before you slow. The side for other vehicles. see that’s going to give you the tailgater may be watching you and On a road with several lanes, most trouble. Your signal lights also not see something ahead that will make you easier to spot. That’s why check the far lane and the one next make you slow down. This will to you. A driver in the distant lane it’s a good idea to use your turn hopefully discourage them from signals even when what you plan to may head for the same space you tailgating and warn them of hazards plan to take. do is obvious. ahead they may not see. Frequent head checks should When you enter onto a be your normal scanning routine, USING YOUR MIRRORS freeway, drivers approaching also. Only by knowing what is from behind are more likely to see While it’s most important to happening all around you are you your signal blinking and make room keep track of what’s happening fully prepared to deal with it. H for you. ahead, you can’t afford to ignore ORN Turning your signal light on situations behind. Traffic conditions HORN IRRORS before each turn reduces confusion change quickly. Knowing what’s Some motorcycles have rounded Be ready to use your horn to

M going on behind is essential for you and frustration for the traffic around (convex) mirrors. These provide a to make a safe decision about how to get someone’s attention quickly. you. Once you turn, make sure your wider view of the road behind than handle trouble ahead. OUR signal is off or a driver may pull do flat mirrors. They also make cars It is a good idea to give a quick Y directly into your path, thinking you Frequent mirror checks should seem farther away than they really beep before passing anyone that plan to turn again. Use your signals be part of your normal searching are. If you are not used to convex may move into your lane.

SING at every turn so drivers can react routine. Make a special point of using mirrors, get familiar with them. Here are some situations: U accordingly. Don’t make them your mirrors: (While you are stopped, pick out a • A driver in the lane next to you is guess what you intend to do. • When you are stopped at an parked car in your mirror. Form a driving too closely to the vehicle intersection. Watch cars coming up mental image of how far away it is. ahead and may want to pass. BRAKE LIGHT from behind. If the drivers aren’t Then, turn around and look at it to • A parked car has someone in the Your motorcycle’s brake light is paying attention, they could be on see how close you came.) Practice driver’s seat. usually not as noticeable as the brake top of you before they see you. with your mirrors until you become a good judge of distance. Even then, • Someone is in the street, riding a lights on a car — particularly when • Before you change lanes. Make bicycle or walking. your taillight is on. (It goes on with sure no one is about to pass you. allow extra distance before you change lanes. In an emergency, press the horn the headlight.) If the situation will • Before you slow down. The driver permit, help others notice you by button loud and long. Be ready to behind may not expect you to stop or swerve away from the danger. flashing your brake light before you slow, or may be unsure about slow down. It is especially important where you will slow. For example, Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s to flash your brake light before: you signal a turn and the driver horn isn’t as loud as a car’s — • You slow more quickly than thinks you plan to turn at a distant therefore, use it, but don’t rely on it. others might expect (turning off a intersection, rather than at a nearer Other strategies may be appropriate high-speed highway). driveway. along with the horn.

22 23 However, due to a rider’s added • You slow where others may not USING MIRRORS HEAD CHECKS H EAD vulnerability, signals are even more expect it (in the middle of a Checking your mirrors is not important. Use them anytime you block or at an alley). enough. Motorcycles have “blind plan to change lanes or turn. Use C If you are being followed spots” like cars. Before you change HECKS them even when you think no one closely, it’s a good idea to flash your lanes, turn your head, and look to the else is around. It’s the car you don’t brake light before you slow. The side for other vehicles. see that’s going to give you the tailgater may be watching you and On a road with several lanes, most trouble. Your signal lights also not see something ahead that will make you easier to spot. That’s why check the far lane and the one next make you slow down. This will to you. A driver in the distant lane it’s a good idea to use your turn hopefully discourage them from signals even when what you plan to may head for the same space you tailgating and warn them of hazards plan to take. do is obvious. ahead they may not see. Frequent head checks should When you enter onto a be your normal scanning routine, USING YOUR MIRRORS freeway, drivers approaching also. Only by knowing what is from behind are more likely to see While it’s most important to happening all around you are you your signal blinking and make room keep track of what’s happening fully prepared to deal with it. H for you. ahead, you can’t afford to ignore ORN Turning your signal light on situations behind. Traffic conditions HORN IRRORS before each turn reduces confusion change quickly. Knowing what’s Some motorcycles have rounded Be ready to use your horn to

M going on behind is essential for you and frustration for the traffic around (convex) mirrors. These provide a to make a safe decision about how to get someone’s attention quickly. you. Once you turn, make sure your wider view of the road behind than handle trouble ahead. OUR signal is off or a driver may pull do flat mirrors. They also make cars It is a good idea to give a quick Y directly into your path, thinking you Frequent mirror checks should seem farther away than they really beep before passing anyone that plan to turn again. Use your signals be part of your normal searching are. If you are not used to convex may move into your lane.

SING at every turn so drivers can react routine. Make a special point of using mirrors, get familiar with them. Here are some situations: U accordingly. Don’t make them your mirrors: (While you are stopped, pick out a • A driver in the lane next to you is guess what you intend to do. • When you are stopped at an parked car in your mirror. Form a driving too closely to the vehicle intersection. Watch cars coming up mental image of how far away it is. ahead and may want to pass. BRAKE LIGHT from behind. If the drivers aren’t Then, turn around and look at it to • A parked car has someone in the Your motorcycle’s brake light is paying attention, they could be on see how close you came.) Practice driver’s seat. usually not as noticeable as the brake top of you before they see you. with your mirrors until you become a good judge of distance. Even then, • Someone is in the street, riding a lights on a car — particularly when • Before you change lanes. Make bicycle or walking. your taillight is on. (It goes on with sure no one is about to pass you. allow extra distance before you change lanes. In an emergency, press the horn the headlight.) If the situation will • Before you slow down. The driver permit, help others notice you by button loud and long. Be ready to behind may not expect you to stop or swerve away from the danger. flashing your brake light before you slow, or may be unsure about slow down. It is especially important where you will slow. For example, Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s to flash your brake light before: you signal a turn and the driver horn isn’t as loud as a car’s — • You slow more quickly than thinks you plan to turn at a distant therefore, use it, but don’t rely on it. others might expect (turning off a intersection, rather than at a nearer Other strategies may be appropriate high-speed highway). driveway. along with the horn.

22 23 RIDING AT NIGHT CRASH AVOIDANCE INCREASING Reflective material on a vest and C on the sides of the helmet will help LOTHING At night it is harder for you to No matter how careful you are, CONSPICUITY drivers coming from the side to spot IDING see and be seen. Picking your there will be times when you find

R In crashes with motorcyclists, headlight or taillight out of the car yourself in a tight spot. Your chances you. Reflective material can also be a drivers often say that they never saw lights around you is not easy for other of getting out safely depend on your big help for drivers coming toward the motorcycle. From ahead or drivers. To compensate, you should: ability to react quickly and properly. you or from behind. IGHT behind, a motorcycle’s outline is

N • Reduce Your Speed — Ride even Often, a crash occurs because a rider much smaller than a car’s. Also, it’s slower than you would during the is not prepared or skilled in crash- HEADLIGHT hard to see something you are not day — particularly on roads you avoidance maneuvers. The best way to help others see don’t know well. This will increase looking for, and most drivers are not your motorcycle is to keep the your chances of avoiding a hazard. Know when and how to stop or looking for motorcycles. More likely, swerve, two skills critical in avoiding headlight on — at all times • Increase Distance — Distances they are looking through the skinny, a crash. It is not always desirable or two-wheeled silhouette in search of (although motorcycles sold in the are harder to judge at night than USA since 1978 automatically have during the day. Your eyes rely possible to stop quickly to avoid an cars that may pose a problem to the headlights on when running). upon shadows and light contrasts obstacle. Riders must also be able to them. Studies show that, during the day, a to determine how far away an swerve around an obstacle. Deter- Even if a driver does see you

motorcycle with its light on is twice L object is and how fast it is coming. mining which skill is necessary for coming, you aren’t necessarily safe. as likely to be noticed. Use low IGHTS These contrasts are missing or dis- the situation is important as well. Smaller vehicles appear farther away beam at night and in fog. torted under artificial lights at Studies show that most crash- and seem to be traveling slower than night. Open up a three-second fol- involved riders: they actually are. It is common for lowing distance or more. And drivers to pull out in front of SIGNALS VOIDANCE allow more distance to pass and • Underbrake the front tire and A be passed. overbrake the rear. motorcyclists, thinking they have The signals on a motorcycle are plenty of time. Too often, they similar to those on a car. They tell • Use the Car Ahead — The •Did notseparate braking from are wrong. others what you plan to do.

