mississippi 2011

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Mrcycrr

M

MSF LICENSING PROGRAMS

a n m s f manual

With Supplementary Information

for Three-Wheel Motorcycles

16th Edition



2 Preface

Welcome to the Sixteenth Edition ofthe MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual(MOM). Operating a motorcycle safelyin trafc requires special skills and

knowledge. The Motorcycle SafetyFoundation (MSF) has made this manualavailable to help novice motorcyclistsreduce their risk of having a crash. The

manual conveys essential safe ridinginformation and has been designedfor use in licensing programs. Whiledesigned for the novice, all motorcyclists

can benet from the information thismanual contains.

The original Motorcycle Operator

Manual was developed by the NationalPublic Services Research Institute (NPSRI)under contract to the National HighwayTrafc Safety Administration (NHTSA)

and within the terms of a cooperativeagreement between NHTSA and theMSF. The manual and related tests

were used in a multi-year study ofimproved motorcycle operator licensingprocedures, conducted by the CaliforniaDepartment of Motor Vehicles undercontract to NHTSA.

The purpose of this manual is toeducate riders and to help them avoidcrashes while safely operating either

a standard two-wheel motorcycle or athree-wheel motorcycle.

This latest edition has undergonesignicant improvements, and containsnew, more in-depth information,

designed to:

• Guide riders in preparing to ridesafely

• Develop effective street strategies

• Give riders more comprehensiveunderstanding of safe group ridingpractices

• Describe in detail best practices for

carrying passengers and cargo

In promoting improved licensing

programs, the MSF works closely withstate licensing agencies. The Foundationhas helped more than half the statesin the nation adopt the MotorcycleOperator Manual for use in their

licensing systems.

Improved licensing, along with high

quality motorcycle rider education andincreased public awareness, has thepotential to reduce crashes. Staff at theFoundation are available to assist state,

private and governmental agencies inefforts to improve motorcycle safety.

Tim Buche

President,Motorcycle Safety Foundation

2 Jenner, Suite 150

Irvine, CA 92618-3806www.msf-usa.org



contents 3contents

THE RIDER ANDTHE MOTORCYCLE ��4

PREPARING TO RIDE

Wear the Right Gear ��5

Know Your Motorcycle ��7

Know Your Responsibilities ��10

RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

Basic Vehicle Control ��11

Keeping Your Distance ��15

SEE ��20

Intersections ��21

Increasing Conspicuity ��24

Crash Avoidance ��27

Handling Dangerous Surfaces ��30

Mechanical Problems ��33

Animals ��34

Flying Objects ��35

Getting Off the Road ��35

Carrying Passengersand Cargo ��35

Group Riding ��38

BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE

Why This Information Is

Important ��42Alcohol and Other Drugs in

Motorcycle Operation ��42

Alcohol in the Body ��42

Alcohol and the Law ��44

Minimize the Risks ��44

Step in to Protect Friends ��45

Fatigue ��45

EARNING YOUR LICENSE ��46

THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT

Supplementary Informationfor Three-Wheel Motorcycles ��48

Know Your Vehicle ��48

Basic Vehicle Control ��50

Carrying Passengers and Cargo ��53

HAND SIGNALS �� 55

T-CLOCS PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST ��57



4 theriderandtheMotorcycle

Motorcycling is aunique experience.Compared to a car,you don’t sit in a

motorcycle, youbecome part of it.Not as a passivedriver, but as an

active rider arcinginto a string ofsmooth corners,playing along with

the rhythm of theroad; shifting,accelerating,and braking

with precision.Whether youride to and fromwork or prefer

the camaraderie of a group ride on theweekend, motorcycling engages all your

senses and creates an invigorating senseof freedom.

Along with that freedom comesresponsibility. All states requiresome form of license endorsement

demonstrating you possess a minimumlevel of skill and knowledge. Thisbooklet and other motorcyclepublications can help prepare you to

be successful. You might also consider

taking a formal hands-on trainingcourse, even if your state doesn’t requirethat you complete one. You’ll learn how

to improve your riding skills and mentalstrategies, so you can be a safer, morealert rider.

