PREFACE

Operating a motorcycle safely in These revisions reflect: traffic requires special skills and • The latest finding of motorcycle­ knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety safety research. Foundation (MSF) has made this manual • Comments and guidance provided available to help novice motorcyclists by the motorcycling, licensing and reduce their risk of having a crash. The traffic safety communities. manual conveys essential safe riding information and has been designed for • Expanded alcohol and drug use in licensing programs. While information. designed for the novice, all motorcyclists In promoting improved licensing can benefit from the information this programs, the MSF works closely with manual contains. state licensing agencies. The Foundation The original Motorcycle Operator has helped more than half the states in Manual was developed by the National the nation adopt the Motorcycle Operator Public Services Research Institute Manual for use in their licensing (NPSRI) under contract to the National systems. Highway Traffic Safety Administration Improved licensing, along with (NHTSA) and within the terms of a high-quality motorcycle rider education cooperative agreement between NHTSA and increased public awareness, has the and the MSF. The manual and related potential to reduce crashes. Staff at the tests were used in a multi-year study of Foundation are available to assist state, improved motorcycle operator licensing private and governmental agencies in procedures, conducted by the California efforts to improve motorcycle safety. Department of Motor Vehicles under contract to NHTSA. The purpose of this manual is to educate the reader to help avoid crashes while safely operating a motorcycle. For this edition, the MSF has updated and expanded the content of the original Tim Buche manual. President, Motorcycle Safety Foundation

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2 Jenner Street, Suite 150 Irvine, CA 92618-3806 www.msf-usa.org CONTENTS

PREPARING HANDLING DANGEROUS SURFACES ...27 TO RIDE Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ...... 27 Slippery Surfaces ...... 28 WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR ...... 4 Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks Helmet Use ...... 4 and Pavement Seams ...... 29 Helmet Selection ...... 4 Grooves and Gratings ...... 29 Eye and Face Protection ...... 5 MECHANICAL PROBLEMS ...... 30 Clothing ...... 6 Tire Failure ...... 30 KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE ...... 6 Stuck Throttle ...... 30 The Right Motorcycle for You ...... 6 Wobble ...... 30 Borrowing and Lending ...... 7 Chain Problems ...... 31 Get Familiar with the Engine Seizure ...... 31 Motorcycle Controls ...... 7 ANIMALS ...... 31 Check Your Motorcycle ...... 8 FLYING OBJECTS ...... 32 KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 9 GETTING OFF THE ROAD ...... 32 RIDE WITHIN CARRYING PASSENGERS YOUR ABILITIES AND CARGO ...... 32 BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL ...... 10 Equipment ...... 32 Body Position ...... 10 Instructing Passengers ...... 33 Shifting Gears ...... 10 Riding With Passengers ...... 33 Braking ...... 11 Carrying Loads ...... 33 Turning ...... 11 GROUP RIDING ...... 34 KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE ...... 12 Keep the Group Small ...... 34 Lane Positions ...... 12 Keep the Group Together ...... 34 Following Another Vehicle ...... 13 Keep Your Distance ...... 34 Being Followed ...... 14 BEING IN SHAPE Passing and Being Passed ...... 14 Lane Sharing ...... 16 TO RIDE Merging Cars ...... 16 WHY THIS INFORMATION IS Cars Alongside ...... 16 IMPORTANT ...... 36 SEE ...... 17 ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN INTERSECTIONS ...... 18 MOTORCYCLE OPERATION ...... 36 Blind Intersections ...... 19 ALCOHOL IN THE BODY ...... 37 Passing Parked Cars ...... 20 Blood Alcohol Parking at the Roadside ...... 20 Concentration ...... 37 INCREASING CONSPICUITY ...... 21 ALCOHOL AND THE LAW ...... 38 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 Head Checks ...... 23 FATIGUE ...... 39 Horn ...... 23 EARNING Riding at Night ...... 24 YOUR LICENSE CRASH AVOIDANCE ...... 24 Quick Stops ...... 24 Knowledge Test ...... 40 Swerving or Turning Quickly ...... 25 On-Motorcycle Skill Test ...... 41 Cornering ...... 26 3 PREPARING TO RIDE What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to: 1. Wear the right gear. 2. Become familiar with the motorcycle. 3. Check the motorcycle equipment. 4. Be a responsible rider.

WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR • An approved helmet lets you see When you ride, your gear is as far to the sides as necessary. A “right” if it protects you. In any study of more than 900 motorcycle crash, you have a far better chance of crashes, where 40% of the riders avoiding serious injury if you wear: wore helmets, did not find even one case in which a helmet kept a • An approved helmet. rider from spotting danger. EAR •F ace or eye protection. • Most crashes happen on short G • Protective clothing. trips (less than five miles long), just a few minutes after IGHT HELMET USE starting out. R Crashes can occur — • Most riders are riding slower than 30 mph when a crash

particularly among untrained, beginning riders. And one out of occurs. At these speeds, helmets can cut both the number and the EAR THE every five motorcycle crashes results severity of head injuries by half.

W in head or neck injuries. Head 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 that, with few exceptions, head and HELMET SELECTION neck injuries are reduced by properly There are two primary types of wearing an approved helmet. helmets, providing two different Some riders don’t wear helmets levels of coverage: three-quarter and because they think helmets will limit full face. their view to the sides. Others wear Whichever style you choose, you helmets only on long trips or when can get the most protection by riding at high speeds. Here are some making sure that the helmet: facts to consider:

4 HELMETS H ELMET U SE

• Meets U.S. Department of Goggles protect your eyes, Transportation (DOT) and state though they won’t protect the rest of

standards. Helmets with a label your face like a faceshield does. A EFP F E

from the Snell Memorial windshield is not a substitute for a EADAEROTECTION ACE AND YE Foundation give you an added faceshield or goggles. Most assurance of quality. windshields will not protect your • Fits snugly, all the way around. eyes from the wind. Neither will eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses • Has no obvious defects such won’t keep your eyes from watering, as cracks, loose padding or and they might blow off when you frayed straps. turn your head while riding. Whatever helmet you decide To be effective, eye or on, keep it securely fastened on your faceshield protection must: head when you ride. Otherwise, if you are involved in a crash, it’s likely • Be free of scratches. to fly off your head before it gets a • Be resistant to penetration. chance to protect you. • Give a clear view to either side. • Fasten securely, so it does not EYE AND FACE PROTECTION blow off. A plastic shatter-resistant • Permit air to pass through, to faceshield can help protect your reduce fogging. whole face in a crash. It also • Permit enough room for protects you from wind, dust, dirt, eyeglasses or sunglasses, if rain, insects and pebbles thrown up needed. from cars ahead. These problems are distracting and can be painful. Tinted eye protection should If you have to deal with them, you not be worn at night or any other can’t devote your full attention to time when little light is available. the road.

5 CLOTHING KNOW YOUR The right clothing protects you MOTORCYCLE in a collision. It also provides There are plenty of things on the comfort, as well as protection from highway that can cause you trouble.

