MICHIGAN Motorcycle Operator S SO v/ Manual o .g n a g i

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Jocelyn Benson M Secretary of State

Michigan Department of State, May 2019 This manual is a supplement to Michigan’s What Every Driver Must Know, which covers rules of the road, signs, signals, roadway markings and safe driving practices.

Information, graphics and pictures contained in this manual are provided courtesy of Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Highway Safety Services LLC as well as AAMVA Test Maintenance Subcommittee & Stakeholders Advisory Group.

MSF Motorcycle Safety Foundation 2 Jenner, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92618 949-727-3227 / msf-usa.org QR Code to the Michigan Rider Education Program Online Training Program Locator QUICK TIPS: Should You Ride A Motorcycle?

Riding a motorcycle is a unique experience. RidingAAMVA is Americanfun and invigorating, Association ofyet Motorthe skills Vehicle Administrators needed for safe riding, combined with the lack AAMVAof car-like American crash protectionAssociation onof Motora Vehicle Administrators 4401 Wilson Boulevard, SuiteSuite 700700 motorcycle, can cast doubts on whether a personArlington, should Va choose 22203 to ride a motorcycle. Some potential riders lack the ability to executeArlington, skilled and Virginia timely 22203 actions in a complex 703-522-4200/ aamva.org traffic environment; others lack keen judgment703 or don’t-522-4200/aamva.org have a firm grasp of the concept SOS-116 (Rev. 02/17) of risk management.

MSF believes that motorcycling isn’t for everyone. If you’re considering becoming a rider, however, here are some questions for you to use as a self-assessment of the physical capabilities and mental attitude required to safely navigate a motorcycle on the street:

1. Are you a higher risk-taker than others you know? If you tend to need a thrill while driving a car and have aggressive or risky tendencies (following too closely, turning without signaling, talking on a cell phone, getting angry at other drivers, etc.), motorcycling may not be for you. While motorcycling improves the overall quality of life for many, for some it can lead to disaster. Thinking that accidents only happen to others is an attitude that will get you in trouble.

2. Can you ride a bicycle? This is a prerequisite for enrolling in our Basic RiderCourse and generally a good gauge of your ability to maneuver a motorcycle. Bicycling, like motorcycling, is a physical activity that involves balance and coordination. And speaking of coordination …

3. Can you drive a stick-shift car? This is not a requirement, but it may make learning to ride easier because almost all motorcycles have manual transmissions. If you can’t get the hang of shifting gears but still want to enjoy a powered two- wheeler, you might want to start out on a motor scooter. Motor scooters generally have automatic transmissions and come in many sizes, from simpler models with an engine size of 50 cubic centimeters (cc) to powerful 650cc models.

4. Do you see well? Riding a motorcycle requires special perceptual skills that rely on good vision. Have you had an eye examination recently? Do you tend to see things that are far away later than other people you know? The ability to see well ahead is important for safe riding. QUICK TIPS: Should You Ride A Motorcycle?

Riding a motorcycle is a unique experience. Riding is fun and invigorating, yet the skills needed for safe riding, combined with the lack of car-like crash protection on a motorcycle, can cast doubts on whether a person should choose to ride a motorcycle. Some potential riders lack the ability to execute skilled and timely actions in a complex traffic environment; others lack keen judgment or don’t have a firm grasp of the concept of risk management.

MSF believes that motorcycling isn’t for everyone. If you’re considering becoming a rider, however, here are some questions for you to use as a self-assessment of the physical capabilities and mental attitude required to safely navigate a motorcycle on the street:

1. Are you a higher risk-taker than others you know? If you tend to need a thrill while driving a car and have aggressive or risky tendencies (following too closely, turning without signaling, talking on a cell phone, getting angry at other drivers, etc.), motorcycling may not be for you. While motorcycling improves the overall quality of life for many, for some it can lead to disaster. Thinking that accidents only happen to others is an attitude that will get you in trouble.

2. Can you ride a bicycle? This is a prerequisite for enrolling in our Basic RiderCourse and generally a good gauge of your ability to maneuver a motorcycle. Bicycling, like motorcycling, is a physical activity that involves balance and coordination. And speaking of coordination …

3. Can you drive a stick-shift car? This is not a requirement, but it may make learning to ride easier because almost all motorcycles have manual transmissions. If you can’t get the hang of shifting gears but still want to enjoy a powered two- wheeler, you might want to start out on a motor scooter. Motor scooters generally have automatic transmissions and come in many sizes, from simpler models with an engine size of 50 cubic centimeters (cc) to powerful 650cc models.

4. Do you see well? Riding a motorcycle requires special perceptual skills that rely on good vision. Have you had an eye examination recently? Do you tend to see things that are far away later than other people you know? The ability to see well ahead is important for safe riding. 5. Are you mechanically inclined? Today’s motorcycles are very reliable machines, but with all the bolts, nuts, and mechanisms out in the open, and only two tires connecting you to the pavement, you need to be able to inspect your equipment and make the occasional minor adjustment. You don’t need to be a master mechanic, but it helps to know your way around a tire pressure gauge and a wrench. Most everything a rider needs to know is in the motorcycle owner’s manual, and if you’ve never read your car owner’s manual, that could be a sign that motorcycling is not for you.

6. Are you safety-minded? If you routinely find yourself bandaged up after doing simple do-it-yourself projects around the house, or think it’s acceptable to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, the unique challenges of motorcycle riding may not be compatible with your decision-making. Riders can control their situation only if safety is a high priority. Millions of motorcyclists ride millions of miles without incident, and they likely take safety seriously.

7. Do you respect machinery and other equipment that has risk? For example, when using a lawn mower or chainsaw, do you maintain it properly and wear eye/ear/hand protection when needed? If you’re not serious about safety in connection with simple machinery and equipment whose improper use can lead to serious injury, you may not respect motorcycling enough to follow safety precautions. Successful riders know that safety isn’t a matter of luck, but a matter of doing the right things to minimize risk.

8. Can you focus? Inattention is a major cause of crashes. Safe motorcycling requires dedicated attention to the immediate task and a keen awareness of everything going on 360 degrees around you. Rush-hour traffic aboard a motorcycle is not the place to be daydreaming. For instance, if you find yourself overusing your brakes because you were caught off-guard, or are often surprised by a passing car or truck you didn’t see, your situational awareness could be less than adequate.

9. Can you handle your car in an emergency? Drivers don’t often have the need to brake hard or swerve to miss a crash, but it’s important to have the skills to be able to do so when needed. On a motorcycle, having these types of skills is essential because other highway users tend not to see motorcyclists in traffic, especially around intersections.

10. Are you willing to invest some time in learning to ride the right way before hopping on a bike? Your best “first ride” is a Basic RiderCourse where you can familiarize yourself with the safe operation of a motorcycle. You can even take the course as an experiment, to help you better understand the dynamics of good riding and to determine if motorcycling is right for you.

www.msf-usa.org 5/09 Contents

Section One Michigan Motorcycle Rider Licensing Motorcycle Endorsement...... 1 The Michigan Rider Education Program...... 7 Motorcycle Registration Requirements...... 9

Section Two Michigan Motorcycle Laws ...... 11 Endorsements and Temporary Instruction Permits...... 11 Drugs and Alcohol...... 12 Civil Infractions...... 12 Equipment...... 13

Section Three Being in Shape to Ride...... 16 Alcohol, Other Drugs and Riding...... 16 MSF – Quick Tips: The Importance of Riding Unimpaired by Alcohol or Other Drugs...... 18

Section Four Before You Ride...... 20 MSF – What You Should Know about Motorcycle Helmets...... 32 Know Your Motorcycle...... 27 Pre-Ride Check...... 28 MSF – T-CLOCS Inspection Checklist...... 03 MSF – Quick Tips: Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)...... 31

Section Five Basic Motorcycle Operation...... 32 Getting Started...... 23 Turning...... 34

Section Six Street Strategies...... 36 Risk Management...... 36 Space Management...... 38 MSF – Quick Tips: Pretend You Are Invisible...... 41 Speed Management...... 43

Section Seven Roadway Management...... 46

Contents i Section Eight Special Riding Situations...... 49

Section Nine Passengers, Cargo and Group Riding...... 53 MSF – Quick Tips: Guidelines for Riding with a Passenger On Your Motorcycle...... 65 MSF – Quick Tips: MSF’s Guide to Group Riding...... 58

Section Ten Factors Affecting Rider Performance...... 62

Section Eleven Three-Wheel Vehicles...... 64 Common Operating Characteristics of Trikes and Motorcycles with a Sidecar...... 64 Unique Operating Characteristics of Trikes...... 65 Unique Operating Characteristics of a Motorcycle with a Sidecar...... 66

Section Twelve Sample Knowledge Test Questions...... 69

Appendix ...... 70 MSF – Quick Tips: General Guidelines for Riding a Motorcycle Safely...... 71 MSF – Seriously Safe Top Ten List...... 27 MSF – Motorcycle Safety FoundationRider ChoicesTM Contract For Safely...... 73

ii Contents This Section Covers • Motorcycle Endorsement Section One Motorcycle Rider Licensing • Temporary Instruction Permit • Rider Skills Test • Michigan Rider Education Motorcycling is a unique experience. Compared Program to a car, you don’t sit in a motorcycle, you become • Motorcycle Registration part of it. Not as a passive driver, but as an active • Renewing Your Driver’s rider, arcing into a string of smooth corners,  Not operate the motorcycle License at night. does not permit operation of a 2-wheeled • General Driver’s License playing along with the rhythm of the road;  Not operate the motorcycle with a passenger. motorcycle. MCL 257.312b (3). Renewal Information shifting, accelerating and braking with precision.  A person shall not be eligible for more than *3-wheel License Restriction Code: 20 Whether you ride to-and-from work or prefer two TIPs in a 10-year period. MCL 257.306(5). the camaraderie of a group ride on the weekend, and reduce the potential for a crash. All riders motorcycling engages all your senses and creates Ifare your encouraged second TIP to hasattend expired an entry-levelor if you have rider an invigorating sense of freedom. failededucation two motorcycle course which skill provides tests, you the must information pass a Along with that freedom, comes responsibility. All motorcycleand hands-on safety training course required to obtain to obtain your a states require some form of license endorsement endorsement.motorcycle endorsement. You’ll learn how to improve your riding skills and mental strategies, demonstrating you possess a minimum level of skill and knowledge. Take your time learning Toso youfind cana motorcycle be a safer, safety more coursealert rider. near This you, visit how to operate your motorcycle and get plenty www.michigan.gov/motorcycling.booklet and other motorcycle publications can Types of 2- and 3-Wheeled Vehicles help prepare you to be successful. of riding experience. Find an experienced and “Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle having responsible motorcyclist to mentor your learning. Motorcycle Endorsement a saddle or seat for the use of a rider and Motorcycle Endorsement This mentoring and riding experience will prepare designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in you for handling today’s traffic environment contact with the ground but excluding a tractor. MCL 257.31.

“Moped” means a 2- or 3-wheeled vehicle to which is equipped with a motor that does not exceed 100 cubic centimeters piston (1) A person, before operating aa motorcycle,motorcycle, displacement, cannot propel the vehicle at a other than an autocycle, upon a public street or speed greater than 30 miles per hour on a level highway, shall procure aa motorcyclemotorcycle endorsement surface, and its power drive system does not eonndorsement his or her operator’s on his or her or chauffeur’soperator’s or license. . . . require the operator to shift gears. c(4)hauffeur’s A person license. who violates subsection (1) is guilty MCL 257.32b. (4)of a A misdemeanor person who violates punishable subsection as follows: (1) is guilty of(a) a For misdemeanor a first violation, punishable by imprisonment as follows: for not “Autocycle” means an enclosed motorcycle that (a)more For than a first 90 violation, days or a byfine imprisonment of not more forthan not is equipped with safety belts, rollbar, windshield, more$500.00, than or 90 both. days or a fine of not more than wipers, steering wheel, and equipment otherwise $500.00,(b) For a violationor both. that occurs after a prior required on a motorcycle, and which has not (b)conviction, For a violation by imprisonment that occurs forafter not a priormore than more than 3 wheels in contact with the roadway conviction,one year or by a fine imprisonment of not more for than not more$1,000.00, than 1or at any 1 time. MCL 257.25a yearboth. or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.MCL 257.312a. Required Motorcycle License Tests MCLIn addition 257.312a to the penalties outlined in the law, Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Rider your motorcycle can be towed and impounded. Let’s face it, you’re unendorsed and you’ve just Skills Tests (RST) are the best measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s even Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing 1 harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. RSTs are designed to be

scored more objectively. 3-Wheeled motorcycle. An endorsement issued to operate a 3-wheeled motorcycle, other than an autocycle, is restricted to that operation and Michigan’s Driver Testing Program

Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing 3  Not operate the motorcycle at night. does not permit operation of a 2-wheeled  Not operate the motorcycle with a passenger. motorcycle. MCL 257.312b (3).  A person shall not be eligible for more than *3-wheel License Restriction Code: 20 two TIPs in a 10-year period. MCL 257.306(5).

If your second TIP has expired or if you have failed two motorcycle skill tests, you must pass a motorcycle safety course to obtain your endorsement.

To find a motorcycle safety course near you, visit www.michigan.gov/motorcycling. Types of 2- and 3-Wheeled Vehicles “Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle having Motorcycle Endorsement a saddle or seat for the use of a rider and designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground but excluding a tractor. MCL 257.31.

“Moped” means a 2- or 3-wheeled vehicle to which is equipped with a motor that does not exceed 100 cubic centimeters piston (1) A person, before operating a motorcycle, displacement, cannot propel the vehicle at a other than an autocycle, upon a public street or speed greater than 30 miles per hour on a level highway, shall procure a motorcycle surface, and its power drive system does not endorsement on his or her operator’s or require the operator to shift gears. chauffeur’s license. MCL 257.32b. (4) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as follows: “Autocycle” means an enclosed motorcycle that (a) For a first violation, by imprisonment for not is equipped with safety belts, rollbar, windshield, beenmore pulledthan 90 over days by or a lawa fine enforcement of not more officer. than Teenswipers, steering wheel, and equipment otherwise After$500.00, the ortraffic both. stop, you can’t legally ride your required on a motorcycle, and which has not To apply for a motorcycle endorsement, you must motorcycle(b) For a violation home, thatand parkingoccurs after it on a the prior roadside more than 3 wheels in contact with the roadway be at least 16 and: untilconviction, you can by imprisonmentmake arrangements for not to morehave itthan picked 1 at any 1 time. MCL 257.25a upyear leaves or a fineyour of bike not vulnerable more than to $1,000.00, theft or ordamage. • Possess a valid Level 2 or Level 3 Graduated Towingboth. and impounding your bike is a possible RequiredDriver License. Motorcycle License Tests MCL 257.312a • Successfully complete an approved motorcycle outcome if you are caught riding unendorsed. Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Rider rider education course. Skills Tests (RST) are the best measurement of • Visit a Secretary of State office and present the the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. motorcycle rider education course completion Assessing your own skills is not enough. People certificate and pass the vision test. Your parent often overestimate their own abilities. It’s even or legal guardian’s signature is required if you harder for friends and relatives to be totally are under age 18. honest about your skills. RSTs are designed to be

scored more objectively. 3-Wheeled motorcycle. An endorsement issued Adults Three-Wheel Motorcycle Endorsement to operate a 3-wheeled motorcycle, other than To obtain a motorcycle endorsement by taking a Anan autocycle,endorsement is restricted issued to tooperate that operation a three-wheel and motorcycleMichigan’s rider Driver education Testing course, Programyou must: motorcycle, other than an autocycle, is restricted  Not operate the motorcycle at night. does not permit operation of a 2-wheeled • Successfully pass a motorcycle rider education to that operation and does not permit operation  Not operate the motorcycle with a passenger. motorcycle. MCL 257.312b (3). course. of a two-wheel motorcycle. MCL 257.312b (3). Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing 3  A person shall not be eligible for more than *3-wheel License Restriction Code: 20 • Present your driver’s license and certificate of *Three-wheel License Restriction Code: 20 two TIPs in a 10-year period. MCL 257.306(5). course completion to a Secretary of State clerk. • Pass the vision test. If your second TIP has expired or if you have • Pay the motorcycle endorsement fee. failed two motorcycle skill tests, you must pass a motorcycle safety course to obtain your Motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit endorsement. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement by taking

the Rider Skills Test offered through a Third-Party To find a motorcycle safety course near you, visit Applying for a Motorcycle Testing Organization, you must: www.michigan.gov/motorcycling. Types of 2- and 3-Wheeled Vehicles Endorsement • Be at least age 18.

To“Motorcycle” operate a motorcycle means every on motorpublic vehicleroads, you having • Possess a valid driver’s license. Motorcycle Endorsement musta saddle possess or seat a valid for the Michigan use of adriver’s rider and license • Pass the written knowledge test and vision test withdesigned a motorcycle to travel endorsement.on not more than The 3cost wheels of the in administered at a Secretary of State office. motorcyclecontact with endorsement the ground but is added excluding to the a tractor.regular • Obtain a motorcycle Temporary Instruction driver’sMCL 257.31. license fee. A motorcycle endorsement Permit and practice riding under the may be obtained by either successfully completing supervision of an endorsed motorcycle rider a“Moped” motorcycle means rider a education2- or 3-wheeled course vehicle or a Rider to for up to 180 days. (Only two TIPs will be Skillswhich Test is equipped (which includes with a motora knowledge that does test not given issued in a 10-year period.) atexceed a Secretary 100 cubic of State centimet office).ers piston The requirements • Pass the Rider Skills Test given by a (1) A person, before operating a motorcycle, fordisplacement, obtaining a cannotmotorcycle propel endorsement the vehicle differat a for Third-Party Testing Organization approved speed greater than 30 miles per hour on a level other than an autocycle, upon a public street or teens and adults. by the Department of State. surface, and its power drive system does not highway, shall procure a motorcycle • Visit a Secretary of State office and present •require Michigan.gov/Motorcycling the operator to shift gears. to find a endorsement on his or her operator’s or your Rider Skills Test certificate of completion, MCLmotorcycle 257.32b. rider education course. chauffeur’s license. your motorcycle TIP and your driver’s license, • Michigan.gov/MotorcycleTest to find a (4) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty and pay the motorcycle endorsement fee. of a misdemeanor punishable as follows: “Autocycle”Third-Party means Testing an enclosed Organization motorcycle that offers that (a) For a first violation, by imprisonment for not is equippethe Riderd with Skills safety Test. belts, rollbar, windshield, more than 90 days or a fine of not more than wipers, steering wheel, and equipment otherwise $500.00, or both. 2 required Section on a One:motorcycle, Motorcycle and which Rider has Licensing not (b) For a violation that occurs after a prior more than 3 wheels in contact with the roadway conviction, by imprisonment for not more than 1 at any 1 time. MCL 257.25a year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both. Required Motorcycle License Tests MCL 257.312a Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Rider

Skills Tests (RST) are the best measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s even harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. RSTs are designed to be

scored more objectively. 3-Wheeled motorcycle. An endorsement issued to operate a 3-wheeled motorcycle, other than an autocycle, is restricted to that operation and Michigan’s Driver Testing Program

Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing 3 You will be required to take a rider education Operating with a Temporary Instruction course if you fail the motorcycle Rider Skills Test Permit twice. A Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) allows you The intention of the motorcycle Temporary to legally operate a motorcycle for 180 days. A TIP Instruction Permit (TIP) is to give new riders an requires that you: opportunity to practice riding on public roads • Carry the permit with you when riding. under the constant supervision of an experienced • Ride under the constant visual supervision of motorcyclist before taking the motorcycle Rider a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least Skills Test. The TIP is simply a transitory tool used 18 years old. to obtain the Michigan motorcycle endorsement. • Ride only during the day – nighttime riding is A TIP is valid for 180 days and is required for the not permitted on a TIP. Rider Skills Test. • Do not carry any passengers. To obtain a motorcycle TIP you must: • Hold a valid Michigan driver’s license. Rider Skills Test • Pass the vision and motorcycle knowledge Rider Skills Tests are another good measurement tests. of the skills necessary to operate a motorcycle • Pay the TIP fee. safely in traffic. Assessing your own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own Vision Test abilities. It’s even harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. The Rider You will be given a vision test to determine if your Skills Test is designed to be scored objectively vision meets minimum standards. If corrective by a certified Rider Skills Test examiner. Rider lenses are needed to pass the test, your driver’s Skills Tests are provided by Third-Party Testing license will show you must wear corrective lenses Organizations approved by the Michigan while driving. If you fail the vision test, your Department of State. Test fees are set by the eye-care specialist must complete a vision testing organization and may vary, so be sure to statement. A favorable vision statement means a ask about costs when calling providers in your driver’s license may be issued. Sometimes special area for information. driving limitations, such as “daytime driving only,” will be required if a vision statement indicates it. If the vision statement is not favorable, your What to Expect During the Rider application will be denied. Skills Test Following are the required skills test elements and Knowledge Test approximate times for the test. The allotted times A motorcycle safety knowledge test given at a are estimated minimums. Visit the department’s Secretary of State office must be passed before website at Michigan.gov/MotorcycleTest for a motorcycle TIP can be issued. Knowledge test more information. questions are based on information, practices • Vehicle inspection – 5 minutes, not scored. and ideas from this manual. They require that you • Basic control skills on range – 10 minutes, know and understand the rules of the road and scored. safe riding practices. The knowledge test and Rider Skills Test requirements are waived if you have During the Rider Skills Test, authorized examiners successfully passed a motorcycle rider education must always: course approved by the department. • Read standard instructions to each applicant MCL 257.309 (10). for each part of the test (a list of instructions is

Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing 3 provided to the examiner for this purpose). 3. Quick stop: You accelerate along a straight • Use only department-approved, off-street path. At the end of the path (marked by exercises. cones), you must stop your motorcycle as Before taking the Rider Skills Test, you must: quickly and safely as possible. 4. Obstacle swerve: You accelerate along a • Have a legally equipped and registered straight path. At the end of the path (marked motorcycle. by cones), you must swerve to avoid an • Wear the proper gear, including a U.S. DOT- obstacle line and then swerve to avoid the approved, labeled and properly fastened sidelines of the exercise. helmet. The skills test will not be given if you are not wearing an approved helmet. To drive a motorcycle to your skills test, you must wear a DOT-approved helmet, you must have a valid motorcycle TIP and you must be under the constant visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator at least age 18. The motorcycle skills test approved by the Department of State has seven exercises that gauge your ability to handle a motorcycle, including starting, accelerating, turning and braking. The test, on page 5, consists of four riding exercises that measure your motorcycle control and hazard response skills and will take about 15 minutes to complete. (These same range exercises are also used to evaluate a rider’s skill in the basic motorcycle rider education courses.)

Engine stall: This is scored during the entire test. Points are assessed each time you stall the engine during any exercise.

1. Cone weave: You must weave through a series of five cones that are placed 12 feet apart. Normal stop: You must make a smooth stop without skidding, with the front tire of your motorcycle in a painted box. 2. Right turn from a stop: You take off from a stop making an immediate right turn. U-Turn: You must make a left U-turn in a marked area. Those operating motorcycles over 600 cc are allowed more room to complete the U-turn. Motorcycles of 600 cc or less have a smaller U-turn area.

4 Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing Successful completion of these four motorcycle riding skills is required to pass a basic motorcycle rider education course or the Rider Skills Test..

1. Cone weave and

normal stop

2. Right turn from a stop

3. Quick Stop

4. Obstacle swerve

Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing 5

Business Requirements for Third-Party Subsequent convictions result in additional Testing Organizations penalties. Third-Party Testing Organizations must adhere to certain business practices and administer driving Testing Improprieties skills tests according to established standards and Michigan law mandates that: procedures contained in a formal, legal agreement • Any Third-Party Testing Organization or with the department. Among many contract motorcycle rider education provider who requirements, Third-Party Testing Organizations intentionally misrepresents a riding skills must: test by omitting any testing requirement • Be approved by the department before testing or procedure, or participates in any illegal services are offered. activity related to driver licensing, is subject • Maintain an established place of business and to severe penalties. Those include loss of the obtain written permission to use all approved testing authorization, criminal prosecution and test sites. restitution for monetary damages to the test • Respond to all driver-testing service inquiries by applicant, the department or both. the next business day. • Any person, including the examiner or • Publish a printed fee and refund policy and applicant, who knowingly encourages, provide receipts. Test fees are set by the facilitates or participates in improper, illegal Third-Party Testing Organization and are not or fraudulent driver testing is also subject to regulated by law. criminal prosecution. • Maintain a surety bond. • Any person found to have been improperly, • Ensure examiners attend and pass all required illegally or fraudulently tested must take the training and obtain department authorization appropriate tests again. The fee for retesting before administering tests. may be charged to the applicant. • Improper, fraudulent or unlawful driver’s Under the Michigan Vehicle Code license tests result in illegal license (Public Act 300 of 1949), it is a felony: applications. • To make a false certification regarding any driver’s license application. Reporting Improper, Illegal or Fraudulent • To bribe or attempt to corrupt a person or Test Activities agency that conducts a driving test with the If you are aware of any improper, illegal or intent to influence the opinion or decision of fraudulent testing activities, report them the tester. immediately to the Department of State. Please • For an examining officer who conducts a driving be sure to include the names of the people and test under an agreement entered into with organizations involved, the date of the incident the Department of State to vary from, shorten and a detailed description of the activities or in any other way change the method or observed or discussed. All legitimate reports examination criteria prescribed under that will be investigated. A written statement may be agreement. required. This information should be submitted to • For a person to forge, counterfeit or alter a the: driving test certification issued by a Michigan Department of State designated examining officer. Driver Programs Division A felony committed under these laws is Richard H. Austin Building punishable by one to five years in prison and a 430 W. Allegan St., 3rd Floor maximum $5,000 fine for the first offense. Lansing, MI 48918 6 Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing Phone 517-241-6850 on motorcycle insurance premiums for riders Fax 517-335-3155 who complete these courses. [email protected] Visit Michigan.gov/Motorcycling to find a motorcycle rider education course near you. The Michigan Rider Education Program Motorcycle Rider Education Courses Administering the Michigan Rider Education Motorcycle rider education courses are offered by Program (Mi-REP) is an important aspect of the private and public sponsors statewide throughout Michigan Department of State’s traffic safety the motorcycling season. Fees will vary, depending mission. Michigan’s program uses safety standards on the provider. Mi-REP offers several motorcycle established by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider education courses for different skill levels. All (MSF) to ensure consistent and comprehensive motorcycle rider education courses are taught by training. All motorcycle riders must complete certified RiderCoaches. a motorcycle rider education class or pass a • A Basic Rider Course (BRC), Classroom knowledge test and Rider Skills Test in order instruction in addition to practice time using to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, which is training motorcycles on a motorcycle range required to legally ride on public streets and is provided in the BRC. You do not need to highways. Successful completion of an approved own a motorcycle to take a BRC. BRC riders rider education course allows you to waive the finish the three-day course by taking a written Rider Skills Test requirement and the Secretary of knowledge test and a riding skills test on the State office knowledge test. Courses are designed practice range. You must pass both tests to for novices and experienced riders. The Mi-REP obtain a BRC certificate of completion. Present helps riders lay the foundation for the good the certificate and your driver’s license when judgment, skills and experience which are required applying for the endorsement at a Secretary of for operating a motorcycle safely. Returning or State office. experienced riders can also benefit from training • 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course (3WBRC), The by renewing or sharpening the skills necessary for 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course is a great place safe motorcycling. Some insurers offer discounts for motorcyclists to learn about riding a three- wheel motorcycle. The course includes four hours of classroom activities and up to eight hours of on-cycle riding exercises. Students must pass a written knowledge test and a skills test as part of the requirements to successfully complete the course. Students who obtain their certificate of course completion may qualify for a discount on their insurance.The three-wheeled vehicle endorsement cannot be used to operate a two-wheeled motorcycle. Most programs require students to have their own three-wheeled vehicle check with the provider before enrolling in a class. The motorcycle must be properly insured, titled and registered, display a valid license plate and pass a safety inspection.

Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing 7 • Basic Rider Course Two (BRC2) and Returning Accommodations for People with Rider Basic Rider Course (RRBRC), These two Disabilities and Non-Native Speakers courses are for riders who already have basic The Mi-REP and its motorcycle rider education skills. They are similar to the BRC except speeds training sponsors are in compliance with the are higher and you must provide your own Americans with Disabilities Act and the Michigan motorcycle. Successful completion of these Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act. If you courses allow you to go to the Secretary of State need accommodation or have been denied office to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in services, call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424). Hearing lieu of taking a Rider Skills Test. These one-day impaired customers should contact the Michigan programs include elements from the Basic Rider Relay Service at 711 or the Michigan Division Course (BRC). They are an excellent refresher on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing at for practicing and renewing riding skills. They 313-437-7035 or [email protected]. include an informal classroom component for A deaf or hard of hearing individual may use a discussing safety concepts based on past riding sign language interpreter during a rider education experiences and current knowledge. course. The Department of State Information • Advanced Rider Courses (ARC) A one-day Center can provide a list of interpreters if you course that complements a rider’s basic skills call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424). A student may and helps with personal risk assessment. It bring a foreign language interpreter to translate includes a fast-paced classroom segment instruction in the classroom and on the range. with several interactive activities to improve All interpreters must be at least 16 years old. perception and hazard awareness. Range The interpreter must present a driver’s license or exercises enhance both basic skills and crash other photo identification to the RiderCoach at avoidance skills. Improving braking and the training site. The RiderCoach must record the cornering finesse is emphasized. The course interpreter’s name and identification information. is beneficial for riders on any type of street motorcycle. The ARC is for riders who already Business Requirements for Rider have their endorsement and who want to Education Providers sharpen their riding skills. Students must Rider education providers must adhere to certain provide their own motorcycle and proof of business practices and standards established by insurance. The motorcycle must be properly the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Mi-REP. insured, titled and registered, display a valid Rider education providers must: license plate and pass a safety inspection. • Be approved by the Department of State Reciprocity for Out-of-State Motorcycle before services are offered. Rider Training Programs • Employ only Motorcycle Safety Foundation-certified RiderCoaches. Michigan riders applying for their motorcycle • Maintain an established place of business and endorsement, that have completed a training obtain written permission to use all approved course outside of Michigan, must submit their test sites. out-of-state motorcycle rider safety completion • Publish a printed fee and refund policy and card to the Secretary of State’s Office before an provide receipts. Test fees are set by state law endorsement can be issued. The requirement to for public providers and by the provider for pass a motorcycle Rider Skills Test or motorcycle private providers. rider education course may be waived in these • Maintain liability insurance. cases. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Mi-REP.

8 Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing Motorcycle Registration never been issued a Social Security number must Requirements certify to that fact on an application obtained at a Secretary of State office. Individuals who make a Under Michigan law, motorcycle registrations are false statement on the application are subject to issued for one year and expire on the owner’s imprisonment for one to five years, a fine of $500 birthday. You must register your motorcycle at a to $5000, or both. The individual’s license or Secretary of State office if you plan to operate it permit will also be suspended. on public roads. When registering, you will need to provide: Renewing Your Driver’s License Online • Proof of insurance for at least $20,000/$40,000 Check the front of your renewal notice to public liability and $10,000 property damage see if you are eligible to renew online. Go to coverage. Michigan.gov/SOS and select online services. • For an original registration, your motorcycle title. Pay with Discover, MasterCard or Visa. • For a renewal registration, you will need your A processing fee will be charged. renewal notice or last year’s registration. Renewing Your Driver’s License by Mail Renewing Your Motorcycle Registration You may be eligible to renew your driver’s license Proof of insurance is required when renewing your by mail if you: motorcycle registration and license plate. If your renewal notice has the phrase “insurance verified • Renewed in person the last time. electronically” printed on it you: • Do not have a Commercial Driver License. • Are not listed on the sex offender registry. • Do not need to provide proof of insurance when renewing by mail or at a Secretary of State office. If you have had a change in your physical • Have the option to renew online or at a Self- condition during the past six months, you must Service Station. renew in person. You may need to submit a physician’s statement to renew.

General Driver’s License Renewal Renewing Your Driver’s License In Person Information When you renew your driver’s license at a Your driver’s license is valid for four years. The Secretary of State office, you will be required to license expiration date is shown on the upper right take a vision screening. A new photograph will be corner. The Department of State sends a renewal taken. You may pay the renewal fee with cash, notice about 45 days before your license expires. money order or a personal check. Discover, Plan to renew at least two weeks before it expires. If MasterCard and Visa are accepted at all branch your renewal notice does not arrive or is lost, do not offices at the counter. A processing fee will be let your driver’s license expire. Go to a Secretary of charged when using a debit or credit card. State office and renew it. Change of Address Providing a Social Security Number Michigan law requires that your driver’s license address, which is your place of residence, match Anyone applying for or renewing a Michigan driver’s the address on your voter registration card. license must provide a Social Security number You may submit a change of address online at before the application can be processed. The Michigan.gov/SOS, by mail (forms are available federal Welfare Reform Act requires states online) or at any Secretary of State office. to collect Social Security numbers for use in There is no fee for this service. child-support enforcement. A person who has

Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing 9 Office Hours Test Your Knowledge • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Select the alternative (A, B or C) that best • Wednesdays – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Offices in city centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. answers the question. • Secretary of State PLUS offices and Super 1. To operate a motorcycle legally on public roads Centers provide extended Wednesday hours in Michigan, you must have: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A. A driver’s license. • Super Centers also offer Saturday hours from 9 B. A chauffeur’s license. a.m. to noon. • Smaller offices yma close for a lunch hour, and C. A motorcycle endorsement (CY). all branches are closed on state holidays. 2. A person with a motorcycle Temporary Tips When Renewing: Instruction Permit must: • Online – Renewing online is a convenient and A. Always carry the permit when riding. time saving way to renew. Go to the online B. Ride under the constant visual supervision of services found on the Secretary of State a licensed motorcyclist age 18 or older. website at Michigan.gov/SOS to see all C. Never ride at night or carry passengers. of the service options available. D. All of the above. • Self-Service Station – Self-Service Stations are available at many Secretary of State offices and some are available 24/7. Your tab and 3. How many motorcycle Temporary Instruction registration are issued immediately. Permits does Michigan law allow? • Mail – A worksheet and an addressed A. As many as needed until the rider envelope is provided with your renewal successfully passes the rider skills test. notice. B. Two permits in a 10-year period. • In person – Visit any Secretary of State office C. Two permits each year. to renew in person. • Debit and credit cards – Discover, MasterCard and Visa are accepted when renewing online, at Self-Service Stations and at the counter of all branch offices. A processing fee may be 1. C – page 2, Applying for a Motorcycle Endorsement charged. 2. D – page 3, Operating with a Temporary Instruction • Cash, checks or money orders – Checks and Permit (TIP) money orders may be used when renewing 3. B – page 3, Operating with a Temporary by mail or at a branch office. Branch offices also Instruction Permit (TIP) accept cash. • Your tab and registration will arrive within 14 days. These are issued immediately when renewing at a branch office or Self-Service Station. For more information, please refer to your renewal notice, visit the Secretary of State website at Michigan.gov/SOS or call 888-SOS- MICH (767-6424).

10 Section One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing Section Two Michigan Motorcycle Laws

This section is a compilation of Michigan Compiled • Be under constant visual supervision of a Laws (MCL) pertaining to the use of motorcycles. licensed motorcycle operator who is at least These are not the full MCLs and are provided here 18 years of age. for your convenience. These laws are subject to • Not operate the motorcycle at night. change, see the Michigan Legislature webpage for • Not operate the motorcycle with a passenger. the most up-to-date laws at Legislature.MI.gov A person shall not be eligible for more than two TIPs in a 10-year period. Types of Two- and Three-Wheeled Vehi- MCL 257.306(5) cles “Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle having a Motorcycle Endorsement saddle or seat for the use of a rider and designed A person, before operating a motorcycle, other to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with than an autocycle, upon a public street or highway, the ground but excluding a tractor. shall procure a motorcycle endorsement on his or MCL 257.31 her operator’s or chauffeur’s license. MCL 257.312a(1) “Moped” means a 2- or 3-wheeled vehicle which is equipped with a motor that does not exceed A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a 100 cubic centimeters piston displacement, cannot misdemeanor punishable as follows: propel the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles • For a first violation, by imprisonment of not per hour on a level surface, and its power drive more than 90 days or a fine of not more than system does not require the operator to shift gears. $500, or both. MCL 257.32b • For a violation that occurs after a prior conviction, by imprisonment of not more than 1 “Autocycle” means a motorcycle that is equipped year or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both. with safety belts, rollbar or roll hoops, handlebars MCL 257.312a or a steering wheel, and equipment otherwise required on a motorcycle, has not more than 3 3-Wheeled Motorcycle wheels in contact with the roadway at any 1 time, An endorsement issued to operate a 3-wheeled and is not equipped with a straddle seat. motorcycle, other than an autocycle, is restricted to MCL 257.25a that operation and does not permit operation of a 2-wheeled motorcycle. Endorsements and Temporary MCL 257.312b(3) Instruction Permits

Operating with a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) A person with a TIP may operate a motorcycle for 180 days and must: • Carry the permit.

Section Two: Michigan Motorcycle Laws 11 Drugs and Alcohol the influence is not legal, and it is risky because the drug can distort your perception of space, time Operating a motor vehicle while and speed. This is especially critical for motorcycle riders, who must continually make detailed intoxicated assessments of complex traffic situations and It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Michigan: make split-second decisions requiring precise rider • While intoxicated or impaired by alcohol, input to navigate safely and maintain an adequate illegal drugs and certain prescribed safety margin. medications. • With a Bodily Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or Be safe. Do not operate your motorcycle or any greater (operating while intoxicated) or with a motor vehicle if you are impaired by marijuana. BAC of 0.17 or greater (high BAC). Find alternate transportation if you are planning • With the presence of a Schedule 1 drug or to be under the influence of marijuana at your cocaine. Included in this group are marijuana destination. Just as with alcohol, drivers impaired Ecstasy, hallucinogens, designer amphetamines by marijuana can be convicted of riding under and heroin. the influence, and be subjected to similar harsh penalties. Drunken drivers face swift and tough action under Michigan’s drunken driving laws. The laws: Civil Infractions • Require courts to decide drunken driving cases within 77 days after an arrest. Registration (license) plate; attachment • Require a six-month driver’s license to vehicle; legibility suspension, even for a first conviction. Driver (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection may be eligible to receive a restricted license and subsection (6), a registration plate issued after serving 30 days of the suspension. for a vehicle shall be attached to the rear of • Require five days to one year of jail time, 30 the vehicle. to 90 days of community service or both, for a (2) A registration plate shall at all times be second conviction of drunken driving. securely fastened in a horizontal position to • Include a felony for a conviction for drunken the vehicle for which the plate is issued so driving that causes death. as to prevent the plate from swinging. The • Include a felony for a conviction for drunken plate shall be attached at a height of not less driving that causes a serious injury to another. than 12 inches from the ground, measured • Require fines for a conviction of driving while from the bottom of the plate, in a place and a driver’s license is suspended or revoked of position that is clearly visible. The plate shall up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for an be maintained free from foreign materials that additional offense. obscure or partially obscure the registration • Do not allow hardship appeals for habitual information and in a clearly legible condition. alcohol offenders. MCL 257.225 • Require a $125 reinstatement fee if your driver’s license was suspended, revoked or Parents or guardians restricted. The parent or guardian of a minor shall not Marijuana and Motorcycle Operation authorize or knowingly permit the child to violate the laws applicable to motorcycles. Marijuana may be legal for medicinal and MCL 257.656 recreational use in Michigan or the state you are riding, but operating a motor vehicle while under

12 Section Two: Michigan Motorcycle Laws In Michigan, a helmet is required if you from keeping both hands upon the handlebars of are: the vehicle. MCL 257.661 • Taking a state-approved motorcycle rider education course. (Michigan.gov/Motorcycling) Interference with normal flow of • Taking a state-approved Rider Skills Test. (Michigan.gov/Motorcycletest) vehicular traffic • Under the age of 21. (1) A person, without authority, shall not block, MCL 257.658(5) obstruct, impede, or otherwise interfere with the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian A motorcycle helmet is not required for traffic upon a public street or highway in this those 21 and over if you: state, by means of a barricade, object, or device, or with his or her person. • Have had your motorcycle endorsement (CY) MCL 257.676b for longer than two years or have passed a state approved motorcycle rider education course. • Have at least $20,000 in first party medical Limited access highways benefits (A motorcycle operator with a rider A person shall not operate a motorcycle with less must have at least $20,000 per person per than a 125 cubic centimeter engine or moped on a occurrence.) limited access highway. MCL 257.658(5) MCL 257.679a

Helmet use; moped Equipment A moped operator less than 19 years of age shall wear a crash helmet. Seats and foot rests MCL 257.658(4) A motorcycle shall be equipped with adequate seats and securely attached foot rests or pegs for Crash helmet standards each designated seating position. Unless able to do so because of a permanent physical disability, a When required, all helmets must meet the U.S. passenger shall not ride on a motorcycle unless his Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. or her feet can rest on the foot rests or pegs. Mich. Admin. Code, R 28.951 MCL 257.658a(1)

Riding on seat of motorcycle; multiple Handlebars of Motorcycle riders A person shall not operate on a public highway of (1) A motorcycle operator must ride upon and this state a motorcycle or moped equipped with astride a permanent and regular seat attached handlebars that are higher than 30 inches from to that vehicle. the lowest point of the undepressed saddle to the (2) A motorcycle or moped shall not be used highest point of the handle grip of the operator. to carry more persons at one time than the MCL257.661a number for which it is designed and equipped. MCL 257.658 Head lamps; number; modulator; height (2) A motorcycle or moped shall be equipped with Carrying packages at least 1 and not more than 2 head lamps that A moped or motorcycle operator shall not carry any comply with this chapter. package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver

Section Two: Michigan Motorcycle Laws 13 (3) A motorcycle or moped head lamp may be height of not less than 12 inches nor more than wired or equipped to allow either its upper 30 inches above the level surface upon which beam or its lower beam, but not both, to the vehicle stands. modulate from a higher intensity to a lower MCL 257.696 intensity. A head lamp modulator installed on a motorcycle or moped with 2 head lamps shall Rear stop lamps be wired in a manner to prevent the head lamps A motorcycle or moped shall be required to have 1 from modulating at different rates or not in rear stop lamp. synchronization with each other. A head lamp MCL 257.697b modulator installed on a motorcycle or moped shall meet the standards prescribed in 49 CFR Side, fender, running, courtesy, and 571.108. (4) Every head lamp upon a motor vehicle shall be backing lamps; reflectors; flashing, located at a height measured from the center of oscillating, or rotating lights; violation the head lamp of not more than 54 inches nor as civil infraction less than 24 inches above the level surface upon A lamp or a part designed to be a reflector, if which the vehicle stands. visible from the front, shall display or reflect a MCL 257.685 white or amber light; if visible from either side, shall display or reflect an amber or red light; and if Clearance/marker lamps and reflectors; visible from the rear, shall display or reflect a red color light, except as otherwise provided by law. (a) Those mounted on the front or on the side near MCL 257.698(4) the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color. Brake equipment (b) Those mounted on the rear or on the sides near (b) A motorcycle or moped when operated upon the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red a highway shall be equipped with at least 2 color. brakes, 1 on the front wheel and 1 on the rear (c) All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on wheel, that may be operated by hand or foot. the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a MCL 257.705 red color, except the stop light or other signal device, which may be red or amber, and except Horn or other warning device that the light illuminating the license plate shall be white. (a) A motorcycle or moped, when operated upon MCL 257.689 a highway, shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from Spot lamps; fog lamps a distance of not less than 200 feet but a horn (a) A motorcycle shall not be equipped with more or other warning device shall not emit an than 1 spot lamp, and every lighted spot lamp unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle. shall be so aimed and used upon approaching MCL 257.706 another vehicle that no part of the beam will be directed into the eyes of the approaching driver. Muffler, engine, and exhaust system Spot lamps may not emit other than either a (1) A motorcycle or moped shall at times be white or amber light. equipped with a muffler in good working (b) A motor vehicle may be equipped with not more order and in constant operation to prevent than 2 fog lamps mounted on the front at a

14 Section Two: Michigan Motorcycle Laws excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke. 35 miles per hour that is not equipped with a A person shall not remove, destroy, or damage windshield shall wear goggles with transparent any of the baffles contained in the muffler, nor lenses, eyeglasses, or a transparent face shield that shall a person use a muffler cutout, bypass, or is shatter resistant and of sufficient size to protect similar device upon a motorcycle or moped on a his or her eyes against airborne materials and highway or street. other road debris. MCL 257.707 MCL 257.708a

Noise limitations; prohibitions Tires (1) After April 1, 1978, a motor vehicle shall not be (f) A person shall not operate a vehicle on a operated or driven on a highway or street if the highway when a tire in use on that vehicle is motor vehicle produces total noise exceeding unsafe as provided in subsection (h). 1 of the following limits at a distance of 50 feet (h) A tire is unsafe if it is in any of the following except as provided in subdivision (b)(iii): (b) A conditions: motorcycle or a moped: (i) Has a part of the belting material, tire cords, i. 86 DBA if the maximum lawful speed on the or plys exposed. highway or street is greater than 35 miles (ii) Has evidence of cord or tread separations. per hour. (iii) Is worn to or below the minimum tread ii. 82 DBA if the maximum lawful speed on the level in 2 or more adjacent major grooves highway or street is not more than 35 miles at 3 or more locations spaced around per hour. the circumference of the tire. Minimum iii. 95 DBA under stationary run-up test at 75 allowable tread levels are as follows: inches. Motorcycle and moped: 1/32-inch front MCL 257.707c and rear. (iv) Has a marking “not for highway use,” “for DBA: “Decibels on the a-weighted network” means racing purposes only,” “for farm use only,” decibels measured on the a-weighted network of a or “unsafe for highway use.” sound level meter, as specified in American National (v) Has been regrooved or recut below the Standards Institute standard S 1.4-1971. original tread design depth except in the MCL 257.707a case of special purpose designed tires having extra undertread rubber provided Mirrors for this purpose and identified as those All motor vehicles shall be equipped with an outside tires. rearview mirror on the driver’s side which shall be MCL 257.710 positioned to give the driver a rearviewing angle from the driver’s side of the vehicle. Rearview mirrors may be positioned on the helmet or visor worn by the operator of a motorcycle if the helmet is securely attached to the head of the operator. MCL 257.708

Windshields, goggles, eyeglasses or face shields A person operating a motorcycle in excess of

Section Two: Michigan Motorcycle Laws 15

Section Two Being in Shape to Ride This Section Covers Riding a motorcycle  Alcohol, Other Drugs and Riding demands your full  Health  Emotions attention. Responsible riders pay attention to the riding environment, identify potential Riding under the influence of alcohol or other Section Two Being in Shape to Ridedrugs poses physical and legal hazards for every rider. hazards, look for This Section Covers escape routesRiding and a motorcycle  Alcohol, Other Drugs and Riding  make good decisions. demands your full Health  Emotions attention. Alcohol, Other Drugs and RidingResponsible riders pay attention to Alcohol is a major contributor to motorcyclethe riding crashes, particularly fatal crashes. Studiesenvironment, show identify potential Riding under the influence of alcohol or other that nearly 40% of all riders killed in motorcycle drugs poses physical and legal hazards for every rider. hazards, look for crashes had been drinking. Riding “underescape the routes and Section Three Being in Shape to Ride influence” of alcoholmake orgood other decisions drugs. poses physical and legal hazards for every rider.Riding a By becoming knowledgeableAlcohol, Other about Drugs the effectsmotorcycle and Riding demands your full of alcohol and otherAlcohol drugs is a major you willcontributor see that to motorcycle attention. crashes, particularly fatal crashes. Studies show riding and alcohol don’t mix. Responsible riders that nearly 40% of all riders killed in motorcycle pay attention to crashes had been drinking. Riding “under the the riding Effects of Alcoholinfluence” and of other alcohol Impairingor other drugs poses environment, physical and legal hazards for every rider. Drugs identify potential By becoming knowledgeable about the effects hazards, look for Alcohol and otherof drugsalcohol impair and other your: drugs you will see that escape routes and riding and alcohol don’t mix. make good decisions.  Judgment – Alcohol and other impairing How Alcohol Works Effects of Alcohol and other Impairing drugs affectAlcohol, those areasOther of Drugs your brain and Riding that controlDrugs judgment. You may not be Unlike other beverages, alcohol is absorbed Alcohol is a major contributor to motorcycle directly through the walls of the stomach and able to makeAlcohol good and decisionsother drugs aboutimpair your:the traffic conditionscrashes, particularly or how you fatal can crashes. protect Studies showthe small intestine, goes into the bloodstream, that nearly 40 percent of all riders killed in yourself. Judgment – Alcohol and other impairing and travelsHow throughoutAlcohol WorksWorks the body and to the motorcycledrugs crashes affect thosehad been areas drinking. of your Ridingbrain brain.  Vision – Alcohol“under thatthe and influence”control certain judgment. typesof alcohol ofYou or may other not drugsbe Unlike other beverages, alcohol isis absorbedabsorbed di- drugs canposes blur physicalyourable to vision, makeand legal goodslow hazards decisions your for aboutevery rider.the rectlydirectly through through the the walls walls of of the the stomach stomach and and the ability to Byfocus becoming trafficand cause knowledgeableconditions double or how vision.about you the can effects protect Alcohol smallthe is sabsorbedmall intestine, intestine, quicklygoes goes into intoand the the canbloodstream, bloodstream, be and of alcohol and other drugs, you will see that and travels throughout the body and to the  Reaction Time –yourself. Alcohol and other measuredtravels within throughout 30 to the 70 bodyminutes and to after the brain. a riding andVision alcohol – Alcohol don’t and mix. certain types of personJudgmentbrain. has had isa thedrink. first impairing drugs slows your ability to thing affected. drugs can blur your vision, slow your Alcohol Concentration process informationEffectsability of Alcoholtando focus impacts andand cause yourOther double Impairing vision. Alcohol is absorbed quickly and can be A typical alcoholic drink ability to Drugsreact quicklyReaction toTime a situation.– Alcohol and other Alcoholmeasured is absorbedwithin 30 to 70 minutes after a impairing drugs slows your ability to equalsquicklyperson about hasand half hadcan an abe drink. Alcohol Concentration Alcoholprocess and other information drugs impair and your:impacts your ounce measured of alcohol. within This 30 isto A typical alcoholic drink • Judgmentability to react – Alcohol quickly and to other a situation. impairing 70 minutes after a

equals about half an drugs affect those areas of your brain person has had a drink. ounce of alcohol. This is that control judgment. You may not be A typical alcoholic drink 14 Section One: Motorcycleable to make Rider good Licensingdecisions about the traffic conditions or how you can protect equals about half an ounce of alcohol. 14 Sectionyourself. One: Motorcycle Rider Licensing This is the approximate amount of alcohol • Vision – Alcohol and certain types of found in: drugs can blur your vision, slow your • One shot of distilled spirits, or ability to focus and cause double vision. • One 5-ounce glass of wine, or • Reaction Time – Alcohol and other • One 12-ounce beer. impairing drugs slows your ability to process information and impacts your ability to react quickly to a situation.

Riding under the influence of alcohol or other drugs poses physical and legal hazards for every rider.

16 Section Three: Being in Shape to Ride the approximate amount of alcohol found in: If you plan on drinking, leave your motorcycle at home and find other transportation so you  One shot of distilled spirits, or won’t be tempted to ride impaired. Or, call  One 5-ounce glass of wine, or ahead to where you plan on drinking and ask if  One 12-ounce beer. there is a secure place for you to store your motorcycle overnight so you can find an What AffectsAffects My My Blood Blood Alcohol Alcohol designatedalternative driver.way home – such as a taxi or Concentration (BAC)? (BAC)? designated driver. There are no shortcuts to removing the alcohol BAC refers to the amount of alcohol contained fromThere your are bodyno shortcuts fast. None to rem of theoving “remedies” the alcohol you in a person’s blood. In all states,states, anan adultadult withwith aa mayfrom have your heard body fast.about None – cold of showers,the “remedies” hot coffee BAC of 0.08%0.08 percent or above or isabove considered is considered oryou physical may have exercise heard – aboutwill make – cold you showers, remove hot intoxicated. However, impairmentimpairment begins with thecoffee, alcohol or physical faster. The exercise only proven– will make remedy you to the first drink. drink. Even Even under under .08 0.08 you you can can be be removingremove the the alcohol alcohol faster. is time. The Rememberonly proven – your impaired and convicted forfor ridingriding impaired.impaired. HowHow bodyremedy can to process removing about the one alcohol drink is antime. hour. fast a person’s BAC rises varies with a number ofof Remember – your body can process about one factors: Otherdrink an Impairing hour. Drugs and Riding  The number of drinks. The more you drink, • Thethe highernumber the of BAC. drinks. The more you drink, AllOther drugs Impairing may affect Drugs your ability and Ridingto ride safely. the higher the BAC.  How fast you drink. When alcohol is This is true of many prescription, over-the- • Hoconsumedw fast you quickly, drink. Whenyou will alcohol reach is a higher counterAll drugs and may illegal affect drugs. your abilityIf you areto ride not safely.sure if it cBAConsumed than when quickly, it is you consumed will reach over a higher a longer isThis safe is totrue take of amany drug prescription, and ride, ask over your-the doctor- BperiodAC than of time.when it is consumed over a longer orcounter, pharmacist and illegal about drugs. any side If you effects. are not Never sure if it period of time. is safe to take a drug and ride, ask your doctor  Your gender. Women generally have less drink alcohol while you are taking other drugs. or pharmacist about any side effects. • Ywaterour sex. and Women more body generally fat per have pound less of body These drugs could multiply the effects of Never drink alcohol while you are taking other wweightater and than more men. body Alcohol fat per does pound not of go body into alcohol or have additional effects of their own. drugs. These drugs could multiply the effects of weightfat cells than as men.easily Alcohol as other does cells, not goso intomore These effects not only reduce your ability to alcohol or have additional effects of their own. falcoholat cells remainsas easily in as the other blood cells, of women.so more operate your motorcycle, but could cause These effects not only reduce your ability to  alcoholYour weight. remains The in more the blood you weigh, of women. the more serious health problems, even death. operate your motorcycle, but could cause • Ywaterour weight. is present The morein your you body.weigh, This the morewater serious health problems, even death. waterdilutes is the present alcohol in andyour lowers body. Thisthe BAC. water Health dilutes the alcohol and lowers the BAC.  Food in your stomach. Absorption will be There are many health conditions that can affect • Fslowedood in ifyour you’ve stomach. had something Absorption to eat.will be Health slowed if you’ve had something to eat. your riding, even little problems. Check with yourThere doctor are many if a health health condition conditions couldthat caninterfere affect Don’t Drink or withyour youriding, operating even little a problems.motorcycle. Check with Don’tRide Sober Ride your doctor if a health condition could interfere with you operating a motorcycle. The safest and most Emotions responsible choice is Emotions can interfere with your ability to think, Emotions to not drink and ride. can create mental distractions, increase risk- Because once you Because once you taking,Emotions create can ainterfere lack of attention with your ability and can to think, start, your judgment is start, your judgment is interruptcan create the mental ability distractions, to process information. increase risk -You the first thing affected affected and your maytaking, not create be able a lackto give of attention, all your attention and can to and your ability to say ability to say “no” gets operatinginterrupt the a motorcycleability to process if you areinformation. overly You weaker.“no” gets weaker. worried,may not excited,be able toafraid, give angryall your or attention depressed. to operating a Testmotorcycle Your Knowledgeif you are overly If you plan on drinking, leave your motorcycle at worried, excited, afraid, angry or depressed. home and find other transportation so you won’t be tempted to ride impaired. Or, call ahead to where you plan on drinking and ask if Section Two: Being in Shape to Ride 15 there is a secure place for you to store your motorcycle overnight so you can find an alternative way home – such as a taxi or

Section Three: Being in Shape to Ride 17 QUICK TIPS: The Importance of Riding Unimpaired by Alcohol or Other Drugs

Theory: Alcohol And Motorcycles Are Incompatible

• At a BAC* of 0.01 to 0.04%, judgment begins to lessen, the drinker is less critical of their own actions, reaction time is slowed, and indications of mental relaxation may appear. • At a BAC of 0.05 to 0.07%, judgment is not sound, thinking and reasoning powers are not clear, and the ability to perform complex skills is lessened. • At a BAC of 0.08% or above, judgment and reasoning powers are severely hampered, and the individual cannot complete common simple tasks without error.