RASH headlights of the car ahead can swerving or did not choose However, you can do many C give you a better view of the road swerving when it was appropriate. than even your high beam can. things to make it easier for others to Taillights bouncing up and down The following information offers recognize you and your motorcycle. can alert you to bumps or rough some good advice. pavement. CLOTHING SIGNALING • Use Your High Beam — Get all QUICK STOPS the light you can. Use your high To stop quickly, apply both Most crashes occur in broad daylight. Wear bright-colored beam whenever you are not brakes at the same time. Don’t be shy following or meeting a car. Be clothing to increase your chances of S about using the front brake, but don’t IGNALS being seen. Remember, your body is visible: Wear reflective materials “grab” it, either. Squeeze the brake

TOPS when riding at night. half of the visible surface area of the

S lever firmly and progressively. If the rider/motorcycle unit. • Be Flexible About Lane Position. front wheel locks, release the front Change to whatever portion of the brake immediately then reapply it Bright orange, red, yellow or

UICK lane is best able to help you see, be firmly. At the same time, press down green jackets or vests are your best Q seen and keep an adequate space bets for being seen. Your helmet can cushion. on the rear brake. If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good traction do more than protect you in a crash. 7 Test Yourself surface, you can keep it locked until Brightly colored helmets can also Reflective clothing should: you have completely stopped; but, help others see you. A. Be worn at night. even with a locked rear wheel, you Any bright color is better than B. Be worn during the day. can control the motorcycle on a drab or dark colors. Reflective, C. Not be worn. straightaway if it is upright and going bright-colored clothing (helmet and D. Be worn day and night Answer - page 40 in a straight line. jacket or vest) is best.

24 21 in the last few feet of stopping. The S

STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS STOPPING DISTANCE WERVING motorcycle should then be straight up ARS

C and in balance.

SWERVING OR TURNING

ARKED QUICKLY P 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 stop. The only way to avoid a crash If you have a stop sign or stop same time to stop. The front brake can provide 70% or more of the may be to turn quickly, or swerve line, stop there first. Then edge around it. forward and stop again, just short of potential stopping power. where the cross-traffic lane meets If you must stop quickly while A swerve is any sudden change your lane. From that position, lean In either event, the driver might turning or riding a curve, the best in direction. It can be two quick your body forward and look around cut into your path. Slow down or technique is to straighten the bike turns, or a rapid shift to the side. change lanes to make room for buildings, parked cars or bushes to upright first and then brake. Apply a small amount of hand someone cutting in. see if anything is coming. Just make However, it may not always be pressure to the handlegrip located on sure your front wheel stays out of the Cars making a sudden U-turn are possible to straighten the motorcycle the side of your intended direction of cross lane of travel while you’re the most dangerous. They may cut and then stop. If you must brake escape. This will cause the looking. you off entirely, blocking the whole while leaning, apply light brakes and motorcycle to lean quickly. The roadway and leaving you with no PASSING PARKED CARS reduce the throttle. As you slow, you sharper the turn(s), the more the place to go. Since you can’t tell what When passing parked cars, stay can reduce your lean angle and apply motorcycle must lean. a driver will do, slow down and get toward the left of your lane. You can more brake pressure until the the driver’s attention. Sound your Keep your body upright and avoid problems caused by doors horn and continue with caution. motorcycle is straight and maximum allow the motorcycle to lean in the opening, drivers getting out of cars or brake pressure is possible. You direction of the turn while keeping people stepping from between cars. If PARKING AT THE ROADSIDE should “straighten” the handlebars your knees against the tank and your oncoming traffic is present, it is Park at a 90˚ angle to the curb with usually best to remain in the center- your rear wheel touching the curb. lane position to maximize your space SWERVE, THEN BRAKE BRAKE, THEN SWERVE cushion. A bigger problem can occur if PARKING AT CURBS the driver pulls away from the curb without checking for traffic behind. Even if he does look, he may fail to see you. 6 Test Yourself Making eye contact with other drivers: A. Is a good sign they see you. B. Is not worth the effort it takes. C. Doesn’t mean that the driver will yield. D. Guarantees that the other driver will yield to you. Answer - page 40

20 25 feet solidly on the footrests. Let the CORNERING LARGE INTERSECTIONS motorcycle move underneath you. A primary cause of single- Make your escape route the target of vehicle crashes is motorcyclists your vision. Press on the opposite running wide in a curve or turn and handlegrip once you clear the ORNERING colliding with the roadway or a fixed C obstacle to return you to your original object. direction of travel. To swerve to the left, press the left handlegrip, then Every curve is different. Be alert press the right to recover. To swerve to whether a curve remains constant, to the right, press right, then left. gradually widens, gets tighter or involves multiple turns. IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED, Ride within your skill level and SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING. posted speed limits. Brake before or after — never while swerving. Your best path may not always follow the curve of the road.

CONSTANT CURVES MULTIPLE CURVES

As you approach the intersection, cross street can see him as soon as select a lane position that increases possible. your visibility to the driver. Cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce BLIND INTERSECTIONS reaction time. Reduce your speed as you approach an intersection. After entering the intersection, move away from vehicles preparing to turn. Do not change speed or position DECREASING CURVES (TIGHTER TURNS) WIDENING CURVES 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

26 19 In potential high-risk areas, such INTERSECTIONS Change lane position depending on HANDLING DANGEROUS D ANGEROUS as intersections, shopping areas and The greatest potential for traffic, road conditions and curve of SURFACES school and construction zones, cover the road. If no traffic is present, start conflict between you and other traffic Your chance of falling or being the clutch and both brakes to reduce at the outside of a curve to increase is at intersections. An intersection involved in a crash increases the time you need to react. your line of sight and the effective can be in the middle of an urban area whenever you ride across: or at a driveway on a residential radius of the turn. As you turn, move • Uneven surfaces or obstacles. S URFACES

NTERSECTIONS street — anywhere traffic may cross toward the inside of the curve, and as I your path of travel. Over one-half of you pass the center, move to the • Slippery surfaces. motorcycle/car crashes are caused by outside to exit. • Railroad tracks. drivers entering a rider’s right-of- 5 Test Yourself Another alternative is to move way. Cars that turn left in front of • Grooves and gratings. To reduce your reaction time, you you, including cars turning left from to the center of your lane before should: UNEVEN SURFACES AND the lane to your right, and cars on entering a curve — and stay there A. Ride slower than the speed limit. side streets that pull into your lane, until you exit. This permits you to OBSTACLES B. Cover the clutch and the brakes. are the biggest dangers. Yo ur use spot approaching traffic as soon as Watch for uneven surfaces such C. Shift into neutral when slowing. of SEE [p. 17] at intersections possible. You can also adjust for as bumps, broken pavement, potholes D. Pull in the clutch when turning. traffic “crowding” the center line, or Answer - page 40 is critical. or small pieces of highway trash. debris blocking part of your lane. There are no guarantees that Try to avoid obstacles by others see you. Never count on “eye slowing or going around them. If you contact” as a sign that a driver will must go over the obstacle, first yield. Too often, a driver looks right determine if it is possible. Approach at a motorcyclist and still fails to it at as close to a 90˚ angle as “see” him or her. The only eyes that possible. Look where you want to go you can count on are your own. If a to control your path of travel. If you car can enter your path, assume that it 8 Test Yourself have to ride over the obstacle, you will. Good riders are always “looking The best way to stop quickly is to: should: for trouble” — not to get into it, but to A. Use the front brake only. stay out of it. B. Use the rear brake first. • Slow down as much as possible C. Throttle down and use the front before contact. Increase your chances of being brake. seen at intersections. Ride with your D. Use both brakes at the same time. • Make sure the motorcycle is headlight on in a lane position that Answer - page 40 straight. provides the best view of oncoming traffic. Provide a space cushion around the motorcycle that permits OBSTACLES you to take evasive action.

