WWW.RIDESAFEINDIANA.COM Motorcycle Operator Manual JANUARY 1, 2017 BMV0005 2ND EDITION MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE – PREFACE SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Welcome to the Seventeenth Edition This latest edition has undergone Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate, fun to ride and easy to park. of the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual significant improvements, and contains Unfortunately, many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safely. (MOM). Operating a motorcycle safely new, more in-depth information, Professional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for in traffic requires special skills and designed to: real-world traffic situations. Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach and knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety • Guide riders in preparing to ride improve such skills as: Foundation (MSF) has made this manual safely available to help novice motorcyclists • Effective turning • Braking maneuvers • Protective apparel selection reduce their risk of having a crash. The • Develop effective street strategies • Obstacle avoidance • Traffic strategies • Maintenance manual conveys essential safe riding • Give riders more comprehensive information and has been designed understanding of safe group riding For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you, for use in licensing programs. While practices designed for the novice, all motorcyclists call toll free: 800.446.9227 • Describe in detail best practices for can benefit from the information this or visit msf-usa.org carrying passengers and cargo manual contains. In promoting improved licensing The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) purpose is to improve the safety The original Motorcycle Operator of motorcyclists on the nation’s streets and highways. In an attempt to reduce programs, the MSF works closely with Manual was developed by the National motorcycle crashes and inju ries, the Foundation has programs in rider education, state licensing agencies. The Foundation Public Services Research Institute (NPSRI) licensing improve ment, public information and statistics. These programs has helped more than half the states under contract to the National Highway are designed for both motorcyclists and motorists. A national not-for-profit in the nation adopt the Motorcycle Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) organization, the MSF is sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Operator Manual for use in their and within the terms of a cooperative Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. licensing systems. agreement between NHTSA and the The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those MSF. The manual and related tests Improved licensing, along with high who have an interest in riding motorcycles. The infor mation has been compiled were used in a multi-year study of quality motorcycle rider education and from publications, interviews and observa tions of individuals and organizations improved motorcycle operator licensing increased public awareness, has the familiar with the use of motorcycles, accessories, and training. Because there are many differences in product design, riding styles, federal, state and local laws, procedures, conducted by the California potential to reduce crashes. Staff at there may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions. Consult the Foundation are available to assist Department of Motor Vehicles under your local regulatory agencies for informa tion concerning the operation of motor- contract to NHTSA. governmental and private agencies in cycles in your area. Although the MSF will continue to research, field test and efforts to improve motorcycle safety. The purpose of this manual is to publish responsible viewpoints on the subject, it disclaims any liability for the views educate riders and to help them avoid expressed herein. crashes while safely operating either a standard two-wheel motorcycle or a three-wheel motorcycle. Tim Buche President, Motorcycle Safety Foundation msf-usa.org Ride Safe Indiana Ride Safe Indiana is the State of Indiana’s RIDE SAFE INDIANA MOTORCYCLE SKILLS MILITARY PERSONNEL approved motorcycle safety program within the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Our MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EXAM Active duty military members who are mission is to train more motorcyclists and TRAINING Applicants must possess a valid Indiana Indiana residents, but are stationed outside educate motorists in order to decrease driver’s license and motorcycle learner’s of the state, may obtain a motorcycle motorcycle fatalities and accidents. For more Approved Ride Safe Indiana providers permit. Applicants must provide the endorsement after completing the following offer courses for beginning and advanced information about Ride Safe Indiana, visit motorcycle used for the skills exam. Prior steps: motorcyclists who want to learn or improve RideSafeIndiana.com. to taking the motorcycle skills exam, the their riding skills. Five hours of classroom • Successfully complete a motorcycle applicant will be required to sign a Waiver of To operate a motorcycle on a public instruction prepares you for 10 hours of safety course through the military or a Liability. roadway, an individual must hold a valid practical riding exercises in a controlled, program where you are stationed within Indiana driver’s license with a motorcycle off-street environment. The course concludes The motorcycle skills exam consists of the last year; endorsement or possess a valid motorcycle with a knowledge and skills evaluation. several elements to measure an applicant’s • Submit a copy of a Ride Safe Indiana learner’s permit. An applicant is not eligible Motorcycles are provided free of charge basic control of the motorcycle and response Motorcycle Safety Course Completion for a motorcycle learner’s permit or a for your use during the course. Training to hazardous situations, to include: document proving successful motorcycle endorsement if the applicant’s course completion documents issued by an completion of motorcycle safety course; driving privileges are revoked, suspended or approved Ride Safe Indiana provider are valid • Overall control invalidated. for one year from date of issuance. For more • Starting • Submit a copy of Indiana driver’s license; information regarding motorcycle safety and • Sharp right turn training, visit RideSafeIndiana.com. • Submit a copy of military ID or orders MOTORCYCLE • Stopping at designated points • Cone weave ENDORSEMENT MOTORCYCLE LEARNER’S NEW INDIANA RESIDENTS A motorcycle endorsement may be • U-turn PERMIT New Indiana residents who hold a valid issued to Indiana residents who are at least • Quick stop 16 years and 180 days of age and hold To obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit, an motorcycle endorsement from another state a valid Indiana driver’s license. To add a applicant must pass a motorcycle knowledge • Obstacle swerve may transfer their motorcycle endorsement motorcycle endorsement to your Indiana exam and a vision screening. A motorcycle Points will be assessed if the applicant fails to their Indiana driver’s license after passing driver’s license, you must complete one of learner’s permit may only be renewed one to properly execute any of the maneuvers a motorcycle knowledge exam. the following two options: time. Anyone not obtaining a motorcycle above. The applicant will fail the motorcycle endorsement prior to the second permit skills exam if he or she: 1. Provide proof you have successfully expiring must wait for a period of one year completed an approved Ride Safe before applying for another permit to take a • Accumulates more than 10 points Indiana motorcycle safety training motorcycle skills exam. However, individuals • Falls or drops the motorcycle course can participate in an approved Ride Safe 2. Pass a motorcycle knowledge exam to Indiana motorcycle safety training course at • Commits an intentional unsafe act obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit. any time to receive an endorsement upon • Disregards or fails to understand Pass a motorcycle skills exam. successful completion. instructions of the examiners You may also be required to pass a A person operating a motorcycle while in Exams will be administered at a motorcycle standard vision screening exam. If you possession of a motorcycle learner’s permit skills exam site by an approved Ride Safe must, by law, abide by the following: are less than 18 years of age when you Indiana provider. apply for a motorcycle endorsement, you • Hold a valid Indiana driver’s license. Only one skills exam may be attempted must have a parent or guardian sign an • May operate a motorcycle on public during any business day. Applicants will Agreement of Financial Liability. roads for the duration of the one-year be required to pay an exam fee for each permit, under the following restrictions: attempt. Once an applicant successfully Must wear a helmet that meets the completes a motorcycle skills exam, the standards established by the United results are valid for the duration of the States Department of Transportation holder’s motorcycle learner’s permit. Each under 49CFR571.218. applicant is allowed three attempts to pass the skills exam. After the third failed attempt, Operate a motorcycle only during the applicant must wait two months from daylight hours. the date of the last failed skills exam before Must not carry passengers. taking another skills exam. THE RIDER AND BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE ���������������������������1 Why This Information Is Important ���������������������������������������39