LOTHING heat, cold, debris and hot and moving Your motorcycle should not be one of C parts of the motorcycle. them. To make sure that your • Jacket and pants should cover motorcycle won’t let you down: arms and legs completely. They • Read the owner’s manual first. should fit snugly enough to keep • Start with the right motorcycle for from flapping in the wind, yet you. loosely enough to move freely. Leather offers the most protection. • Be familiar with the motorcycle Sturdy synthetic material provides controls. a lot of protection as well. • Check the motorcycle before Wear a jacket even in warm every ride. weather to prevent dehydration. • Keep it in safe riding condition Many are designed to protect between rides. without getting you overheated, • Avoid add-ons and modifications even on summer days. that make your motorcycle • Boots or shoes should be high and harder to handle. sturdy enough to cover your ankles OTORCYCLE and give them support. Soles THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE

M should be made of hard, durable, FOR YOU slip-resistant material. Keep heels First, make sure your motorcycle

IGHT short so they do not catch on rough surfaces. Tuck in laces so they is right for you. It should “fit” you. R won’t catch on your motorcycle. Your feet should reach the ground HE while you are seated on the T • Gloves allow a better grip and motorcycle. help protect your hands in a crash. Your gloves should be made of leather or similar durable material. In cold or wet weather, your clothes should keep you warm and dry, as well as protect you from injury. You cannot control a motorcycle well if you are numb. 1T est Yourself Riding for long periods in cold A plastic shatter-resistant face weather can cause severe chill and shield: fatigue. A winter jacket should resist A. Is not necessary if you have a wind and fit snugly at the neck, windshield. wrists and waist. Good-quality B. Only protects your eyes. rainsuits designed for motorcycle C. Helps protect your whole face. riding resist tearing apart or D. Does not protect your face as well ballooning up at high speeds. as goggles. Answer - page 40

6 At minimum, your street-legal are licensed and know how to ride K motorcycle should have: before allowing them out into traffic. NOW • Headlight, taillight and No matter how experienced you brakelight. may be, ride extra carefully on any Y OUR • Front and rear brakes. motorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar to you. More than half of all crashes

• Turn signals. M occur on motorcycles ridden by the

• Horn. operator for less than six months. OTORCYCLE • Two mirrors. GET FAMILIAR WITH THE BORROWING AND LENDING MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS Borrowers and lenders of Make sure you are completely motorcycles, beware. Crashes are familiar with the motorcycle before fairly common among beginning you take it out on the street. Be sure riders — especially in the first to review the owner’s manual. This is months of riding. Riding an particularly important if you are unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the riding a borrowed motorcycle. problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, If you are going to use an get familiar with it in a controlled unfamiliar motorcycle: area. And if you lend your motorcycle to friends, make sure they

MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS Light Switch (high/low) Engine Cut-Off Choke (varies) Switch Turn-Signal Electric Switch Start Button Ignition Key (varies)

Horn Button Throttle

Front Brake Lever Clutch Lever Speedometer & Odometer Tachometer (if equipped)

Fuel Supply Valve (if equipped) Rear Brake Pedal Gear-Change Lever Kick Starter (if equipped)

7 • Make all the checks you would • Brake Light — Try both brake on your own motorcycle. controls, and make sure each one • Find out where everything is, turns on the brake light. particularly the turn signals, horn, Once you have mounted the headlight switch, fuel-supply motorcycle, complete the following valve and engine cut-off switch. checks before starting out:

OTORCYCLE Find and operate these items • Clutch and Throttle — Make without having to look for them. M sure they work smoothly. The • Know the gear pattern. Work the throttle should snap back when throttle, clutch and brakes a few OUR you let go. The clutch should feel times before you start riding. All

Y tight and smooth. controls react a little differently. • Mirrors — Clean and adjust both • Ride very cautiously and be mirrors before starting. It’s HECK aware of surroundings. Accelerate difficult to ride with one hand C gently, take turns more slowly and while you try to adjust a mirror. leave extra room for stopping. Adjust each mirror so you can see the lane behind and as much as CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE possible of the lane next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror A motorcycle needs more may show the edge of your arm or frequent attention than a car. A minor shoulder—but it’s the road behind technical failure in a car seldom leads and to the side that’s most to anything more than an important. inconvenience for the driver. • Brakes — Try the front and rear If something’s wrong with the brake levers one at a time. Make motorcycle, you’ll want to find out sure each one feels firm and holds about it before you get in traffic. the motorcycle when the brake is Make a complete check of your fully applied. motorcycle before every ride. • Horn — Try the horn. Make sure it works. Before mounting the motorcycle, make the following checks: In addition to the checks you should make before every trip, check • Tires — Check the air pressure, general wear and tread. the following items at least once a week: Wheels, cables, fasteners and • Fluids — Oil and fluid levels. At a fluid levels. Follow your owner’s minimum, check hydraulic fluids and coolants weekly. Look under manual to get recommendations. the motorcycle for signs of an oil or gas leak. 2T est 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. • Turn Signals — Turn on both C. Are caused by worn tires. right and left turn signals. Make D. Involve riders who have ridden their motorcycles less than six sure all lights are working months. properly. Answer - page 40

8 K

KNOW YOUR • Be visible — wear proper NOW RESPONSIBILITIES clothing, use your headlight, ride

in the best lane position to see and Y “Accident” implies an

be seen. OUR unforeseen event that occurs without anyone’s fault or negligence. Most • Communicate your intentions — often in traffic, that is not the case. In use the proper signals, brake light R fact, most people involved in a crash and lane position. ESPONSIBILITIES can usually claim some responsibility • Maintain an adequate space for what takes place. cushion — following, being Consider a situation where followed, lane sharing, passing someone decides to try to squeeze and being passed. through an intersection on a yellow • Scan your path of travel 12 light turning red. Your light turns seconds ahead. green. You pull into the intersection • Identify and separate multiple without checking for possible hazards. latecomers. That is all it takes for the • Be prepared to act — remain two of you to tangle. It was the alert and know how to carry out driver’s responsibility to stop. And it proper crash-avoidance skills. was your responsibility to look Blame doesn’t matter when before pulling out. Neither of you someone is injured in a crash. There held up your end of the deal. Just is rarely a single cause of any crash. because someone else is the first to The ability to ride aware, make start the chain of events leading to a critical decisions and carry them out crash, it doesn’t leave any of us free separates responsible riders from all of responsibility. the rest. Remember, it is up to you to As a rider you can’t be sure that keep from being the cause of, or an other operators will see you or yield unprepared participant in, any crash. the right of way. To lessen your chances of a crash occurring:

9 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance. That’s something you can learn only through practice. But control begins with knowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and obeying the rules of the road.

BASIC VEHICLE too much throttle. Also, adjust the CONTROL handlebars so your hands are even with or below your elbows. This permits you to use the proper muscles BODY POSITION for precision steering. To control a motorcycle well: • Knees — Keep your knees against • Posture — Sit so you can use your the gas tank to help you keep your arms to steer the motorcycle rather balance as the motorcycle turns. than to hold yourself up. • Feet — Keep your feet firmly on

OSITION • Seat — Sit far enough forward so the footrests to maintain balance.

P that arms are slightly bent when Don’t drag your feet. If your foot you hold the handlegrips. Bending catches on something, you could

ODY your arms permits you to press on be injured and it could affect your B the handlebars without having to control of the motorcycle. Keep stretch. your feet near the controls so you • Hands — Hold the handlegrips can get to them fast if needed. firmly to keep your grip over Also, don’t let your toes point rough surfaces. Start with your downward — they may get caught right wrist flat. This will help you between the road and the footrests. keep from accidentally using SHIFTING GEARS HOLDING HANDLEGRIPS There is more to shifting gears

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

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

10 Make certain you are riding Also, using the front brake B slowly enough when you shift into a incorrectly on a slippery surface RAKING lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will may be hazardous. Use caution lurch, and the rear wheel may skid. and squeeze the brake lever, never When riding downhill or shifting into grab. first gear you may need to use the • Some motorcycles have integrated brakes to slow enough before braking systems that activate the downshifting safely. Work toward a front and rear brakes together smooth, even clutch release, when applying the rear brake pedal. (Consult the owner’s especially when downshifting. manual for a detailed explanation It is best to change gears before on the operation and effective use entering a turn. However, sometimes of these systems.) shifting while in the turn is necessary. If so, remember to do so smoothly. A TURNING sudden change in power to the rear Riders often try to take curves or wheel can cause a skid. turns too fast. When they can’t hold T

the turn, they end up crossing into URNING BRAKING another lane of traffic or going off the Your motorcycle has two brakes: road. Or, they overreact and brake too one each for the front and rear wheel. hard, causing a skid and loss of Use both of them at the same time. control. Approach turns and curves The front brake is more powerful and with caution. can provide at least three-quarters Use four steps for better control: of your total stopping power. The front brake is safe to use if you use • SLOW it properly. • LOOK Remember: • PRESS • Use both brakes every time you •ROLL slow or stop. Using both brakes for even “normal” stops will permit • SLOW — Reduce speed before n by closing the throttle and, you to develop the proper habit or the tur if necessary, applying both brakes. skill of using both brakes properly in an emergency. Squeeze the front • LOOK — Look through the turn brake and press down on the rear. to where you want to go. Turn just Grabbing at the front brake or your head, not your shoulders, and jamming down on the rear can keep your eyes level with the cause the brakes to lock, resulting horizon. in control problems. • PRESS — To turn, the motorcycle • If you know the technique, using must lean. To lean the motor­ both brakes in a turn is possible, cycle, press on the handlegrip in although it should be done very the direction of the turn. Press carefully. When leaning the left — lean left — go left. Press motorcycle some of the traction is right — lean right — go right. used for cornering. Less traction is Higher speeds and/or tighter available for stopping. A skid can turns require the motorcycle to occur if you apply too much brake. lean more.