SMALL INTERSECTIONS

18 27 SEE 17 Look

— — and/or by your presence with your Carry decision. out your space and more create To the old adage “one step Apply Think about your time and space Think about your — Potholes, guardrails, bridges, bridges, guardrails, — Potholes, poles and trees won’t telephone path but may into your move strategy. riding infuence your signals, including for traffic signs, regulatory signs, warning help markings, to and pavement circumstances evaluate you ahead. path and into your move May a crash. of increase the likelihood Communicate lights and/or horn. speed Adjust your accelerating, stopping or slowing. position Adjust your direction. XECUTE E hazard: any minimize harm from • • • or more at a time” to handle two to permitAdjust speed two hazards. Then deal with hazards to separate. them one at a time as single hazards. Decision-making becomes more three or more hazards. with complex the consequences of each and Weigh equal distance to the hazards. give • characteristics surface Road and • devices control Traffic • traffic and other Vehicles to maintain a requirements in order must leave You of safety. margin an time to react if yourself arises. emergency that may turn that may road conditions. coming from the left and approaching from behind. Be especially alert in areas with Be especially hazards can Think about how Search aggressively ahead, to the ahead, Search aggressively as: such factors for Search Good experienced riders remain remain riders experienced Good xecute valuate earch Let’s examine each of these steps. examine Let’s Hazardous E Oncoming traffic left in front of you. Traffic right. Traffic S E VALUATE EARCH • “busy” Visually limited visibility. surroundings and you could hide from others. motorcycle your E interact to create risks for you. and Anticipate potential problems a plan to reduce risks. have • S potential avoid sides and behind to arise. How before they hazards even search, and how you assertively can have, much time and space you even eliminate or reduce harm. Focus more on finding potential escape routes in or around intersections, shopping areas and school and construction zones. • • • SEE on around is going of what aware riding their improve They them. three-step using SEE, a by strategy appropriate to make process used correctly them and apply judgments, situations: traffic in different • • can be when you put collect along the as possible. If you slowly Cautious riders steer clear of brake lever gradually to avoid to lever gradually brake wheel. the front locking the pressure on gentle Remember, rear brake. When it when wet. hazardous ride in the tire tracks starts to rain, Often, the left tire left by cars. be the best position, track will and other depending on traffic road conditions as well. your foot down to stop or park. your foot down to stop may slip and fall. You sides of the road — especially on sides of the road — to and curves and ramps leading aware of from highways. Be on the edge of the road, what’s particularly when making sharp turns and getting on or off freeways at high speeds. on some sections of a road than on others. Patches of ice tend to develop in low or shaded areas and on bridges and overpasses. or wet leaves are just surfaces Wet Ride on the least as slippery. slippery portion of the lane and reduce speed. • The center of a lane • for Watch oil spots • and gravel Dirt surface so slippery encounter a large that you must coast, or travel at a walking pace, consider letting your feet skim along the surface. If the motorcycle starts to fall, you can the catch yourself. Be sure to keep off brakes. If possible, squeeze the clutch this maneuver Attempting and coast. at anything other than the slowest of speeds could prove hazardous. • dries and snow melts faster Rain If roads covered with ice or snow. avoid a slippery surface, you can’t keep your motorcycle straight up and proceed as — Any , roll on the , roll on the — The front — Slow down , particularly just , or where sand and off the seat with your the seat off URFACES S Motorcycles handle better when Motorcycles handle ride safely on slippery To If you ride over an object on the If you ride over an sudden change in speed or direction can cause a skid. Be as smooth as possible when you speed up, shift gears, turn or brake. even on a brake is still effective, slippery surface. Squeeze the after it starts to rain and before surface oil washes to the side of the road. gravel collect. steel plates and manhole covers, especially when wet. before you get to a slippery surface to lessen your chances of skidding. more motorcycle needs Your And it is distance to stop. particularly important to reduce speed before entering wet curves. weight on the footrests to absorb to on the footrests weight and your knees with the shock avoid being thrown elbows, and motorcycle. the off front to lighten the throttle slightly end. LIPPERY • Use Both Brakes S permit good ridden on surfaces that provide poor traction. Surfaces that traction include: • pavement Wet • Gravel roads • and ice. Mud, snow, • markings (painted lines), Lane surfaces: • Speed Reduce • Sudden Moves Avoid • slightly Rise • contact Just before the road and check street, pull off damage before your tires and rims for riding any farther. 28 LANE SHARING 16 Whenyou • Whenyou • •When Inheavy they• Drivers aremosttemptedtodothis: might betemptedtosqueezebyyou. portion positionwheneverdrivers sharing byothers.Keepacenter- could turnsuddenly. Discouragelane of awindow;doorcouldopen;car hand couldcomeout unexpected. A leave youvulnerabletothe or movingcarsinthesamelanecan usually prohibited. lane tooperatesafely. Lanesharingis them plentyofroom.Changeto not seeyouonthehighway. Give M L MERGING ANE exit laneorleavingahighway. an intersection. traffic. ERGING Riding betweenrowsofstopped Cars andmotorcyclesneedafull Drivers onanentrancerampmay S HARING , bumper-to-bumper C are movingintoan are preparingtoturnat want topassyou. ARS traffic onbothsides. drop backtofindaplaceclearof danger inyourownlane.Speedupor block yourescapeifyoucomeupon warning. Carsinthenextlanealso switch intoyourlanewithout car inthenextlane,whichcould You mightbeintheblindspotofa in otherlanesifyoudonothaveto. C merging driver. speed toopenupspaceforthe no roomforalanechange,adjust another laneifoneisopen.Ifthere BLIND SPOTS Test Yourself 4 .Ignore them. D. Speeduptoputdistancebetween C. Useyourhornandmakeobscene B. Changelanesandletthempass. A. tailgaters isto: Usually, agoodwaytohandle ARS you andthetailgater. gestures. Do notridenexttocarsortrucks A LONGSIDE Answer -page40 parallel toyourcourse,movefar lane oftraffic. your pathmaycarryyouintoanother 90 Turning totaketrackshead-on(ata within yourlanetocrosstracks. T R CROSSTRACKS-WRONG CROSSTRACKS-RIGHT AALLTRACKS-WRONG PARALLEL TRACKS-RIGHT PARALLEL RACKS AND AILROAD ˚ angle)canbemoredangerous— For trackandroadseamsthatrun Usually itissafertoridestraight T P RACKS AVEMENT , T ROLLEY S EAMS wandering feeling. is farmorehazardousthanthe zigzag tostayinthelane. The zigzag Crossing atanangleforcesridersto speed andridestraightacross. hazardous. Relax,maintainasteady wandering feelingisgenerallynot motorcycle toweave. The uneasy, bridge gratingsmaycausea G your tiresandthrowyouoff balance. sharp turn.Edgingacrosscouldcatch of atleast45 pavement seamstocrossatanangle enough awayfromtracks,ruts,or GRATE CROSSINGS-WRONG GRATE CROSSINGS-RIGHT Test Yourself 9 .Increase yourspeed. D. Rideinthetiretracksleft bycars. C. Pulloff to thesideuntilrain B. Rideinthecenteroflane. A. best to: When itstartstorainisusually ROOVES AND stops. Riding overraingroovesor ˚ . Then, makeaquick, G RATINGS Answer -page40

29

G T RATINGS AND RACKING TUCK HROTTLE stay in the center portion of your P MECHANICAL S T PASSING ASSING PROBLEMS Twist the throttle back and forth 1. Ride in the left portion of the lane. Riding any closer to them could put you in a hazardous situation. several times. If the throttle cable is lane at a safe following distance You can find yourself in an stuck, this may free it. If the throttle to increase your line of sight and Avoid being hit by: ROBLEMS emergency the moment something make you more visible. Signal

P stays stuck, immediately operate the • The other vehicle — A slight goes wrong with your motorcycle. In engine cut-off switch and pull in the and check for oncoming traffic. mistake by you or the passing dealing with any mechanical Use your mirrors and turn your clutch at the same time. This will driver could cause a sideswipe. problem, take into account the road head to look for traffic behind. remove power from the rear wheel, • Extended mirrors — Some and traffic conditions you face. Here though engine sound may not 2. When safe, move into the left lane drivers forget that their mirrors are some guidelines that can help you immediately decline. Once the and accelerate. Select a lane hang out farther than their fenders.