The diagram above illustrates thecomplex environment that awaits you,

and supports the concept that, as theMotorcycle Safety Foundation says,

“Safe riding is as much a skill of the

eyes and mind as it is of the hands andfeet.”

Successfully piloting a motorcycle is amuch more involved task than driving acar. Motorcycling requires a ne senseof balance and a heightened sense of

awareness and position amidst otherroadway users. A motorcycle respondsmore quickly to rider inputs than a car,but is also more sensitive to outside

forces, like irregular road surfaces orcrosswinds. A motorcycle is also lessvisible than a car due to its narrowerprole, and offers far less protection by

exposing its rider to other trafc andthe elements. All these risks can bemanaged through study, training, andpractice.

ridingenvironMent



PreParingtoride 5

What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining

whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off on any

trip, a safe rider makes a point to:

1� Wear the right gear�

2� Become familiar with the motorcycle�

3� Check the motorcycle equipment�

4� Be a responsible rider�

Wear the right gear

When you ride, your gear is “right”

if it protects you. In any crash, you havea far better chance of avoiding seriousinjury if you wear:

• A DOT compliant helmet�

• Face or eye protection�

• Protective clothing�

Helmet Use

Crashes can occur — particularly

among untrained, beginning riders.And one out of every ve motorcyclecrashes results in head or neck injuries.Head injuries are just as severe as neckinjuries — and far more common. Crash

analyses show that head and neckinjuries account for a majority of seriousand fatal injuries to motorcyclists.Research also shows that, with few

exceptions, head and neck injuries are

reduced by properly wearing a qualityhelmet.

Some riders don’t wear helmetsbecause they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides. Others wearhelmets only on long trips or when

riding at high speeds. But, here aresome facts to consider:

• A DOT-compliant helmet lets

you see as far to the sides asnecessary. A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes, where40% of the riders wore helmets,did not nd even one case in which

a helmet kept a rider from spottingdanger.

• Most crashes happen on shorttrips (less than ve miles long), justa few minutes after starting out.

• Most riders are riding slower than30 mph when a crash occurs. Atthese speeds, helmets can cut boththe number and the severity of headinjuries by half.

No matter what the speed, helmeted

riders are three times more likely to

survive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of thecrash. The single most important thing

you can do to improve your chances ofsurviving a crash is to wear a securely-fastened, quality helmet.

Helmet Selection

There are two primary types ofhelmets, providing two different levels

of coverage: three-quarter and full face.

Whichever style you choose, you canget the most protection by making surethat the helmet:

• Is designed to meet U�S� Department of Transportation(DOT) and state standards. Helmetswith a label from the Snell MemorialFoundation also give you anassurance of quality.

• Fits snugly, all the way around.

• Has no obvious defects such ascracks, loose padding or frayedstraps.



6 PreParingtoride

Whatever helmet youdecide on, keep it securelyfastened on your headwhen you ride. Otherwise,

if you are involved in acrash, it’s likely to y offyour head before it gets achance to protect you.

Eye and FaceProtection

A plastic shatter-resistant

faceshield can help protectyour whole face in acrash. It also protects youfrom wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects andpebbles thrown up from cars ahead.

These problems are distracting andcan be painful. If you have to dealwith them, you can’t devote your fullattention to the road.

Goggles protect your eyes, though

they won’t protect the rest of your facelike a faceshield does. A windshieldis not a substitute for a faceshield orgoggles. Most windshields will notprotect your eyes from the wind. Neitherwill eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses

won’t keep your eyes from watering,and they might blow off when you turnyour head while riding.

To be effective, eye or faceshield protection must:

• Be free of scratches.

• Be resistant to penetration.

• Give a clear view to either side.

• Fasten securely, so it does notblow off.

• Permit air to pass through, toreduce fogging.