11 • ROLL — Roll on the throttle 3. Test Yourself through the turn to stabilize the When riding, you should: suspension. Maintain steady speed A. Turn your head and shoulders to or accelerate gradually through the look through turns. turn. This will help keep the B. Keep your arms straight. motorcycle stable. C. Keep your knees away from the In normal turns, the rider and the gas tank. D. Turn just your head and eyes to motorcycle should lean together at look where you are going. the same angle. Answer - page 40

TURNS KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE The best protection you can have is distance — a “cushion of space” — all around your motorcycle. If someone else makes a mistake, distance permits you: •T ime to react. • Space to maneuver. OSITIONS P LANE POSITIONS

ANE In some ways the size of the L motorcycle can work to your advantage. Each traffic lane gives a In slow tight turns, counterbalance motorcycle three paths of travel, as by leaning the motorcycle only and indicated in the illustration. keeping your body straight. Your lane position should: • Increase your ability to see and be SLOW, TIGHT TURNS seen. • Avoid others’ blind spots. • Avoid surface hazards. • Protect your lane from other drivers. • Communicate your intentions. • Avoid wind blast from other vehicles. • Provide an escape route. Select the appropriate path to maximize your space cushion and make yourself more easily seen by others on the road.

12 LANE POSITIONS /

In general, there is no single FOLLOWING ANOTHER best position for riders to be seen VEHICLE F and to maintain a space cushion OLLOWING “Following too closely” could around the motorcycle. No portion be a factor in crashes involving of the lane need be avoided — motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles including the center. need as much distance to stop as Position yourself in the portion cars. Normally, a minimum of two of the lane where you are most likely seconds distance should be to be seen and you can maintain a maintained behind the vehicle ahead. space cushion around you. Change auge your following position as traffic situations change. To g distance: Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and other potential problems are on your • Pick out a marker, such as a left only. Remain in path 1 or 2 if pavement marking or lamppost, on hazards are on your right only. If or near the road ahead. vehicles are being operated on both • When the rear bumper of the sides of you, the center of the lane, vehicle ahead passes the marker, path 2, is usually your best option. count off the seconds: “one­ thousand-one, one-thousand-two.” The oily strip in the center • If you reach the marker before tion that collects drippings from por you reach “two,” you are cars is usually no more than two feet following too closely. wide. Unless the road is wet, the A two-second following distance average center strip permits adequate leaves a minimum amount of space to traction to ride on safely. You can stop or swerve if the driver ahead operate to the left or right of the stops suddenly. It also permits a grease strip and still be within the better view of potholes and other center portion of the traffic lane. hazards in the road. Avoid riding on big buildups of oil A larger cushion of space is and grease usually found at busy needed if your motorcycle will take intersections or toll booths. longer than normal to stop. If the

13 FOLLOWING /

pavement is slippery, if you cannot drivers ahead and to prevent lane see through the vehicle ahead, or if sharing by others. traffic is heavy and someone may squeeze in front of you, open up a BEING FOLLOWED three-second or more following Speeding up to lose someone distance. following too closely only ends up

OLLOWED Keep well behind the vehicle with someone tailgating you at a

F ahead even when you are stopped. higher speed. This will make it easier to get out A better way to handle tailgaters

EING of the way if someone bears down on is to get them in front of you. When

B you from behind. It will also give you someone is following too closely, a cushion of space if the vehicle change lanes and let them pass. If ahead starts to back up for some you can’t do this, slow down and reason. open up extra space ahead of you to When behind a car, ride where allow room for both you and the the driver can see you in the rearview tailgater to stop. This will also mirror. Riding in the center portion encourage them to pass. If they don’t of the lane should put your image pass, you will have given yourself in the middle of the rearview mirror and the tailgater more time and space — where a driver is most likely to to react in case an emergency does see you. develop ahead. Riding at the far side of a lane PASSING AND BEING PASSED may permit a driver to see you in a sideview mirror. But remember that Passing and being passed by most drivers don’t look at their another vehicle is not much different sideview mirrors nearly as often as than with a car. However, visibility is they check the rearview mirror. If the more critical. Be sure other drivers traffic situation allows, the center see you, and that you see potential portion of the lane is usually the best hazards. place for you to be seen by the

14 P PASSING stay in the center portion of your ASSING 1. Ride in the left portion of the lane. Riding any closer to them could lane at a safe following distance put you in a hazardous situation. to increase your line of sight and Avoid being hit by: make you more visible. Signal • The other vehicle — A slight and check for oncoming traffic. mistake by you or the passing Use your mirrors and turn your driver could cause a sideswipe. head to look for traffic behind. • Extended mirrors — Some 2. When safe, move into the left lane drivers forget that their mirrors and accelerate. Select a lane hang out farther than their fenders. position that doesn’t crowd the • Objects thrown from windows car you are passing and pro­ — Even if the driver knows you’re vides space to avoid hazards in there, a passenger may not see you your lane. and might toss something on you 3. Ride through the blind spot as or the road ahead of you. quickly as possible.

• Blasts of wind from larger B 4. Signal again, and complete mirror vehicles — They can affect your EING and headchecks before returning control. You have more room for to your original lane and then error if you are in the middle cancel the signal. portion when hit by this blast P Remember, passes must be than if you are on either side of ASSED completed within posted speed limits, the lane. and only where permitted. Know your Do not move into the portion signs and road markings! of the lane farthest from the BEING PASSED passing vehicle. It might invite the When you are being passed from other driver to cut back into your lane behind or by an oncoming vehicle, too early.

PASSINGPASSING BEING PASSED / /

15 LANE SHARING another lane if one is open. If there is Cars and motorcycles need a full no room for a lane change, adjust lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is speed to open up space for the usually prohibited. merging driver. HARING

S Riding between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane can CARS ALONGSIDE

ANE leave you vulnerable to the Do not ride next to cars or trucks L unexpected. A hand could come out in other lanes if you do not have to. of a window; a door could open; a car You might be in the blind spot of a could turn suddenly. Discourage lane car in the next lane, which could sharing by others. Keep a center­ switch into your lane without portion position whenever drivers warning. Cars in the next lane also might be tempted to squeeze by you. block your escape if you come upon Drivers are most tempted to do this: danger in your own lane. Speed up or • In heavy, bumper-to-bumper drop back to find a place clear of traffic. traffic on both sides. • When they want to pass you. • When you are preparing to turn at BLIND SPOTS an intersection. • When you are moving into an exit lane or leaving a highway.