ECHANICAL handle mechanical problems safely. position that doesn’t crowd the motorcycle is “under control,” pull • Objects thrown from windows

M car you are passing and pro- — Even if the driver knows you’re off and stop. vides space to avoid hazards in TIRE FAILURE there, a passenger may not see you After you have stopped, check your lane. You will seldom hear a tire go and might toss something on you the throttle cable carefully to find the 3. Ride through the blind spot as flat. If the motorcycle starts handling or the road ahead of you. source of the trouble. Make certain quickly as possible. differently, it may be a tire failure. the throttle works freely before you • Blasts of wind from larger B This can be dangerous. You must be 4. Signal again, and complete mirror vehicles — They can affect your EING start to ride again. and headchecks before returning able to tell from the way the control. You have more room for to your original lane and then error if you are in the middle

motorcycle reacts. If one of your tires P WOBBLE cancel the signal. portion when hit by this blast suddenly loses air, react quickly to ASSED Remember, passes must be than if you are on either side of keep your balance. Pull off and check A “wobble” occurs when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly completed within posted speed limits, the lane. the tires. and only where permitted. Know your start to shake from side to side at any Do not move into the portion If the front tire goes flat, the signs and road markings! speed. Most wobbles can be traced to of the lane farthest from the steering will feel “heavy.” A improper loading, unsuitable BEING PASSED passing vehicle. It might invite the front-wheel flat is particularly accessories or incorrect tire pressure. When you are being passed from other driver to cut back into your lane hazardous because it affects your If you are carrying a heavy load, behind or by an oncoming vehicle, too early. steering. You have to steer well to lighten it. If you can’t, shift it. Center keep your balance. the weight lower and farther forward PASSING BEING PASSED If the rear tire goes flat, the back on the motorcycle. Make sure tire of the motorcycle may jerk or sway pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks from side to side. and dampers are at the settings If either tire goes flat recommended for that much weight. while riding: Make sure windshields and fairings • Hold handlegrips firmly, ease off are mounted properly. the throttle, and keep a straight Check for poorly adjusted course. steering; worn steering parts; a front • If braking is required, however, wheel that is bent, misaligned, or out gradually apply the brake of the of balance; loose wheel bearings or tire that isn’t flat, if you are sure spokes; and worn swingarm bearings. which one it is. If none of these is determined to be the cause, have the motorcycle • When the motorcycle slows, edge checked out thoroughly by a to the side of the road, squeeze the qualified professional. clutch and stop.

30 15 FOLLOWING 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 pavement is slippery, if you cannot drivers ahead and to prevent lane locked rear wheel. Let the engine see through the vehicle ahead, or if sharing by others. 10 Test Yourself cool before restarting. traffic is heavy and someone may If your motorcycle starts to wobble: squeeze in front of you, open up a BEING FOLLOWED A. Accelerate out of the wobble. ANIMALS three-second or more following Speeding up to lose someone B. Use the brakes gradually. distance. Naturally, you should do following too closely only ends up C. Grip the handlebars firmly and OLLOWED everything you safely can to avoid Keep well behind the vehicle close the throttle gradually. F with someone tailgating you at a hitting an animal. If you are in traffic, ahead even when you are stopped. D. Downshift. higher speed. Answer - page 40 however, remain in your lane. Hitting This will make it easier to get out

EING A better way to handle tailgaters something small is less dangerous to of the way if someone bears down on B is to get them in front of you. When CHAIN PROBLEMS you than hitting something big — you from behind. It will also give you someone is following too closely, A chain that slips or breaks while like a car. a cushion of space if the vehicle change lanes and let them pass. If you’re riding could lock the rear ahead starts to back up for some Motorcycles seem to attract you can’t do this, slow down and wheel and cause your cycle to skid. reason. dogs. If you are chased, downshift open up extra space ahead of you to Chain slippage or breakage can be and approach the animal slowly. As When behind a car, ride where allow room for both you and the avoided by proper maintenance. you approach it, accelerate away and the driver can see you in the rearview tailgater to stop. This will also • Slippage — If the chain slips leave the animal behind. Don’t kick mirror. Riding in the center portion encourage them to pass. If they don’t when you try to speed up quickly at an animal. Keep control of your of the lane should put your image pass, you will have given yourself or ride uphill, pull off the road. motorcycle and look to where you in the middle of the rearview mirror and the tailgater more time and space Check the chain and sprockets. want to go. — where a driver is most likely to to react in case an emergency does Tightening the chain may help. If For larger animals (deer, elk, see you. develop ahead. the problem is a worn or stretched cattle) brake and prepare to stop — Riding at the far side of a lane chain or worn or bent sprockets, they are unpredictable. may permit a driver to see you in a PASSING AND BEING PASSED replace the chain, the sprockets or sideview mirror. But remember that Passing and being passed by both before riding again. most drivers don’t look at their 11 Test Yourself another vehicle is not much different • Breakage — You’ll notice an sideview mirrors nearly as often as If you are chased by a dog: than with a car. However, visibility is instant loss of power to the rear they check the rearview mirror. If the A. Kick it away. more critical. Be sure other drivers wheel. Close the throttle and brake traffic situation allows, the center B. Stop until the animal loses interest. see you, and that you see potential to a stop. portion of the lane is usually the best C. Swerve around the animal. hazards. place for you to be seen by the D. Approach the animal slowly, then speed up. Answer - page 40

14 31 FLYING OBJECTS CARRYING PASSENGERS LANE POSITIONS From time to time riders are AND CARGO struck by insects, cigarettes thrown Only experienced riders should BJECTS

O 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

LYING smeared or cracked, making it up and slows down. Before taking a F 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. In general, there is no single FOLLOWING ANOTHER best position for riders to be seen • Instruct the passenger before you VEHICLE F

GETTING OFF THE ROAD and to maintain a space cushion OLLOWING start. “Following too closely” could around the motorcycle. No portion OAD If you need to leave the road to be a factor in crashes involving

R • Adjust your riding technique for of the lane need be avoided — check the motorcycle (or just to rest motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles for a while), be sure you: the added weight. including the center. HE need as much distance to stop as

T • Check the roadside — Make sure Equipment should include: Position yourself in the portion cars. Normally, a minimum of two • A proper seat — large enough of the lane where you are most likely FF the surface of the roadside is firm seconds distance should be

O enough to ride on. If it is soft to hold both of you without to be seen and you can maintain a maintained behind the vehicle ahead. grass, loose sand or if you’re just crowding. You should not sit space cushion around you. Change To gauge your following not sure about it, slow way down any farther forward than you position as traffic situations change. distance: before you turn onto it. usually do. Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and

ETTING • Pick out a marker, such as a other potential problems are on your

G •Signal— Drivers behind might • Footrests — for the passenger. pavement marking or lamppost, on left only. Remain in path 1 or 2 if not expect you to slow down. Give Firm footing prevents your or near the road ahead. hazards are on your right only. If a clear signal that you will be passenger from falling off and vehicles are being operated on both • When the rear bumper of the slowing down and changing pulling you off, too. sides of you, the center of the lane, vehicle ahead passes the marker, direction. Check your mirror and • Protective equipment — the path 2, is usually your best option. count off the seconds: “one- make a head check before you take same protective gear thousand-one, one-thousand-two.” any action. The oily strip in the center recommended for operators. • If you reach the marker before OADS portion that collects drippings from • Pull off the road — Get as far off L Adjust the suspension to handle cars is usually no more than two feet you reach “two,” you are the road as you can. It can be very the additional weight. You will wide. Unless the road is wet, the following too closely. hard to spot a motorcycle by the probably need to add a few pounds of average center strip permits adequate A two-second following distance side of the road. You don’t want pressure to the tires if you carry a traction to ride on safely. You can leaves a minimum amount of space to someone else pulling off at the passenger. (Check your owner’s ARRYING operate to the left or right of the stop or swerve if the driver ahead same place you are. C manual for appropriate settings.) grease strip and still be within the stops suddenly. It also permits a While your passenger sits on the seat • Park carefully — Loose and center portion of the traffic lane. better view of potholes and other with you, adjust the mirror and sloped shoulders can make setting Avoid riding on big buildups of oil hazards in the road. headlight according to the change in the side or center stand difficult. and grease usually found at busy A larger cushion of space is the motorcycle’s angle. intersections or toll booths. needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the

32 13 •ROLL— Roll on the throttle 3 Test Yourself INSTRUCTING PASSENGERS • Ride a little slower, especially C through the turn to stabilize the when taking curves, corners or ARRYING When riding, you should: Even if your passenger is a suspension. Maintain steady speed A. Turn your head and shoulders to bumps. or accelerate gradually through the look through turns. motorcycle rider, provide complete instructions before you start. Tell • Start slowing earlier as you turn. This will help keep the B. Keep your arms straight. approach a stop. motorcycle stable. C. Keep your knees away from the your passenger to: P gas tank. • Open up a larger cushion of ASSENGERS In normal turns, the rider and the • Get on the motorcycle only after D. Turn just your head and eyes to space ahead and to the sides. motorcycle should lean together at you have started the engine. look where you are going. • Wait for larger gaps to cross, the same angle. Answer - page 40 • Sit as far forward as possible enter or merge in traffic. without crowding you. Warn your passenger of special NORMAL TURNS KEEPING YOUR • Hold firmly to your waist, hips conditions — when you will pull out, or belt, or the bike’s passenger DISTANCE stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over handholds The best protection you can have a bump. Turn your head slightly to is distance — a “cushion of space” — • Keep both feet on the footrests, make yourself understood, but keep all around your motorcycle. If even when stopped. your eyes on the road ahead. someone else makes a mistake, • Keep legs away from the distance permits you: muffler(s), chains or moving parts. CARRYING LOADS • Time to react. • Stay directly behind you, leaning Most motorcycles are not • Space to maneuver. as you lean. designed to carry much cargo. Small OSITIONS