• Permit enough room foreyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

Tinted eye protection should not be

worn when little light is available.

Clothing

The right clothing protects you in

a collision. It also provides comfort,as well as protection from heat, cold,debris and hot and moving parts of themotorcycle. It can also make you more

visible to others.

• Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely. They

should t snugly enough to keepfrom apping in the wind, yetloosely enough to move freely.Leather offers the most protection.

Sturdy synthetic material providesa lot of protection as well. Weara jacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration. Many are

designed to protect without gettingyou overheated, even on summerdays. Some riders choose jacketsand pants with rigid “body armor”

inserts in critical areas for additionalprotection.

• Boots or shoes should be high

and sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support. Soles

should be made of hard, durable,slip-resistant material. Keep heels

short so they do not catch on roughsurfaces. Tuck in laces so they won’tcatch on your motorcycle.

helMets



7

• Gloves allow a better grip and helpprotect your hands in a crash. Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material.

• Hearing protection reducesnoise while allowing you to hearimportant sounds such as car horns

or sirens. Long term exposure toengine and wind noise can causepermanent hearing damage evenif you wear a full face helmet.

Whether you choose disposable

foam plugs or reusable custommolded devices, be sure you adhereto state laws regarding hearing

protection.

In cold or wet weather, your clothesshould keep you warm and dry, as

well as protect you from injury. Youcannot control a motorcycle well ifyou are numb. Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chill

and fatigue. A winter jacket shouldresist wind and t snugly at the neck,wrists and waist. Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle riding resist

tearing apart or ballooning up at highspeeds.

KNOW YOUr

MOtOrCYCLe

There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you trouble.Your motorcycle should not be oneof them. To make sure that your

motorcycle won’t let you down:

• Start with the right motorcyclefor you.

• Read the owner’s manual.

• Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols.

• Check the motorcycle before

every ride.

• Keep it in safe riding condition

between rides.

• Avoid add-ons and modicationsthat make your motorcycle harder

to handle.

The Right Motorcycle For You

First, make sure your motorcycle isright for you. It should “t” you. Yourfeet should reach the ground while

you are seated on the motorcycle, andthe controls should be easy to operate.Smaller motorcycles are usually easierfor beginners to operate.

At a minimum, your street-legal motorcycle should have:

• Headlight, taillight andbrakelight�

clothing

A plastic shatter-resistant face shield:

A. Is not necessary if you have awindshield.

B. Only protects your eyes.

C. Helps protect your whole face.

D. Does not protect your face as wellas goggles.

testyourself 1

Answer - page 47



8 PreParingtoride

• Front and rear brakes�

• Turn signals�

• Horn�

• Two mirrors�

Borrowing and Lending

Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles,

beware. Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders — especiallyin the rst months of riding. Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the

problem. If you borrow a motorcycle,get familiar with it in a controlled area.And if you lend your motorcycle tofriends, make sure they are licensed andknow how to ride before allowing them

out into trafc.

No matter how experienced you

may be, ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle that’s new or unfamiliarto you. More than half of all crashes

involve riders with less than ve months

of experience on their motorcycle.

Get Familiar with theMotorcycle Controls

Make sure you are completely familiarwith the motorcycle before you takeit out on the street. Be sure to reviewthe owner’s manual. This is particularly

important if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle.

If you are going to use an unfamiliar

motorcycle:

• Make all the checks you would on

your own motorcycle.

• Find out where everything is, particularly the turn signals, horn,

headlight switch, fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch. Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them.

Motorcyclecontrols



9

• Know the controls� Work thethrottle, clutch, brakes, and shifter afew times before you start riding.

• Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings. Accelerate gently,take turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping.

Check Your Motorcycle

A motorcycle needs more frequent

attention than a car. A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than an

inconvenience for the driver. The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in a

crash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road. Ifanything’s wrong with your motorcycle,you’ll want to nd out about it before

you get in trafc.