MERGING CARS Drivers on an entrance ramp may not see you on the highway. Give them plenty of room. Change to

MERGING /

4 Test Yourself Usually, a good way to handle tailgaters is to: A. Change lanes and let them pass. B. Use your horn and make obscene gestures. C. Speed up to put distance between you and the tailgater. D. Ignore them. Answer - page 40

16

SEE SEE Good experienced riders remain • Road and surface characteristics aware of what is going on around — Potholes, guardrails, bridges, them. They improve their riding telephone poles and trees won’t strategy by using SEE, a three-step move into your path but may process used to make appropriate infuence your riding strategy. judgments, and apply them correctly •Traffic control devices — Look in different traffic situations: for traffic signals, including • Search regulatory signs, warning signs, • Evaluate and pavement markings, to help • Execute you evaluate circumstances Let’s examine each of these steps. ahead. •Vehicles and other traffic — SEARCH May move into your path and Search aggressively ahead, to the increase the likelihood of a crash. sides and behind to avoid potential Think about your time and space hazards even before they arise. How requirements in order to maintain a assertively you search, and how margin of safety. You must leave much time and space you have, can yourself time to react if an eliminate or reduce harm. Focus even emergency arises. more on finding potential escape routes in or around intersections, EXECUTE shopping areas and school and construction zones. Carry out your decision. Search for factors such as: To create more space and minimize harm from any hazard: • Oncoming traffic that may turn left in front of you. • Communicate your presence with lights and/or horn. • Traffic coming from the left and right. • Adjust your speed by accelerating, stopping or slowing. • Traffic approaching from behind. • Adjust your position and/or • Hazardous road conditions. direction. Be especially alert in areas with Apply the old adage “one step limited visibility. Visually “busy” at a time” to handle two or more surroundings could hide you and hazards. Adjust speed to permit two your motorcycle from others. hazards to separate. Then deal with them one at a time as single hazards. EVALUATE Decision-making becomes more Think about how hazards can complex with three or more hazards. interact to create risks for you. Weigh the consequences of each and Anticipate potential problems and give equal distance to the hazards. have a plan to reduce risks.

17 In potential high-risk areas, such INTERSECTIONS as intersections, shopping areas and The greatest potential for school and construction zones, cover conflict between you and other traffic the clutch and both brakes to reduce is at intersections. An intersection the time you need to react. can be in the middle of an urban area or at a driveway on a residential street — anywhere traffic may cross

NTERSECTIONS your path of travel. Over one-half of I motorcycle/car crashes are caused by 5T est Yourself drivers entering a rider’s right-of­ way. Cars that turn left in front of To reduce your reaction time, you should: you, including cars turning left from the lane to your right, and cars on A. Ride slower than the speed limit. side streets that pull into your lane, B. Cover the clutch and the brakes. are the biggest dangers. Yo ur use C. Shift into neutral when slowing. of SEE [p. 17] at intersections D. Pull in the clutch when turning. Answer - page 40 is critical. There are no guarantees that others see you. Never count on “eye contact” as a sign that a driver will yield. Too often, a driver looks right at a motorcyclist and still fails to “see” him or her. The only eyes that you can count on are your own. If a car can enter your path, assume that it will. Good riders are always “looking for trouble” — not to get into it, but to stay out of it. Increase your chances of being seen at intersections. Ride with your headlight on in a lane position that provides the best view of oncoming traffic. Provide a space cushion around the motorcycle that permits you to take evasive action.

SMALL INTERSECTIONS

18 LARGE INTERSECTIONS

As you approach the intersec­ cross street can see him as soon as tion, select a lane position that possible. increases your visibility to the driver. Cover the clutch and both brakes to BLIND INTERSECTIONS reduce reaction time. Reduce your speed as you approach an intersection. After entering the intersection, move away from vehicles preparing to turn. Do not change speed or position radically. The driver might think that you are preparing to turn.

BLIND INTERSECTIONS If you approach a blind intersection, move to the portion of the lane that will bring you into another driver’s field of vision at the earliest possible moment. In this picture, the rider has moved to the Remember, the key is to see as left portion of the lane — away from much as possible and remain visible the parked car — so the driver on the to others while protecting your space.

19 STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS ARS C ARKED P

If you have a stop sign or stop line, stop there first. Then edge forward and stop again, just short of where the cross-traffic lane meets your lane. From that position, lean In either event, the driver might your body forward and look around cut into your path. Slow down or buildings, parked cars or bushes to change lanes to make room for see if anything is coming. Just make someone cutting in. sure your front wheel stays out of the Cars making a sudden U-turn are cross lane of travel while you’re the most dangerous. They may cut looking. you off entirely, blocking the whole PASSING PARKED CARS roadway and leaving you with no place to go. Since you can’t tell what When passing parked cars, stay a driver will do, slow down and get toward the left of your lane. You can the driver’s attention. Sound your avoid problems caused by doors horn and continue with caution. opening, drivers getting out of cars or people stepping from between cars. If PARKING AT THE ROADSIDE 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 cushion. PARKING AT CURBS A bigger problem can occur if the driver pulls away from the curb without checking for traffic behind. Even if he does look, he may fail to see you. 6T est 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 INCREASING Reflective material on a vest and C CONSPICUITY on the sides of the helmet will help LOTHING drivers coming from the side to spot In crashes with motorcyclists, you. Reflective material can also be a drivers often say that they never saw big help for drivers coming toward the motorcycle. From ahead or you or from behind. behind, a motorcycle’s outline is much smaller than a car’s. Also, it’s HEADLIGHT hard to see something you are not The best way to help others see looking for, and most drivers are not your motorcycle is to keep the looking for motorcycles. More likely, headlight on — at all times they are looking through the skinny, (although motorcycles sold in the two-wheeled silhouette in search of USA since 1978 automatically have cars that may pose a problem to the headlights on when running). them. Studies show that, during the day, a Even if a driver does see you

motorcycle with its light on is twice L coming, you aren’t necessarily safe.

as likely to be noticed. Use low beam IGHTS Smaller vehicles appear farther away at night and in fog. and seem to be traveling slower than they actually are. It is common for SIGNALS drivers to pull out in front of The signals on a motorcycle are motorcyclists, thinking they have similar to those on a car. They tell plenty of time. Too often, they are wrong. others what you plan to do. However, you can do many SIGNALING things to make it easier for others to recognize you and your motorcycle.

CLOTHING Most crashes occur in broad S

daylight. Wear bright-colored IGNALS clothing to increase your chances of being seen. Remember, your body is half of the visible surface area of the rider/motorcycle unit. Bright orange, red, yellow or green jackets or vests are your best bets for being seen. Your helmet can do more than protect you in a crash. Brightly colored helmets can also help others see you. Any bright color is better than drab or dark colors. Reflective, bright-colored clothing (helmet and jacket or vest) is best.

21 However, due to a rider’s added • You slow where others may not vulnerability, signals are even more expect it (in the middle of a important. Use them anytime you block or at an alley). plan to change lanes or turn. Use If you are being followed them even when you think no one closely, it’s a good idea to flash your else is around. It’s the car you don’t brake light before you slow. The see that’s going to give you the tailgater may be watching you and most trouble. Your signal lights also not see something ahead that will make you easier to spot. That’s why make you slow down. This will it’s a good idea to use your turn hopefully discourage them from signals even when what you plan to tailgating and warn them of hazards do is obvious. ahead they may not see. When you enter onto a freeway, drivers approaching USING YOUR MIRRORS from behind are more likely to see While it’s most important to your signal blinking and make room keep track of what’s happening for you. ahead, you can’t afford to ignore Tur ning your signal light on situations behind. Traffic conditions before each turn reduces confusion change quickly. Knowing what’s IRRORS and frustration for the traffic around going on behind is essential for you

M you. Once you turn, make sure your to make a safe decision about how to signal is off or a driver may pull handle trouble ahead.

OUR directly into your path, thinking you Frequent mirror checks should

Y plan to turn again. Use your signals be part of your normal searching at every turn so drivers can react routine. Make a special point of using accordingly. Don’t make them SING your mirrors:

U guess what you intend to do. • When you are stopped at an intersection. Watch cars coming up RAKE IGHT B L from behind. If the drivers aren’t Your motorcycle’s brake light is paying attention, they could be on usually not as noticeable as the brake top of you before they see you. lights on a car — particularly when • Before you change lanes. Make your taillight is on. (It goes on with sure no one is about to pass you. the headlight.) If the situation will permit, help others notice you by • Before you slow down. The driver flashing your brake light before you behind may not expect you to slow down. It is especially important slow, or may be unsure about to flash your brake light before: where you will slow. For example, you signal a turn and the driver • You slow more quickly than thinks you plan to turn at a distant others might expect (turning off a intersection, rather than at a nearer high-speed highway). driveway.