P • Avoid unnecessary talk or motion. loads can be carried safely if LANE POSITIONS positioned and fastened properly. Also, tell your passenger to ANE In some ways the size of the tighten his or her hold when you: • Keep the Load Low — Fasten L motorcycle can work to your advan- loads securely, or put them in • Approach surface problems. tage. Each traffic lane gives a saddlebags. Piling loads against a • Are about to start from a stop. sissybar or frame on the back of In slow tight turns, counterbalance motorcycle three paths of travel, as the seat raises the motorcycle’s by leaning the motorcycle only and indicated in the illustration. • Warn that you will make a center of gravity and disturbs its keeping your body straight. Your lane position should: sudden move. balance. • Increase your ability to see and be RIDING WITH PASSENGERS • Keep the Load Forward — Place SLOW, TIGHT TURNS seen. the load over, or in front of, the • Avoid others’ blind spots. Your motorcycle will respond rear axle. Tankbags keep loads more slowly with a passenger on • Avoid surface hazards. forward, but use caution when board. The heavier your passenger, loading hard or sharp objects. • Protect your lane from other the longer it will take to slow down Make sure the tankbag does not drivers. and speed up — especially on a light interfere with handlebars or • Communicate your intentions. motorcycle. controls. Mounting loads behind • Avoid wind blast from other the rear axle can affect how the vehicles. 12 Test Yourself motorcycle turns and brakes. It can also cause a wobble. • Provide an escape route. Passengers should: Select the appropriate path to A. Lean as you lean. • Distribute the Load Evenly — maximize your space cushion and B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat. Load saddlebags with about the make yourself more easily seen by C. Sit as far back as possible. same weight. An uneven load can others on the road. D. Never hold onto you. cause the motorcycle to drift to Answer - page 40 one side.

12 33 • Secure the Load — Fasten the down a little to stay with the Make certain you are riding Also, using the front brake B load securely with elastic cords tailender. slowly enough when you shift into a incorrectly on a slippery surface RAKING (bungee cords or nets). Elastic lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will may be hazardous. Use caution IDING • Know the Route — Make sure

R cords with more than one everyone knows the route. Then, lurch, and the rear wheel may skid. and squeeze the brake lever, never attachment point per side are more if someone is separated they won’t When riding downhill or shifting into grab. secure. A tight load won’t catch in have to hurry to keep from getting first gear you may need to use the • Some motorcycles have ROUP the wheel or chain, causing it to lost or taking a wrong turn. Plan brakes to slow enough before integrated braking systems that G lock up and skid. Rope tends to frequent stops on long rides. downshifting safely. Work toward a activate the front and rear brakes stretch and knots come loose, smooth, even clutch release, together when applying the rear permitting the load to shift or fall. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE especially when downshifting. brake pedal. (Consult the owner’s • Check the Load — Stop and Maintain close ranks but at the It is best to change gears before manual for a detailed explanation check the load every so often to same time keep a safe distance to entering a turn. However, sometimes on the operation and effective use make sure it has not worked loose allow each rider in the group time shifting while in the turn is necessary. of these systems.) or moved. and space to react to hazards. A close If so, remember to do so smoothly. A TURNING group takes up less space on the sudden change in power to the rear GROUP RIDING highway, is easier to see and is less wheel can cause a skid. Riders often try to take curves or If you ride with others, do it in a likely to be separated. However, it turns too fast. When they can’t hold T URNING way that promotes safety and doesn’t must be done properly. BRAKING the turn, they end up crossing into another lane of traffic or going off the interfere with the flow of traffic. Don’t Pair Up — Never operate Your motorcycle has two brakes: road. Or, they overreact and brake too directly alongside another rider. one each for the front and rear wheel. KEEP THE GROUP SMALL hard, causing a skid and loss of There is no place to go if you have Use both of them at the same time. control. Approach turns and curves Small groups make it easier and to avoid a car or something on the The front brake is more powerful and with caution. safer for car drivers who need to get road. To talk, wait until you are can provide at least three-quarters around them. A small number isn’t both stopped. of your total stopping power. The Use four steps for better control: separated as easily by traffic or red Staggered Formation — This is the front brake is safe to use if you use • SLOW lights. Riders won’t always be best way to keep ranks close yet it properly. • LOOK hurrying to catch up. If your group is maintain an adequate space larger than four or five riders, divide Remember: • PRESS it up into two or more smaller groups. • Use both brakes every time you •ROLL STAGGERED FORMATION slow or stop. Using both brakes for KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER even “normal” stops will permit • SLOW — Reduce speed before the turn by closing the throttle and, • Plan — The leader should look you to develop the proper habit or if necessary, applying both brakes. ahead for changes and signal early skill of using both brakes properly so “the word gets back” in plenty in an emergency. Squeeze the front • LOOK — Look through the turn of time. Start lane changes early to brake and press down on the rear. to where you want to go. Turn just permit everyone to complete the Grabbing at the front brake or your head, not your shoulders, and change. jamming down on the rear can keep your eyes level with the horizon. • Put Beginners Up Front — Place cause the brakes to lock, resulting inexperienced riders just behind in control problems. •PRESS— To turn, the motorcycle the leader. That way the more • If you know the technique, using must lean. To lean the motor- experienced riders can watch them both brakes in a turn is possible, cycle, press on the handlegrip in from the back. although it should be done very the direction of the turn. Press • Follow Those Behind — Let the carefully. When leaning the left — lean left — go left. Press tailender set the pace. Use your motorcycle some of the traction is right — lean right — go right. mirrors to keep an eye on the used for cornering. Less traction is Higher speeds and/or tighter person behind. If a rider falls available for stopping. A skid can turns require the motorcycle to behind, everyone should slow occur if you apply too much brake. lean more.

34 11 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES cushion. The leader rides in the left open up room for the next rider. side of the lane, while the second This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance. Some people suggest that the rider stays one second behind in leader should move to the right side That’s something you can learn only through practice. But control begins with the right side of the lane. knowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and after passing a vehicle. This is not a good idea. It encourages the second obeying the rules of the road. A third rider maintains in the left 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 BASIC VEHICLE too much throttle. Also, adjust the the pass. handlebars so your hands are even • Passing in Formation — Riders CONTROL in a staggered formation should Single-File Formation — It is best with or below your elbows. This pass one at a time. to move into a single-file formation permits you to use the proper muscles when riding curves, turning, BODY POSITION • First, the lead rider should pull for precision steering. entering or leaving a highway. To control a motorcycle well: out and pass when it is safe. After • Knees — Keep your knees against passing, the leader should return to • Posture — Sit so you can use your the gas tank to help you keep your the left position and continue 13 Test Yourself

OSITION arms to steer the motorcycle rather balance as the motorcycle turns. riding at passing speed to open When riding in a group, P than to hold yourself up. • Feet — Keep your feet firmly on room for the next rider. inexperienced riders should •Seat— Sit far enough forward so the footrests to maintain balance. • After the first rider passes position themselves: ODY that arms are slightly bent when Don’t drag your feet. If your foot A. Just behind the leader.

B safely, the second rider should you hold the handlegrips. Bending catches on something, you could move up to the left position and B. In front of the group. your arms permits you to press on be injured and it could affect your watch for a safe chance to pass. C. At the tail end of the group. the handlebars without having to control of the motorcycle. Keep After passing, this rider should D. Beside the leader. stretch. your feet near the controls so you return to the right position and Answer - page 40 • Hands — Hold the handlegrips can get to them fast if needed. firmly to keep your grip over Also, don’t let your toes point GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1) GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2) 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 HANDLEBARS

EARS There is more to shifting gears

G than simply getting the motorcycle to RIGHT pick up speed smoothly. Learning to use the gears when downshifting, turning or starting on hills is

HIFTING important for safe motorcycle S operation. Shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in first gear while you are WRONG stopped so that you can move out quickly if you need to.