Proof: Statistics From Recent Studies (by NHTSA, Florida, Kentucky, and Australia)

• Having any alcohol in one’s body increases the chance of crashing by five times. • Having a BAC greater than 0.05% increases the risk of crashing about forty-fold. • 46 percent of all motorcyclists killed in crashes were using alcohol. • One fourth of all fatal alcohol-related motorcycle crashes involve motorcyclists running off the road, overturning, or falling from the motorcycle rather than striking another object.

Explanation: Alcohol Affects Your Ability To “SEE”

SEEm is the acronym for MSF’s strategy to help motorcycle riders maintain a safety margin as well as remain ready and able to respond properly to traffic situations. SEE stands for:

• Search for hazards that might lead to trouble. • Evaluate how the hazards might interact to create risk; prioritize multiple hazards to deal with one at a time. • Execute an action to maintain a margin of safety.

Alcohol affects these three human elements of safe motorcycle operation by impairing your vision (Search), judgment/decision-making ability (Evaluate), and coordination/reaction time (Execute).

Recommendation: Plan Ahead

• Riders should never mix alcohol with riding. Even low, legal limits of BAC increase your risk while riding a motorcycle. • Riders who are away from home and decide to drink should either (1) wait until their BAC has returned to zero before riding, even if it means staying overnight, or (2) leave the motorcycle in a secure location and find alternate transportation home.

*BAC = Blood Alcohol Concentration www.msf-usa.org 9/06

18 Section Three: Being in Shape to Ride Test Your Knowledge

1. If you have only one drink before riding: A. You cannot be arrested for drinking and riding. B. Your riding skills will not be affected. C. It can affect your ability to operate a motorcycle. 2. What percent BAC is considered intoxicated? A. 0.02 percent. B. 0.04 percent. C. 0.08 percent.

1. C – page 17, What Affects My Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)? 2. C – page 17, What Affects My Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?

Section Three: Being in Shape to Ride 19

This Section CoversCovers SectionSection ThreeFour Before Before You You Ride Ride • Selecting andand WearingearingW ProtectiveProtective GearGear A responsibleresponsible riderrider • MSFGetting - What to Know you shouldYour Motorcycle know about makes a point to:  motorcycleMotorcycle helmetsControls 1. WWearear • Know yourMotorcycle prprotectiveotective • Pre-Ride Check T-CLOCS  riding ggear.ear. Has• at MSF least Anti-Lock $20,000 inBraking first-party Systems medical 2. Be ffamiliaramiliar with benefits insurance in effect in addition to Helmet use and motorcycle operators the motmotorcycle.orcycle. the insurance that is required of the motorcycle operator. 3. Inspect the A motorcycle operator is required to wear an MCL 257.658(5). motmotorcycle.orcycle. approved crash helmet unless he or she:

4. Be frfreeee of Helmet use; moped – A moped operator less impairmenimpairmentsts • Is at least 21 years old, than 19 years of age shall wear a crash helmet. (alc(alcoholohol and drug free). • Has at least $20,000 in first-party medical MCL 257.658(4). benefits insurance in effect, and • Has held a motorcycle endorsement for at Selecting andand Wearing Wearing ProtectiveProtective Crashleast data two shows years, that or hashead passed injuries an account approved for Gear a majoritymotorcycle of serious rider educationand fatal injuries course. to motorcyclists.MCL 257.658(5). Research also shows that riders Anytime youyou rideride aa motorcyclemotorcycle youyou shouldshould wear:wear: wearing helmets have fewer and less severe head injuries in a crash. • A helmehelmett compliant with the U.S. Helmet use; motorcycle passengers DepartmenDepartmentt of Transportation (DOT).(DOT). AH eremotorcycle are some passenger facts to consider: is required to wear an

• FFaceace and eye protection. approved crash helmet unless he or she:  Helmets make your riding experience more • MotMotorcycleorcycle protectiveprotective ridingriding geargear (gloves,(gloves, enjoyable. long pants, jacket, sturdysturdy footwear).footwear). • Is at least 21 years old, and •  HasHelmets at least protect $20,000 you infrom first-party the elements medical Helmet Use Use benefits(wind, bugs, insurance debris, in etc.). effect in addition to  theA DOT insur compliantance that helmet is required does ofnot the restrict CrashHelmet data use shows and motorcycle that head injuriesoperators account for motvisionorcycle or mask operator. important sounds. aA majoritymotorcycle of seriousoperator and is requiredfatal injuries to wear to an  MCLCrashes 257.658(5). are unpredictable and may happen motorcyclists.approved crash Research helmet unlessalso shows he or that she: riders at any time, even on short rides or within wearing helmets have fewer and less severe Helmetminutes use; ofmoped starting the ride. head Is injuriesat least in21 a years crash. old, A mopedRegardless operator of speed, less than a helmet 19 years will of reduce age shall  Has at least $20,000 in first-party medical wearthe a crashseverity helmet. of head MCL injuries. 257.658(4). Herebenefits are some insurance facts to inconsider: effect, and

 Has held a motorcycle endorsement for at • Helmets make your riding experience more Helmet SelectionSelection enjoyable.least two years, or has passed an approved • Helmemotorcyclets protect safety you course. from the elements Protection shouldshould bebe thethe firstfirst consideration consideration when buying your motorcycle helmet. There are (wind,MCL 257.658(5).bugs, debris, etc.). when buying your motorcycle helmet. There are three primary types of helmets: full-face, three- • A DOT-compliant helmet does not restrict three primary types of helmets: full face, three- quarter and half. A full-face helmet gives the Helmetvision use; or maskmotorcycle important passengers sounds. – quarter, and half. A full face helmet gives the most head protection since it covers all of the • A motorcycleCrashes are passenger unpredictable is required and may to wear happen an most head protection since it covers all of the head and face. This design has a flip-up face approvedat any crashtime, helmet even on unless short herides or she:or within head and face. This design has a flip-up face shield that protects the eyes. A three-quarter minutes of starting the ride. shield that protects the eyes. A three-quarter helmet affords riders good head protection and •  RIsegardless at least 21 of years speed, old, a helmet and will reduce the helmet affords riders good head protection and is constructed with the same basic components, severity of head injuries. but doesn’t offer the face and chin protection of

2018 SectionSection Three:Four: BeforeBefore YouYou RideRide but doesn’t offer the face and chin protection of A helmet should fit comfortably, but snugly. A fullfull-face-face helmets. If you wear a three-quarterthree-quarter canhelmet create that sores is too or loose cause can headaches. lift in the windWhen or helmet, you should use an approved snap-on face face choosingcome off youra helmet, head tryin aon fall. several One that brands is too and tight shield or goggles. Half helmets provide the least sizes to get an idea of fit and comfort. shield or goggles. Half helmets provide the least can create sores or cause headaches. When amount of of protection. protection. Here are a few tips for the best fit: choosing a helmet, try on several brands and sizes to get an idea of fit and comfort. Helmets • Cheek pads should touch your cheeks Herewithout are a few pressing tips for uncomfortably. the best fit: • There should be no gaps between your  Cheek pads should touch your cheeks temples and brow pads. • Ifwithout the helme pressingt has uncomfortably.a neck roll, it should not  pushThere the should helmet be noaway gaps from between the back your of your temples and brow pads. neck. •  OnIf the full- helmetface helmets, has a neck press roll, on it theshould chin not piece.

Thepush helmet the helmet or face away shield from should the back not touchof your Whichever style you choose, make suresure thatthat thethe yourneck. nose or chin. helmet:  On full face helmets, press on the chin piece. Whatever helmet you decide on, keep it • MeCrashets helmet crash helmet standards standards – When and required, is all securelyThe helmet fastened or onface your shield head should when not you touch ride. DOThelmets compliant. must meet You thecan U.S. tell ifDepartment a helmet of Otherwise,your nose if you or chin. are involved in a crash, it’s isTransportation compliant with (DOT) U.S. standards.Department Mich. of likelyWhatever to come helmet off youyour decide head on,before keep it itgets a TransportationAdmin. Code, R 28.951standards if it has a label chancesecurely to fastened protect onyou. your head when you ride.  thatIs DOT states compliant. the manufacturer’s You can tell if name a helmet and/or is Otherwise, if you are involved in a crash, it’s brand,DOT compliant model and if it the has wording a label attached “DOT, FMVSS to Facelikely toand come Eye off Protection your head before it gets a No.the helmet218, CERTIFIED.” that states Michigan the manufacturer’s requires chance to protect you. Without face protection, an object could hit you motorcyclename and/or helmets brand, tomodel, meet and DOT says standards. DOT, in the eye, face or mouth. A full-face helmet (Mich.FMVSS Admin.No. 218, Code, CERTIFIED. R 28.951) Face and Eye Protection • Has no obviousobvious defectsdefect such such as as cracks, cracks, loose loose provides the maximum face and eye protection padding or frayed straps. whileWithout riding face and protection, in the event an object of a crash. could A hit plastic you shatter-resistant face shield can help protect • FFastensastens securely. in the eye, face, or mouth. A full face helmet your eyes and face from wind, dust, dirt, rain, provides the maximum face and eye protection insects and pebbles thrown from cars ahead. while riding and in the event of a crash. A plastic These distractions can be painful and can take DOT Certification Label for Helmets shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your full attention from the road. Whatever your eyes and face from wind, dust, dirt, rain, happens, keep your eyes on the road and your insects, and pebbles thrown up from cars ahead. hands on the handlebars. These distractions can be painful and can take your full attention from the road. Whatever Face shields come in a variety of designs to fit happens, keep your eyes on the road and your most any helmet. Make sure that the face shield hands on the handlebars. you choose is designed for your helmet and

does not interfere with eyeglasses or sunglasses. Face shields come in a variety of designs to fit To be effective, eye or face shield protection most any helmet. Make sure that the face shield

must: you choose is designed for your helmet and does not interfere with eyeglasses or sunglasses • Be free of scratches. To be effective, eye or face shield protection Helmet Fit • Be resistant to penetration. A helmet should fit comfortably, but snugly. A must: Helmet Fit • Give a clear view to either side. helmet that is too loose can lift in the wind or • Fasten securely, so it does not blow off. come off your head in a fall. One that is too tight Section Three: Before You Ride 19 Section Four: Before You Ride 21 • Permit air to pass through to reduce moving parts of the fogging. motorcycle. Sturdy Sturdy synthetic or • Permit enough room for eyeglasses or synthetic or leather leather materials sunglasses if needed. materials provide the provide the best best protection. Wearing protection. Windshields will not protect your eyes from the brightly colored wind and debris; neither will eyeglasses or clothing with reflective material will make you sunglasses. A windshield is not a substitute for a more visible to other roadway users. face shield. Glasses will not keep your eyes from watering, and they might blow off when you • Jackets and pants should cover arms and turn your head while riding. Goggles protect legs completely and be made of durable your eyes, though they won’t protect the rest of material. Jeans do not provide adequate your face like a face shield does. Goggles can protection. Wear a jacket even in warm also reduce peripheral vision. Tinted eye weather to prevent dehydration. Many protection or shields should not be worn at motorcycle riding jackets are designed to night or any other time when little light is protect without getting you overheated, available. even on summer days. • Protective footwear provides protection for Windshields, Goggles, Eyeglasses or Face the feet, ankles and lower parts of the legs. Shields They should be high and sturdy enough to cover your ankles and give them support. A person operating a motorcycle in excess of Leather boots are best. Soles should be made 35 mph that is not equipped with a windshield, of hard, durable slip resistant shall wear goggles with transparent lenses, eye- glasses or a transparent face shield that is shatter material. Sandals, sneakers and similar resistant and of sufficient size to protect his or her footwear should not be used since they eyes against airborne materials and other road provide little protection and may interfere debris. with controls. Keep heels short so they do MCL 257.708a. not catch on rough surfaces. Tuck laces in so they won’t catch on your motorcycle. Hearing Protection • Gloves allow a better grip and help protect your hands. Your gloves should be full- Long-term exposure to wind noise can cause fingered and made of leather or similar irreversible hearing damage. Properly worn durable material. hearing protection can reduce wind noise and • Rain suits designed for motorcycle riding make your ride more enjoyable, while still resist tearing apart or ballooning up at high allowing you to hear important sounds like car speeds. You will be much more comfortable horns and sirens. You can choose from a variety and alert than a rider who is wet and cold. of styles, from disposable foam plugs to One or two piece styles are available. A rain reusable custom-molded devices. suit with reflective strips or high visibility orange or yellow colors are good choices. Protective Riding Gear Whatever the weather conditions, always wear Riding gear designed for motorcycle riders protective gear that will keep you comfortable, provides protection in the event of a crash, as well enabling you to concentrate on your riding. as from heat, cold, rain, debris and hot or

22 Section Four: Before You Ride It is not wise to store helmets near gasoline, cleaning fluids, exhaust State Helmet Requirements fumes, or excessive heat. These factors can result in the degradation Reflectivity of helmet materials, and often the damage goes unnoticed by the Many states require a specific amount of retroreflective material wearer. Read the information that comes with the helmet so you on a helmet. Thoroughly read the manufacturer's information. Your know how to care for it. local motor-vehicle department can give you exact information on the location and number of square inches of retroreflective material Definitely read the instructions about painting, decorating, pinstriping, required in your state. Cycle Safety Information or applying decals to your helmet.

When you take your helmet off, find a flat, secure place for it.You could Helmet Laws set it on the ground, secure it on a rack, or stow it on a shelf. On some Wearing a helmet properly strapped on your head is mandatory in bikes, putting it on the fuel tank may expose it to fumes. If you place many states. But that's a moot point, because as a responsible, safety- it on the seat, make sure it won't fall off. minded motorcyclist, you'll be wearing your helmet every time, and What You Should Know About everywhere, you ride. If you plan to use a communication device when you ride, find a Motorcycle Helmets model that doesn't require drilling speaker holes in the outer shell. Getting More Information Before you purchase your speakers, check with your state's laws You've now read that there are many things to consider when buying regulating their use in helmets. Some states prohibit them. a helmet. Get all the information you can. Contact helmet manufac- Helmets Work How and Why a Helmet Works turers and read their literature. Consult recent motorcycle-enthusiast Replacing Your Helmet magazines for up-to-date information to help in your decision. Two Most sport-type activities have their own suitable protective gear and Different helmets do different things. There are hard hats Replace your helmet if it was involved in a crash; it probably absorbed authorities you may contact are: equipment. Motorcycling is no exception. Every rider and passenger on construction and heavy-industry heads, football helmets on some impact shock. Some helmet manufacturers will inspect and, should wear over-the-ankle footwear, long pants, a long-sleeved athletes’ heads, and Kevlar® caps on military heads. None are interchangeable. Motorcycle helmets are very sophisticated and when possible, repair a damaged helmet. If you drop your helmet and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration jacket, full-fingered motorcycle gloves, and a helmet manufactured to comply with DOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) standards. specialized for the activity. They've been developed carefully and think it might be damaged, take advantage of this service. Office of Traffic Injury Control Programs scientifically over the years. 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE West Building Helmets work. Helmet effectiveness has been confirmed by scientific Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every Four basic components work together to provide protection in Washington, D.C. 20590 studies, while helmet myths – “helmets break necks, block vision and few years. If you notice any signs of damage before then, replace it the motorcycle helmet: an outer shell; an impact-absorbing liner; (888) 327-4236; nhtsa.gov impair hearing” – have been consistently disproved. Safety-conscious the comfort padding; and a good retention system. sooner. riders wear helmets as a sensible, responsible choice every time they Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. ride; we know that you will, too. Why replace your helmet every few years if it doesn't appear What we see first is the outer shell, usually made from some family 3628 Madison Avenue, Suite 11 of fiber-reinforced composites or thermoplastics like polycarbonate. damaged? Its protective qualities may deteriorate with time and wear. North Highlands, CA 95660 What a Helmet Does for You This is tough stuff, yet it's designed and intended to compress when The chin strap may fray or loosen at its attaching points; the shell (916) 331-5073; smf.org; [email protected] it hits anything hard. That action disperses energy from the impact to could be chipped or damaged. The best reason is that helmets keep First, it is the most important protective gear you can wear while lessen the force before it reaches your head, but it doesn't act alone improving. Chances are that the helmet you buy in a couple of years While gathering information on protecting your head, why not get riding a motorcycle. Think of it at the same time you think of your to protect you. will be better – stronger, lighter, and more comfortable – than the one good tips on other personal protective gear? Read MSF’s Cycle ignition key: Pick up the key; pick up the helmet. They go together. Inside the shell is the equally important impact-absorbing liner, you own now. It might even cost less! Helmet use is not a “cure-all” for motorcyclist safety, but in a crash, a Safety Information (CSI) sheet, “Personal Protective Gear for the usually made of expanded polystyrene (commonly thought of as helmet can help protect your brain, your face, and your life. Motorcyclist,” available from the MSF at no charge. While you're at Styrofoam). This dense layer cushions and absorbs shock as the Can't remember when you bought your present helmet? Check the it, pick up a copy of MSF's Motorcycling Excellence. And be sure to helmet stops and your head wants to keep on moving. chin strap or permanent labeling. New helmets must have the month Combined with other motorcycle-specific protective gear, rider- complete an MSF RiderCourse to keep your skills and strategies sharp. and date of production stamped on it. If there's no date at all, you education courses, proper licensing and public awareness, the use of Both the shell and the liner compress if hit hard, spreading the forces should definitely replace your helmet – now! helmets is one way to reduce injury. of impact throughout the helmet material. The more impact-energy Wear your helmet, deflected or absorbed, the less there is of it to reach your head and You hope your helmet never has an impact. But crashes do happen. brain and do damage. Some helmet shells delaminate on impact. every time you ride. We can't predict when or what kind they will be. You should not say Others may crack and break if forced to take a severe hit; this is one to yourself, “I'm just running down to the store,” and not wear your way a helmet acts to absorb shock. It is doing its intended job. Impact helmet. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national, not-for-profit differences in product design, riding styles; and federal, state and damage from a crash to the non-resilient liner may be invisible to the organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs local laws, there may be organizations that hold differing opinions. eye; it may look normal, but it may have little protective value left and in rider training, operator licensing and public information. For the Consult your local regulatory agencies for information concerning Second, a good helmet makes riding a motorcycle more fun, due should be replaced. Basic or Basic RiderCourse2 - License Waiver nearest you, call the the operation of motorcycles in your area. Although the Motorcycle to the comfort factor: another truth. It cuts down on wind noise national toll-free telephone number: (800) 446-9227. The MSF is Safety Foundation will continue to research, field test and publish roaring by your ears, on windblast on your face and eyes, and deflects The comfort padding is the soft foam-and-cloth layer that sits next sponsored by the U.S. distributors and manufacturers of BMW, BRP, responsible viewpoints on the subject, it disclaims any liability for bugs and other objects flying through the air. It even contributes to to your head. It helps keep you comfortable and the helmet Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Polaris the views expressed herein. comfort from changing weather conditions and reduces rider fatigue. fitting snugly. In some helmets, this padding can even be taken out Motorcycles, Suzuki,Triumph and Yamaha motorcycles. for cleaning. Third, wearing a helmet shows that motorcyclists are responsible The retention system, or chin strap, is very important. It is the The information contained in this publication is offered for the people; we take ourselves and motorcycling seriously. Wearing a one piece that keeps the helmet on your head in a crash. A strap is benefit of those who have an interest in riding motorcycles. The 2 Jenner, Suite 150 helmet, no matter what the law says, is a projection of your attitude Irvine, CA 92618 connected to each side of the shell. Every time you put the helmet on, information has been compiled from publications, interviews and toward riding. And that attitude is plain to see by other riders and (949) 727-3227 • msf-usa.org observations of individuals and organizations familiar with the use fasten the strap securely. It only takes of couple of seconds. To ride non-riders alike. without your helmet secured would be as questionable as driving of motorcycles, accessories and training. Because there are many Revised October 2014 without your seatbelt fastened.

Section Four: Before You Ride 23 Basic Construction Choosing a Helmet Since head injuries account for a majority of motorcycle fatalities, With the helmet still on and the straps securely fastened, move it from protection is vital. (Head injury was specified on 42 percent of side to side and up and down with your hands. If it fits right, your skin Comfort/fit Rigid outer shell While color, design and price may be a part of your decision about the death certificates for motorcycle operators and passengers in should move as the helmet is moved. You should feel as if a slight, padding which helmet to buy, think first about protection and comfort. A California in 1987-88; Romano PS, McLoughlin E. (1991). Helmet use even pressure is being exerted all over your head. Remember, too, that Impact-absorbing liner full-face helmet gives the most protection since it covers more of and fatal motorcycle injuries in California, 1987-88. Journal of Head a helmet loosens up a bit as the comfort liner compresses through Trauma Rehabilitation. May 1991; 6(2):21-37.) Even the best helmet is Comfort/fit padding your face. It usually has a moveable face shield that protects the eyes use. A new helmet should be as tight as you can comfortably wear it. when it is closed. no guarantee against injury. However, without a helmet you are more likely to have serious head injuries than a rider who is wearing one. Now, with the chin strap still securely fastened and your head straight, A three-quarter, open-face helmet is also a choice of some riders. It is try rolling the helmet forward off your head. You shouldn't be able to Face shield constructed with the same basic components, but doesn't offer the Getting the Right Fit pull it off. If you can, the helmet is too big. face and chin protection of full-face helmets. If you use an open-face helmet, you should have a snap-on face shield in place when you ride, Take off the helmet. Does your head feel sore anywhere? Are there or buy a pair of goggles that can withstand the impact of a stone or any red spots on your forehead? Pressure points can be other debris. Prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses are not sufficient inches cmHat Size Helmet uncomfortable and can cause a headache after a long ride, so Additional face protection, and they might move or fly off. Size protection be sure your helmet isn't causing any. If it is, choose the next 20 1/8 – 20 1/2 51 – 52 6 3/8 – 6 1/2 XX-Small largest size or try a different brand of helmet. Human heads are Retention system A “shorty” half-helmet protects even less of your head. It is more likely 20 7/8 – 21 1/4 53 – 54 6 5/8 – 6 3/4 X-Small not all the same shape; neither are helmets. to come off your head upon impact. Therefore, “shorty”, half-shell 21 5/8 – 22 55 – 56 6 7/8 – 7 Small helmets are not recommended. Novelty helmets – characterized by a 22 3/8 – 22 7/8 57 – 58 7 1/8 – 7 1/4 Medium If you are still unsure about the helmet's fit, wear it around the thin or non-existent liner – must be avoided. 23 1/4 – 23 5/8 59 – 60 7 3/8 – 7 1/2 Large store for a while to see if it remains comfortable. A helmet is an 24 – 24 3/8 61 – 62 7 5/8 – 7 3/4 X-Large important investment, no matter what its price. Be sure the one A lot of good helmets are available today, in a range of prices. One 24 7/8 – 25 1/4 63 – 64 7 7/8 – 8XX-Large you choose is right for you. Protective/Comfort Attributes look around your dealer's helmet display will convince you that nearly any look you could want from a helmet is readily available. Many manufacturers are color-coordinating their helmets with the newest Refines hearing, Protects head by the shell cuts wind noise dispersing energy and the liner motorcycle models. And the days of heavy or cumbersome helmets absorbing impact are over. They’re made of lightweight, modern materials and are Size improved each year. Manufacturers are also working to make them There's more to fitting a helmet than just buying the one that less expensive, stronger and more comfortable. matches your hat size or guessing at “small, medium or large.” However, hat size is a good starting point. If you don't know your size, Protects eyes and What you must know when choosing a helmet is that it meets you can use the chart above. Measure your head at its largest circum- face from debris and minimum safety standards. The way to find a well-made, reliable ference – usually just above your eyebrows in front, above your ears windblast; permits helmet is to look for the DOT sticker on the inside or outside of the good vision and around in back. Try it several times so you know you've gotten the helmet. The sticker means the helmet complies with the safety test largest number. If your head size falls between the numbers listed, try standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation. A Snell sticker Provides comfort from the smaller size first and give it time to conform to your head. Most environmental conditions may also appear on a helmet, meaning the helmet also complies with helmets are marked and sold as XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL or XXL, so you may standards set by the Snell Memorial Foundation. need to contact the manufacturer for size equivalents. Helmet sizes vary among manufacturers and model types. Fastened retention system Each organization has rigid procedures for testing: secures helmet to head Impact – the shock-absorbing capacity of the helmet. Penetration – the helmet's ability to withstand a blow from The Best Way to Try on Your Helmet a sharp object. ➟ Retention – the chin strap's ability to stay fastened without Hold it by the chin straps. The bottom of the helmet should face stretching or breaking. you with the front pointing down. ➟ Peripheral vision – the helmet must provide a minimum Put your thumbs on the inside of the straps, balancing the side vision of 105 degrees to each side. (Most people's usable helmet with your fingertips. See and be seen. Be prepared. Enjoy the ride. ➟ peripheral vision is only about 90 degrees to each side.) Spread the sides of the helmet apart slightly and slip it down over your head using the chin straps. ALL new adult-sized helmets for on-highway use must meet DOT standards. Helmet dealers and distributors must ensure that all the The helmet should fit snugly and may even feel a bit tight until it is in place correctly. Be sure it sits squarely on your head. It shouldn't be helmets they sell bear the DOT sticker. Whatever your helmet choice, Helmet Care be sure it has this certification. You don't want an inferior helmet or tilted back on your head like a hat. Remember, if your helmet is too large, several things could happen: it will move around and up and Follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your helmet. Use only one designed for another purpose. If someone tries to sell you one the mildest soap recommended. Avoid any petroleum-based cleaning without it, don't buy it. If your helmet has no DOT sticker, do not wear down on your head when you least want it to; it can be noisy and let in wind; worst of all, it may come off in a crash! fluids, especially if you own a polycarbonate helmet. Exposure to it, regardless of its age. strong cleaning agents can cause the helmet to decompose and lose protective value. Snell has been testing helmets for decades. The use of Snell standards Once the helmet is on your head, make a few other fit checks before by helmet manufacturers is voluntary. Unlike DOT standards, Snell fastening the straps. Keep your helmet's face shield clean. Normally, mild soap and warm testing is revised (most recently in 2010) as helmet design and ➟ water with a soft cloth will do the job. If it gets scratched, replace it. A technology improve. The cheek pads should touch your cheeks without pressing uncomfortably. scratched face shield can be difficult to see through. At night, it could ➟ dangerously distort your vision and your view of oncoming lights. Both agencies attempt to reproduce, under test conditions, the situa- There should be no gaps between your temples and the brow pads. ➟ tions that are hazardous to motorcyclists. Their testing methods differ, If the helmet has a neck roll, it shouldn't push the helmet away A helmet looks tough and sturdy, but it should be handled as a fragile but the intent is the same: to make certain any helmet they recognize from the back of your neck. ➟ has life-saving, shock-absorbing minimums. On full-face helmets, press on the chin piece. The helmet or face item. This means that you don't want to drop your helmet onto hard shield should not touch your nose or chin. If it does, it will surely surfaces. It could ruin your helmet. Remember that its function is to do so at speed from wind pressure. absorb impacts, which can affect its integrity and effectiveness. 24 Section Four: Before You Ride Basic Construction Choosing a Helmet Since head injuries account for a majority of motorcycle fatalities, With the helmet still on and the straps securely fastened, move it from protection is vital. (Head injury was specified on 42 percent of side to side and up and down with your hands. If it fits right, your skin Comfort/fit Rigid outer shell While color, design and price may be a part of your decision about the death certificates for motorcycle operators and passengers in should move as the helmet is moved. You should feel as if a slight, padding which helmet to buy, think first about protection and comfort. A California in 1987-88; Romano PS, McLoughlin E. (1991). Helmet use even pressure is being exerted all over your head. Remember, too, that Impact-absorbing liner full-face helmet gives the most protection since it covers more of and fatal motorcycle injuries in California, 1987-88. Journal of Head a helmet loosens up a bit as the comfort liner compresses through Trauma Rehabilitation. May 1991; 6(2):21-37.) Even the best helmet is Comfort/fit padding your face. It usually has a moveable face shield that protects the eyes use. A new helmet should be as tight as you can comfortably wear it. when it is closed. no guarantee against injury. However, without a helmet you are more likely to have serious head injuries than a rider who is wearing one. Now, with the chin strap still securely fastened and your head straight, A three-quarter, open-face helmet is also a choice of some riders. It is try rolling the helmet forward off your head. You shouldn't be able to Face shield constructed with the same basic components, but doesn't offer the Getting the Right Fit pull it off. If you can, the helmet is too big. face and chin protection of full-face helmets. If you use an open-face helmet, you should have a snap-on face shield in place when you ride, Take off the helmet. Does your head feel sore anywhere? Are there or buy a pair of goggles that can withstand the impact of a stone or any red spots on your forehead? Pressure points can be other debris. Prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses are not sufficient inches cm Hat Size Helmet uncomfortable and can cause a headache after a long ride, so Additional face protection, and they might move or fly off. Size protection be sure your helmet isn't causing any. If it is, choose the next 20 1/8 – 20 1/2 51 – 52 6 3/8 – 6 1/2 XX-Small largest size or try a different brand of helmet. Human heads are Retention system A “shorty” half-helmet protects even less of your head. It is more likely 20 7/8 – 21 1/4 53 – 54 6 5/8 – 6 3/4 X-Small not all the same shape; neither are helmets. to come off your head upon impact. Therefore, “shorty”, half-shell 21 5/8 – 22 55 – 56 6 7/8 – 7 Small helmets are not recommended. Novelty helmets – characterized by a 22 3/8 – 22 7/8 57 – 58 7 1/8 – 7 1/4 Medium If you are still unsure about the helmet's fit, wear it around the thin or non-existent liner – must be avoided. 23 1/4 – 23 5/8 59 – 60 7 3/8 – 7 1/2 Large store for a while to see if it remains comfortable. A helmet is an 24 – 24 3/8 61 – 62 7 5/8 – 7 3/4 X-Large important investment, no matter what its price. Be sure the one A lot of good helmets are available today, in a range of prices. One 24 7/8 – 25 1/4 63 – 64 7 7/8 – 8 XX-Large you choose is right for you. Protective/Comfort Attributes look around your dealer's helmet display will convince you that nearly any look you could want from a helmet is readily available. Many manufacturers are color-coordinating their helmets with the newest Refines hearing, Protects head by the shell cuts wind noise dispersing energy and the liner motorcycle models. And the days of heavy or cumbersome helmets absorbing impact are over. They’re made of lightweight, modern materials and are Size improved each year. Manufacturers are also working to make them There's more to fitting a helmet than just buying the one that less expensive, stronger and more comfortable. matches your hat size or guessing at “small, medium or large.” However, hat size is a good starting point. If you don't know your size, Protects eyes and What you must know when choosing a helmet is that it meets you can use the chart above. Measure your head at its largest circum- face from debris and minimum safety standards. The way to find a well-made, reliable ference – usually just above your eyebrows in front, above your ears windblast; permits helmet is to look for the DOT sticker on the inside or outside of the good vision and around in back. Try it several times so you know you've gotten the helmet. The sticker means the helmet complies with the safety test largest number. If your head size falls between the numbers listed, try standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation. A Snell sticker Provides comfort from the smaller size first and give it time to conform to your head. Most environmental conditions may also appear on a helmet, meaning the helmet also complies with helmets are marked and sold as XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL or XXL, so you may standards set by the Snell Memorial Foundation. need to contact the manufacturer for size equivalents. Helmet sizes vary among manufacturers and model types. Fastened retention system Each organization has rigid procedures for testing: secures helmet to head Impact – the shock-absorbing capacity of the helmet. Penetration – the helmet's ability to withstand a blow from The Best Way to Try on Your Helmet a sharp object. ➟ Retention – the chin strap's ability to stay fastened without Hold it by the chin straps. The bottom of the helmet should face stretching or breaking. you with the front pointing down. ➟ Peripheral vision – the helmet must provide a minimum Put your thumbs on the inside of the straps, balancing the side vision of 105 degrees to each side. (Most people's usable helmet with your fingertips. See and be seen. Be prepared. Enjoy the ride. ➟ peripheral vision is only about 90 degrees to each side.) Spread the sides of the helmet apart slightly and slip it down over your head using the chin straps. ALL new adult-sized helmets for on-highway use must meet DOT standards. Helmet dealers and distributors must ensure that all the The helmet should fit snugly and may even feel a bit tight until it is in place correctly. Be sure it sits squarely on your head. It shouldn't be helmets they sell bear the DOT sticker. Whatever your helmet choice, Helmet Care be sure it has this certification. You don't want an inferior helmet or tilted back on your head like a hat. Remember, if your helmet is too large, several things could happen: it will move around and up and Follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your helmet. Use only one designed for another purpose. If someone tries to sell you one the mildest soap recommended. Avoid any petroleum-based cleaning without it, don't buy it. If your helmet has no DOT sticker, do not wear down on your head when you least want it to; it can be noisy and let in wind; worst of all, it may come off in a crash! fluids, especially if you own a polycarbonate helmet. Exposure to it, regardless of its age. strong cleaning agents can cause the helmet to decompose and lose protective value. Snell has been testing helmets for decades. The use of Snell standards Once the helmet is on your head, make a few other fit checks before by helmet manufacturers is voluntary. Unlike DOT standards, Snell fastening the straps. Keep your helmet's face shield clean. Normally, mild soap and warm testing is revised (most recently in 2010) as helmet design and ➟ water with a soft cloth will do the job. If it gets scratched, replace it. A technology improve. The cheek pads should touch your cheeks without pressing uncomfortably. scratched face shield can be difficult to see through. At night, it could ➟ dangerously distort your vision and your view of oncoming lights. Both agencies attempt to reproduce, under test conditions, the situa- There should be no gaps between your temples and the brow pads. ➟ tions that are hazardous to motorcyclists. Their testing methods differ, If the helmet has a neck roll, it shouldn't push the helmet away A helmet looks tough and sturdy, but it should be handled as a fragile but the intent is the same: to make certain any helmet they recognize from the back of your neck. ➟ has life-saving, shock-absorbing minimums. On full-face helmets, press on the chin piece. The helmet or face item. This means that you don't want to drop your helmet onto hard shield should not touch your nose or chin. If it does, it will surely surfaces. It could ruin your helmet. Remember that its function is to do so at speed from wind pressure. absorb impacts, which can affect its integrity and effectiveness.