22 USING MIRRORS HEAD CHECKS H EAD Checking your mirrors is not

enough. Motorcycles have “blind C

spots” like cars. Before you change HECKS lanes, turn your head, and look to the side for other vehicles. On a road with several lanes, check the far lane and the one next to you. A driver in the distant lane may head for the same space you plan to take. Frequent head checks should be your normal scanning routine, also. Only by knowing what is happening all around you are you fully prepared to deal with it. H ORN

Some motorcycles have rounded HORN (convex) mirrors. These provide a Be ready to use your horn to wider view of the road behind than get someone’s attention quickly. do flat mirrors. They also make cars It is a good idea to give a quick seem farther away than they really beep before passing anyone that are. If you are not used to convex may move into your lane. mirrors, get familiar with them. Here are some situations: (While you are stopped, pick out a parked car in your mirror. Form a • A driver in the lane next to you is mental image of how far away it is. driving too closely to the vehicle Then, turn around and look at it to ahead and may want to pass. see how close you came.) Practice • A parked car has someone in the with your mirrors until you become a driver’s seat. good judge of distance. Even then, • Someone is in the street, riding a allow extra distance before you bicycle or walking. change lanes. In an emergency, press the horn button loud and long. Be ready to stop or swerve away from the danger. Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s horn isn’t as loud as a car’s — therefore, use it, but don’t rely on it. Other strategies may be appropriate along with the horn.

23 RIDING AT NIGHT CRASH AVOIDANCE At night it is harder for you to No matter how careful you are, see and be seen. Picking your there will be times when you find IDING headlight or taillight out of the car

R yourself in a tight spot. Your chances lights around you is not easy for other of getting out safely depend on your drivers. To compensate, you should: ability to react quickly and properly. IGHT

N • Reduce Your Speed — Ride even Often, a crash occurs because a rider slower than you would during the is not prepared or skilled in crash­ day — particularly on roads you avoidance maneuvers. don’t know well. This will increase your chances of avoiding a hazard. Know when and how to stop or • Increase Distance — Distances swerve, two skills critical in avoiding are harder to judge at night than a crash. It is not always desirable or during the day. Your eyes rely possible to stop quickly to avoid an upon shadows and light contrasts obstacle. Riders must also be able to to determine how far away an swerve around an obstacle. Deter­ object is and how fast it is coming. mining which skill is necessary for These contrasts are missing or dis­ the situation is important as well. torted under artificial lights at night. Open up a three-second fol­ Studies show that most crash­ lowing distance or more. And involved riders:

VOIDANCE allow more distance to pass and • Underbrake the front tire and be passed. overbrake the rear. A • Use the Car Ahead — The • Did not separate braking from headlights of the car ahead can swerving or did not choose RASH give you a better view of the road

C swerving when it was appropriate. than even your high beam can. The following information offers Taillights bouncing up and down some good advice. can alert you to bumps or rough pavement. • Use Your High Beam — Get all QUICK STOPS the light you can. Use your high To stop quickly, apply both beam whenever you are not brakes at the same time. Don’t be shy following or meeting a car. Be about using the front brake, but don't visible: Wear reflective materials “grab” it, either. Squeeze the brake when riding at night.

TOPS lever firmly and progressively. If the

S • Be Flexible About Lane Position. front wheel locks, release the front Change to whatever portion of the lane is best able to help you see, be brake immediately then reapply it UICK seen and keep an adequate space firmly. At the same time, press down Q cushion. on the rear brake. If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good traction 7T est Yourself surface, you can keep it locked until Reflective clothing should: you have completely stopped; but, A. Be worn at night. even with a locked rear wheel, you B. Be worn during the day. can control the motorcycle on a C. Not be worn. straightaway if it is upright and going D. Be worn day and night Answer - page 40 in a straight line.

24 .

in the last few feet of stopping. The S

STOPPING DISTANCE WERVING motorcycle should then be straight up and in balance.

SWERVING OR TURNING QUICKLY Sometimes you may not have enough room to stop, even if you use both brakes properly. An object might appear suddenly in your path. Or the car ahead might squeal to a Always use both brakes at the stop. The only way to avoid a crash same time to stop. The front brake may be to turn quickly, or swerve can provide 70% or more of the around it. potential stopping power. If you must stop quickly while A swerve is any sudden change turning or riding a curve, the best in direction. It can be two quick technique is to straighten the bike turns, or a rapid shift to the side. upright first and then brake. Apply a small amount of hand However, it may not always be pressure to the handlegrip located on possible to straighten the motorcycle the side of your intended direction of and then stop. If you must brake escape. This will cause the while leaning, apply light brakes and motorcycle to lean quickly. The reduce the throttle. As you slow, you sharper the turn(s), the more the can reduce your lean angle and apply motorcycle must lean. more brake pressure until the Keep your body upright and motorcycle is straight and maximum allow the motorcycle to lean in the brake pressure is possible. You direction of the turn while keeping should “straighten” the handlebars your knees against the tank and your

SWERVE, THEN BRAKE BRAKE, THEN SWERVE

25 feet solidly on the footrests. Let the CORNERING 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 colliding with the roadway or a fixed ORNERING obstacle to return you to your original C 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, SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING. Ride within your skill level and Brake before or after — never while posted speed limits. swerving. Your best path may not always follow the curve of the road. CONSTANT CURVES

26 Change lane position depending on HANDLING DANGEROUS D ANGEROUS traffic, road conditions and curve of SURFACES the road. If no traffic is present, start Your chance of falling or being at the outside of a curve to increase involved in a crash increases your line of sight and the effective whenever you ride across: radius of the turn. As you turn, move S toward the inside of the curve, and as • Uneven surfaces or obstacles. URFACES you pass the center, move to the • Slippery surfaces. outside to exit. • Railroad tracks. Another alternative is to move to •Grooves and gratings. the center of your lane before entering a curve — and stay there UNEVEN SURFACES AND until you exit. This permits you to OBSTACLES spot approaching traffic as soon as Watch for uneven surfaces such possible. You can also adjust for as bumps, broken pavement, potholes traffic “crowding” the center line, or or small pieces of highway trash. debris blocking part of your lane. Tr y to avoid obstacles by slowing or going around them. If you must go over the obstacle, first determine if it is possible. Approach it at as close to a 90˚ angle as possible. Look where you want to go 8T est Yourself to control your path of travel. If you The best way to stop quickly is to: have to ride over the obstacle, you A. Use the front brake only. should: B. Use the rear brake first. • Slow down as much as possible C. Throttle down and use the front before contact. brake. D. Use both brakes at the same time. • Make sure the motorcycle is Answer - page 40 straight.

OBSTACLES

27 • Rise slightly off the seat with your brake lever gradually to avoid weight on the footrests to absorb locking the front wheel. the shock with your knees and Remember, gentle pressure on the elbows, and avoid being thrown off rear brake. the motorcycle. • The center of a lane can be • Just before contact, roll on the hazardous when wet. When it throttle slightly to lighten the front starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks end. left by cars. Often, the left tire If you ride over an object on the track will be the best position, street, pull off the road and check depending on traffic and other road your tires and rims for damage before conditions as well. riding any farther. • Watch for oil spots when you put your foot down to stop or park. You may slip and fall. SLIPPERY SURFACES • Dirt and gravel collect along the Motorcycles handle better when sides of the road — especially on ridden on surfaces that permit good curves and ramps leading to and traction. Surfaces that provide poor from highways. Be aware of what’s traction include: on the edge of the road, particularly when making sharp Wet pavement • , particularly just turns and getting on or off after it starts to rain and before freeways at high speeds. surface oil washes to the side of the road. • Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than • Gravel roads, or where sand and on others. Patches of ice tend to gravel collect. develop in low or shaded areas •M ud, snow, and ice. and on bridges and overpasses. • Lane markings (painted lines), Wet surfaces or wet leaves are just steel plates and manhole covers, as slippery. Ride on the least especially when wet. slippery portion of the lane and To ride safely on slippery reduce speed. surfaces: Cautious riders steer clear of • Reduce Speed — Slow down roads covered with ice or snow. If you before you get to a slippery can’t avoid a slippery surface, keep surface to lessen your chances of your motorcycle straight up and skidding. Your motorcycle needs proceed as slowly as possible. If you more distance to stop. And it is encounter a large surface so slippery particularly important to reduce that you must coast, or travel at a speed before entering wet curves. walking pace, consider letting your • Avoid Sudden Moves — Any feet skim along the surface. If the sudden change in speed or motorcycle starts to fall, you can direction can cause a skid. Be as catch yourself. Be sure to keep off the smooth as possible when you brakes. If possible, squeeze the clutch speed up, shift gears, turn or brake. and coast. Attempting this maneuver • Use Both Brakes — The front at anything other than the slowest of brake is still effective, even on a speeds could prove hazardous. slippery surface. Squeeze the