10 35 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE KNOW YOUR • Be visible — wear proper K NOW

IDE clothing, use your headlight, ride Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders pay RESPONSIBILITIES R in the best lane position to see and

attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle, “Accident” implies an be seen. Y

identifying potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisions unforeseen event that occurs without OUR • Communicate your intentions — quickly and skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road anyone’s fault or negligence. Most use the proper signals, brake light

and traffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and R HAPE TO often in traffic, that is not the case. In and lane position. ESPONSIBILITIES S other drugs, more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly fact, most people involved in a crash and to ride safely. As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your can usually claim some responsibility • Maintain an adequate space performance. for what takes place. cushion — following, being followed, lane sharing, passing

EING IN Let’s look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs. Consider a situation where and being passed. B What to do to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined. someone decides to try to squeeze through an intersection on a yellow • Scan your path of travel 12 WHY THIS INFORMATION By becoming knowledgeable light turning red. Your light turns seconds ahead. IS IMPORTANT about the effects of alcohol and other green. You pull into the intersection • Identify and separate multiple drugs you will see that riding and without checking for possible hazards. Alcohol is a major contributor to substance abuse don’t mix. Take latecomers. That is all it takes for the motorcycle crashes, particularly fatal • Be prepared to act — remain positive steps to protect yourself and two of you to tangle. It was the crashes. Studies show that 40% to alert and know how to carry out RUGS prevent others from injuring driver’s responsibility to stop. And it proper crash-avoidance skills. D 45% of all riders killed in motorcycle themselves. was your responsibility to look crashes had been drinking. Only one- Blame doesn’t matter when before pulling out. Neither of you third of those riders had a blood ALCOHOL AND OTHER someone is injured in a crash. There held up your end of the deal. Just alcohol concentration above legal is rarely a single cause of any crash. DRUGS IN MOTORCYCLE because someone else is the first to limits. The rest had only a few drinks The ability to ride aware, make OPERATION start the chain of events leading to a in their systems — enough to impair critical decisions and carry them out riding skills. In the past, drug levels No one is immune to the effects crash, it doesn’t leave any of us free

LCOHOL AND separates responsible riders from all have been harder to distinguish or of alcohol or drugs. Friends may brag of responsibility. A the rest. Remember, it is up to you to have not been separated from about their ability to hold their liquor As a rider you can’t be sure that or perform better on drugs, but keep from being the cause of, or an drinking violations for the traffic other operators will see you or yield alcohol or drugs make them less able unprepared participant in, any crash. records. But riding “under the the right of way. To lessen your to think clearly and perform physical influence” of either alcohol or drugs chances of a crash occurring: poses physical and legal hazards for tasks skillfully. Judgment and the every rider. decision-making processes needed Drinking and drug use is as big a for vehicle operation are affected problem among motorcyclists as it is long before legal limitations are among automobile drivers. Motor- reached. cyclists, however, are more likely to Many over-the-counter, be killed or severely injured in a prescription and illegal drugs have crash. Injuries occur in 90% of side effects that increase the risk of motorcycle crashes and 33% of riding. It is difficult to accurately automobile crashes that involve measure the involvement of abuse of substances. On a yearly particular drugs in motorcycle basis, 2,100 motorcyclists are killed crashes. But we do know what effects and about 50,000 seriously injured in various drugs have on the process this same type of crash. These involved in riding a motorcycle. We statistics are too overwhelming to also know that the combined effects ignore. of alcohol and other drugs are more dangerous than either is alone. 36 9 • Make all the checks you would • Brake Light — Try both brake Other factors also contribute to B

ALCOHOL IN THE BODY LOOD on your own motorcycle. controls, and make sure each one the way alcohol affects your system. turns on the brake light. Alcohol enters the bloodstream Your sex, physical condition and • Find out where everything is, quickly. Unlike most foods and particularly the turn signals, horn, Once you have mounted the food intake are just a few that may A

beverages, it does not need to be LOCHOL headlight switch, fuel-supply motorcycle, complete the following cause your BAC level to be even digested. Within minutes after being higher. But the full effects of these OTORCYCLE valve and engine cut-off switch. checks before starting out: consumed, it reaches the brain and are not completely known. Alcohol M Find and operate these items • Clutch and Throttle — Make begins to affect the drinker. The may still accumulate in your body

without having to look for them. sure they work smoothly. The C major effect alcohol has is to slow even if you are drinking at a rate of ONCENTRATION

OUR throttle should snap back when • Know the gear pattern. Work the down and impair bodily functions — one drink per hour. Abilities and

Y you let go. The clutch should feel throttle, clutch and brakes a few both mental and physical. Whatever judgment can be affected by that tight and smooth. times before you start riding. All you do, you do less well after one drink. controls react a little differently. • Mirrors — Clean and adjust both consuming alcohol.

HECK A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed • Ride very cautiously and be mirrors before starting. It’s C drink with one shot of liquor and a 5- difficult to ride with one hand aware of surroundings. Accelerate BLOOD ALCOHOL ounce glass of wine all contain the while you try to adjust a mirror. gently, take turns more slowly and CONCENTRATION same amount of alcohol. leave extra room for stopping. Adjust each mirror so you can see the lane behind and as much as Blood Alcohol Concentration or The faster you drink, the more possible of the lane next to you. BAC is the amount of alcohol in alcohol accumulates in your body. If CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE When properly adjusted, a mirror relation to blood in the body. you drink two drinks in an hour, at A motorcycle needs more may show the edge of your arm or Generally, alcohol can be eliminated the end of that hour, at least one drink frequent attention than a car. A minor shoulder—but it’s the road behind in the body at the rate of almost one will remain in your bloodstream. drink per hour. But a variety of other technical failure in a car seldom leads and to the side that’s most Without taking into account any factors may also influence the level to anything more than an important. of the other factors, the formula of alcohol retained. The more alcohol inconvenience for the driver. below illustrates the LEAST amount •Brakes— Try the front and rear in your blood, the greater the degree If something’s wrong with the of drinks remaining in the brake levers one at a time. Make of impairment. motorcycle, you’ll want to find out sure each one feels firm and holds bloodstream: about it before you get in traffic. the motorcycle when the brake is Three factors play a major part Make a complete check of your fully applied. in determining BAC: Total # hours drinks motorcycle before every ride. drinks LESS since last EQUALS left • Horn — Try the horn. Make sure • The amount of alcohol you consumed drink in body Before mounting the motorcycle, it works. consume. ______- ______= ______make the following checks: In addition to the checks you • How fast you drink. •Tires— Check the air pressure, should make before every trip, check • Your body weight. general wear and tread. the following items at least once a • Fluids — Oil and fluid levels. At a week: Wheels, cables, fasteners and ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION minimum, check hydraulic fluids fluid levels. Follow your owner’s and coolants weekly. Look under manual to get recommendations. the motorcycle for signs of an oil or gas leak. 2 Test Yourself • Headlights and Taillight — More than half of all crashes: Check them both. Test your switch A. Occur at speeds greater than to make sure both high and low 35 mph. beams are working. B. Happen at night. C. Are caused by worn tires. • Turn Signals — Turn on both D. Involve riders who have ridden right and left turn signals. Make their motorcycles less than six sure all lights are working months. properly. Answer - page 40

8 37 A person drinking: that judges must impose them. At minimum, your street-legal are licensed and know how to ride K NOW

AW motorcycle should have: before allowing them out into traffic. • 8 drinks in 4 hours would have at If you are convicted of riding L least four drinks remaining in their under the influence of alcohol or • Headlight, taillight and No matter how experienced you Y

HE system. drugs, you may receive any of the brakelight. may be, ride extra carefully on any OUR

T following penalties: • 7 drinks in 3 hours would have at • Front and rear brakes. motorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar • License Suspension — ND least four drinks remaining in their to you. More than half of all crashes • Turn signals. M A system. Mandatory suspension for occur on motorcycles ridden by the conviction, arrest or refusal to •Horn. OTORCYCLE There are times when a larger operator for less than six months. submit to a breath test. person may not accumulate as high a • Two mirrors. concentration of alcohol for each drink • Fines — Severe fines are another GET FAMILIAR WITH THE LCOHOL consumed. They have more blood aspect of a conviction, usually A levied with a license suspension. BORROWING AND LENDING MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS and other bodily fluids. But because Make sure you are completely of individual differences it is better • Community Service — Performing Borrowers and lenders of familiar with the motorcycle before not to take the chance that abilities tasks such as picking up litter motorcycles, beware. Crashes are you take it out on the street. Be sure and judgment have not been affected. along the highway, washing cars in fairly common among beginning to review the owner’s manual. This is Whether or not you are legally the motor-vehicle pool or working riders — especially in the first intoxicated is not the real issue. at an emergency ward. months of riding. Riding an particularly important if you are Impairment of judgment and skills unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the riding a borrowed motorcycle. ISKS • Costs — Additional lawyer’s fees

R begins well below the legal limit. to pay, lost work time spent in problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, If you are going to use an court or alcohol-education get familiar with it in a controlled unfamiliar motorcycle: ALCOHOL AND THE LAW programs, public transportation area. And if you lend your In West Virginia, a person with a costs (while your license is motorcycle to friends, make sure they