Section Four: Before You Ride 25 It is not wise to store helmets near gasoline, cleaning fluids, exhaust State Helmet Requirements fumes, or excessive heat. These factors can result in the degradation Reflectivity of helmet materials, and often the damage goes unnoticed by the Many states require a specific amount of retroreflective material wearer. Read the information that comes with the helmet so you on a helmet. Thoroughly read the manufacturer's information. Your know how to care for it. local motor-vehicle department can give you exact information on the location and number of square inches of retroreflective material Definitely read the instructions about painting, decorating, pinstriping, required in your state. Cycle Safety Information or applying decals to your helmet.

When you take your helmet off, find a flat, secure place for it. You could Helmet Laws set it on the ground, secure it on a rack, or stow it on a shelf. On some Wearing a helmet properly strapped on your head is mandatory in bikes, putting it on the fuel tank may expose it to fumes. If you place many states. But that's a moot point, because as a responsible, safety- it on the seat, make sure it won't fall off. minded motorcyclist, you'll be wearing your helmet every time, and What You Should Know About everywhere, you ride. If you plan to use a communication device when you ride, find a Motorcycle Helmets model that doesn't require drilling speaker holes in the outer shell. Getting More Information Before you purchase your speakers, check with your state's laws You've now read that there are many things to consider when buying regulating their use in helmets. Some states prohibit them. a helmet. Get all the information you can. Contact helmet manufac- Helmets Work How and Why a Helmet Works turers and read their literature. Consult recent motorcycle-enthusiast Replacing Your Helmet magazines for up-to-date information to help in your decision. Two Most sport-type activities have their own suitable protective gear and Different helmets do different things. There are hard hats on Replace your helmet if it was involved in a crash; it probably absorbed authorities you may contact are: equipment. Motorcycling is no exception. Every rider and passenger construction and heavy-industry heads; football helmets on athletes’ some impact shock. Some helmet manufacturers will inspect and, should wear over-the-ankle footwear, long pants, a long-sleeved heads, and Kevlar® caps on military heads. None are interchangeable. Motorcycle helmets are very sophisticated and specialized for the when possible, repair a damaged helmet. If you drop your helmet and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration jacket, full-fingered motorcycle gloves, and a helmet manufactured to comply with DOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) standards. activity. They've been developed carefully and scientifically over the think it might be damaged, take advantage of this service. Office of Traffic Injury Control Programs years. 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE West Building Helmets work. Helmet effectiveness has been confirmed by scientific Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every Four basic components work together to provide protection in Washington, D.C. 20590 studies, while helmet myths – “helmets break necks, block vision and few years. If you notice any signs of damage before then, replace it the motorcycle helmet: an outer shell; an impact-absorbing liner; 888-327-4236; nhtsa.gov impair hearing” – have been consistently disproved. Safety-conscious the comfort padding; and a good retention system. sooner. riders wear helmets as a sensible, responsible choice every time they Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. ride; we know that you will, too. Why replace your helmet every few years if it doesn't appear What we see first is the outer shell, usually made from some family 3628 Madison Avenue, Suite 11 of fiber-reinforced composites or thermoplastics like polycarbonate. damaged? Its protective qualities may deteriorate with time and wear. North Highlands, CA 95660 This is tough stuff, yet it's designed and intended to compress when The chin strap may fray or loosen at its attaching points; the shell What a Helmet Does for You 916-331-5073; smf.org; [email protected] it hits anything hard.That action disperses energy from the impact to could be chipped or damaged. The best reason is that helmets keep First, it is the most important protective gear you can wear while lessen the force before it reaches your head, but it doesn't act alone improving. Chances are that the helmet you buy in a couple of years While gathering information on protecting your head, why not get riding a motorcycle. Think of it at the same time you think of your to protect you. will be better – stronger, lighter, and more comfortable – than the one good tips on other personal protective gear? Read MSF’s Cycle ignition key: Pick up the key; pick up the helmet. They go together. you own now. It might even cost less! Helmet use is not a “cure-all” for motorcyclist safety, but in a crash, a Inside the shell is the equally important impact-absorbing liner, Safety Information (CSI) sheet, “Personal Protective Gear for the usually made of expanded polystyrene (commonly thought of as helmet can help protect your brain, your face, and your life. Motorcyclist,” available from the MSF at no charge. While you're at Styrofoam). This dense layer cushions and absorbs shock as the Can't remember when you bought your present helmet? Check the it, pick up a copy of MSF's Motorcycling Excellence. And be sure to helmet stops and your head wants to keep on moving. chin strap or permanent labeling. New helmets must have the month Combined with other motorcycle-specific protective gear, rider- complete an MSF RiderCourse to keep your skills and strategies sharp. education courses, proper licensing and public awareness, the use of and date of production stamped on it. If there's no date at all, you Both the shell and the liner compress if hit hard, spreading the forces should definitely replace your helmet – now! helmets is one way to reduce injury. of impact throughout the helmet material. The more impact-energy Wear your helmet, deflected or absorbed, the less there is of it to reach your head and You hope your helmet never has an impact. But crashes do happen. brain and do damage. Some helmet shells delaminate on impact. every time you ride. We can't predict when or what kind they will be. You should not say Others may crack and break if forced to take a severe hit; this is one to yourself, “I'm just running down to the store,” and not wear your way a helmet acts to absorb shock. It is doing its intended job. Impact helmet. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national, not-for-profit are many differences in product design, riding styles; damage from a crash to the non-resilient liner may be invisible to the organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs and federal, state and local laws, there may be organizations eye; it may look normal, but it may have little protective value left and in rider training, operator licensing and public information. For the that hold differing opinions. Consult your local regulatory Second, a good helmet makes riding a motorcycle more fun, due should be replaced. Basic or Basic RiderCourse2 - License Waiver nearest you, call agencies for information concerning the operation of motorcycles to the comfort factor: another truth. It cuts down on wind noise the national toll-free telephone number: 800-446-9227. The in your area. Although the Motorcycle Safety Foundation will roaring by your ears, on windblast on your face and eyes, and deflects The comfort padding is the soft foam-and-cloth layer that sits next MSF is sponsored by the U.S. distributors and manufacturers of continue to research, field test and publish responsible bugs and other objects flying through the air. It even contributes to to your head. It helps keep you comfortable and the helmet BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, viewpoints on the subject, it disclaims any liability for the views comfort from changing weather conditions and reduces rider fatigue. fitting snugly. In some helmets, this padding can even be taken out Piaggio, Polaris Motorcycles, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha expressed herein. for cleaning. motorcycles. Third, wearing a helmet shows that motorcyclists are responsible people; we take ourselves and motorcycling seriously. Wearing a The retention system, or chin strap, is very important. It is the The information contained in this publication is offered for the 2 Jenner, Suite 150 helmet, no matter what the law says, is a projection of your attitude one piece that keeps the helmet on your head in a crash. A strap is Irvine, CA 92618 benefit of those who have an interest in riding motorcycles. toward riding. And that attitude is plain to see by other riders and connected to each side of the shell. Every time you put the helmet on, 949-727-3227 • msf-usa.org fasten the strap securely. It only takes of couple of seconds. To ride The information has been compiled from publications, interviews non-riders alike. and observations of individuals and organizations familiar with without your helmet secured would be as questionable as driving the use of motorcycles, accessories and training. Because there Revised October 2014 without your seatbelt fastened.

26 Section Four: Before You Ride Knowsuit withYour reflective Motorcycle strips or high visibility Motorcycle Controls

orange or yellow colors are good choices. You should get to know your motorcycle.

Learning how things work and what parts need Whatever the weather conditions, always wear the most attention could reduce your chances of protective gear that will keep you comfortable, being in a crash and extend the life of your enabling you to concentrate on your riding. motorcycle. To make sure that your motorcycle will not let you down: Know Your Motorcycle • Read the owner’s manual first and get to Youkno shouldw it. get to know your motorcycle. • Learning Be familiar how things with the work motorcycle and what controls.parts need •the Conductmost attention a pre-ride could check reduce of the your motorcycle chances of beingbe infore a crash every and ride. extend the life of your • motorcycle. Keep it serviced To make and sure maintained. that your motorcycle • will Maknot lete sure you your down: motorcycle fits you. Your

feet should reach the ground while you are disconnecting power from the rear wheel.  Read the owner’s manual first and get to seated on the motorcycle. To reengage power, slowly release the know it. clutch lever while gently applying throttle.  Be familiar with the motorcycle controls. • Gearshift TestLever Your– Is usually Knowledge located on the Motorcycle Conduct a pre Controls-ride check of the motorcycle left side of the motorcycle in front of the It is beforeimportant every to ride. read your motorcycle owner’s 1.footrest What should and is beoperated the first by consideration the left foot. whenTo manual Keep to it learnserviced where and your maintained. motorcycle controls buyingshift toyour a higher motorcycle gear (upshift), helmet: squeeze the A. Appearance are Makeand how sure to operateyour motorcycle them. You fits should you. be Your clutch lever and then lift the gearshift lever. To shift to a lower gear (downshift), squeeze the ablefeet to operate should themreach whilethe ground riding withoutwhile you are B. Protection having to look for them. clutch lever and then press the gearshift lever. seated on the motorcycle. C. Price Motorcycle transmissions shift only 2. A plastic shatter-resistant face shield: Primary Controls one gear per each lift or press. The shift Motorcycle Controls leA.ver Is notmust necessary be released if you before have you a windshield. can shift There are six primary controls needed to make again.B. Only A protectstypical shift your patterneyes. is 1-N-2-3-4-5-(6). It is important to read your motorcycle owner’s the motorcycle move and stop. You will need NeutralC. Helps (N) protect is a half-shift your whole up face.from first or manual to learn where your motorcycle controls both hands and both feet to operate these a half-shift down from second; a full upshift 1. B – page *, Helmet Selection controls.are and how to operate them. You should be or downshift will bypass neutral. An instrument 2. C – page *, Face and Eye Protection •able Handlebars to operate –them The whilehandlebars riding arewithout used to light indicates when the transmission is in havinginitia tote look and for control them. motorcycle lean, which neutral.

turns the motorcycle. • Front Brake Lever – Located in front of the

• Throttle– Is the right handgrip and is right handgrip and controls the brakes on operated by rolling the handgrip toward you the front wheel. To operate, squeeze the to increase speed and away from you to front brake lever smoothly and decrease speed. When released, the throttle progressively.

snaps back to an “idle” position. To use the • Rear Brake Pedal – Located in front of the right

throttle safely and comfortably, keep four footrest and controls braking on the

fingers around the throttle/handgrip and the rear wheel. To operate, press down on the rear wrist in a flat position. brake pedal with your right foot. • Clutch Lever – Located in front of the left handgrip. To operate squeeze the clutch lever in toward the left handgrip, Section Three: Before You Ride 21 Section Four: Before You Ride 27 Other Controls and Equipment and a re-settable trip meter can be used to show trip miles or miles since the last gas Along with the six primary controls, there are a stop. few other controls on most motorcycles that are • Tachometer (if equipped) – It indicates important to know and locate. The location and motorcycle engine speed in revolutions per operation of some of these controls vary from minute (RPM). Never exceed red line RPM. model to model. Refer to your motorcycle • Indicator Lights – Located in the instrument owner’s manual. cluster. Includes neutral, turn signals, oil pressure, high beam, side-stand down and • Engine Cut-Off Switch – Located on the right possibly others. handgrip and operated by the right thumb. It • Mirrors – Located on the left and right sides allows you to shut off the engine without of the motorcycle. Most mirrors are convex. removing your hands from the controls. Convex mirrors provide a wider view than • Fuel Supply Valve – Controls fuel supply to flat mirrors but make vehicles seem further the engine. To run the Fuel Supply Valve, away than they really are. Adjust them so turn it from OFF to ON. Also may include your shoulder and upper arm are partially RESERVE and PRIME positions. It may not be visible. This gives you the maximum view to present on some motorcycles. the rear and the side. • Ignition Switch – Usually located near the • Side and Center Stands – Supports the instrument cluster, on the gas tank or under motorcycle when parked. Not all models the tank and activated with a key. Positions have center stands. Most stands have return include ON, OFF, LOCK and PARK. The LOCK springs that snap up and hold them in place. position allows the key to be removed and Always raise the stand before riding. engages a steering-lock mechanism. PARK activates the taillight for increased visibility if you park alongside a roadway at night. Pre-Ride Check • Choke (if equipped) – Frequently located If something’s wrong with the motorcycle, you’ll near the left handgrip, the instrument want to find out about it before you get in cluster or the carburetor. It is important that traffic. Make a complete check of your you consult your owner’s manual for more motorcycle before every ride. information. The choke provides an enriched Before mounting the motorcycle, make the fuel mixture to assist in cold engine starts. following checks: Turn to OFF position when engine is warmed. • Tires/Wheels – Keep tires in good condition. • Turn Signal Switch – Usually located on the • Tire Pressure – Check the tire pressure using handgrip(s) and operated by the thumb. a gauge. A tire may be underinflated without Most models do not self-cancel. Check your a noticeable change in appearance. owner’s manual. Motorcycles do not handle properly if the • High/Low Beam Headlight – Located on the inflation pressure is too low or too high. left handgrip. On most motorcycles the Check the owner’s manual for the right headlight activates when the ignition is on. amount. • Horn – Located on the left handgrip. • Tire Tread – Check the tread of the tires. Operate by pressing with your thumb. Worn or uneven tread can make the • Starter – Located on the right handgrip. motorcycle hard to handle, particularly on Operate by pressing with your thumb. wet pavement. • Speedometer – Indicates motorcycle road speed. An odometer shows miles ridden

28 Section Four: Before You Ride • Rims/Spokes – Check for bent, loose or your arm or shoulder – but it’s the road damaged rims and spokes. behind and to the side that’s most • Damage to Tires – Check for cuts or objects important. stuck in the tread. Also, check the sidewalls • Brakes – Try the front and rear brake for cracks. A blowout on a motorcycle can be controls, one at a time. Make sure each one extremely dangerous. feels firm, not spongy and holds the • Fluids – Oil and fluid levels. At a minimum, motorcycle when the brake is fully applied. check hydraulic fluids and coolants weekly. Check the brake fluid levels. Roll the Look under the motorcycle for signs of an oil motorcycle a little and make sure the brakes or gas leak. Running out of gas is stop the motorcycle. After starting to ride, inconvenient. It can also be dangerous as it slightly apply the brakes and make sure the makes leaving the road difficult. Lack of oil motorcycle slows. It is important to check can damage your engine. the brakes because you must be able to slow • Headlights and Taillight – Check them both. down and stop the motorcycle. Test your switch to make sure both high and • Horn – Try the horn. Make sure it works. low beams are working. • Fuel Supply Valve (if equipped) – Make sure • Turn Signals – Turn on both right and left the valve is on/open. Your motorcycle may turn signals. Make sure all lights are working start with fuel still in the lines, but it will stall properly. once the lines are empty. • Brake Light – Try both brake controls and make sure each one turns on the brake light. • Controls (levers, cables, throttle)– Check the condition, operation and routing. Check the cables for kinks or broken strands. If a cable breaks while riding, the motorcycle could become difficult to control and a crash Test Your Knowledge could result. • Chain - Make sure the drive chain is properly 1. What should be the first consideration when adjusted and lubricated. Check the buying your motorcycle helmet? motorcycle owner’s manual for information A. Appearance regarding chain adjustment. B. Protection Once you have mounted the motorcycle, C. Price complete the following checks before starting 2. A plastic shatter-resistant face shield: out: A. Is not necessary if you have a windshield. • Clutch and Throttle – Make sure they B. Only protects your eyes. operate smoothly. The throttle should snap C. Helps protect your whole face. back when released. The clutch should feel 1. B – page 20, Helmet Selection tight and smooth. 2. C – page 21, Face and Eye Protection • Mirrors – Clean and adjust both mirrors before riding. It is difficult and dangerous to adjust a mirror while riding. Position both mirrors far enough outward to show about half the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane to the side. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of

Section Four: Before You Ride 29 T-CLOCSSM Inspection Checklist

T-CLOCS ITEM WHAT TO CHECK WHAT TO LOOK FOR CHECK-OFF T-TIRES & WHEELS Tires Condition Tread depth, wear, weathering, evenly seated, bulges, embedded objects. Front Rear Air Pressure Check when cold, adjust to load. Front Rear Wheels Spokes Bent, broken, missing, tension, check at top of wheel: “ring” = OK — “thud” = loose spoke. Front Rear Cast Cracks, dents. Front Rear Rims Out of round/true = 5mm. Spin wheel, index against stationary pointer. Front Rear Bearings Grab top and bottom of tire and flex: No freeplay (click) between hub and axle, no growl when spinning. Front Rear Seals Cracked, cut or torn, excessive grease on outside, reddish-brown around outside. Front Rear Brakes Function Each brake alone keeps bike from rolling. Front Rear Condition Check pads and discs for wear. Front Rear C-CONTROLS Handlebars Condition Bars are straight, turn freely, handgrips and bar ends are secure. Levers and Pedal Condition Broken, bent, cracked, mounts tight, ball ends on handlebar levers, proper adjustment. Pivots Lubricated. Cables Condition Fraying, kinks, lubrication: ends and interior. Routing No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, wire supports in place. Hoses Condition Cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing, deterioration. Routing No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, hose supports in place. Throttle Operation Moves freely, snaps closed, no revving when handlebars are turned. L-LIGHTS & ELECTRICS Battery Condition Terminals; clean and tight, electrolyte level, held down securely. Vent Tube Not kinked, routed properly, not plugged. Headlamp Condition Cracks, reflector, mounting and adjustment system. Aim Height and right/left. Tail lamp/brake Condition Cracks, clean and tight. lamp Operation Activates upon front brake/rear brake application. Turn signals Operation Flashes correctly. Front left Front right Rear left Rear right Switches Operation All switches function correctly: engine cut-off, hi/low beam, turn signal. Mirrors Condition Cracks, clean, tight mounts and swivel joints. Aim Adjust when seated on bike. Lenses & Reflectors Condition Cracked, broken, securely mounted, excessive condensation. Wiring Condition Fraying, chafing, insulation. Routing Pinched, no interference or pulling at steering head or suspension, wire looms and ties in place, connectors tight, clean. O-OIL & OTHER FLUIDS Levels Engine Oil Check warm on center stand on level ground, dipstick, sight glass. Gear Oil, Shaft Drive Transmission, rear drive, shaft. Hydraulic Fluid Brakes, clutch, reservoir or sight glass. Coolant Reservoir and/or coolant recovery tank — check only when cool. Fuel Tank or gauge. Leaks Engine Oil Gaskets, housings, seals. Gear Oil, Shaft Drive Gaskets, seals, breathers. Hydraulic Fluid Hoses, master cylinders, calipers. Coolant Radiator, hoses, tanks, fittings, pipes. Fuel Lines, fuel valve, carbs. C-CHASSIS Frame Condition Cracks at gussets, accessory mounts, look for paint lifting. Steering-Head No detent or tight spots through full travel, raise front wheel, check for play Bearings by pulling/pushing forks. Swingarm Bushings Raise rear wheel, check for play by pushing/pulling swingarm. Suspension Front Forks Smooth travel, equal air pressure/damping, anti-dive settings. Left Right Rear Shock(s) Smooth travel, equal pre-load/air pressure/damping settings, linkage moves freely and is lubricated. Left Right Chain or Belt Tension Check at tightest point. Lubrication Side plates when hot. Note: do not lubricate belts. Sprockets Teeth not hooked, securely mounted Fasteners Threaded Tight, missing bolts, nuts. Clips & Cotter Pins Broken, missing. S-STANDS Center stand Condition Cracks, bent. Retention Springs in place, tension to hold position. Side stand Condition Cracks, bent (safety cut-out switch or pad equipped). Retention Springs in place, tension to hold position.

06/14 30 Section Four: Before You Ride QUICK TIPS: Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS)

How Does ABS Work?

If either of a motorcycle’s tires loses traction and skids along the road surface during braking, the rider might lose control of the motorcycle. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps maintain traction by preventing the wheels from locking up as the tires approach the maximum braking limit. With ABS, each wheel has a speed sensor that sends signals to an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is a computer that monitors the rotational speed of the wheels and modulates brake pressure to provide maximum braking capacity in a given situation while maintaining maximum traction.

If one of the wheels is on the verge of coming to a sudden stop (a skid), the ECU will decrease the braking force in order to prevent the skid. To decrease braking force, the ECU sends a signal to open a relief valve that reduces hydraulic pressure in the braking system on that individual wheel. When the tire regains traction and starts spinning again, the ECU sends a signal to restore the hydraulic pressure in the brake line, which in turn, increases the braking power. This process occurs rapidly and repeatedly, causing the brakes to pulsate when the ABS is in use. It is important to note that this process occurs independently between the front and rear wheels. If the ABS system fails, an indicator light will come on, and the brakes will still work, but without the ABS function.

What Can and Can’t ABS Do? x Several studies have cited improper braking as a pre-impact factor responsible for some motorcycle crashes. Some manufacturers offer ABS as an option on certain models, allowing consumers to choose ABS technology to help them brake more effectively. x ABS is not guaranteed crash prevention, but in certain situations it can help riders avoid a crash. x ABS only works when the front brake lever and rear brake pedal are continuously applied during stopping, and not "pumped." x ABS can quickly respond to a change in surface friction during braking and help prevent the rider from losing control. ABS's greatest benefit may be on wet or icy roads. x ABS is most effective when the bike is completely upright and going in a straight line. x The dynamics of motorcycles, which must lean to corner, prevents the ABS from assisting the rider in every situation. x During aggressive cornering, ABS may not have the intended effect. Cornering at the limit requires very smooth braking, and the pulsing caused by ABS can upset the bike, causing it to "low-side" and slide out from under the rider. x It is important to note that ABS is not a substitute for proper braking techniques and common sense. ABS is not intended to shorten stopping distances on dry roads, so riders are not free to speed or tailgate in hopes that ABS will compensate for their poor judgment. x ABS does not allow a motorcycle to violate the laws of physics.