28 CROSSTRACKS-RIGHT enough away from tracks, ruts, or T pavement seams to cross at an angle RACKING of at least 45˚. Then, make a quick, sharp turn. Edging across could catch your tires and throw you off balance. G

GROOVES AND GRATINGS RATINGS Riding over rain grooves or CROSSTRACKS-WRONG bridge gratings may cause a motorcycle to weave. The uneasy, wandering feeling is generally not hazardous. Relax, maintain a steady speed and ride straight across. Crossing at an angle forces riders to zigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzag is far more hazardous than the RAILROAD TRACKS, TROLLEY wandering feeling. TRACKS AND PAVEMENT SEAMS GRATE CROSSINGS-RIGHT Usually it is safer to ride straight within your lane to cross tracks. Turning to take tracks head-on (at a 90˚ angle) can be more dangerous — your path may carry you into another lane of traffic. For track and road seams that run parallel to your course, move far GRATE CROSSINGS-WRONG PARALLEL TRACKS-RIGHT

PARALLEL TRACKS-WRONG 9T est Yourself When it starts to rain it is usually best to: A. Ride in the center of the lane. B. Pull off to the side until the rain stops. C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars. D. Increase your speed. Answer - page 40

29 MECHANICAL STUCK THROTTLE PROBLEMS Twist the throttle back and forth You can find yourself in an several times. If the throttle cable is emergency the moment something stuck, this may free it. If the throttle ROBLEMS goes wrong with your motorcycle. In stays stuck, immediately operate the P dealing with any mechanical engine cut-off switch and pull in the problem, take into account the road clutch at the same time. This will and traffic conditions you face. Here remove power from the rear wheel, are some guidelines that can help you though engine sound may not handle mechanical problems safely. immediately decline. Once the ECHANICAL motorcycle is “under control,” pull M off and stop. TIRE FAILURE After you have stopped, check You will seldom hear a tire go the throttle cable carefully to find the flat. If the motorcycle starts handling source of the trouble. Make certain differently, it may be a tire failure. the throttle works freely before you This can be dangerous. You must be start to ride again. able to tell from the way the motorcycle reacts. If one of your tires suddenly loses air, react quickly to WOBBLE keep your balance. Pull off and check A “wobble” occurs when the the tires. front wheel and handlebars suddenly If the front tire goes flat, the start to shake from side to side at any steering will feel “heavy.” A speed. Most wobbles can be traced to front-wheel flat is particularly improper loading, unsuitable hazardous because it affects your accessories or incorrect tire pressure. steering. You have to steer well to If you are carrying a heavy load, keep your balance. lighten it. If you can’t, shift it. Center the weight lower and farther forward 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 • When the motorcycle slows, edge the cause, have the motorcycle to the side of the road, squeeze the checked out thoroughly by a qualified clutch and stop. professional.

30 Trying to “accelerate out of a ENGINE SEIZURE wobble” will only make the When the engine “locks” or motorcycle more unstable. Instead: “freezes” it is usually low on oil. The • Grip the handlebars firmly, but engine’s moving parts can’t move don’t fight the wobble. smoothly against each other, and the • Close the throttle gradually to engine overheats. The first sign may slow down. Do not apply the be a loss of engine power or a change brakes; braking could make the in the engine’s sound. Squeeze the wobble worse. clutch lever to disengage the engine • Move your weight as far forward from the rear wheel. Pull off the road and down as possible. and stop. Check the oil. If needed, oil 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 10 Test Yourself locked rear wheel. Let the engine If your motorcycle starts to wobble: cool before restarting. A. Accelerate out of the wobble. B. Use the brakes gradually. ANIMALS C. Grip the handlebars firmly and close the throttle gradually. Naturally, you should do D. Downshift. everything you safely can to avoid Answer - page 40 hitting an animal. If you are in traffic, however, remain in your lane. Hitting CHAIN PROBLEMS something small is less dangerous to you than hitting something big — A chain that slips or breaks while like a car. you’re riding could lock the rear wheel and cause your cycle to skid. Motorcycles seem to attract Chain slippage or breakage can be dogs. If you are chased, downshift avoided by proper maintenance. and approach the animal slowly. As you approach it, accelerate away and • Slippage — If the chain slips leave the animal behind. Don’t kick when you try to speed up quickly at an animal. Keep control of your or ride uphill, pull off the road. motorcycle and look to where you Check the chain and sprockets. want to go. Tightening the chain may help. If the problem is a worn or stretched For larger animals (deer, elk, chain or worn or bent sprockets, cattle) brake and prepare to stop — replace the chain, the sprockets or they are unpredictable. both before riding again. 11 Test Yourself • Breakage — You’ll notice an If you are chased by a dog: instant loss of power to the rear A. Kick it away. wheel. Close the throttle and brake B. Stop until the animal loses interest. to a stop. C. Swerve around the animal. D. Approach the animal slowly, then speed up. Answer - page 40

31 FLYING OBJECTS CARRYING PASSENGERS From time to time riders are AND CARGO struck by insects, cigarettes thrown Only experienced riders should BJECTS from cars or pebbles kicked up by the carry passengers or large loads. The O tires of the vehicle ahead. If you are extra weight changes the way the wearing face protection, it might get motorcycle handles, balances, speeds smeared or cracked, making it up and slows down. Before taking a LYING

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. When safe, pull off the road and To carry passengers safely: repair the damage. • Equip and adjust your motorcycle to carry passengers. GETTING OFF THE ROAD • Instruct the passenger before you If you need to leave the road to start. OAD check the motorcycle (or just to rest • Adjust your riding technique for R for a while), be sure you: the added weight. HE • Check the roadside — Make sure Equipment should include: T the surface of the roadside is firm • A proper seat — large enough FF enough to ride on. If it is soft to hold both of you without O grass, loose sand or if you’re just crowding. You should not sit not sure about it, slow way down any farther forward than you before you turn onto it. usually do. ETTING

G • Signal — Drivers behind might • Footrests — for the passenger. not expect you to slow down. Give Firm footing prevents your a clear signal that you will be passenger from falling off and slowing down and changing pulling you off, too. direction. Check your mirror and • Protective equipment — the make a head check before you take same protective gear any action. recommended for operators.

OADS • Pull off the road — Get as far off Adjust the suspension to handle L the road as you can. It can be very the additional weight. You will hard to spot a motorcycle by the probably need to add a few pounds of side of the road. You don’t want pressure to the tires if you carry a someone else pulling off at the passenger. (Check your owner’s ARRYING same place you are. manual for appropriate settings.) C • Park carefully — Loose and While your passenger sits on the seat sloped shoulders can make setting with you, adjust the mirror and the side or center stand difficult. headlight according to the change in the motorcycle’s angle.