INIMIZE BAC of .08% or above is considered suspended) and the added

M intoxicated; in other states the legal psychological costs of being limit is between .05% and .10%. It tagged a “drunk driver.” MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS doesn’t matter how sober you may Light Switch (high/low) Engine Cut-Off look or act. The breath or urine test MINIMIZE THE RISKS Choke (varies) Switch is what usually determines whether Your ability to judge how well Turn-Signal Electric you are riding legally or illegally. Switch Start you are riding is affected first. Button Ignition Key Your chances of being stopped Although you may be performing (varies) for riding under the influence of more and more poorly, you think you alcohol are increasing. Law are doing better and better. The result enforcement is being stepped up is that you ride confidently, taking across the country in response to the greater and greater risks. Minimize senseless deaths and injuries caused Horn Button Throttle the risks of drinking and riding by by drinking drivers and riders. taking steps before you drink. Front Brake Lever CONSEQUENCES OF Control your drinking or control Clutch Lever your riding. Speedometer CONVICTION & Odometer Tachometer Years ago, first offenders had a DON’T DRINK (if equipped) good chance of getting off with a Don’t Drink — Once you start, small fine and participation in your resistance becomes weaker. Fuel Supply Valve alcohol-abuse classes. Today the laws (if equipped) Setting a limit or pacing yourself Rear Brake Pedal of most states impose stiff penalties Gear-Change Lever on drinking operators. And those are poor alternatives at best. Your Kick Starter penalties are mandatory, meaning ability to exercise good judgment is (if equipped)

38 7 LOTHING one of the first things affected by It helps to enlist support from F

C KNOW YOUR ATIGUE alcohol. Even if you have tried to drink others when you decide to step in. The right clothing protects you MOTORCYCLE in moderation, you may not realize to The more people on your side, the in a collision. It also provides There are plenty of things on the what extent your skills have suffered easier it is to be firm and the harder comfort, as well as protection from LOTHING highway that can cause you trouble. from alcohol’s fatiguing effects. it is for the rider to resist. While

C heat, cold, debris and hot and moving Your motorcycle should not be one of you may not be thanked at the Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’t parts of the motorcycle. them. To make sure that your time, you will never have to say, controlled your drinking, you must • Jacket and pants should cover motorcycle won’t let you down: “If only I had ...” control your riding. arms and legs completely. They •Readthe owner’s manual first. should fit snugly enough to keep • Leave the motorcycle — FATIGUE • Start with the right motorcycle for so you won’t be tempted to ride. from flapping in the wind, yet Riding a motorcycle is more you. Arrange another way to get home. loosely enough to move freely. tiring than driving a car. On a long Leather offers the most protection. • Be familiar with the motorcycle • Wait — If you exceed your trip, you’ll tire sooner than you Sturdy synthetic material provides controls. limit, wait until your system would in a car. Avoid riding when eliminates the alcohol and its a lot of protection as well. • Check the motorcycle before tired. Fatigue can affect your control fatiguing effects. Wear a jacket even in warm every ride. of the motorcycle. weather to prevent dehydration. • Keep it in safe riding condition STEP IN TO • Protect yourself from the elements — Wind, cold, and rain Many are designed to protect between rides. PROTECT FRIENDS without getting you overheated, make you tire quickly. Dress • Avoid add-ons and modifications People who have had too much even on summer days. warmly. A windshield is worth its that make your motorcycle to drink are unable to make a cost if you plan to ride long • Boots or shoes should be high and harder to handle. responsible decision. It is up to others distances. OTORCYCLE sturdy enough to cover your ankles to step in and keep them from taking • Limit your distance — Experi- M and give them support. Soles too great a risk. No one wants to do THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE enced riders seldom try to ride should be made of hard, durable, this — it’s uncomfortable, more than about six hours a day. slip-resistant material. Keep heels FOR YOU embarrassing and thankless. You are IGHT First, make sure your motorcycle rarely thanked for your efforts at the • Take frequent rest breaks —

R short so they do not catch on rough surfaces. Tuck in laces so they is right for you. It should “fit” you. time. But the alternatives are often Stop and get off the motorcycle at HE won’t catch on your motorcycle. Your feet should reach the ground worse. least every two hours. T • Don’t drink or use drugs — • Gloves allow a better grip and while you are seated on the There are several ways to keep friends from hurting themselves: Artificial stimulants often result in help protect your hands in a crash. motorcycle. extreme fatigue or depression Your gloves should be made of • Arrange a safe ride — Provide when they start to wear off. Riders leather or similar durable material. alternative ways for them to get home. are unable to concentrate on the In cold or wet weather, your task at hand. • Slow the pace of drinking — clothes should keep you warm and Involve them in other activities. dry, as well as protect you from injury. You cannot control a • Keep them there — Use any 14 Test Yourself motorcycle well if you are numb. 1 Test Yourself excuse to keep them from getting on their motorcycle. Serve them If you wait one hour per each drink for Riding for long periods in cold A plastic shatter-resistant face food and coffee to pass the time. the alcohol to be eliminated from your shield: weather can cause severe chill and Explain your concerns for their body before riding: fatigue. A winter jacket should resist A. Is not neccessary if you have a A. You cannot be arrested for drinking windshield. risks of getting arrested or hurt wind and fit snugly at the neck, and riding. B. Only protects your eyes. or hurting someone else. Take wrists and waist. Good-quality B. Your riding skills will not be affected. C. Helps protect your whole face. their key, if you can. rainsuits designed for motorcycle C. Side effects from the drinking may D. Does not protect your face as well • Get friends involved — Use peer still remain. riding resist tearing apart or as goggles. pressure from a group of friends D. You will be okay as long as you ride ballooning up at high speeds. Answer - page 40 slowly. to intervene. Answer - page 40

6 39 EARNING YOUR LICENSE HELMETS H ELMET Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best

ICENSE measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your L

own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s U

even harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. SE

OUR Licensing exams are designed to be scored more objectively. Y 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

ARNING safe riding practices. An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actual

E traffic environment or in a controlled, off-street area.

• Meets U.S. Department of Goggles protect your eyes, Transportation (DOT) and state though they won’t protect the rest of KNOWLEDGE TEST 4. If a tire goes flat while riding and standards. Helmets with a label your face like a faceshield does. A

you must stop, it is usually best to: E (Sample Questions) from the Snell Memorial windshield is not a substitute for a YE 1. It is MOST important to flash A. Relax on the handlegrips. EST Foundation give you an added faceshield or goggles. Most

B. Shift your weight toward the good A T your brake light when: assurance of quality. windshields will not protect your tire. ND A. Someone is following too closely. eyes from the wind. Neither will C. Brake on the good tire and steer to • Fits snugly, all the way around. B. You will be slowing suddenly. eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses F the side of the road. • Has no obvious defects such ACE C. There is a stop sign ahead. won’t keep your eyes from watering, D. Use both brakes and stop quickly. as cracks, loose padding or D. Your signals are not working. and they might blow off when you

frayed straps. P

NOWLEDGE turn your head while riding.

5. The car below is waiting to enter ROTECTION 2. The FRONT brake supplies how Whatever helmet you decide K the intersection. It is best to: To be effective, eye or much of the potential stopping on, keep it securely fastened on your faceshield protection must: power? A. Make eye contact with the driver. head when you ride. Otherwise, if B. Reduce speed and be ready to •Be freeof scratches. A. About one-quarter. you are involved in a crash, it’s likely react. B. About one-half. to fly off your head before it gets a • Be resistant to penetration. C. Maintain speed and position. C. About three-quarters. chance to protect you. D. Maintain speed and move right. • Give a clear view to either side. D. All of the stopping power. • Fasten securely, so it does not 3. To swerve correctly: EYE AND FACE PROTECTION blow off. A. Shift your weight quickly. A plastic shatter-resistant • Permit air to pass through, to B. Turn the handlebars quickly. faceshield can help protect your reduce fogging. C. Press the handlegrip in the whole face in a crash. It also • Permit enough room for direction of the turn. protects you from wind, dust, dirt, eyeglasses or sunglasses, if D. Press the handlegrip in the rain, insects and pebbles thrown up needed. from cars ahead. These problems opposite direction of the turn. Tinted eye protection should are distracting and can be painful. not be worn at night or any other If you have to deal with them, you time when little light is available. can’t devote your full attention to ______Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages) the road. 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 5 PREPARING TO RIDE ON-MOTORCYCLE SKILL TEST • Stop, turn and swerve quickly. What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward Basic vehicle control and • Make critical decisions and carry determining whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. crash-avoidance skills are included in them out. Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to: on-motorcycle tests to determine Examiners may score on 1. Wear the right gear. your ability to handle normal and factors related to safety such as: hazardous traffic situations. • Selecting safe speeds to perform 2. Become familiar with the motorcycle. You may be tested for your maneuvers. 3. Check the motorcycle equipment. ability to: • Choosing the correct path and 4. Be a responsible rider. • Know your motorcycle and your staying within boundaries. riding limits. • Completing normal and quick WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR • An approved helmet lets you see • Accelerate, brake and turn stops. When you ride, your gear is as far to the sides as necessary. A safely. • Completing normal and quick “right” if it protects you. In any study of more than 900 motorcycle • See, be seen and communicate turns or swerves. crash, you have a far better chance of crashes, where 40% of the riders with others. wore helmets, did not find even avoiding serious injury if you wear: • Adjust speed and position to the one case in which a helmet kept a • An approved helmet. traffic situation. EAR rider from spotting danger. G • Face or eye protection. • Most crashes happen on short • Protective clothing. trips (less than five miles