   10/2014 Section Four: Before You Ride 31 Section Five This Section Covers Section Four Basic Motorcycle • Ge tting Started This Section Covers • St opping Vehicle Control Skills • Riding Getting in a StartedStraight Line Stopping• Turning Operation • Shifting Gears  Riding in a Straight  Turning Line The following section offersoffers basic basic riding riding information on getting started, shifting gears,  Shifting Gears information on getting started, shifting gears, stopping, straight-linestraight-line ridingriding andand turning.turning. TheseThese mechanism that cuts power to the motor if basic skills are important to learn before moving the bike is placed in gear with the side stand basic skills are important to learn before moving onto moremore complex skills. down; so if you haven’t brought the side the bike is placed in gear with the side stand stand up, do it now. If the motor doesn’t down; so if you haven’t brought the side start in the first 5 to 8 seconds, stop and Getting Started Started stand up, do it now. If the motor doesn’t repeat the steps above. start in the first 5 to 8 seconds, stop and Mounting the the Motorcycle Motorcycle Stoppingrepeat the the steps Engine, above. Dismounting and To mountmount thethe motorcycle,motorcycle, standstand onon thethe leftleft sideside Securing the Motorcycle of the motorcycle. Grasp both handgrips, Stopping the Engine, Dismounting and squeeze the front brake to keep the motorcycle squeeze the front brake to keep the motorcycle 1. Turn the engine cut-off switch to OFF. Turn from rolling, and Securing the Motorcycle from rolling and the ignition OFF. Turn the fuel valve OFF if swing your right leg swing your right leg 1. Turnyour themotorcycle engine cut has-off one. switch Make to sure OFF. all Turn over the seat. Sit over the seat. Sit theligh tsignition are off. OFF. Turn the fuel valve OFF if and straighten the and straighten the 2. yourTo dismount, motorcycle put has the one. side Make stand suredown. all Lean bike; raise the side bike; raise the side lightsthe motorcycle are off. onto the side stand, while stand with your 2. Tograsping dismount, both put handgrips, the side squeezestand down. the front Lean foot. thebrake motorcycle and swing onto your the right side leg stand, over. whileTurn the Starting the graspinghandlebar both fully handgrips toward the squeeze side stand the front for Starting the brakestability. and swing your right leg over. Turn the Engine 3. handlebarAfter dismounting, fully toward remove the side the standignition for key 1. Turn the stability.and engage fork lock or other security 1. Turn the fuel fuel valve and device. valve and ignition 3. After dismounting remove the ignition key ignition switch ON. switch ON. and engage fork lock or other security 2. ShiShiftft toto neutral. neutral. Do Do not not rely rely on on the the indicator indicator Ridingdevice. in a Straight Line light. Rock the motorcycle back and forth. If light. Rock the motorcycle back and forth. If Riding Posture the motorcyclemotorcycle rolls freelyfreely, it’s it’s in in neutral. neutral. Riding in a Straight Line 3. TTurnurn the engine cutcut-off-off switchswitch to to ON. ON. To properly control a motorcycle: 4. Turn the choke ON for cold starts. Many Riding Posture 4. Turn the choke ON for cold starts. Many • Posture – Keep your back straight and head motorcycles require squeezing the clutch To properlyand eyes control up. Sit aso motorcycle: you can use your arms to bemotorcyclesfore the starter require will squeezing operate. theThis clutch is also a  steer the motorcycle rather than to hold gbeforeood precaution the starter againstwill operate. accidentally This is alsostarting a Posture – Keep your back straight and head yandourself eyes up. up. Sit so you can use your arms to thegood bik precautione in gear and against reduces accidentally the load starting on the the bike in gear and reduces the load on the • Handssteer the – Hold motorcycle the handgrips rather thanfirmly. to holdStart starter motor. starter motor. withyourself your up. right wrist flat. This will help you 5. Press the starter button. Avoid using the  tHandso control – Hold the thethrottle. handgrips firmly. Start 5. thrPressottle; the thestarter motorcycle button. Avoidshould using start the without with your right wrist flat. This will help you it.throttle; Many motorcyclesthe motorcycle have should a safety start without • Knees – Keep your knees close to the gas it. Many motorcycles have a safety tankto control when the the throttle. motorcycle is moving.  mechanism that cuts power to the motor if Knees – Keep your knees close to the gas tank when the motorcycle is moving.

32 Section Five: Basic Motorcycle Operation

Section Four: Vehicle Control Skills 25

• FeetFeet –– KeepKeep youryour feetfeet onon thethe footrestsfootrests when when ShiftingShiftingShifting thethe motorcyclemotorcyclemotorcycle isis movingmoving and andand avoid avoidavoid pointing pointingpointing Gears GearshiftGearshift PatternPattern Pattern youryour toestoes down.down. KeepKeep youryour feetfeet nearnear the thethe GearsGears controlsccontrolsontrols soso youyou cancan easilyeasily and andand quickly quicklyquickly use useuse ThereThereThere is isis more moremore to toto them.them. shiftingshiftingshifting gearsgears gears thanthan than simplysimplysimply getting gettinggetting thethe the motorcycle to pick RidingRiding PosturePosture motorcyclemotorcycle toto pickpick upupup speed speedspeed smoothly.smoothly.smoothly. LearningLearningLearning to toto use useuse the thethe gears gearsgears when whenwhen downshifting, downshifting,downshifting, turning,turning,turning oror startingstarting ononon hillshillshills isis importantimportant forforfor safesafesafe motorcyclemotorcyclemotorcycle operation.operation.

HandgripHandgrip PositionPosition

FrictionFriction ZoneZone Zone SinceSince mostmost motorcyclesmotorcycles havehave aa manualmanual transmission, you will need to use the “friction transmission,transmission, youyou willwill needneed toto useuse thethe “friction“friction CORRECTCORRECT INCORRECTINCORRECT zone”zone” toto startstart thethe motorcyclemotorcycle movingmoving and andand to toto preventprevent stalling.stalling. TheThe frictionfriction zonezone zone isis is thethe the pointpoint point onon on thethe clutchclutch wherewhere thethe engine’s engine’sengine’s powerpowerpower begins beginsbegins to toto ToToTo upshiftupshiftUpshift toto to aa higherhighera Higher gear:gear: Gear: transmittransmit toto thththeee rearrear wheel.wheel. As AsAs you youyou reach reachreach the thethe frictionfriction zone,zone, zone, rollroll roll onon on thethe the throttlethrottle throttle andand and thethe the • RollRRolloll off,off, ororor close,close,close, the thethe throttle throttlethrottle asas as youyou you squeezesqueeze squeeze motorcyclemotorcycle willwill startstart movingmoving forward.forward. DoDoDo not notnot inin thethe clutchclutchclutch lever.lever.lever. fullyfully releaserelease thethe clutch clutchclutch lever leverlever until untiluntil youryour your • LiftLift thethethe shift shiftshift lever.lever. ver.le UseUse firmfirm pressure.pressure.pressure. motorcyclemotorcycle isis movingmoving andand stable.stable. ReleaseRelease thethe shiftshift lever leverlever after afterafter eacheach each shiftshift shift isis is completed.completed.  EaseEase thethe clutchclutch outout asas youyou rollroll onon thethe FrictionFriction ZZZoneoneone • Ease the clutch out as you roll on the throttle.throttle.

ToToTo downshiftdownshiftDownshift toto to aa lowerlowera Lower gear:gear: Gear: • RollRRolloll offoff ororor closeclose thethe throttlethrottle as asas youyouyou squeezesqueezesqueeze inin thethe clutchclutchclutch lever.lever.lever. • Press down firmly (but don’t stomp) on the  PressPress downdown firmlyfirmly (but(but don’tdon’t stomp)stomp) onon thethe shift lever. FrictionFriction zonezone –– thethe pointpoint onon thethe clutchclutch wherewhere shiftshift lever.lever. Friction zone – the point on the clutch where • Ease out the clutch to avoid skidding the thethethe engine’s engine’sengine’s power powerpower begins beginsbegins to toto transmit transmittransmit toto thethe  EaseEase outout thethe clutchclutch toto avoidavoid skiddingskidding thethe rear tire. rearrearrear wheel. wheel.wheel. rearrear tire.tire.

StartingStartingDownshifting onon anan InclineIncline too quickly can cause a rear tire skid.

2626 SectionSection Four:Four: VehicleVehicle ControlControl SkillsSkills Section Five: Basic Motorcycle Operation 33 HereStarting are some on importantan Incline tips to remember asyou you reduce start reducingthe lean theyour more lean tractionangle. The you more will when starting on a hill: youhave reduce to stop. the You lean can the apply more more traction brake you will Here are some important tips to remember when havepressure to stop. as your You motorcyclecan apply more straightens brake up. starting Use the on fronta hill: brake to hold the motorcycle pressure as your motorcycle straightens up. while you start the engine and shift into first • Use the front brake to hold the motorcycle Turning gear. while you start the engine and shift into first  Change to the foot brake to hold the TurningNew riders must be aware of the difficulty of gear. motorcycle while you operate the throttle negotiating turns and curves. Riders often try to • Change to the foot brake to hold the New riders must be aware of the difficulty of with your right hand. take curves or turns too fast. Reduce speed motorcycle while you operate the throttle with negotiating turns and curves. Riders often try to  Open the throttle a little bit for more power. before entering the turn and maintain this your right hand. take curves or turns too fast. Reduce speed  speed. These four steps will help you learn the • ReleaseOpen the the throttle clutch gradually.a little bit for more power. before entering the turn and maintain this skills for turning: • ReleaseRelease thethe footclutch brake gradually. when the engine speed. These four steps will help you learn the • beginsRelease to the slow foot down. brake This when means the theengine clutch skillsSLOW for – turning:Reduce your speed before the turn. This is beginning to transmit power. begins to slow down. This means the clutch is SLOWcan be – done Reduce by rollingyour speed off the before throttle the turn. as needed This  Continue to release the clutch gradually. If beginning to transmit power. canand, be if donenecessary, by rolling applying off the both throttle brakes. as needed • youCon tinuerelease to it releasetoo quickly, the clutchthe front gradually. wheel If and,LOOK if –necessary, Look through applying the turnboth to brakes. where you mayyou releasecome off it thetoo ground,quickly, the enginefront wheel may may want to go. Turn just your head, not your stop,come or off both. the ground, the engine may stop or LOOK – Look through the turn to where you shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the  Continueboth. to open the throttle gradually, as want to go. Turn just your head, not your horizon. • needed.Continue to open the throttle gradually as shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the needed. horizon. It is more difficult to start the motorcycle StepsSteps forfor TurningTurning movIt is ingmore on difficult an upgrade to thanstart onthe flat motorcycle ground. Theremoving is onalways an upgrade the danger than of on rolling flat backwardsground. intoThere a vehicleis always behind the danger you. of rolling backwards into a vehicle behind you. StoppingStopping YourYour motorcyclemotorcycle hashas brakesbrakes onon thethe frontfront andand rearrear wheels.wheels. AlwaysAlways useuse bothboth brakes, brakes, everyevery time time youyou slowslow oror stop.stop. WhenWhen used used correctly, correctly, tthehe frontfront brakebrake cancan provideprovide 70%70 percent or more or of more your of total your total stoppingstopping power,power, therefore,therefore, useuse ofof thethe frontfront brakebrake isis requiredrequired forfor effectiveeffective speed speed reduction. reduction. UsingUsing bothboth frontfront andand rearrear brakes brakes shortensshortens stoppingstopping distance.distance. ItIt isis recommended recommended that riders use that four steps riders for better use control: four steps To stop your motorcycle, squeeze the front 1.for SLOW better 2. LOOK control: 3. PRESS 4. ROLL brakeTo stop lever your and motorcycle, press down squeeze on the the rear front brake 1. SLOW 2. LOOK 3. PRESS 4. ROLL pedalbrake graduallylever and until press stopped. down on Grabbing the rear atbrake the pedal gradually. Grabbing at the front brake or front brake or jamming down on the rear can PRESS – Press on the handgrip in the direction jamming down on the rear can cause the brakes to cause the brakes to lock, resulting in control ofPRESS the turn. – Press Press on leftthe handgriphandgrip –in lean the leftdirection – go lock, resulting in control problems. problems. left.of the Press turn. right Press handgrip left handgrip– lean right – lean – go left right. – go

Normal Stopping in a Curve Theleft. higher Press theright speed handgrip– in a turn, lean the right greater – go right.the Normal Stopping in a Curve leanThe higherangle. the speed in a turn, the greater the If you need to stop while leaned over in a curve, lean angle. Ifapply you needsmooth to stopgradual while pressure leaned to over both in brakesa curve, as applyyou start smooth reducing gradual your pressure lean angle. to both The brakes more Section Four: Vehicle Control Skills 27 34 Section Five: Basic Motorcycle Operation

ROLL – Roll on the throttle to to maintain maintain steady steady TestTest Your Your KnowledgeKnowledge speed or gradually accelerate throughthrough thethe turn.turn. This will help keep the motorcycle stable.stable. 1.1. WhenWhen stopping,stopping, youyou should:should: A.A. UseUse bothboth brakes.brakes. Turning Techniques Turning Techniques B.B. UseUse thethe frontfront brakebrake only.only. C. Use the rear brake only. In normal turns, thethe riderrider andand thethe motorcyclemotorcycle C. Use the rear brake only. should lean together at the same angle. should lean together at the same angle. 2.2. WhenWhen turning,turning, youyou should:should: A. Turn your head and shoulders to look In slow tight turns, turns, counterbalance counterbalance by by leaning leaning A. Turn your head and shoulders to look through turns. the motorcycle only and keepingkeeping youryour bodybody through turns. straight. B.B. TurnTurn justjust youryour head, not your shoulders to look through turns. look through turns. C. Keep your knees away from the gas tank. NormalNormal TurnsTurns TightTight TurnsTurns C. Keep your knees away from the gas tank.

1.1. AA –– pagepage *,34, Stopping Stopping 2.2. BB –– pagepage *,34, Turning Turning

You must share the road with other users.

New page, insert file labeled “5-QUICK TIPS: Should You Ride A

Motorcycle?”

New page, insert file

labeled “6-Seriously Safe Top Ten List"

28 Section Four: Vehicle Control Skills Section Five: Basic Motorcycle Operation 35 This Section Covers Section Five Street Strategies This Risk Section Awareness/ Covers  Escape Routes Section Six This Section Covers Section Five Street Street Strategies Strategies Acceptance  Increasing  Risk Awareness/  Escape Routes Risk Awareness/Acceptance •  RiskRisk Aw Managementareness/ • Conspicuity Escape Routes Acceptance •  IncrIncreasingeasing  AccepIntersectionstance  Speed Management Risk Awareness/Acceptance •  RiskRisk Manag Managementement ConspicuityConspicuity Safe riding is more of a skill of the eyes and  Space Management •  InIntersectionstersections  Speed Management mindSafe than riding of is the more hands of a and skill feet. ofof thethe You eyeseyes need andand to • Speed Management •  SpaceSpace Manag Managementement mind than of the handshands andand feet.feet. develop YouYou needneed a totoset ofdevelopde streetvelop aa setset Risk Awareness ridingofof streetstreet RiskRidingRisk Awareness a motorcycle involves some risks not strategiesriding that riding RidingencounteredRiding aa motorcycle when drivinginvolves other some types risks ofnot allows you to strategiesstrategies thatthat encounteredvehicleencountereds. Some whenwhen of these driving risks other include: types of gather critical allowsallows youyou toto vehicles.vehicles. SomeSome of these risks include: informationgathergather criticalcritical to  Vulnerability – motorcycles provide less makeinformationinformation good to to • protectionVulnerability in a– crashmotorcyclesMotorcycles and do provideprovide not have lessless the decisionsmakemake googood andd stabilityprotection of in cars.in a acrash crashThis andis and why do do younot not haveshould have the the avoiddecisionsdecisions andand alwaysstability wear of cars. protective ThisThis isis whywhy gear. youyou shouldshould problems.avoidavoid  Visibilityalwaysalways wear – motorcycles protective gear. aregear. not as visible as Almostproblems.problems. all • otherVisibility types –– motorcyclesMotorcycles of vehicles because areare notnot as asof visible visibletheir size.as as activitiesAlmostAlmost allall Otherotherother typesmotorists ofof vehiclesvehicles may not becausebecause be looking ofof theirtheir for size. size. peopleactivitiesactivities engage motorcyclesOtherOther motorists in traffic. maymay notnot This bebe places lookinglooking you forfor at risk. peoplepeople engageengage motorcycles in traffic. This This places places you you at atrisk. risk. in have some Risk Acceptance levelinin haveha ofve risk. somesome RiskRisk Acceptance Operatinglevellevel ofof risk.risk. a Once you become aware of the risks associated motorcycle requires your full attentionOperatingOpe ratingto a a OncewithOnce motorcycling youyou becomebecome awareit is time of theto accept risks associated those reducemotorcycle risk. Consider requires theyour following full attention steps to to to withrisks.with motorcycling motorcyclingChoosing to acceptit is time the toto challenges acceptaccept those those of being risks. Choosing to accept the challenges of being managereduce risk risk. and Consider be a responsible thethe followingfollowing rider. stepssteps toto arisks. responsible Choosing motorcyclist to accept the means challenges to think of beingabout a responsible motorcyclist means thinking about manage risk and be a responsibleresponsible rider.rider. thea responsible consequences motorcyclist of your meansriding behavior to think about in thethe consequencesconsequences of your riding behavior in traffic. It also means accepting personal Rider Responsibilities traffic.traffic. It It also also means means accepting accepting personal personal Rider ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities responsibility for the results of your decisions responsibilityresponsibility for the results of your decisions  Accept the responsibilities associated with and actions, as well as developing good skills • AcceAcceptpt thethe responsibilities associated associated with with andand actions,actions, asas wellwell asas developingdeveloping good good skills skills operating a motorcycle. and judgment. operatingoperating aa motorcycle.motorcycle. andand judgment.judgment.  You must have a motorcycle •  YYouou must must havehave a motorcycledriver’s license with motorcycle license/endorsement. endorsement.license/endorsement. Motorcycles are not as visible as other types of  You will be expected to follow the laws and rules Motorcycles are not as visible as other types of •  YYouou will will bebe expectedexpected toto followfollow the the laws laws and and rules rules vehiclesMotorcycles because are not of astheir visible size. as other types of of the road. vehicles because of their size. ofof the the road.road. vehicles because of their size.  You must share the road with other users (i.e. •  YYouou must must shareshare the road withwith other other users users (i.e. (i.e. pedestrians, bicyclists, large vehicles, etc.). pedestrians,pedestrians, bicyclists, large large vehicles, vehicles, etc.). etc.).  Ride alcohol and drug free. •  RideRide alc alcoholohol and and drug drug free. free. RiskRisk ManagementManagement  •  AlwaysAlwAlwaysays wear wear wear protectiveprotective protective gear. gear.gear. ToTo managemanage riskrisk youyou must mustmust be bebe aware awareaware ofof of thethe the potentialpotential risksrisks andand thenthenthen havehavehave aaa planplanplan to to reduce reduce You You must mustmust thethe risks.risks. share share the the road road SM SEESEESMSM – – Aa simple, three-step33--stepstep andand andpowerful powerful powerful strategy strategy – – with withwith other other other strategyisis toto Search, – is toEvaluate, Search, EExecute.xecute.valuate, It It E is xecute.is the the strategy strategy It is the users usersusers.. . strategytoto helphelp you to help understand you understand whatwhat is is going goingwhat on ison going in in on in traffic and to be constantly planning and

36 Section Six: Street Strategies Section Five: StreetStreet StrategiesStrategies 29 29 implementing a course of • Traffic control markings and devices – Look trafficaction. and Let’s to beexamine constantly each of  fTrafficor traffic control signals markings and signs and todevices help you – look know planningthese steps. and implementing a whafor traffict to expect signals ahead. and signs to help you know courseSM – SEE ofis a action.Service Mark Let’s of examineMSF. • Otherwhat toroadway expect ahead.users – Watch for vehicles in eachUsed with of thesepermission. steps.  frontOther of roadway you traveling users in – vehiclesthe same in direction, front of those behind you, vehicles traveling in the Search you traveling in the same direction, those Search oppositbehind eyou, direction, vehicles those trave lingentering in the and Aggressively searching as far leoppositeaving the direction, roadway those and turning. entering and aheadAggressively as possible, searching to the as sidesfar Pleavingedestrians the roadwayalso can crossand turning. your path of andahead behind, as possible, to identify to the potentialsides, hazards and trPedestriansavel or reduce also your can crossescape your route path options. of escapeand behind routes,, to identifymay help potential to avoid hazards a crash. and travel or reduce your escape route options. escape routes, may help to avoid a crash. SMWhile – SEE is it’sa Service most Mark ofimportant MSF. Used with topermission. keep track of Whilewhat’s it’s happening most important ahead, youto k eepcan’t track afford of to what’signore situationshappening ahead,behind. you Knowing can’t affordwhat’s to going ignoreon behind situations will help behind. you make Knowing a safe what’s decision going onabout behind how will to handlehelp you trouble make ahead.a safe decision To search aboutbehind: how to handle trouble ahead. To search behind:• Check your mirrors – Frequent mirror checks  shouldCheck yourbe part mirrors of your – frequent normal searching mirror checks routine.should be Makepart ofa special your normal point searchingof using your mirrroutine.ors when Make you a special are stopped point of at using an your intersection, before you change lanes and mirrors when you are stopped at an beforeintersection, you slow before down. you change lanes, and Search • Usebefore head you checks slow down.– Checking your mirrors is  notUse enough. head checks Motorcycles – checking have your “blind mirrors spots” is likenot cars.enough. Before Motorcycles you change have lanes, “blind turn spots” your headlike cars. and Beforelook to youthe changeside for lanes, other turnvehicles. your Onlyhead, by and knowing look to what the side is happening for other allvehicles. arOnlyound by you, knowing are you what fully is happeningprepared to all deal witharound it. you, are you fully prepared to deal with it. Evaluate EvaluateOnce you have Evaluate Onceidentified you have the identifiedhazard(s), the the next hazard(s),step is to quicklythe next stepdetermine is to quickly if they determinecould affect if they you. Ask could affect you. Ask yourself, “what if?” yourself,Think about “what how if?” When searching ahead you should search for: Thinkhazards about can how interact hazards can interact  Road and surface characteristics – potholes, to create risk for you. • Road and surface characteristics – Potholes, to create risk for you. Car and truck images credited to Maxim Popov©123RF.com bridgebridge gratings, gratings, railroadrailroad tracks,tracks, debris,debris, Anticipate potential problems and have a plan to curcurves,ves, slipperyslippery surfaces,surfaces, etc.,etc. maymay influenceinfluence reduce or eliminate the risk. Think about your time yyourour riding riding strategy.strategy and space requirements in order to maintain a Section Six: Street Strategies 37 30 Section Five: Street Strategies Anticipate potential problems and have a plan to • Cover the clutch lever to prevent stalling. As reduce or eliminate the risk. Think about your time you enter the intersection, move away from marginand space of safety. requirements You must in leave order yourself to maintain time to a  Dothe not vehicle. make radical movements, as drivers reactmargin if aof dangerous safety. You situation must leave occurs. yourself time to • mightDo not think mak eyou radical are preparing movements, to turn. as drivers react if a dangerous situation occurs.  Bemight prepared think you to take are preparingaction. to turn. Execute • Be prepared to take action. Execute Carry out your decision. Intersections WhatCarry outare youyour going decision. to do Forty percent of motorcycle-car crashes are caused andWhat how are are you you going going to doto by other drivers at intersections. doand it? how are you going to do it? To create more space and minimizeTo create harmmore fromspace any and hazard:minimize harm from any hazard:  Adjust your position • and/orAdjust direction.your position  Adjustand/or your direction. speed by • accelerating,Adjust your speed stopping by or slowing.  Communicateaccelerating, yourstopping presence or slowing. and intentions • Communicate your presence and intentions with lights and/or horn. Car and truck images credited to Maxim Popov©123RF.com with lights and/or horn. Forty percent of motorcycle/car crashes are caused by drivers turning left in front of motorcyclists. Apply the SEE strategy to give yourself time and Apply the SEE strategy to give yourself time and Traffic-Activated Sensor Lights space. It works anywhere, and can help to Traffic-Activated Sensor Lights space.ensure Ityour works safety anywhere and the and safety can of help others. to Traffic-activated sensor lights can be troublesome ensure your safety and the safety of others. forTraffic-activated motorcyclists sensor since thelights sensor can be may troublesome not detect Intersections yourfor motorcyclists presence. Intersections Tosince ensure the sensor the best Traffic-ActivatedTraffic-Activated The greatest potential for crashes is at chancemay not of detect being SensorSensor Lights intersections.The greatest Cars potential that turn for leftcrashes in front with of otheryou detected,your presence. stop arevehicles the biggest is at intersections.dangers. Your useCars of that SEE turn at left whereTo ensure the the sensors best chance of being intersectionsin front of you is critical. are one of the biggest dangers. are located. They Your use of SEE at intersections is critical. detected, stop Increase your chances of being seen at arewhere usually the sensors visible intersections.Increase your Ridechances with of your being headlight seen at on in a inare the located. road surface.They laneintersections. position that Ride provides with your the headlightbest view onof in a are usually visible oncominglane position traffic. that Provide provides a space the best cushion view of in the road surface. aroundoncoming the traffic. motorcycle Provide that apermits space cushionyou to take Space Management evasivearound theaction. motorcycle that permits you to take Space Management evasive action. It is extremely important to maintain an When approaching an intersection where a adequateIt is extremely “cushion important of space” to maintain between an vehicles. When approaching an intersection where a vehicle is preparing to cross your path: adequate “cushion of space” between vehicles. vehicle is preparing to cross your path: Increasing the following distance between  Slow down. vehiclesIncreasing will the provide following you distance with: between • SelectSlow down. a lane position to increase your • vehicles Time willto react. provide you with: • visibilitySelect a laneto that position driver. to increase your •  SpaceTime to to react. maneuver.  Covervisibility both to brakesthat driver. to reduce the time you  • needCover to both react. brakes to reduce the time you A responsibleSpace to maneuver. rider recognizes that space is the  needCover to the react. clutch lever to prevent stalling. As bestA responsible protection rider against recognizes potential that hazards.space is the you enter the intersection, move away from best protection against potential hazards. 38 the Section vehicle. Six: Street Strategies

Section Five: Street Strategies 31

Lane PositionsPositions oily strip and still be be within within the the center center portion portion of of LaneLane PositionsPositions the traffic lane. lane. Avoid Avoid ri dingriding on onbig big buildups buildups of of In some ways the oil and grease usually foundfound atat busybusy size of the intersections or or toll toll booths. booths. motorcycle can work to your Following AnotherAnother VehicleVehicle advantage. Each traffic lane lane gives gives a a Motorcycles need as much distancedistance toto stopstop asas motorcycle three cars. It is recommended thatthat newnew motorcyclemotorcycle paths of travel, as operators try to maintain a four secondsecond indicated in the illustration.illustration. following distance behind the vehiclevehicle ahead.ahead. This allows you space toto stop,stop, swerve,swerve andand toto Your lane position should: should: keep a reasonable space cushion. • IncreaseIncrease youryour abilityability to to see see and and be be seen. seen. A larger cushion of space isis neededneeded ifif youryour •  Avoid others’ blind spots. Avoid others’ blind spots. motorcycle will take longer than normalnormal toto stop.stop. •  Avoid surface hazards. Avoid surface hazards. For exampleexample, if if you you are are riding riding 40 40 mph mph or or more, more, if if • Protect your lane from other drivers.  Protect your lane from other drivers. the pavement is slippery, if you cannot seesee • CommunicatCommunicatee youryour intentions.intentions. through the vehicle ahead,ahead oror ifif traffictraffic is is heavy heavy •  AvoidAvoid windwind blastblast fromfrom otherother vehicles. vehicles. and someone may squeeze in frontfront ofof you,you, openopen •  ProvideProvide anan escapeescape route.route. up a five second second or or more more following following distance. distance. In general, there is nono singlesingle bestbest positionposition for for Keep well behind the vehicle aheadahead eveneven whenwhen you to be seen and to maintain aa spacespace cushioncushion you are stopped. This will makemake it easiereasier toto getget around the motorcycle. No portionportion of of the the lane lane out of the way if someone behindbehind youyou isis notnot need be avoided – including thethe center,center ifif slowing down. It will alsoalso givegive youyou aa cushioncushion ofof weather and roadway conditions permit. permit. space if the vehicle aheadahead startsstarts toto backback upup forfor Position yourself yourself in in the the portion portion of ofthe the lane lane some reason. where you are most likely to be seen andand youyou To estimate youryour followingfollowing distance:distance: can maintain a space cushion aroundaround you.you. MoveMove  from one side of thethe lanelane toto anotheranother toto increaseincrease • PickPick outout anan objeobject,ct, such as a pavement your distance from other vehicles. AA responsibleresponsible markmarking,ing, sign,sign, pole or other stationary point, point rider changes position as as traffic traffic situations situations onon oror nearnear thethe rroadoad ahead. change. Ride in path 22 oror 33 ifif vehiclesvehicles oror otherother • WhenWhen thethe rearrear bumperbumper of the vehicle ahead potentialpotential hazards hazards are are on on your your left. left. Remain Remain in in passespasses thethe object,object, count off thethe seconds:seconds: pathpath 11 oror 22 ifif ““oneone-thousand-one,-thousand-one, one-thousand-two,one-thousand-two, hazardshazards areare onon one-thousand-throne-thousand-three,ee, one-thousand-four.”one-thousand-four.” Use the whole width of the Use the whole width of the youryour right.right. IfIf • IfIf yyouou reachreach thethe objectobject beforebefore youyou reachreach lane to help otherother roadwayroadway “f“four,”our,” you you are are following following too too closely. closely. users see you better. vehiclesvehicles areare users see you better. presentpresent onon bothboth • RReduceeduce speedspeed andand thenthen count again at sidessides ofof you,you, thethe anotheanotherr stationarystationary pointpoint toto checkcheck thethe newnew center of the lane, path 2,2, isis usuallyusually youryour bestbest followingfollowing interval.interval. RepeatRepeat untiluntil youyou areare option. ffollowingollowing nono closercloser thanthan “four -seconds.”seconds.”