32 INSTRUCTING PASSENGERS • Ride a little slower, especially C ARRYING Even if your passenger is a when taking curves, corners or motorcycle rider, provide complete bumps. instructions before you start. Tell • Start slowing earlier as you your passenger to: approach a stop. P • Get on the motorcycle only after • Open up a larger cushion of ASSENGERS you have started the engine. space ahead and to the sides. • Sit as far forward as possible • Wait for larger gaps to cross, without crowding you. enter or merge in traffic. • Hold firmly to your waist, hips, Wa rn your passenger of special belts or to the bike’s passenger conditions — when you will pull out, handholds. stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over • Keep both feet on the footrests, a bump. Turn your head slightly to even when stopped. make yourself understood, but keep your eyes on the road ahead. • Keep legs away from the muffler(s), chains or moving parts. CARRYING LOADS • Stay directly behind you, leaning as you lean. Most motorcycles are not designed to carry much cargo. Small • Avoid unnecessary talk or loads can be carried safely if motion. positioned and fastened properly. Also, tell your passenger to • Keep the Load Low — Fasten tighten his or her hold when you: loads securely, or put them in • Approach surface problems. saddlebags. Piling loads against a • Are about to start from a stop. sissybar or frame on the back of the seat raises the motorcycle’s • Warn that you will make a center of gravity and disturbs its sudden move. balance. • Keep the Load Forward — Place RIDING WITH PASSENGERS the load over, or in front of, the Your motorcycle will respond rear axle. Tankbags keep loads more slowly with a passenger on forward, but use caution when board. The heavier your passenger, loading hard or sharp objects. the longer it will take to slow down Make sure the tankbag does not and speed up — especially on a light interfere with handlebars or motorcycle. controls. Mounting loads behind the rear axle can affect how the 12 Test Yourself motorcycle turns and brakes. It can Passengers should: also cause a wobble. A. Lean as you lean. • Distribute the Load Evenly — B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat. Load saddlebags with about the C. Sit as far back as possible. same weight. An uneven load can D. Never hold onto you. cause the motorcycle to drift to Answer - page 40 one side.

33 • Secure the Load — Fasten the down a little to stay with the load securely with elastic cords tailender. (bungee cords or nets). Elastic • Know the Route — Make sure IDING cords with more than one everyone knows the route. Then, if R attachment point per side are more someone is separated they won’t secure. A tight load won’t catch in have to hurry to keep from getting the wheel or chain, causing it to

ROUP lost or taking a wrong turn. Plan lock up and skid. Rope tends to G frequent stops on long rides. stretch and knots come loose, permitting the load to shift or fall. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE • Check the Load — Stop and Maintain close ranks but at the check the load every so often to same time keep a safe distance to make sure it has not worked loose allow each rider in the group time or moved. and space to react to hazards. A close GROUP RIDING group takes up less space on the highway, is easier to see and is less If you ride with others, do it in a likely to be separated. However, it way that promotes safety and doesn’t must be done properly. interfere with the flow of traffic. Don’t Pair Up — Never operate directly alongside another rider. EEP THE ROUP MALL K G S There is no place to go if you have Small groups make it easier and to avoid a car or something on the safer for car drivers who need to get road. To talk, wait until you are both around them. A small number isn’t stopped. separated as easily by traffic or red Staggered Formation — This is the lights. Riders won’t always be best way to keep ranks close yet hurrying to catch up. If your group is maintain an adequate space larger than four or five riders, divide it up into two or more smaller groups. STAGGERED FORMATION KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER • Plan — The leader should look ahead for changes and signal early so “the word gets back” in plenty of time. Start lane changes early to permit everyone to complete the change. • Put Beginners Up Front — Place inexperienced riders just behind the leader. That way the more experienced riders can watch them from the back. • F ollow Those Behind — Let the tailender set the pace. Use your mirrors to keep an eye on the person behind. If a rider falls behind, everyone should slow

34 cushion. The leader rides in the left open up room for the next rider. side of the lane, while the second Some people suggest that the rider stays one second behind in leader should move to the right side the right side of the lane. after passing a vehicle. This is not a A third rider maintains in the left good idea. It encourages the second position, two seconds behind the first rider to pass and cut back in before rider. The fourth rider would keep a there is a large enough space cushion two-second distance behind the in front of the passed vehicle. It’s second rider. This formation keeps simpler and safer to wait until there the group close and permits each is enough room ahead of the passed rider a safe distance from others vehicle to allow each rider to move ahead, behind and to the sides. into the same position held before • Passing in Formation — Riders the pass. in a staggered formation should Single-File Formation — It is best pass one at a time. to move into a single-file formation • First, the lead rider should pull when riding curves, turning, out and pass when it is safe. After entering or leaving a highway. passing, the leader should return to the left position and continue 13 Test Yourself riding at passing speed to open When riding in a group, room for the next rider. inexperienced riders should • After the first rider passes safely, position themselves: the second rider should move up to A. Just behind the leader. the left position and watch for a B. In front of the group. safe chance to pass. After passing, C. At the tail end of the group. this rider should return to the right D. Beside the leader. position and Answer - page 40

35 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE

IDE Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders pay

R attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle, identifying potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisions quickly and skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road and traffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and other drugs, HAPE TO

S more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly and to ride

safely. As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance. Let’s look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs.

EING IN What to do to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined. B WHY THIS INFORMATION substance abuse don’t mix. Take IS IMPORTANT positive steps to protect yourself and prevent others from injuring Alcohol is a major contributor to themselves. motorcycle crashes, particularly fatal crashes. Studies show that 40% to ALCOHOL AND OTHER 45% of all riders killed in motorcycle RUGS DRUGS IN MOTORCYCLE crashes had been drinking. Only one­ D third of those riders had a blood OPERATION alcohol concentration above legal No one is immune to the effects limits. The rest had only a few drinks of alcohol or drugs. Friends may brag in their systems — enough to impair about their ability to hold their liquor riding skills. In the past, drug levels or perform better on drugs, but have been harder to distinguish or alcohol or drugs make them less able LCOHOL AND have not been separated from A to think clearly and perform physical drinking violations for the traffic tasks skillfully. Judgment and the records. But riding “under the decision-making processes needed influence” of either alcohol or drugs for vehicle operation are affected long poses physical and legal hazards for before legal limitations are reached. every rider. Many over-the-counter, Drinking and drug use is as big a prescription and illegal drugs have problem among motorcyclists as it is side effects that increase the risk of among automobile drivers. riding. It is difficult to accurately Motorcyclists, however, are more measure the involvement of likely to be killed or severely injured particular drugs in motorcycle in a crash. Injuries occur in 90% of crashes. But we do know what effects motorcycle crashes and 33% of various drugs have on the process automobile crashes that involve abuse involved in riding a motorcycle. We of substances. On a yearly basis, also know that the combined effects 2,100 motorcyclists are killed and of alcohol and other drugs are more about 50,000 seriously injured in this dangerous than either is alone. same type of crash. These statistics are too overwhelming to ignore. ALCOHOL IN THE BODY By becoming knowledgeable about the effects of alcohol and other Alcohol enters the bloodstream drugs you will see that riding and quickly. Unlike most foods and

36 beverages, it does not need to be Your sex, physical condition and food B LOOD digested. Within minutes after being intake are just a few that may cause consumed, it reaches the brain and your BAC level to be even higher. begins to affect the drinker. The But the full effects of these are not A major effect alcohol has is to slow completely known. Alcohol may still LCOHOL down and impair bodily functions — accumulate in your body even if both mental and physical. Whatever you are drinking at a rate of one you do, you do less well after drink per hour. Abilities and C consuming alcohol. judgment can be affected by that ONCENTRATION one drink. BLOOD ALCOHOL A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed CONCENTRATION drink with one shot of liquor and a 5­ Blood Alcohol Concentration or ounce glass of wine all contain the BAC is the amount of alcohol in same amount of alcohol. relation to blood in the body. The faster you drink, the more Generally, alcohol can be eliminated alcohol accumulates in your body. If in the body at the rate of almost one you drink two drinks in an hour, at drink per hour. But a variety of other the end of that hour, at least one drink factors may also influence the level of will remain in your bloodstream. alcohol retained. The more alcohol in your blood, the greater the degree of Without taking into account any impairment. other factors, these examples Three factors play a major part illustrate why time is a critical factor when a rider decides to drink. in determining BAC: A person drinking: • The amount of alcohol you consume. – Seven drinks over the span of three hours would have at least four (7 – 3 • How fast you drink. = 4) drinks remaining in their system • Your body weight. at the end of the three hours. They Other factors also contribute to would need at least another four the way alcohol affects your system. hours to eliminate the four remaining drinks before they consider riding.

ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION

37 – Four drinks over the span of two that judges must impose them. hours would have at least two (4 – 2 If you are convicted of riding AW = 2) drinks remaining in their system under the influence of alcohol or L at the end of the two hours. They drugs, you may receive any of the

HE would need at least another two hours following penalties:

T to eliminate the two remaining drinks before they consider riding. • License Suspension — ND Mandatory suspension for

A There are times when a larger viction, arrest or refusal to person may not accumulate as high a con concentration of alcohol for each drink submit to a breath test. consumed. They have more blood • Fines — Severe fines are another

LCOHOL and other bodily fluids. But because aspect of a conviction, usually A of individual differences it is better levied with a license suspension. not to take the chance that abilities • Community Service — Performing and judgment have not been affected. tasks such as picking up litter Whether or not you are legally along the highway, washing cars in intoxicated is not the real issue. the motor-vehicle pool or working Impairment of judgment and skills at an emergency ward. begins well below the legal limit. • Costs — Additional lawyer’s fees

ISKS to pay, lost work time spent in

R ALCOHOL AND THE LAW court or alcohol-education In most states, a person with a programs, public transportation BAC of .08% or above is considered costs (while your license is intoxicated; in others the legal limit is suspended) and the added INIMIZE .10%. It doesn’t matter how sober psychological costs of being M you may look or act. The breath or tagged a “drunk driver.” urine test is what usually determines whether you are riding legally or MINIMIZE THE RISKS illegally. Your ability to judge how well Your chances of being stopped you are riding is affected first. for riding under the influence of Although you may be performing alcohol are increasing. Law more and more poorly, you think you enforcement is being stepped up are doing better and better. The result across the country in response to the is that you ride confidently, taking senseless deaths and injuries caused greater and greater risks. Minimize by drinking drivers and riders. the risks of drinking and riding by taking steps before you drink. CONSEQUENCES OF Control your drinking or control CONVICTION your riding. Years ago, first offenders had a good chance of getting off with a DON’T DRINK small fine and participation in Don’t Drink — Once you start, alcohol-abuse classes. Today the laws your resistance becomes weaker. of most states impose stiff penalties on drinking operators. And those Setting a limit or pacing yourself penalties are mandatory, meaning are poor alternatives at best. Your ability to exercise good judgment is

38 one of the first things affected by It helps to enlist support from F ATIGUE alcohol. Even if you have tried to others when you decide to step in. drink in moderation, you may not The more people on your side, the realize to what extent your skills have easier it is to be firm and the harder suffered from alcohol’s fatiguing it is for the rider to resist. While effects. you may not be thanked at the Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’t time, you will never have to say, controlled your drinking, you must “If only I had ...” control your riding. • Leave the motorcycle — FATIGUE so you won’t be tempted to ride. Riding a motorcycle is more Arrange another way to get home. tiring than driving a car. On a long • Wait — If you exceed your trip, you’ll tire sooner than you would limit, wait until your system in a car. Avoid riding when tired. eliminates the alcohol and its Fatigue can affect your control of the fatiguing effects. motorcycle. STEP IN TO • Protect yourself from the PROTECT FRIENDS elements — Wind, cold, and rain make you tire quickly. Dress People who have had too much to warmly. A windshield is worth its drink are unable to make a responsible cost if you plan to ride long decision. It is up to others to step in distances. and keep them from taking too great a • Limit your distance — Experi­ risk. No one wants to do this — it’s enced riders seldom try to ride uncomfortable, embarrassing and more than about six hours a day. thankless. You are rarely thanked for • Take frequent rest breaks — your efforts at the time. But the Stop and get off the motorcycle at alternatives are often worse. least every two hours. There are several ways to keep • Don’t drink or use drugs — friends from hurting themselves: Artificial stimulants often result in • Arrange a safe ride — Provide extreme fatigue or depression alternative ways for them to when they start to wear off. Riders get home. are unable to concentrate on the • Slow the pace of drinking — task at hand. Involve them in other activities. 14 Test Yourself • Keep them there — Use any If you wait one hour per drink for the excuse to keep them from getting alcohol to be eliminated from your on their motorcycle. Serve them body before riding: food and coffee to pass the time. A. You cannot be arrested for drinking Explain your concerns for their and riding. risks of getting arrested or hurt B. Your riding skills will not be or hurting someone else. Take their affected. key, if you can. C. Side effects from the drinking may still remain. • Get friends involved — Use peer D. You will be okay as long as you ride pressure from a group of friends slowly. Answer - page 40 to intervene.

39 EARNING YOUR LICENSE Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your ICENSE

L own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s even harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. Licensing

OUR 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.

KNOWLEDGE TEST 4. If a tire goes flat while riding and (Sample Questions) you must stop, it is usually best to:

ST 1. It is MOST important to flash A. Relax on the handlegrips. your brake light when: B. Shift your weight toward the good TE tire. A. Someone is following too closely. C. Brake on the good tire and steer to wing suddenly. B. You will be slo the side of the road. C. There is a stop sign ahead. D. Use both brakes and stop quickly. D. Your signals are not working.

NOWLEDGE 5. The car below is waiting to enter

K 2. The FRONT brake supplies how the intersection. It is best to: much of the potential stopping power? A. Make eye contact with the driver. B. Reduce speed and be ready to A. About one-quarter. react. B. About one-half. C. Maintain speed and position. C. About three-quarters. D. Maintain speed and move right. D. All of the stopping power. . 3. To swerve correctly: A. Shift your weight quickly. B. Turn the handlebars quickly. C. Press the handlegrip in the direction of the turn. D. Press the handlegrip in the opposite direction of the turn.

______Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages) 1-C, 2-D, 3-D, 4-A, 5-B, ______6-C, 7-D 8-D, 9-C, 10-C, Answers to above Knowledge Test: 11-D, 12-A, 13-A, 14-C 1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-C, 5-B

40 ON-MOTORCYCLE SKILL • Adjust speed and position to the TEST traffic situation. Basic vehicle control and • Stop, turn and swerve quickly. crash-avoidance skills are included in • Make critical decisions and carry on-motorcycle tests to determine them out. your ability to handle normal and Examiners may score on hazardous traffic situations. factors related to safety such as: You may be tested for your • Selecting safe speeds to perform ability to: maneuvers. • Know your motorcycle and your • Choosing the correct path and riding limits. staying within boundaries. • Accelerate, brake and turn • Completing normal and quick safely. stops. • See, be seen and communicate • Completing normal and quick with others. turns or swerves.

To receive a motorcycle license with full privileges, most states require that maneuvers be performed as designed. On-motorcycle skill tests are not designed for sidecars or three-wheeled vehicles. Those vehicles maneuver differently than a two-wheeled motorcycle. Depending on the state, an examiner may follow you on a car test-route. Restrictions (sidecar, three-wheeled vehicle) may be added until completion of a two-wheeled motorcycle test.

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

41 MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE – SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

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 traffic situations. Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach and improve such skills as: • Effective turning • Braking maneuvers • Protective apparel selection • Obstacle avoidance • Traffic strategies • Maintenance For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you, call toll free: 800.446.9227

The Motorcycle motorcycles. The infor- Safety Foundation’s mation has been com­ (MSF) purpose is to piled from publications, improve the safety of ® interviews and observa­ motorcyclists on the tions of individuals and nation’s streets and highways. In an organizations familiar with the use of attempt to reduce motorcycle crashes motorcycles, accessories, and training. and injuries, the Foundation has pro- Because there are many differences in grams in rider education, licensing product design, riding styles, federal, improvement, public information and state and local laws, there may be orga­ statistics. These programs are designed nizations and individuals who hold dif­ for both motorcyclists and motorists. A fering opinions. Consult your local national not-for-profit organization, the regulatory agencies for information MSF is sponsored by BMW, Ducati, concerning the operation of motor- Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, cycles in your area. Although the MSF KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Ven- will continue to research, field test and geance, Victory and Yamaha. publish responsible viewpoints on the The information contained in this subject, it disclaims any liability for publication is offered for the benefit of the views expressed herein. those who have an interest in riding

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 USA 000254