IGHT long), just a few minutes after

R HELMET USE starting out. Crashes can occur — • Most riderdseirM aretos riding slower particularly among untrained, than 30 mph when a crash beginning riders. And one out of occurs. At these speeds, helmets EAR THE every five motorcycle crashes results can cut both the number and the W in head or neck injuries. Head severity of head injuries by half. injuries are just as severe as neck No matter what the speed, injuries — and far more common. helmeted riders are three times more Crash analyses show that head and likely to survive head injuries than neck injuries account for a majority those not wearing helmets at the time of serious and fatal injuries to of the crash. motorcyclists. Research also shows To receive a motorcycle license with full privileges, most that, with few exceptions, head and ELMET ELECTION neck injuries are reduced by properly H S states require that maneuvers be performed as designed; wearing an approved helmet. There are two primary types of On-motorcycle skill tests are not designed for sidecars or three-wheeled helmets, providing two different Some riders don’t wear helmets vehicles. Those vehicles maneuver differently than a two-wheeled levels of coverage: three-quarter and because they think helmets will limit motorcycle. Depending on the state, a driver examiner may follow you full face. their view to the sides. Others wear on a car test-route. Restrictions (sidecar, three-wheeled vehicle) may helmets only on long trips or when Whichever style you choose, you be added until completion of a two-wheeled motorcycle test. riding at high speeds. Here are some can get the most protection by facts to consider: making sure that the helmet:

Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only and are not to correct scale for size of vehicles and distances.

4 41 About This Book CONTENTS

PREPARING HANDLING DANGEROUS SURFACES ..27 TO RIDE Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ...... 27 Slippery Surfaces ...... 28 Operating a motorcycle safely in These revisions reflect: WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR ...... 4 Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks Helmet Use ...... 4 traffic requires special skills and • The latest finding of motorcycle- and Pavement Seams ...... 29 knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety Helmet Selection ...... 4 Grooves and Gratings ...... 29 safety research. Eye and Face Protection ...... 5 Foundation (MSF) has made this manual MECHANICAL PROBLEMS ...... 30 • Comments and guidance provided Clothing ...... 6 available to help novice motorcyclists Tire Failure ...... 30 by the motorcycling, licensing and reduce their risk of having a crash. The KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE ...... 6 Stuck Throttle ...... 30 traffic safety communities. The Right Motorcycle for You ...... 6 manual conveys essential safe riding Wobble ...... 30 Borrowing and Lending ...... 7 information and has been designed for • Expanded alcohol and drug Chain Problems ...... 31 Get Familiar with the Engine Seizure ...... 31 use in safe licensing programs. While information. Motorcycle Controls ...... 7 designed for the novice, all motorcyclists In promoting improved licensing Check Your Motorcycle ...... 8 ANIMALS ...... 31 FLYING OBJECTS ...... 32 can benefit from the information this programs, the MSF works closely with KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 9 manual contains. state licensing agencies. The Foundation GETTING OFF THE ROAD ...... 32 RIDE WITHIN The original “Motorcycle Operator has helped more than half the states in the CARRYING PASSENGERS Manual” was developed by the National nation adopt the “Motorcycle Operator YOUR ABILITIES AND CARGO ...... 32 Public Services Research Institute Manual” for use in their licensing BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL ...... 10 Equipment ...... 32 Instructing Passengers ...... 33 (NPSRI) under contract to the National systems. Body Position ...... 10 Shifting Gears ...... 10 Riding With Passengers ...... 33 Highway Traffic Safety Administration Improved licensing, along with Braking ...... 11 Carrying Loads ...... 33 (NHTSA) and within the terms of a high-quality motorcycle rider education Turning ...... 11 GROUP RIDING ...... 34 cooperative agreement between NHTSA and increased public awareness, has the KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE ...... 12 Keep the Group Small ...... 34 and the MSF. The manual and related potential to reduce crashes. Staff at the Lane Positions ...... 12 Keep the Group Together ...... 34 tests were used in a multi-year study of Foundation are available to assist state, Following Another Vehicle ...... 13 Keep Your Distance ...... 34 improved motorcycle operator licensing private and governmental agencies in Being Followed ...... 14 procedures, conducted by the California efforts to improve motorcycle safety. Passing and Being Passed ...... 14 BEING IN SHAPE Department of Motor Vehicles under Lane Sharing ...... 16 TO RIDE contract to NHTSA. Merging Cars ...... 16 WHY THIS INFORMATION IS The purpose of this manual is to Cars Alongside ...... 16 IMPORTANT ...... 36 educate the reader to help avoid crashes SEE ...... 17 ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN while safely operating a motorcycle. For INTERSECTIONS ...... 18 MOTORCYCLE OPERATION ...... 36 this edition, the MSF has updated and Blind Intersections ...... 19 ALCOHOL IN THE BODY ...... 37 expanded the content of the original Tim Buche Passing Parked Cars ...... 20 Blood Alcohol Parking at the Roadside ...... 20 Concentration ...... 37 manual. President, ALCOHOL AND THE LAW ...... 38 Motorcycle Safety Foundation INCREASING CONSPICUITY ...... 21 Clothing ...... 21 Consequences of Headlight ...... 21 Conviction ...... 38 Signals ...... 21 MINIMIZE THE RISKS ...... 38 Brake Light...... 22 STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS ...... 39 Using Your Mirrors ...... 22 FATIGUE ...... 39 Head Checks ...... 23 Horn ...... 23 EARNING Riding at Night ...... 24 YOUR LICENSE CRASH AVOIDANCE ...... 24 Knowledge Test ...... 40 Quick Stops ...... 24 On-Motorcycle Skill Test ...... 41 Swerving or Turning Quickly ...... 25 Cornering ...... 26

42 3 For information concerning scheduling the Rider Education classes for the West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program contact: MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE – State Program Provider SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Toll-free 1-866-355-9399 Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate, fun to ride and easy to park. Unfortunately, many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safely.

Professional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for real-world traffi c situations. Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach and improve such skills as:

• Effective turning • Braking maneuvers • Protective apparel selection • Obstacle avoidance • Traffi c strategies • Maintenance For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you, call toll free: 866.355.9399

The Motorcycle motorcycles. The infor- Safety Foundation’s (MSF) mation has been com- purpose is to improve the piled from publications, in- safety of motorcyclists on the nation’s terviews and observations of streets and highways. In an attempt to individuals and organizations familiar with reduce motorcycle crashes and injuries, the use of motorcycles, accessories, the Foundation has programs in rider and training. Because there are many education, licensing improvement, differences in product design, riding public information and statistics. styles, federal, state and local laws, These programs are designed for both there may be organizations and indi- motorcyclists and motorists. A viduals who hold differing opinions. national not-for-profi t organization, the Consult your local regulatory agencies MSF is sponsored by BMW, Ducati, for information concerning the opera- Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, tion of motorcycles in your area. KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Victory Although the MSF will continue to and Yamaha. research, fi eld test and publish The information contained in this responsible viewpoints on the sub- publication is offered for the benefi t of ject, it disclaims any liability for those who have an interest in riding the views expressed herein.

Printing and distribution courtesy of Motorcycle Safety Foundation 2 Jenner Street, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92618-3806 www.msf-usa.org

Second Revision ...... December 1978 Seventh Revision ...... September 1992 Third Revision ...... February 1981 Eighth Revision ...... January 1999 Fourth Revision ...... January 1983 Ninth Revision ...... March 2000 Fifth Revision ...... October 1987 Tenth Revision ...... January 2002 Sixth Revision ...... April 1991 Eleventh Revision ...... July 2002 Twelfth Revision ...... May 2004 Printed in the USA 000254 1-866-355-9399 www.dmv.wv.gov/msp