The oily strip in the centercenter portionportion that that collects collects Being FollowedFollowed drippings from carcarss is usually nono moremore thanthan 2two feet wide. Unless the roadroad isis wet,wet, thethe averageaverage When you speed up to lose someonesomeone followingfollowing center strip permits adequate tractiontraction to to ride ride on on too closely, you only end up with someone safely. You cancan operateoperate toto thethe leftleft oror rightright ofof thethe tailgating you you at at a ahigher higher speed. speed.

32 Section Five: Street Strategies Section Six: Street Strategies 39 A better way to handle tailgaters is to get them Merging Vehicles in front of you. When someone is following too Do not assume that drivers merging on an closely, change lanes and let them pass. If you entrance ramp will see you. Minimize the can’t do this, slow down and open up extra potential for danger by giving them plenty of space ahead of you to allow room for both you A better way to handle tailgaters is to get them room.Merging Change Vehicles lanes if one is open. If there is no and the tailgater to stop. This will also in front of you. When someone is following too room for a lane change, adjust speed to open up encourage them to pass. If they don’t pass, you Do not assume that drivers merging on an closely, change lanes and let them pass. If you space for the merging driver. will have given yourself and the tailgater more entrance ramp will see you. Minimize the can’t do this, slow down and open up extra time and space to react in case an emergency potential for danger by giving them plenty of spaceA better ahead wayway of toto you handlehandle to allow tailgaters tailgaters room isforis to to both get get them youthem Merging Vehicles does develop ahead. room. Change lanes MergingifMerging one is open. If there is no andin front the tailgaterof you. When to stop. someonesomeone This will isis also followingfollowing tootoo roomDo not for assume a lane change,that drivers adjust merging speed on to anopen up encourageclosely, change them lanes to pass. and If let they them don’t pass.pass. pass, IfIf you youyou spaceentrance for theramp merging will see driver. you. Minimize the willLanecan’t have doSharing this,given slow yourself down and andand the openopen tailgater upup extraextra more potential for danger by giving them plenty of Vehiclestimespace and ahead and space motorcyclesof toyou react toto allowallow in need case roomroom ana full eme forfor lane bothbothrgency to you you room. Change lanes Mergingif one is open. If there is no doesand thedevelop tailgater ahead. to stop. This will alsoalso operate safely. Do not share lanes with other room for a lane change, adjust speed to open up encourage them to pass. If theythey don’tdon’t pass,pass, youyou vehicles. Lane sharing can leave you vulnerable space for the merging driver. Lanewill have Sharing given yourself and thethe tailgatertailgater moremore to the unexpected and reduces your space Vehicles time and and space space to to react react in in case case an an eme emergencyrgency Vehiclescushion. andYou motorcyclesshould ride in need a stagg a fullered lane to Vehicles does develop ahead. Alongside Merging Blind Spots formationoperatedoes develop safely. when ahead. Do following not share other lanes motorcycles with other Alongside andvehicles. position Lane the sharing motorcycle can leave in the you center vulnerable of the Avoid riding in the blind spot of a vehicle. Responsible riders recognize that vehicles traveltoLane the lane, unexpectedSharingSharing if weather and and reduces roadway your conditions space Avoid riding in the permit, to discourage motorists from attempting travelingblind spot in of the a cushion.Vehicles Youand shouldmotorcycles ride in need a stagg a fullered lanelane toto to squeeze by the motorcycle. Do not ride adjacentvehicle.Vehicles Responsible lane may BlindBlind Spots formationoperate safely. when Do following not share other lanes motorcycles with other between rows of stopped or moving motor unexpectedlyridersAlongside recognize change that andvehicles. position Lane the sharing motorcycle cancan leaveleave in the youyou center vulnerablevulnerable of the vehicles. This can be dangerous. directionvehicles traveling forcing in travelto the lane, unexpected if weather and and reducesreduces roadway youryour conditions spacespace Avoid riding in the the rideradjacent into lane a permit,cushion. to You discourage should ride motorists in a staggstaggered fromered attempting blind spot of a Prevent Lane Sharing- Prevent Lane Sharing- potentiallymayVehicles unexpectedly dangerous Blind Spots toformation squeeze when bywhen the following followingmotorcycle. other other Do motorcycles notmotorcycles ride vehicle. Responsible Ride in Staggered Formation Ride in Center of Lane situation.changeAlongside direction Vehicles betweenand position rows the theof motorcyclestoppe motorcycled or movingin in the the center motorcenter of of the the riders recognize that inforcing the next the lanerider also into vehicles.travel lane, This if canweather be dangerous. and roadwayroadway conditionsconditions vehiclesAvoid riding traveling in the in blocka potentially your escape permit, to discourage motorists fromfrom attemptingattempting theblind adjacent spot of lane a ifdangerous you come situation. upon a to squeezePrevent Lane by Sharing the motorcycle.- Prevent DoDo notnot Lane ride rideSharing - mayvehicle. unexpectedly Responsible Ride in Staggered Formation Ride in Center of Lane hazardVehicles in in your the ownnext lane also block your escape between rows of stoppestoppedd or moving motormotor changeriders recognize direction that lane.if you Adjust come uponyour a hazard in your own lane. vehicles. This can be dangerous.dangerous. speedforcingvehicles until the traveling rider a proper into in aAdjustthe potentially adjacent your speed lane until a proper and adequate andspace adequate cushion spacehas been established between PreventPrevent Lane SharingSharing-- PreventPrevent Lane Lane Sharing-Sharing- cushiondangerousmay unexpectedly has situation. been RideRide inin Staggered FormationFormation RideRide in in Center Center of Lane vehicles. establishedVehicleschange directionin the between next lane vehicles. also block your escape if forcing you come the riderupon into a hazard in your own lane. EscapeAdjusta potentially your RoutesRoutes speed until a proper and adequate spacedangerous cushion situation. has been established between An escape route is an alternate path of travel vehicles.Vehicles in the next lane also block your escape New page, insert file labeled “7-Quick- that you can take if a hazard develops in your if you come upon a hazard in your own lane. Tips-Pretend-You-Are-Invisible” path. No matter whatwhat thethe conditions,conditions, always always use use Adjust your speed until a proper and adequate SEEEscape and planRoutes an escape route. In the illustrationillustration space cushion has been established between thatAnbelow, escape follows the routefirst the box Quickis an shows alternate Tips, a the rider pathfirst who ofbox has travel shows three a vehicles. New page, insert file labeled “7-Quick- riderthatescape you who routes can has take threeopen, if a escapeshould hazard routesthey develops need open, into yourshouldtake an

Tips-Pretend-You-Are-Invisible” thepath.alternate rider No matterneedpath. to The what take second thean alternate conditions, box shows path. always a rider The use secondSEEwhoEscape and has box plan notRoutes shows planan escapened a rider an route. escape who Inhas path. the not illustration The planned rider anbelow,hasAn escape escapenowhere the path. firstroute to boxgoThe is if anshows riderthey alternate isneed a notrider topositionedpath whotake of hasan travel three to MergingNew page, Vehicles insert file labeled “7-Quick- takeescapethat anyou routesalternate can take open, path if ashould hazard of travel, they develops which need toleavesin yourtake the an Tips-Pretend-You-Are-Invisible” rider alternatepath. Section vulnerable No path.matter Five: The to whatStreet potentialsecond the Strategies conditions, box hazards. shows 33 alwaysa rider use Do not assume that drivers merging on an whoSEE andhas notplan plan an escapened an route.escape In path. the illustrationThe rider entrance ramp will see you. Minimize the potential hasbelow, nowhere the first to gobox if shows they need a rider to takewho anhas three for danger by giving them plenty of room. Change escape routes open, should they need to take an lanes if one is open. If there is no room for a lane alternate Section path. Five: The Street second Strategies box shows 33 a rider change, adjust speed to open up space for the who has not planned an escape path. The rider merging driver. has nowhere to go if they need to take an

40 Section Six: Street Strategies Section Five: Street Strategies 33 QUICK TIPS PRETEND YOU ARE

If you ride a motorcycle, you know that out on the road you might as well be transparent, because car drivers often look right past you. They might notice the car or truck behind you, but you, in all your “narrowness,” may not register in the visual cortex of even the most alert drivers. That’s why an oncoming car driver might Sadly, drivers might behave this way even turn left in front of you at an intersection. when they’re not distracted by their cell phone, GPS, satellite radio, or other form of in-car infotainment. So how do you compensate for being “invisible” to drivers?

Be as conspicuous as possible. Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet. Always have your headlight on, and use your high beam or an aftermarket headlight modulator Reality during the day (where allowed).

Take an approved rider training course. Learn how to maneuver your motorcycle in normal and emergency situations, and practice braking and swerving maneuvers often. Also understand that safe riding depends as much on the mental skills of awareness and judgment as it does on the physical skill of maneuvering the machine; ...and what the driver sees respond early to possible hazards instead of having to react instantly to an emergency. That’s also why a driver in the next lane, even if they turn and look in your direction before Pretend you’re invisible. If you assume others on changing lanes, might veer into your lane. the road can’t see you, and any car that can hit you will hit you, you will tend to ride in a hyper- aware mindset and learn to notice every detail in your surroundings. In other words, you will take extra responsibility for your safety and ride defensively. You will vary your speed and lane position to place yourself in the best spot on the road to avoid collisions, plan escape paths in case a driver violates your right-of-way, cover your Reality brake controls to quicken your reactions, use your horn to alert a driver who doesn’t notice you, and always ride within your limits.

CAR DRIVERS ONLY SEE WHAT THEY EXPECT TO SEE, AND MOST DON’T EXPECT YOU TO BE PART OF THE TRAFFIC MIX. RIDE WITH THE RIGHT SKILLS, STRATEGIES, AND ATTITUDE. ...and what the driver sees BE SEEN – BE SAFE.

©2013 Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Section Six: Street Strategies 41

alternate path of travel, which leaves them Maintain an Escape Route Bumper to bumper traffic Truck ahead stops vulnerable to potential hazards. 1 Cushion preferred Vehicle behind still approaching Three escape routes open All escape routes closed

Clothing Most crashes occur in broad daylight. Wear bright colored clothing to increase your chances of being seen. Remember, your body is half of the visible surface area of the rider-motorcycle unit.

Increasing Conspicuity Reflective, bright colored clothing is best. Bright orange, red, yellow or green jackets or vests are In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers often say your best bets for being seen. Brightly colored that they never saw the motorcycle. From ahead helmets can also help others see you. Reflective or behind, a motorcycle’s outline is much material on a vest and on the sides of the smaller than a car’s. Also, it’s hard to see helmet will help drivers something you are not looking for, and most coming from the side spot Signaling drivers are not looking for motorcycles. More you. Reflective material can likely, they are looking through the narrow, two- also be a big help for drivers wheeled silhouette in search of cars that may coming toward you or from pose a problem to them. behind.

Even if a driver does see you coming, you aren’t Headlight necessarily safe. Motorcycles may appear farther away, and seem to be traveling slower than they The best way to help others actually are. It is common for drivers to pull out in see your motorcycle is to front of motorcyclists, thinking they have plenty of keep the headlight on – at all times (new motorcycles sold time. Too often, they are wrong. However, you in the USA since 1978 automatically have the alternate path of travel, whichcan leavesdo many them things to make it easier for othersMaintain to an Escape Route recognize you and your cycle. Bumper to bumper traffic Truckheadlights ahead stops on when running). Studies show that, vulnerable to potential hazards. Cushion preferred Vehicle behind still approaching 1 during the day, a motorcycle with its light on is Three escape routes open All escape routes closed twice as likely to be noticed. Also use your low Being seen is your Being seen is your beams at night and in fog. responsibility! responsibility!

Bright colors and reflective Bright colors and reflective materials are the best materialsSignal are the best choices for keeping you choices for keeping you visibleThe to surrounding signals on traffica motorcycle are the same as visible to surrounding traffic those on a car. They tell others what you plan to both day and night. both day and night. do. Use them anytime you plan to change lanes ClothingClothing 34 Section Five: Street Strategies MostMost crashes crashes occur occur in in broad broad daylight. daylight. Wear Wear 11 2 brightbright colored colored clothing clothing to to increase increase your your chances chances ofof being being seen. seen. Remember, Remember, your your body body is is half half of of Car and truck images credited to Maxim Popov©123RF.com thethe visible visible surface surface area area of of the the rider rider-motorcycle-motorcycle Maintain an Escape Route unit.unit. In heavy traffic; maintain If the yellow car ahead of 1 a large space cushion and 2 the motorcyclist stops leave three escape routes suddenly, the motorcyclist Reflective, bright colored clothing is best. Bright Increasingopen for maneuvering Conspicuity has no space to react and Reflective, bright colored clothing is best. Bright quickly. avoid danger. orange,orange, red, red, yellow yellow or or green green jackets jackets or or vests vests are are

In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers often say youryour best best bets bets for for being being seen. seen. Brightly Brightly colored colored thatIncreasing they never Conspicuity saw the motorcycle. From ahead helmetshelmets can can also also help help others others see see you. you. Reflective Reflective or behind, a motorcycle’s outline is much materialmaterial on on a a vest vest and and on on the the sides sides of of the the smallerIn crashes than with a car’s. motorcyclists, Also, it’s hard drivers to see often say that helmethelmet will will he helplp drivers drivers somethingthey never you saw are the not motorcycle. looking for, From and ahead most or comingcoming from from the the side side spot spot Signaling driversbehind, are a motorcycle’s not looking for outline moto isrcycles. much More you.you. Reflective Reflective material material can can likely,smaller they than are a lookingcar’s. Also, through it’s hard the narrow,to see something two- alsoalso be be a a big big help help for for drivers drivers wheeledyou are notsilhouette looking in for, search and mostof cars drivers that may are comingcoming toward toward you you or or from from posenot looking a problem for motorcycles.to them. More likely, they behind.behind. are looking through the narrow, two-wheeled Evensilhouette if a driver in searchdoes see of youcars coming, that may you aren’t HeadlightHeadlight necessarilypose a problem safe. Motorcycles to them. may appear farther away, and seem to be traveling slower than they TheThe best best way way to to help help others others actuallyEven if aare. driver It is commondoes see foryou drivers coming, to pullyou outaren’t in seesee your your motorcycle motorcycle is is to to frontnecessarily of motorcyclists, safe. Motorcycles thinking theymay haveappear plenty farther of keepkeep thethe headlight headlight on on – – at at all all time.away, Too and often, seem they to be are traveling wrong. However, slower than you they timestimes (new (new motorcycles motorcycles sold sold canactually do many are. things It is common to make forit easier drivers for to others pull out to in inin the the USA USA since since 1978 1978 automatically automatically have have the the recognizefront of motorcyclists, you and your cycle.thinking they have plenty headlightsheadlights on on when when running). running). Studies Studies show show that, that, of time. Too often, they are wrong. However, you duringduring the the day, day, aa motorcyclemotorcycle with with its its light light on on is is twicetwice as as likely likely to to be be noticed. noticed. Also use your low Beingcan seen do ismany your things to make it easier for others to beams at night and in fog. responsibility!recognize you and your cycle. Signal Bright colors and reflective Signal materials are the best The signals on a motorcycle are the same as those choices for keeping you Theon asignals car. They on atell motorcycle others what are you the plansame to as do. Use visible to surrounding traffic thosethem onanytime a car. Theyyou tellplan others to change what lanes you planor turn. to both day and night. do.Use Use them them even anytime when youyou thinkplan to no change one else lanes is around. Due to a rider’s added vulnerability,

34 Section Five: Street Strategies 42 Section Six: Street Strategies or turn. Use them even when you think no one Handling Dangerous Surfaces else is around. Due to a rider’s added signals are even more important. They make you vulnerability, signals are even more important. Speed Slippery Management surfaces. easier to spot. They make you easier to spot.  Railroad tracks. Handling Grooves Dangerousand gratings. Surfaces WhenWhen you you enter enter a freeway,a freeway, drivers drivers approaching approaching fromfrom behind behind are are more more likely likely to to see see your your signal signal • Slippery surfaces. blinkingblinking and and make make room room for for you. you. Slippery• Railroad Surfaces tracks. WetWet Surfaces • Grooves and gratings. Once you turn, make sure your signal is off or a On slippery surfaces, you • Leaves. Oncedriver you may turn, pull make directly sure into your your signal path, is off thinking or a should use added caution. • Tar Snakes. driveryou planmay topull turn directly again. into your path, thinking Motorcycles handle better you plan to turn again. when ridden on surfaces Slippery Surfaces Brake Light with good traction. Brake Light MaintainingOn slippery surfaces,balance and you Your motorcycle’s brake light is usually not as cycleshould control use added are difficult caution. Your motorcycle’s brake light is usually not as noticeable as the brake lights on a car – onMotorcycles slippery surfaces. handle better noticeable as the brake lights on a car – particularly when your taillight is on. (The when ridden on surfaces particularlytaillight comes when on your with taillight the headlight.) is on. (The If the To reduce your risk you canwith take good certain traction. taillightsituation goes willon withpermit, the helpheadlight.) others Ifnotice the you by preventativeMaintaining balancemeasur es:and situationflashing will your permit, brake help light others before notice you slow you bydown. cycle control are difficult flashingIt is especially your brake important light before to flash you slowyour down.brake on slipperyReduce Speedsurfaces. – Slow down before you get to a slippery surface to lessen your chances It lightis especially before: important to flash your brake To reduce your risk you can take certain of skidding and increase your following light before: preventative measures: • You slow more quickly than others might distance. Your motorcycle needs more  You slow more quickly than others might expect for example, turning off a high-speed • Reducedistance Speed to stop. – SlowAnd, downit is particularly before you get expect (for example, turning off a high- highway. timportanto a slippery to surfacereduce tospeed lessen before your entering chances speed highway.) • You slow down where others may not expect it ofwet skidding curves. and increase your following  You slow where others may not expect it (for for example, in the middle of a block or at an  distance.Avoid Sudden Your motorcycleMoves – Any needs sudden more changes example, in the middle of a block or at an alley. distancein speed toor stop.direction And, can it is cause particularly a skid. Be as alley.) importantsmooth as topossible reduce when speed you before speed entering up, shift If Ifyou you are are being being followed followed closely, closely, it’s it’s a gooda good idea idea wetgears, curves. turn or brake. toto flash flash your your brake brake light light before before you you slow. decrease The your • AvoidUse Both Sudden Brakes Moves – The – front Any sudden brake is changes still tailgaterspeed.The may tailgater be watching may yoube watching and not seeyou and not ineffective, speed or even direction on a slippery can cause surface. a skid. Be as somethingsee something ahead ahead that will that make will youmake slow you down. slow smoothSqueeze as the possible brake lever when gradually you speed to up,avoid shift Thisdown. will hopefullyThis will hopefully discourage discourage them from them from gears,locking turn the orfront brake. wheel. Remember, gentle tailgatingtailgating and and warn warn them them of hazardsof hazards ahead ahead they they • Use Both Brakes – The front brake is still may not see. pressure on the rear brake. may not see. effective, even on a slippery surface. Squeeze the brake lever gradually to avoid Surfaces that provide less traction include: Horn locking the front wheel. Remember, gentle Horn pressure on the rear brake. BeBe ready ready to to use use your your horn horn to toget get someone’s someone’s  Wet surfaces– particularly just after it starts attention quickly. Keep in mind that a attention quickly. Keep in mind that a Surfacesto rain that and provide before lesssurface traction oil washes include: to the motorcycle’smotorcycle’s horn horn isn’t isn’t as as loud loud as as a car’s,a car’s. side of the road. When it starts to rain, ride therefore,Therefore, use use it, it,but but don’t don’t rely rely on on it. it.Ot herOther • Wetin the surfaces tire tracks– Particularly left by cars just and afteravoid it starts strategiesstrategies may may be be appropriate appropriate along along with with the the tpooledo rain and water before and highwaysurface oil ruts. washes Often, to the the horn.horn. sideleft tireof the track road. will When be the it best starts position, to rain, ride independing the tire trackson traffic left and by othercars and road avoid Speed Management pooledconditions water as andwell. highway ruts. Often, the left tire track will be the best position,

Section Five: Street Strategies 35 Section Six: Street Strategies 43

 Ice or snow covered surfaces – snow melts Grooves and Gratings faster on some sections of a road than on Grate Crossings Riding over rain grooves or others. Patches of ice can occur in low or bridge gratings may cause deshadedpending areas on traffic and on bridgesand other and road sharp turn. Edging across could catch your tires your motorcycle to weave. conditionsoverpasses. as Itwell. is recommended you avoid and throw you off balance. Maintain a steady speed • Icesnow or snow and icecovered covered surfaces surfaces. – Snow melts and ride straight across.  fasterShiny on surfaces some sections – metal covers,of a road steel than plates, on ObstaclesCrossing at an angle forces othebridgers. Patches gratings, of train ice can tracks, occur lane in lowmarkings, or Goodriders searching to zigzag skills to helpstay inyou avoid potholes, shadeleavesd areas and wood and on can bridges be very and treacherous speedthe bumps lane. and stationary objects. If something overpasses.when wet. It is recommended you avoid cannot be avoided adjust speed and rise off the  sno Dirtw and and ice gravel covered – on surfaces. curves and ramps seat using your legs to help absorb the bike’s • Shinyleading surfaces to and – fromMetal highways, covers, steel dirt plates,and reaction. bridgegravel gratings, can collect train along tracks, the lanesides ofmarkings, the Test Your Knowledge leavesroad. and Choose wood a lanecan be position very treacherous that minimizes Grooves1. The greatestand Gratings potential for conflict between  Ice orwhen thesnow riskw et.covered of injury. surfaces – snow melts Groovesyou and other Gratings traffic is: fa•ster  Dirt Oilon and spotssome gravel –sections watch – On forof curves athese road and whenthan ramps on you put Riding over rain grooves Grate CrossingsCrossings Riding overA. On rain the grooves expressway. or others. leadingyour Patches foot to and downof icefrom canto highways,stop occur or inpark. lowdirt You orand may slip or bridge gratings may bridge gratingsB. At intersections. may cause shaded grandavel areas fall.can and Securingcollect on bridges along the properthe and sides footing of the will cause your motorcycle to your motorcycleC. When toriding weave. in a group. overpasses. road.help Choose you It is from recommended a lane losing position your youbalance that avoid minimizesor falling. weave. Maintain a steady Maintain a steady speed snow the and risk ice of covered injury. surfaces. speed2. Usuallyand ride a straight good way to handle tailgaters is and ride straight across.  Shiny• RailroadOil surfaces spots Tracks, – –Watch metal Trolleyfor covers, these Trackssteel when plates, you and put across.to: Crossing at an Crossing at an angle forces bridge Pavementyour gratings, foot down Seams train to tr stopacks, or lane park. markings, You may slip angle A.forces Change riders lanes to and let them pass or slow riders to zigzag to stay in leaves and and fall. wood Securing can bethe very motorcycle treacherous with proper zigzagdown to stay to inallow the forlane. more space. Usually it is safer to ride straight within your the lane. whenfooting wet. is important to maintain your balance B. Speed up to put distance between you and lane to cross tracks. Turning to cross tracks at a  Dirtwhen and gravel stopped. – on curves and ramps the tailgater. 90 degree angle or parallel path can be more C. Ignore them. leadingdangerous to and – fromyour highways,path may carrydirt and you into Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Test Your Knowledge gravelanother can collectlane of alongtraffic. the sides of the 3. When it starts to rain it is usually best to: road.Pavement Choose aSeams lane position that minimizes A. Ride in the center of the lane. theFor risk track of injury. and road seams that run parallel to 1. The greatestB. Ride onpotential the right for side conflict of the between lane. Usually it is safer to ride straight within your  Oilyour spots path – watch of travel, for these move when far enough you put away from you andC. other Ride trafficin the tireis: tracks left by cars. lanetracks, to cross ruts, tracks.or pavement Turning seams to cross to crosstracks at at an a A. On the expressway. your foot down to stop or park. You may slip 4. The best way to help others see your 90-degreeangle of at angle least or 45. parallel Then, makepath can a quick, be more sharp B. At intersections. and fall. Securing the proper footing will motorcycle is to: dangerousturn. Edging – your across path could may catch carry your you tiresinto and C. When riding in a group. help you from losing your balance or falling. A. Keep the headlight on. anotherthrow you lane off of balance. traffic. 2. UsuallyB. Usea good eye way contact. to handle tailgaters is

Railroad Tracks, Trolley TracksCrossing and ParallelParallel to: C. Honk your horn. CrossingCrossing Tracks Tracks Pavement Seams Tracks A. Change lanes and let them pass or slow down1. toB –allow page for*, Intersections, more space. Usually it is safer to ride straight within your B. Speed2. A – up page to put*, Being distance Followed, between you and lane to cross tracks. Turning to cross tracks at a the tailgater.3. C – page *, Slippery Surfaces, 90 degree angle or parallel path can be more C. Ignore4. A – them. page* , Increasing Conspicuity dangerous – your path may carry you into another lane of traffic. 3. When it starts to rain it is usually best to: A. Ride in the center of the lane. For track and road seams that run parallel to B. Ride Inserton the right MSF side QUICK of the lane.TIPS: General your path of travel, move far enough away from C. Ride Guidelinin the tire trackses for left Riding by cars. a Motorcycle tracks, ruts, or pavement seams to cross at an 4. The bestSafe wayly. to help others see your angleFor of trackat least and 45. road Then, seams make that a quick, run parallel sharp to motorcycle is to: turn.your Edging path across of travel, could move catch far your enough tires and away from A. Keep the headlight on. throwtracks, you off ruts, balance. or pavement seams to cross at an 36 Section Five: Street Strategies B. Use eye contact. angle of at least 45 degrees. Then, make a quick, Crossing Parallel C. Honk your horn. Crossing Tracks Tracks 44 Section Six: Street Strategies 1. B – page*, Intersections, 2. A – page*, Being Followed, 3. C – page*, Slippery Surfaces, 4. A – page*, Increasing Conspicuity

Insert MSF QUICK TIPS: General Guidelines for Riding a Motorcycle Safely.

36 Section Five: Street Strategies Test Your Knowledge

1. The greatest potential for conflict between you and other traffic is: A. On the expressway. B. At intersections. C. When riding in a group. 2. Usually a good way to handle tailgaters is to: A. Change lanes and let them pass or slow down to allow for more space. B. Speed up to put distance between you and The tailgater. C. Ignore them. 3. When it starts to rain it is usually best to: A. Ride in the center of the lane. B. Ride on the right side of the lane. C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars. 4. The best way to help others see your motorcycle is to: A. Keep the headlight on. B. Use eye contact. C. Honk your horn.

1. B – page 38, Intersections 2. A – page 39-40, Being Followed 3. C – page 43, Slippery Surfaces 4. A – page 42, Increasing Conspicuity

Section Six: Street Strategies 45 SectionSection Six Seven ThisThis Section Section Covers Covers

Roadway Management • CrashCrash AvoidanceAvoidance Roadway Management • CorneringCornering On the road, situations change change constantly. constantly. As As a a  If the front wheel locks responsible rider, you up, release pressure on the front brake lever to knowyou know how how important it postureget the tire will rolling, help you then stop immediately the motorcycle reapply in isimportant to be in fullit is controlto awith straight controlled line. gradual pressure. ofbe thein full motorcycle. control of •  IfIf the the frrearont wheel wheel locks locks up, up, keep release it locked pressure until on Athe responsible motorcycle. rider A theyou front have brakecome tolever a complete to get the stop. tire Maintain rolling, then knowsresponsible that goodrider road immediatelypressure on the reapply rear brake with pedalcontrolled and gradual keep your knees against the tank and your eyes up. managementknows that good starts pressure. You can still bring the motorcycle to a controlled withroad knowledgemanagement • If the rear wheel locks up, keep it locked until stop in a straight line if the rear wheel locks up. and practice of SEE —Search, Evaluate and Execute. you have come to a complete stop. Maintain starts with knowledgeSM – SEE is a Service and practiceMark of MSF. of SEE. pressure on the rear brake pedal and keep Stopping Quickly in a Curve Used with permission. your knees against the tank and keep your head up with eyes open. You can still bring the Crash Avoidance If you must stop quickly while turning or riding in amotorcycle curve, the tobest a controlled technique stop is to instraighten a straight line No matter howhow careful careful you you are, are, there there will will be be theif motorcycle, the rear wheel square locks the up. handlebars and then times when when you you find find yourself yourself in ina difficulta difficult spot. spot. stop. There may be conditions that do not allow Your chances of avoiding a crash and possible Stoppingstraightening Quickly first, su inch asa Curverunning off the road injury will depend on your ability to react injury will depend on your ability to react Ifin you a left must-hand stop curve quickly or dealing while turning with oncoming or riding quickly and properly. Two critical crash quickly and properly. Two critical crash intraffic a curve, in a theright best-hand technique curve. In is such to straighten situations, avoidance skills you will need to learn and avoidance skills you will need to learn and theapply motorcycle, the brakes square smoothly the andhandlebars gradually. and As then you practice are stopping quickly and swerving. practice are stopping quickly and swerving. stop.slow, There you can may reduce be conditions your lean thatangle do and not apply allow

straighteningmore brake pressure first, such until as therunning motorcy off clethe is road Stopping QuicklyQuickly instraight a left-hand and maximum curve or brakedealing pressure with oncoming is trafficpossible. in You a right-hand should “straighten” curve. In such the situations, Stopping a motorcycle quickly andand safelysafely isis aa applyhandlebars the brakes in the smoothly last few feetand gradually.of stopping; As the you skill that requires a lot ofof practice.practice. slow,motorcycle you can should reduce then your be lean straight angle up. and apply more brake pressure until the motorcycle is This is accomplished byby applyingapplying controlledcontrolled straightAnti-Lock and Brakingmaximum Systems brake pressure (ABS) is pressure to both the front and rearrear brakesbrakes atat possible. You should “straighten” the the same time without without locking locking either either wheel. wheel. Some motorcycles use this technology to handlebars in the last few feet of stopping; the prevent wheel lock-up. If your motorcycle is To do this: motorcycle should then be straight up. equipped with anti-lock brakes apply maximum •  SqueeSqueezeze the front brake lever and apply Anti-Lockpressure on bothBraking the front Systems and rear (ABS) brakes as pressure to the rear brake pedal at the samesame quickly and firmly as you can. You may feel a time. D oDo not not apply apply maximum maximum pressure pressure to to the the Somepulsation motorcycles in the brakes; use this continue technology to hold to brake front brake lever and rear brake pedal all at preventpressure wheel until youlock-up. have If completely your motorcycle stopped. is once. Gradually increase pressure to the once. Gradually increase pressure to the equipped with anti-lock brakes, apply maximum front brake lever as weight is transferred front brake lever as weight is transferred pressureHandling on Skidsboth the front and rear brakes as forward to the front tire. quickly and firmly as you can. You may feel a •  KKeepeep your knees against the tank andand youryour Sometimes a skid cannot be avoided. Here’s pulsation in the brakes; continue to hold brake eeyesyes up, looking well ahead.ahead. GoodGood ridingriding what to do: pressure until you have completely stopped. posture will help you stop the motorcycle in  Front-Wheel Skids – If the front wheel locks, a straight line. release the front brake immediately and

Section Seven: Roadway Management 46 Section Six: Roadway Management 37 Handling Skids Sometimes a skid cannot be avoided. Here’s what to do: • Front-Wheel Skids – If the front wheel locks, release the front brake immediately and completely. Reapply the brake smoothly. Front-wheel skids result in immediate loss of steering control and balance. Failure to fully release the brake lever immediately will Car and truck images credited to Maxim Popov©123RF.com result in a crash. • Rear-Wheel Skids – A skidding rear wheel is Cornering in a Curve a dangerous condition, caused by too much Many crash-involved riders enter curves too fast rear brake pressure, which can result in a and are unable to complete the curve. Although violent crash and serious injury or death. If every curve is different, the basic cornering the rear wheel is skidding, keep the rear procedure – slow, look, press, roll – applies to all brakes applied and the front tire pointed curves. straight ahead, until you have come to a complete stop. Do not release the rear brake.

Swerving Swerving to avoid a crash may be appropriate if stopping isn’t a solution. A swerve is any sudden change in direction. Be sure you have enough time and space to swerve. It can be two quick turns or a rapid shift to the side. To swerve: • Apply firm pressure to the handgrip located on the side you want to turn. This will cause the motorcycle to lean quickly. The sharper the turn, the more the motorcycle must lean. • Press on the opposite handgrip once you clear the obstacle to return to your original Your best path in a curve depends on traffic, direction of travel. road conditions and curve of the road. • Keep your body upright and allow the If traffic is present: motorcycle to lean in the direction of the turn while keeping your knees against the tank and your feet solidly on the footrests. • Move to the center of your lane before entering a curve – and stay there until you If braking is required, separate it from swerving. exit. This permits you to spot approaching Brake before or after –never while swerving. traffic and adjust for traffic “crowding” the center line or debris blocking part of your lane.

Section Seven: Roadway Management 47 completely. Reapply the brake smoothly. Swerve, then Brake Front-wheel skids result in immediate loss of steering control and balance. Failure to fully release the brake lever immediately will result in a crash.  Rear-Wheel Skids – A skidding rear wheel is a dangerous condition, caused by too much rear brake pressure, which can result in a violent crash and serious injury or death. If the rear wheel is skidding, keep the rear brakes applied and the front tire pointed If braking is required separate it from swerving. straight ahead, until you have come to a Brake before or after –never while swerving. complete stop. Do not release the rear brake. Cornering in a Curve Rear-Wheel Skids Many crash-involved riders enter curves too fast and are unable to complete the curve. Although every curve is different, the basic cornering procedure – slow, look, press, roll – applies to all curves.

Your best path in a curve depends on traffic, road conditions and curve of the road. If traffic is present:

 Move to the center of your lane before Swerving entering a curve – and stay there until you exit. Swerving to avoid a crash may be appropriate if  This permits you to spot approaching traffic, stopping isn’t a solution. A swerve is any sudden adjust for traffic “crowding” the center line, change in direction. Be sure you have enough and debris blocking part of your lane. time and space to swerve. It can be two quick turns, or a rapid shift to the side. To swerve: Test Your Knowledge Constant Curves Widening Curves  Apply firm pressure to the handgrip located on the side you want to turn. This will cause 1. The best way to stop quickly is to: the motorcycle to lean quickly. The sharper A. Use the front brake only. the turn, the more the motorcycle must B. Use the rear brake first. lean. C. Use both brakes at the same time.  Press on the opposite handgrip once you 2. Where should you position your motorcycle clear the obstacle to return to your original when entering a curve if traffic is present? direction of travel. A. The outside of the curve.  Keep your body upright and allow the IfIf nono traffictraffic isis present: present: B. The inside of the curve. motorcycle to lean in the direction of the  C. The center of the curve. turn while keeping your knees against the • StStartart atat the the outside outside of of a curvea curv toe increaseto increase tank and your feet solidly on the footrests. yyourour lineline of sight. •  AsAs yyouou turn,turn, move move toward toward the the inside inside of of the the 1. C – page 46, Stopping Quickly curve,curve, andand asas you you pass pass the the center, center, move move to 2. C – pages 47-48, Cornering in a Curve thetothe the outsideoutside outside tototo exit.exit.exit. This ThisThis will willwill create createcreate a aa Test Your Knowledge 38 Section Six: Roadway Management straighterstraighter lineline throughthrough thethe curve.curve. 1. The best way to stop quickly is to: Decreasing Curves Multiple Curves (Tighter Turns) A. Use the front brake only. B. Use the rear brake first. C. Use both brakes at the same time. 2. Where should you position your motorcycle when entering a curve: A. The outside of the curve. B. The inside of the curve. C. The center of the curve..

1. C –– page *,*, StoppingStopping QuicklyQuickly 2. C – page *, Cornering Be alert toas whetherto whether a curve a curve remains remains constant, constant, 2. C – page *, Cornering gradually widens, gets tighter or involvesgradually multiple curves. Ride within your skill level andwidens, posted gets speed limits. Choose a path of traveltightertighter that creates oror a straighter line through the curve asinvolvesinvolves long as traffic permits. multiple curves. Ride within your skillskill levellevel andand posted speed limits.limits.

Choose a path of travel that creates a straighter 48lineline throughthrough Section thethe Seven: curvecurve asasRoadway longlong asas traffictrafficManagement permits.permits.

Section Six: Roadway Management 39 This Section Covers Section Seven  Crowned Roads  Work Zones Special Riding Situations  TireThis Failure Section Covers  Animals Section Eight • Crowned Roads  Wind The following section offers some additional of sand or gravel, • Work Zones

Special Ridinginformation Situations on special riding downshift and keep your• speedTire Failure steady. situations you may encounter  Scored or grooved pavement• Animals – Keep your The following sectionwhen offers riding asome motorcycle. additional head and eyes up. Go slow,• Wind don’t fight the information on special riding situations you may handlebars. Keep a steady throttle. encounter when ridingCrowned a motorcycle. Roads • ScoredOil or fresh or grooved tar – Avoid pavement if possible. – Keep Go yourslow headand avoid and eyessudden up. moves. Go slow, don’t fight the A road surface that is higher Crowned Roads  handlebars.Rippled and Keepuneven a steady temporary throttle. pavement – in the middle than at the sides • Oil or fresh tar – Avoid if possible. Go slow A road surface that is Scan the pavement and pick the smoothest is a crowned road. Use and avoid sudden moves. higher in the middle line. Cross slowly and carefully. Be aware of caution and slow • Rippled and uneven temporary pavement – than at the sides is a the difference in height between lanes that down when traveling Scan the pavement and pick the smoothest crowned road. Use have been repaved and those awaiting to be on crowned roads line. Cross slowly and carefully. Be aware of caution and slow paved – crossing into the higher lane at high because ground the difference in height between lanes that down when traveling speeds and a narrow angle could cause you clearance is reduced have been repaved and those awaiting to be on crowned roads to lose control. and the lean angle paved – crossing into the higher lane at high because ground clearance is reduced and the lean  Objects in the road – Scan well ahead. Go available will be less speeds and a narrow angle could cause you angle available will be less than on a flat road. around object, if possible. Increase your than on a flat road. to lose control. following distance to allow maneuvering • Objectsroom. in the road – Scan well ahead. Go Work Zones Zones around object if possible. Increase your Work zones present a hazard to all driversdrivers,, but Tirefollowing Failure distance to allow maneuvering even more so for motorcycle riders. Lacking room. fourfour-wheel-wheel stability, the motorcycle rider must You will seldom hear a tire go flat. If the reduce speed and bebe especiallyespecially mindfulmindful ofof Tiremotorcycle Failure starts handling differently, it may be a tire failure. This can be dangerous. You must potential hazards. hazards. You will seldom hear a tire go flat. If the be able to tell from the way the motorcycle motorcyclereacts. If one starts of your handling tires suddenly differently, loses it air,may be areact tire quicklyfailure. toThis keep can your be dangerous.balance. Pull You off andmust becheck able the to tires.tell from the way the motorcycle reacts. If one of your tires suddenly loses air, reactIf the quicklyfront tire to goeskeep flat, your the balance. steering Pull will off feel and check“heavy.” the A tires. front-wheel flat is particularly hazardous because it affects your steering. You Ifhave the tofront steer tire well goes to keepflat, yourthe steering balance. will feel “heavy.” A front-wheel flat is particularly hazardousIf the rear tirebecause goes itflat, affects the back your of steering. the You havemotorcycle to steer may well jerk to keepor sway your from balance. side to side. The following are types of workwork zonezone roadroad hazards and what to do if youyou encounterencounter them:them: If the rear tire goes flat, the back of the motorcycleIf either tire may goes jerk flat or while sway riding: from side to side. • Sand oror gravelgravel onon pavementpavement –– SlowSlow down,down, don’t makemake suddensudden turns,turns, brakebrake lightlylightly inin aa If eitherHold tire handgrips goes flatfirmly, while ease riding: off the throttle, straightstraight line.line. IfIf youyou encounterencounter longlong stretchesstretches and keep a straight course. of sand or gravel, downshift and keep your • Hold handgrips firmly, ease off the throttle speed steady. and keep a straight course. 40 Section Seven: Special Riding Situations

Section Eight: Special Riding Situations 49 • If braking is required, however, gradually • Be alert for deer whenever you ride. Deer apply the brake of the tire that isn’t flat if crashes happen in urban, suburban and you are sure which one it is. rural areas. • When the motorcycle slows, edge to the side of • Slow down. Decreasing speed gives you the road, squeeze the clutch and stop. more time to spot an animal and react. • Cover the brakes to reduce reaction time. Animals • Use high beam headlights and additional Dogs sometimes chase motorcycles. Once an driving lights when possible. approaching dog is spotted, slow down and • If riding in a group, spread out riders in a downshift until the dog is near your motorcycle staggered formation. If one rider hits a then accelerate away from the dog as it deer, this will lessen the chance that other approaches. Keep control of your motorcycle riders will be involved. and look to where you want to go. Don’t kick at • Wear protective gear at all times. the dog because it will make controlling the motorcycle difficult. Larger animals such as deer or elk present a different problem. These animals are unpredictable and hitting one can be as harmful as colliding with another vehicle. Use more aggressive SEE maneuvers for additional time and space in areas where larger animals may be present. If one of these animals is encountered on or near the roadway, the only reliable action is to stop before reaching it. Then wait until the animal leaves or move past the animal at a walking speed. Wind Strong, steady winds can affect you and your motorcycle. The effects can occur anywhere and often happen in open areas or mountainous terrain.

Wind turbulence can occur when you share the Dog images credited to Majivecka©123RF.com road with large vehicles like trucks, buses and recreational vehicles. When chased by a dog: 1. Slow down, To respond to wind gusts or windblasts: 2. Downshift and 3. Accelerate out of the dog’s reach. • Lean into the wind by applying forward pressure on the handgrip. Motorcycles and Deer • Move away from other vehicles as they approach or as you pass. Vehicle-deer crashes can happen at any time of • Maximize the space cushion around you. the year. Because motorcyclists are especially • Find a safe place to park until conditions vulnerable in these types of crashes, riders are improve if the wind becomes too dangerous. advised to:

50 Section Eight: Special Riding Situations Parking at Curbs When safe, move into the left lane and accelerate. Select a lane position that doesn’t If parking in a parallel parking space next to a crowd the car you are passing and provides space curb, position the motorcycle at an angle with to avoid hazards in your lane. the rear wheel to the curb. (Note: Some cities have ordinances that require motorcycles to park Ride through the blind spot as safely and parallel to the curb.) quickly as possible.

Signal again, and complete mirror and head checks before returning to your original lane and then cancel signal.

Being Passed When you are being passed, ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to the passing vehicle could put you in a hazardous situation. Do not move into the portion of the lane Car and truck images credited to Maxim Popov©123RF.com farthest from the Passing and Being Passed passing vehicle. It might invite the other Car and truck images credited to Passing and being passed by another vehicle is driver to cut back into Maxim Popov©123RF.com not much different than with a car. However, your lane too early. visibility is more critical. Be sure other drivers see you, and that you see potential hazards. Hand Signals You should also be familiar with hand signals, as Passing shown in the figure, and be able to use them if the motorcycle’s turn signals are not working Ride in the left correctly. portion of the lane at a safe following distance to increase your line of sight and make you more visible. Signal and check for oncoming traffic. Use your mirrors and turn your head to look Car and truck images credited to for traffic behind. Maxim Popov©123RF.com

Section Eight: Special Riding Situations 51 Test Your Knowledge

1. When riding over scored or grooved pavement in a work zone: A. Look down to see changes in the road surface. B. Keep your head and eyes up. C. Stay to the left side of the lane. 2. If you are chased by a dog: A. Stop until the animal loses interest. B. Approach the animal slowly and then speed up. C. Swerve around the animal.

1. B – page 49, Work Zones 2. B – page 50, Animals

52 Section Eight: Special Riding Situations Section Eight Nine This SectionThis CoversSection Covers Passengers, Cargo and •  CarrCarryingying Passengers Passengers and and CargoCar go Group Riding •  GrGroupoup Riding Riding Only skilled, skilled, Whenextra weight riding of with a passenger passengers: or cargo will affect the experienced riders riders way your motorcycle handles, requiring extra should carry carry •practice, Ride preparationa little slower, and especially caution. For when this reason, taking passengers or or heavy heavy onlycurves, experienced corners riders or shouldbumps. attempt to carry passengers or large loads. Before taking a passenger loadsloads, or or ride ride in in • Start slowing earlier; you may need to use or heavy load on the street, check the air pressure of groups. If If you you choose choose more pressure on the brakes. both tires and adjust the suspension settings to to carrydo any passengers of these, or you • compensate Wait for for larger the lowergaps torear cross, of the enter motorcycle. or merge heavywill need loads to or know ride in some Referin to tr affic.the owner’s manual for more information. a group you will need to know importantsome important information. • Incorporate a larger cushion of space when information. Whenstopping carrying or aslowing passenger, the cycle.your motorcycle Carrying Passengers and Cargo should have: Carrying Passengers and Cargo Before carrying a passenger or heavy loads, know  A seat large enough to hold both of you. The Ridinghow both on seatcould of affect motorcycle; motorcycle multiple operation. riders (1) The passenger should be seated behind you and Aextra motorcycle weight of operator a passenger must or ride cargo upon will and affect should sit as far forward as possible. No astridethe way a your permanent motorcycle and handles,regular seat requiring attached extra passenger regardless of age should be topractice, that vehicle. preparation (2) A motorcycle and caution. or moped For this shall reason, only seated in front of you. notexperienced be used toriders carry should more attemptpersons atto onecarry time passengers  Footrests for the passenger to prevent them thanor large the loads. number Before for whic takingh it a ispassenger designed orand heavy load from falling off and pulling you off, too. equipped.on the street, check the air pressure of both tires and  Secure hand strap or solid handholds for the MCLadjust 257.658. the suspension settings to compensate for the passenger to hold onto. The passenger can lower rear of the motorcycle. Refer to the owner’s manual for more information. Instructingalso hold on Passengers to your waist, hips, or belt. Seats and footrests. A motorcycle shall be

equipped with adequate Your passenger should wear the same When riding with passengers: Only skilled, experienced riders seats and securely protective gear as you. As a routine practice, should carry passengers or attached footrests or instruct your passenger on cycling basics prior to heavy loads or ride in groups.  Ride a little slower, especially when taking pegs for each designated starting their trip. Even if your passenger is a curves, corners, or bumps. seating position. Unless unable to do so because motorcycle rider, provide complete instructions When carrying a passenger, your motorcycle before Start you slowing start. earlier; you may need to use ofshould a permanent have: physical disability, a passenger shall not ride on a motorcycle unless his or her more pressure on the brakes. • A seat large enough to hold both of you. The Tell your passenger to: feet can rest on the footrests or pegs. Wait for larger gaps to cross, enter, or merge passenger should be seated behind you and MCL 257.658a(1). • Gein ttraffic. on the motorcycle only after you have should sit as far forward as possible. No  startedIncorporate the engine. a larger cushion of space when passenger regardless of age should be Carrying packages A moped or motorcycle • Kstoppingeep both or feet slowing firmly the planted cycle. on the cycle’s seated in front of you. operator shall not carry any package, bundle, or footrests, even when stopped. • Footrests for the passenger to prevent them from article that prevents the driver from keeping • Instructing Keep legs awayPassengers from the muffler(s), chains falling off and pulling you off, too. both hands upon the handlebars of the vehicle. • Secure hand strap or solid handholds for the Youror passenger moving parts. should wear the same MCL 257.661. passenger to hold onto. The passenger can •protective Hold firmly gear asonto you. your As waist, a routine hips practice, or

also hold onto your waist, hips or belt. instructpasseng yourer passenger handgrips. on cycling basics prior to Before carrying a passenger or heavy loads, know • starting Stay directlytheir trip. behind Even ifyou your and passenger look over is your a how both could affect motorcycle operation. The shoulder in the direction of the turn or curve

Section Section Seven:Nine: Passengers, Special Riding Cargo Situations and Group 43Riding 53 to help you lean in the direction of the turn Group Riding or curve. • Avoid unnecessary conversation and movement Riding with others is one of the many great when the cycle is in operation. experiences of motorcycling. Responsible riders do so in a manner that neither endangers Also, tell your passenger to tighten his or her hold nor interferes with the free flow of traffic, when you: riding with other cyclists can help to increase • Approach surface problems. rider visibility and safety. Concentration and • Are about to start from a stop. communication are essential to group riding. • Are about to turn sharply or make a sudden move. You should gain some riding experience before riding in a group. Carrying Loads Most motorcycles are not designed to carry much cargo. Small loads can be carried safely if positioned and fastened properly. • Keep the load low – Secure loads low to the seat and not against rear seat frames. Fasten loads securely, or put them in saddlebags. Piling loads against a sissy bar or frame on the back of the seat changes the motorcycle’s center of gravity and disturbs its balance. • Keep the load forward – Place the load over, or in front of, the rear axle. Tank bags keep loads forward, but use caution when loading hard or sharp objects. Make sure the tank bag does not interfere with handlebars or controls. Mounting loads behind the rear axle can affect how the motorcycle turns and brakes. It can also cause a Car and truck images credited wobble. to Maxim Popov©123RF.com • Distribute the load evenly – Load saddlebags with about the same weight on each side. An uneven load can cause the motorcycle to pull to one side. Overloading may also cause the bags To enhance safety and reduce the risk of injury to catch in the wheel or chain, locking the rear when riding in groups you should: wheel and prompting the cycle to skid. • Plan ahead. • Secure the load – Fasten the load securely with • Keep the group small. elastic cords (bungee cords or nets). Elastic cords • Keep your distance. with more than one attachment point per side • Ride in staggered formation – don’t pair up. are more secure. A tight load won’t catch in the • Move into single-file formation when riding wheel or chain, causing it to lock up and skid. curves, turns, or entering or leaving a Rope tends to stretch and knots come loose, highway. permitting the load to shift or fall.

54 Section Nine: Passengers, Cargo and Group Riding Passing in a Group

• Riders in a staggered formation should pass one at a time. If being passed while riding in a group, maintain your lane position. • First, the lead rider should pull out and pass when it is safe. After passing, the leader should return to correct formation position to open up space for rider number two and ride at passing speed. • After the first rider passes safely, the second rider should move from the right position to the left (lead) position and complete their pass, pulling into staggered formation behind the lead. • The rest of the group follows this routine. Pass from the left position and return to the proper formation. • The lead rider returns to cruising speed when the last rider has completed the pass.

Car and truck images credited to Maxim Popov©123RF.com

Section Nine: Passengers, Cargo and Group Riding 55 QUICK TIPS: Guidelines For Riding With A Passenger On Your Motorcycle

Legal Considerations

1. All state laws and requirements for carrying a passenger must be followed. 2. Some states have specific equipment requirements. Examples: the motorcycle must have passenger footrests, passengers must be able to reach the footrests, and a motorcycle must have a separate seating area for a passenger. 3. The decision to carry a child, assuming all safety and legal factors have been considered, is left to the parent or guardian. Ensure that the child is mature enough to handle the responsibilities, tall enough to reach the footrests, wears a properly fitted helmet and other protective gear, and holds onto you or the passenger hand-holds. Check your state’s laws; a few states have set minimum ages for motorcycle passengers.

Operator Preparation

1. Passengers should be considered as a second “active” rider so they can help ensure that safety and procedural operations are correctly followed. 2. A passenger will affect the handling characteristics of a motorcycle due to the extra weight and independent motion. 3. A passenger tends to move forward in quick stops and may “bump” your helmet with theirs. 4. Starting from a stop may require more throttle and clutch finesse. 5. Braking procedures may be affected. Braking sooner and/or with greater pressure may be required. 6. More weight over the rear tire may increase the usefulness and stopping power of the rear brake, especially in quick stop situations. 7. Riding on a downgrade will cause braking distance to increase compared to a flat surface. 8. Extra caution is called for in a corner because of the extra weight. Cornering clearances may be affected. 9. More time and space will be needed for passing. 10. The effects of wind, especially side wind, may be more pronounced.

Motorcycle Preparation

1. The motorcycle must be designed to accommodate a passenger. 2. The motorcycle owner’s manual should be reviewed for manufacturer’s tips about motorcycle setup as well as any related operational recommendations. 3. The motorcycle’s suspension and tire pressure may need adjustment. 4. Care should be taken to not exceed the weight limitations specified in the owner’s manual.

56 Section Nine: Passengers, Cargo and Group Riding Passenger Preparation

1. Passengers should be tall enough to reach the footrests and mature enough to handle the responsibilities. 2. Passengers should wear proper protective gear. 3. Passengers should receive a safety briefing (see #7 below). 4. Passengers should consider themselves a second operator and share responsibility for safety.

General Safety Considerations

1. You need to be experienced in the motorcycle’s operation and have a safety- oriented attitude before taking on the added responsibility of carrying a passenger. 2. Practice low-speed clutch/throttle control as well as normal and emergency braking in a low-risk area like an open parking lot, with a passenger. 3. Use caution in cornering and develop cornering skills over time to ensure passenger comfort and safety. 4. Use caution in corners as clearance may be affected. 5. Use MSF’s Search, Evaluate, Execute strategy (SEESM) to increase time and space safety margins. 6. Allow time for a passenger to adjust to the sense of speed and the sensation of leaning; speeds should be conservatively safe and reasonable until a passenger acclimates to the proper riding techniques. 7. Ensure passengers follow safety procedures: a. Complete personal protective gear is properly in use. b. Hold operator’s waist or hips, or motorcycle’s passenger hand-holds. c. Keep feet on footrests at all times, including while stopped. d. Keep hands and feet away from hot or moving parts. e. When in a curve, look over the operator’s shoulder in the direction of the turn. f. Avoid turning around or making sudden moves that might affect operation. g. If crossing an obstacle, stand on the pegs with the knees slightly bent and allow the legs to absorb the shock upon impact. 8. Allow more time for passing. 9. Be ready to counter the effects of wind. 10. Avoid extreme speeds and dramatic lean angles. 11. Be ready for a passenger “bump” with their helmet or with their whole body sliding forward during hard braking. 12. Have the passenger mount after the motorcycle’s stand is raised and the motorcycle is securely braced. Hold the front brake lever if the surface isn’t level. 13. Have the passenger dismount first. 14. Annually complete a Basic RiderCourse 2 – Skills Practice with a passenger. 15. Have frequent passengers complete a Basic RiderCourse so they can better understand the operator’s task.

www.msf-usa.org 07/12

Section Nine: Passengers, Cargo and Group Riding 57 QUICK TIPS: MSF’s Guide to Group Riding

Motorcycling is primarily a solo activity, but for many, riding as a group – whether with friends on a Sunday morning ride or with an organized motorcycle rally – is the epitome of the motorcycling experience. Here are some tips to help ensure a fun and safe group ride:

Arrive prepared. Arrive on time with a full gas tank.

Hold a riders’ meeting. Discuss things like the route, rest and fuel stops, and hand signals (see diagrams on page 61). Assign a lead and sweep (tail) rider. Both should be experienced riders who are well-versed in group riding procedures. The leader should be aware of each rider's skill level before the ride and monitor the riders during the ride.

Keep the group to a manageable size, ideally five to seven riders. If necessary, break the group into smaller sub-groups, separated by a few seconds, each with a lead and sweep rider.

Ride prepared. At least one rider in each group should have a first-aid kit and full tool kit, and all riders should carry a cell phone, so the group is prepared for any problem that they might encounter.

Ride in formation. The staggered riding formation (see diagram below) allows a proper space cushion between motorcycles so that each rider has enough time and space to maneuver and to react to hazards. The leader rides in the left third of the lane, while the next rider stays at least one second behind in the right third of the lane; the rest of the group follows the same pattern. A single-file formation with a minimum 2-second following distance is preferred on a curvy road, under conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, entering/leaving highways, or other situations where an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is needed.

58 Section Nine: Passengers, Cargo and Group Riding 1 Avoid side-by-side formations, as they reduce the space cushion. If you suddenly needed to swerve to avoid a hazard, you would not have room to do so. You don’t want handlebars to get entangled.

Periodically check the riders following using your rear view mirrors. If you see a rider falling behind, slow down so they may catch up. If all the riders in the group use this procedure, the group should be able to maintain a fairly steady speed without pressure to ride too fast to catch up.

If you’re separated from the group, don’t panic. Your group should have a pre-planned procedure in place to regroup. Don’t break the law or ride beyond your skills to catch up.

For mechanical or medical problems, use a cell phone to call for assistance as the situation warrants.

If a rider leaves during the ride, the rest of the group should re-form the staggered formation by criss-crossing into the next vacant position. Although it would seem more efficient for the column directly behind the missing rider to move up, we do not recommend it because passing another rider within a lane can be risky.

Section Nine: Passengers, Cargo and Group Riding 592 MSF’s Guide to Group Riding: Hand Signals

www.msf-usa.org 1/15

60 Section Nine: Passengers, Cargo and Group Riding 3 Test Your Knowledge

1. Passengers should:Test Your Knowledge A.1. Look Passengers over their should: shoulder in the direction of theA. turn Look or overcurve. the motorcycle operator’s B. Never shoulder hold onto in the the direction rider. of the turn or C. Sit ascurve. far back as possible. 2. WhatB. Never formation hold ontoshould the you rider. form when ridingC. in Sit a asgroup? far back as possible. A.2. Single What-file formation formation. should you form when B. ridingSide-by in sidea group? formation. C. StaggeredA. Single-file formation. formation. B. Side-by side formation. 1. A – page *, Instructing Passengers, 2. C – pageC. * ,Staggered Group Riding formation.

1. A – pages 53-54, Instructing Passengers 2. C – page 54, Group Riding

Section Nine: Passengers, Cargo and Group Riding 61 Section Seven: Special Riding Situations 45 This SectionThis SectionCovers Covers Section Nine Ten • Cold WeatherWeather Factors Affecting • ExExtremetreme Hot Hot Weather Weather • NNightight RidingRiding Rider Performance • DisDistractedtracted Riding Riding Rider Performance • FFatigueatigue

Riding a motorcycle requires a great amountamount ofof IfIf chillchill isis experienced,experienced, leaveleave thethe roadwayroadway atat youryour mental alertnessalertness andand first opportunity opportunity and and find find shelter. shelter. Drink Drink warm warm physical skill.skill. SometimesSometimes liquids,liquids, dodo somesome exerciseexercise to warm yourself,yourself andand changes inin youryour ifchange your clothes out of wetare wetclothes. change out of them. environment occur,occur, which cancan affectaffect your your Extreme HotHot WeatherWeather visibility. Physical changes maymay occuroccur asas InIn extremeextreme hothot weatherweather, wear wear protective protective gear well, whichwhich maymay affectaffect thatgear breathes.that breathes It is still to protect important yourself to wear from a your riding performance. ResponsibleResponsible ridersriders jacketdehydration and pants and to heat protect exhaustion. you in a collisionIt is still and know how to adjust or compecompensatensate forfor factorsfactors toimportant prevent todehydration. wear a jacket Drink and plenty long pantsof water, for which affect rider rider performance. performance. stopprotection and remove if involved unnecessary, in a crash. heavyDrink plentyclothing of andwater. dry If your you becomehands, if toothey hot become to ride, slippery stop. due Cold Weather to perspiration. Night Riding InProtect cold weatheryourself while riding, riding protect in colder yourself weather by by Night Riding wearing properproper gea protectiver like a windproof gear like a jacket windproof and Riding at night presents additional risks because insulatedjacket and layers insulated of clothing. layers of It clothing. is wise to It dress is wise in Ridinga rider’s at abilitynight presents to see and additional be seen risksby others because is layersto dress so in they layers can so be the removed layers canas desired. be removed Topping alimited. rider’s Youability should to see adjust and beyour seen riding by others behavior is theas desired. protective Topping gear thewith protective a windproof gear outer with layera limited.to compensate You should for limitedadjust yourvisibility riding by: behavior canwindproof prevent outer cold layerair from can reaching prevent coldthe skin. air from to compensate for limited visibility by: reaching the skin. • Reducing Your Speed – Ride even slower Cold weather significantly lengthens your  thanReducing you wouldYour Speed during – the Ride day. even Do slower not reaction time. To compensate reduce your speed Cold weather significantly lengthens your overridethan you yourwould headlights, during the this day, will particularly increase and increase your following distance and space to reaction time. To compensate for the slower youron roads chances you of don’t seeing know a potential well. This hazard. will the sides. reaction time, reduce your speed and increase • Increasingincrease your Distance chances – Distancesof avoiding are a hazard.harder  to judge at night than during the day. Open yourHypothermia following distance and space to the sides. Increasing Distance – Distances are harder upto judgea four at second night thanfollowing during distance the day. or Open more. HypothermiaRiding for long periods in cold weather may Andup a allowfour second more distance following to distance pass and or be more. lower your body temperature and cause passed.And allow more distance to pass and be hypothermia.Riding for long periods in cold weather may • Usingpassed. the Car Ahead – The headlights of the lower your body temperature and cause  carUsing ahead the Carcan Aheadgive you – Thea better headlights view ofof the Symptomshypothermia. of hypothermia may include: roadcar ahead than evencan give your you high a better beam viewcan. of the Symptoms of hypothermia may include: Troadaillights than bouncing even your up high and beam down can. can alert • Deterioration in physical coordination yTaillightsou to bumps bouncing or rough up and pavement. down can alert • IrrDeteriorationational, confused in physical behavior coordination • Usingyou to Your bumps High or Beamrough Headlightpavement. – Get all the • SlugIrrational,gish movement confused behavior  lightUsing you Your can. High Use Beam your –high Get beam all the whenever light you •  ShiSluggishvering movement youcan. areUse not your following high beam or meetingwhenever a youcar. are • MuscleShivering tension not following or meeting a car. •  ShalloMusclew, tension slow breathing  Be Visible – Wear reflective materials when  Shallow, slow breathing riding at night.

6246 SectionSection Eight:Ten: Factors Passengers, Affecting Cargo andRider Group Performance Riding • Be Visible – Wear retroreflective materials Test Your Knowledge when riding at night. • Being Flexible About Lane Position – 1. When riding at night: Change your lane position so that you are A. Use the left portion of the lane to see best able to see, be seen, and keep around other vehicles ahead. an adequate space cushion. B. Ride close to the vehicle in front of you to see better with their headlights. C. Reduce your speed to increase your Distracted Riding chance of avoiding a hazard. A distraction is anything that takes your 2. To minimize the potential for fatigue: attention away from riding. Rider distractions A. Turn on the radio. may occur anytime and anywhere. Distracted B. Take frequent rest breaks. riding can cause collisions, resulting in injury, C. Drink caffeine. death or property damage. Taking your eyes off the road or hands off the motorcycle presents 1. C – pages 62-63, Night Riding obvious riding risks. Mental activities that take 2. B – page 63, Fatigue your mind away from riding are just as dangerous. You must maintain your attention to the riding task. You are completely and solely responsible for operating your motorcycle in a safe manner.

Fatigue Fatigue can affect your control of the motorcycle. To minimize the potential for fatigue: • Get a good night’s rest – A good night’s rest is important for preventing fatigue. • Protect yourself from the elements – Wind, cold and rain make you tire quickly. Dress warmly. A windshield is worth its cost if you plan to ride long distances. • Vary speed and position on seat regularly– The stimulation resulting from slight changes in speed or in body position will help to overcome the effects of fatigue. • Take frequent rest breaks – Stop and get off the motorcycle every two hours or as needed. • Don’t use artificial stimulants – Artificial stimulants often result in extreme fatigue or depression when they start to wear off. Riders are unable to concentrate on the task at hand.

Section Ten: Factors Affecting Rider Performance 63

Section Ten This Section Covers Section Eleven certain This Section Covers  SectionThree-Wheel Ten Vehicles conditions Common Operating Characteristics of Trikes Three-Wheel Vehicles it could This• Common Section Covers andOpe Motorcyclesrating Characteristics with a Sidecar of Many states require a separate license or “tip over”ensure Trikes andUnique Motorcycles Operating with Characteristics a Sidecar of Trikes Three-Wheel Vehicles •  UniqueCommon Operating Operating Characteristics Characteristics of Trikes of endorsement its  Unique Operating Characteristics of or lift one Trikesand Motorcycles with a Sidecar to operate a stability, a Motorcycle with a Sidecar Many states require a separate license or ensureof the •  UniqueUnique Operating Operating Characteristics Characteristics of Trikes of a three-wheel you will  Additional Resources endorsement itswheels  MotorcycleUnique Operating with Characteristicsa Sidecar of to operatevehicle. a You stability,off theneed to• Additionala Motorcycle esourcesR with a Sidecar three-maywheel be youpavement. willpay attention  Additional to your Resources body position, your speed, vehicle.required You to needIn order toand to how ensure you its load stability, a three you-wheel will vehicle.need to may bepass both a pay attention to toyour your body body position, position, your your speed, speed requiredwritten to and a and howThree you-wheel load aa vehicles threethree-wheel-wheel also steer vehicle.vehicle. differently. pass bothskills a test. Since three-wheel vehicles cannot lean, the This section contains informationwritten that and will a help ThreeThree-wheel-frontwheel wheel vehicles must alsoalso be steer steerpointed differently.differently. in the direction This sectionyou prepare contains for informationthe written exam skillsthat for test.will a helpthree - Since threethree-wheelyou want-wheel the vehiclesvehicles vehicle cannottocannot go. lean,lean, thethe Thisyou preparesectionwheel containsvehiclefor riding license information a 3-wheeled or endorsement. that motorcycle. will help front wheel mustmust bebe pointedpointed inin thethe directiondirection youMichigan prepare licensing for the law written is covered exam earlierfor a three on page- you wantBe Familiarthe vehicle with toto go.go. Your Vehicle 12. wheel Commonvehicle license Operating or endorsement. Characteristics Make sure you are completely familiar with the of Trikes and Motorcycles with a Be FamiliarFamiliarthree-wheel withwith vehicle Your Your Vehbefore Vehicleicle you take it out on Common Operating Characteristics Characteristics the street. Be sure to review the owner’s of TrikesSidecar and Motorcycles with a Make sure you are completely familiarfamiliar withwith thethe of Trikes and Motorcycles with a threethree-wheel-manual.wheel vehicle Remember beforebefore three youyou take-takewheel it out outvehicles onon take SidecarTypes of Three-Wheel Vehicles the street.up more Be suresure space toto thanreviewreview two thethe-wheel owner’sowner’s motorcycles and Sidecar therefore you will need more space to TypesTraditional of Three-Wheel two- Vehicles manual. Remember threethree-wheel-wheel vehiclesvehicles taketake maneuver. Typeswheel of Three motorcycles-Wheel Vehicles up more space thanthan twotwo-wheel-wheel motorcyclesmotorcycles andand, Traditional two- are considered thereforetherefore, you you will will need need more more space space to to wheelTraditional motorcycles two- Types of Three-Wheel Vehicles single-track vehicles. maneuver.Body Position arewheel considered motorcycles Three-wheel vehicles Your body position is important for control on a single-trackare considered vehicles. single-couldtrack vehicles.have either Body three PositionPosition-wheel vehicle. You should be able to Three-wheeldouble vehiclesor triple Three-wheel vehicles Your bodyreach position both handgrips is is important important comfortably for for control control while on on aleaning a could havetracks. either Double track could have either threethree-wheel-andwheel shifting vehicle. your YouYou weight should in be beturns. ableable toto doublevehicles or triple are double or triple reach both handgripshandgrips comfortablycomfortably whilewhile leaningleaning tracks.motorcycles Double track with tracks. Double track and shiftingTurning your your weight weight in in turns. turns. vehiclessidecars, are while triple motorcyclesvehicles are with Approach turns and curves with caution. If you motorcyclestrack vehicles with (trikes) Turning sidecars,can while have tripleeither two enter a turn too fast you may end up crossing tracksidecars, vehicles while (trikes) triple into another lane of traffic, lifting a wheel, or track vehiclesfront wheels (trikes) or two Approach turns andand curvescurves withwith cautioncaution.. If If you you can haverear either wheels. two enter agoing turn offtoo the fastfast, road. you you mayOversteering may end end up up crossing crossingcould cause the frontcan have wheels either or two vehicle to skid and you could lose control. front wheels or two into another lanelane ofof traffic,traffic, lifting lifting a wheel, a wheel or or rear wheels.Differences between Two-Wheel going off the the road. road. Oversteering Oversteering could could cause cause the the rear wheels. Hills Motorcycles and Three-Wheel Vehicles vehicle to skid andand youyou couldcould loselose control.control. Differences between Two-Wheel When riding uphill on a three-wheel vehicle DifferencesA three- betweenwheel vehicle Two is -Wheelnaturally more stable Motorcycles and Three-Wheel Vehicles Hills some weight will shift to the rear, causing the Motorcyclesthan a two and-wheel Three- motorcycle.Wheel VeHoweverhicles under A three-wheel vehicle is naturally more stable When frontriding of uphilluphill the vehicle onon aa threethree-wheel to become-wheel vehiclelighter.vehicle, This A threecertain-wheel conditions vehicle is naturallyit could “tip more over” stable or lift one than a two-wheel motorcycle. However under some weweightight willshift shiftshift reduces to to the the the rear, rear, traction causing causing on the the front than aof two the-wheel wheels motorcycle. off the pavement. However In under order to front ofwheel(s) the vehiclevehicle for steering toto becomebecome and lighter. lighter.braking. This You should certain conditions it could “tip over” or lift one weight shift reduces reduces the the traction traction on onthe the front front of the wheels off the pavement. In order to 48 Section Nine: Factors Affecting Rider Performancewheel(s) for steering and braking. You should 64 Section Eleven: Three-Wheel Vehicles

48 Section Nine: Factors Affecting Rider Performance wheel(s) for steering and braking. You should look well ahead to avoid the need for any shift some of your body weight forward to sudden turns or swerving. Swerving is seldom maintain steering control. the best option to avoid a collision.

When riding downhill, gravity increases the If swerving is required, brake either before or amount of braking force required to slow or after the swerve, never while swerving. You stop the vehicle. It is important, therefore, to should not attempt swerving without proper begin slowing earlier for cornering and stopping. training. If you need to avoid a collision the best option may be hard braking. Lane Position

The width of a three-wheel vehicle is similar to the width of some automobiles, therefore, unlike a two-wheel motorcycle, you are limited in lane positioning. Keep toward the center of the lane and within the Car and truck images credited to Maxim Popov©123RF.com

lane markings. Car and truck images credited to Maxim Popov©123RF.com Cornering and Curves Lane positioning when riding in groups is also an When riding through curves, remember to stay important consideration. Ride single file and within your lane. always maintain a safe margin, four seconds minimum, between vehicles. Adjust your speed before entering a curve. You may need to lean or shift your weight in the Parking at the Roadside direction of the turn to avoid causing any of the wheels to leave the ground and, possibly, losing Position your vehicle control. in a parking space so you are parked Unique Operating Characteristics of parallel to the curb. Set the parking brake Trikes or leave it in gear to keep it from rolling. Turning Parking parallel to Because the weight of a trike is distributed almost the curb will equally between the two front or two rear wheels, facilitate pulling these vehicles handle the same in left and right away from the curb Car and truck images credited to Maxim turns. and entering Popov©123RF.com the lanes of traffic. Turning a Trike Swerving • Approach a turn with your head up and look through the turn. A three-wheel vehicle is not as maneuverable as • Adjust speed before the turn to allow you to a two-wheel motorcycle, so it is important to safely accelerate through the turn. Section Eleven: Three-Wheel Vehicles 65 • Lean or shift equipped with brakes while others are not. Your your weight in stopping distance and handling will be affected the direction of if your sidecar is not equipped with brakes. the turn. You may need to steer slightly in the direction of • Steer the front the sidecar when applying the motorcycle wheel(s) toward brakes if your sidecar is not equipped with the turn. brakes. • Accelerate gradually as you Accelerating exit the turn. During acceleration, steer slightly in the opposite direction from the sidecar to maintain Stopping a straight line path. Quickly Turning An important handling When operating a sidecar-equipped motorcycle, characteristic to additional consideration needs to be given to be aware of on a the direction of the turn and amount of weight standard trike (one wheel in front, two in the in the sidecar. When turning a motorcycle with a rear) is that the two rear wheels have more sidecar: braking power. How much varies by trike design. • Evaluate the degree of turn required. This is because weight does not shift to the front • Adjust speed before the turn to allow you to wheel on a trike during hard braking. Most of the safely accelerate through the turn. weight stays on the rear wheels and makes the • Lean or shift oury weight in the direction of rear brakes more effective. The front brakes are the turn. more effective on trikes with two wheels in front, • Maintain speed as you enter the turn. one in the rear, where weight is transferred to • Accelerate gradually as you exit the turn. the front wheels during braking making the front brakes more effective. Turning Left Carrying a Passenger and Cargo During a left turn, the sidecar acts as a stabilizer, so the sidecar wheel stays on the ground. Only skilled, experienced riders should carry However, if the turn is taken too sharply or at too passengers or heavy loads. The additional great a speed, it may cause the rear wheel of the weight of a passenger or cargo will change the motorcycle to lift off the ground and the nose of handling characteristics of the vehicle. the sidecar to contact the pavement. If a passenger is being carried, the passenger will sit directly behind you. When carrying cargo, center the load and keep it low in the storage areas so it is balanced side-to-side. Refer to your owner’s manual for more information.

Unique Operating Characteristics of a Motorcycle with a Sidecar Stopping Check your sidecar for brakes. Some sidecars are

66 Section Eleven: Three-Wheel Vehicles Turning Right Carrying Passengers and Cargo

A right turn Only skilled, experienced riders should carry taken too passengers or heavy loads. The additional weight of a passenger or cargo will change the sharp or at too handling characteristics of the vehicle. great a speed You must give some thought to where the may cause the passengers are seated and the loads are sidecar wheel positioned. The best place for a passenger is in to lift off the the sidecar. Avoid carrying a passenger behind ground. The lift you while leaving the sidecar empty. This could will be greater increase your chances for a tip over. If you have if the sidecar two passengers, place the heavier passenger in is empty or the sidecar to improve handling. The passenger lightly loaded. sitting behind you should sit upright at all times. You can avoid It is not necessary for the passenger to lean into this wheel lift curves with you. When loaded, your vehicle will by slowing need more time and distance to stop. You will before entering need to increase your following distance. the turn and shifting more of your weight to the inside of the When carrying cargo in a sidecar, it should be turn, towards the sidecar. centered low, over the sidecar axle and secured Stopping Quickly firmly in place. If the cargo shifts, handling will be affected. Stopping quickly in a straight line is the primary technique for avoiding collisions in traffic. Additional Resources for More Always use the front and rear brakes Information on Three-Wheel simultaneously, adjusting pressure on the levers to apply maximum braking just short of skidding Vehicles either wheel. If the front wheel skids, ease off Here is a list of additional resources for more some of the pressure to regain steering information on three-wheel vehicles. control. If the rear wheel skids, keep it locked until the vehicle has stopped completely. If the The National Highway Traffic Safety sidecar wheel has a brake, and that wheel starts Administration (NHTSA) website: to skid, you can safely ignore it. NHTSA.gov/Safety/Motorcycles

Making quick stops in a curve is more difficult, The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) especially if the road curves to the right. Hard website has information on: braking in a curve to the right tends to lift the sidecar which may require additional weight • You and Your 3-wheel Motorcycle: Riding shift to the right to compensate. Stopping Tips: quickly in turns to the left is less dangerous MSF-usa.org/downloads/3w_tips.pdf because there is a reduced danger of tipping • MSF 3WBRC training course: over. And, if the wheels skid, the vehicle will MSF-usa.org/downloads/3WBRC_ slide toward the road shoulder, not into the Student_Handbook_2010.pdf opposing lane of traffic.

Section Eleven: Three-Wheel Vehicles 67 Test Your Knowledge

1. What are two major differences between two-wheel motorcycles and three-wheel vehicles? A three-wheel vehicle: A. Is less stable, and is steered by pointing the front wheel in the direction of the turn. B. Is more stable, but could tip-over and is steered by pointing the front wheel in the direction of the turn. C. Is more stable, but could tip-over and is steered by pointing the front wheel in the opposite direction of the turn.

2. When riding a three-wheel vehicle in groups, you should: A. Ride single file and maintain a four-second following distance. B. Ride in staggered formation and maintain a four-second following distance. C. Ride single file and maintain a one-second following distance.

3. When turning a trike, how should you approach the turn? A. With your head up and adjusting your speed. B. With your head down and accelerating. C. With your head down and adjusting your speed.

4. When stopping quickly and the front wheel skids, you should: A. Keep it locked until the vehicle has completely stopped. B. Ease off some of the pressure to regain steering control. C. Hold the handgrips firmly and ease off the throttle.

1. B – page 64, Differences between Two-Wheel Motorcycles and Three-Wheel Vehicles 2. A – page 65, Lane Position 3. A – pages 65-66, Turning a Trike 4. B – page 66, Stopping Quickly

68 Section Eleven: Three-Wheel Vehicles Section Twelve Sample Knowledge Test Questions 5. The car below is waiting to enter the (Answers are located at the end of this section.) intersection. It is best to: (a) Make eye contact with the driver. 1. It is MOST important to flash your brake light (b) Reduce speed and be ready to react. when: (c) Maintain speed and position. (a) You are stopped at an intersection. (d) Maintain speed and move right. (b) You will be slowing suddenly. (c) There is a stop sign ahead. (d) Your signals are not working.

2. The FRONT brake supplies how much of the potential stopping power? (a) About twenty-five percent. (b) About fifty-percent. (c) Seventy-percent or more. Car and truck images credited to Maxim (d) All of the stopping power. Popov©123RF.com

3. To swerve correctly: Answers to Sample Knowledge Test Questions (a) Shift oury weight quickly. (b) Turn the handlebars quickly. 1-B, answer on pages 42-43, Increasing (c) Press the handgrip in the direction of the Conspicuity, Brake Light turn. 2-C, answer on page 34, Stopping (d) Press the handgrip in the opposite 3-C, answer on page 47, Swerving direction of the turn. 4-C, answer on pages 49-50, Tire Failure 5-B, answer on page 38, Intersections 4. If a tire goes flat while riding, and you must stop, it is usually best to: (a) Relax on the handgrips. (b) Shift oury weight toward the good tire. (c) Ease off the throttle. (d) Use both brakes and stop quickly.

Section Twelve: Sample Kowledge Test Questions 69

6070 Section Appendix Twelve: Optional Content QUICK TIPS: General Guidelines For Riding A Motorcycle Safely

Be visible:  Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles.  Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.  Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.  Avoid riding in the blind spots of cars and trucks.  If possible, flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.  Have an escape route in case a motorist doesn’t see you and violates your right-of-way.

Dress for safety:  Wear a quality helmet and eye protection. A full-face helmet provides the best protection.  Wear leather or other sturdy, protective clothing (jacket and pants); over-the-ankle boots; and gloves.  Bright clothing and a light-colored helmet increase the chances of being seen.  Dress for a crash as well as for the ride.

Apply effective mental strategies:  Constantly search the road for changing conditions. Use the Search-Evaluate-Execute strategy (SEE) to assess and respond to hazards before you have to react to an emergency.  Give yourself space and time as you search for traps and escape paths.  Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.  Use lane positioning to see and be seen.  Search for vehicles that may turn across your path, especially at intersections.  Use your turn signals for all turns and lane changes.  Ride as if you’re invisible.  Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.  Know and follow the rules of the road.

Know your bike and how to use it:  Study your motorcycle's owner's manual and make a habit of doing a pre-ride check.  Visit msf-usa.org to take one of our online courses or review the wealth of information in our library.  Get formal hands-on training and take refresher courses. Call 800.446.9227 or visit msf-usa.org to locate a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourseSM near you.  Develop your riding techniques before venturing into traffic, especially emergency braking and swerving maneuvers. Practice often to keep your skills sharp.  Corner within your skill limits. Aggressive cornering is a major cause of crashes.  Know how to handle your bike in adverse conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and uneven surfaces.

Remember: Be mindful of collision traps and escape paths. People driving cars often don’t notice motorcycles. Ride within your skill level and situational limits. www.msf-usa.org 3/16 Appendix 71 72 Appendix Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider ChoicesTM Contract For Safety

appreciate that my famiy an frien may e concerne aot my afety no that hae choen to rie a motorcyce ao nertan that my choice can affect thoe ho care aot me, epeciay if am inre in a motorcyce crah agree that motorcycing, ie many actiitie inoing ehice an motion, inoe ome egree of ri, an herey commit to riing afey an minimiing my ri y initiaing each of the fooing tatement, agree to

___ Be Aware of the Risks Associated with Motorcycling – nertan that afe motorcycing reire eicate attention to the immeiate ta an a een aarene of eerything going on 0 egree aron me ao nertan that motorcyce ac the crah protection of car, an ince motorcyce are maer an narroer than car, car rier may not ee me an may ct me off or eee into my ane ithot arning

___ Get Trained and Licensed – i tae at eat one MS RiderCourse® to earn the proper menta trategie an riing i in a controe enironment, ner the giance of profeiona MScertifie ieroache, efore riing on the treet i get a motorcyce icene or enorement an otain proper inrance for my motorcyce, to emontrate that am a reponie iniia

___ Wear Protective Gear – i aay chooe to ear proper protectie riing gear hen rie mot importanty a Dcompiant hemet, p eye protection, goe, oertheane oot, acet an pant, regare of my etination or the ration of my rie

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___ Use a Safe-Riding Strategy – i maintain aarene of the traffic enironment an my poition ithin it y ing aferiing trategie ch a S Search, aate, ecte an a 2econ minimm fooing itance i commnicate ith other motorit y aay ing my trn igna an a heachec hen trning or changing ane, an i mae a menta note of poie ecape rote in cae my path i oce

___ Ride Within My Limits – i not rie fater or onger than my aiitie ao, nor i rie aggreiey or mae riy maneer iing too fat in corner i a primary cae of ingeehice crahe i honety ae my on phyica capaiitie an menta attite efore each rie ince oth apect are reire to afey naigate my motorcyce on the treet

___ Ride Unimpaired – i neer e acoho or rg hen riing nertan that motorcycing i a erio actiity that reire intene foc, een perception, pitecon eciionmaing, phyica coorination, an a fine ene of aance, an that acoho an rg eaen thoe aiitie n fact, amot haf of a motorcycit ie in crahe ere ing acoho

___ Keep my Motorcycle in Excellent Operating Condition – i foo the recommene maintenance chee a otine in the oner mana, i enre repair are mae prompty, an i pay particar attention to the tire, ince infation prere an oera conition affect the critica grip eteen my motorcyce an the roa rface

___ Be a Lifelong Learner – i retrn perioicay for a ariety of refreher rier training core to rh p on my i an noege, ecae the poitie effect gaine from a training core o not at foreer

o mmarie, acnoege that if rie ntraine, recey, or ithot the protection of motorcycepecific afety appare, am at increae ri of a ifeatering inry or eath hi o not ony affect me t co affect my famiy an frien herefore, am committe to eing a afe an reponie motorcycit

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8/15 Appendix 73 Michigan.gov/Mi-REP

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