The primary source of informationabout how a motorcycle should be

inspected and maintained is its owner’smanual. Be sure to absorb all of itsimportant information. A motorcycle willcontinue to ride like new if it is properly

maintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle.

A pre-ride inspection only takes

a few minutes and should be donebefore every ride to prevent problems.It’s quick and easy to check the critical

components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the day.A convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM. There is a T-CLOCS“tear-out” sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you when

you ride. A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride, andincludes checks of:

T — Tires and Wheels

• Check tire ination pressure,treadwear and general condition ofsidewalls and tread surface.

• Try the front and rear brake leversone at a time. Make sure each feelsrm and holds the motorcycle whenfully applied.

C — Controls

• Make sure the clutch and throttleoperate smoothly. The throttleshould snap back to fully closedwhen released. The clutch shouldfeel tight and should operatesmoothly.

• Try the horn. Make sure it works.• Clean and adjust your mirrors

before starting. It’s difcult to ridewith one hand while you try toadjust a mirror. Adjust each mirrorso you can see the lane behind andas much as possible of the lane nextto you. When properly adjusted, amirror may show the edge of yourarm or shoulder – but it’s the road

behind you and to the side that aremost important.

L — Lights and Electrics

• Check both headlight and taillight.Test your switch to make sure bothhigh and low beams work.

• Turn on both right and left handturn signals. Make sure all lights areworking properly.

• Try both brakes and make sure eachone turns on the brake light.

O — Oil and Other Fluids

• Check engine oil and transmissionuid levels.

• Check the brake hydraulic uid andcoolant level weekly.

• Be sure your fuel valve is open

before starting out. With the fuelvalve closed, your motorcycle maystart with only the fuel that is still inthe lines, but will stall once the linesare empty.



10 PreParingtoride

• Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak.

C — Chassis• Check the front suspension. Ensure

there is no binding. The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly.

• Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturer’sspecications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged.

S — Stands

• Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position. Ifequipped, the center stand shouldalso be held rmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving.

Additionally, regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine

checkups by your doctor are for you.Wear and tear is normal with use;routine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns. The schedule for

regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcycle’s owner’s manual.

KNOW YOUr

reSPONSiBiLitieS

“Accident” implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence. In trafc, that is not thecase. In fact, most people involved in a

crash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place.

Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red. Your

light turns green. You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible trafc. That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash. It was the driver’sresponsibility to stop, and it was your

responsibility to look before pulling out.

Both of you are at fault. Someone elsemight be the rst to start the chain ofevents leading to a crash, but it doesn’tleave any of us free of responsibility.

As a rider you can’t be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way. To lessen your chances of a

crash occurring:

• Be visible — wear proper clothing,use your headlight, ride in the best

lane position to see and be seen.

• Communicate your intentions —

use the proper signals, brake lightand lane position.

• Maintain an adequate spacecushion — when following, beingfollowed, lane sharing, passing andbeing passed.

• Search your path of travel 12

seconds ahead.• Identify and separate hazards.

• Be prepared to act — remain alertand know how to carry out proper

crash-avoidance skills.

Blame doesn’t matter when someoneis injured in a crash. The ability to ride

aware, make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders

from the rest. Remember, it is up to youto keep from being the cause of, or an

unprepared participant in, any crash.

More than half of all crashes:

A. Occur at speeds greater than35mph.

B. Happen at night.

C. Are caused by worn tires.

D. Involve riders who have less thanve months of experience on theirmotorcycles.

testyourself 2

Answer - page 47



ridewithinyourabilities 11

This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.That’s something you can learn only through practice, preferably in a formal

course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse. But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and obeying the rules

of the road.

BaSiC VehiCLe CONtrOL

Body Position

To control a motorcycle well:

• Posture — Position yourself

comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use

your arms to steer the motorcycle,rather than to hold yourself up.This helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react

quickly to hazards.

• Seat — Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when

you hold the handgrips. Bending

your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch.

• Hands — Hold the handgripsrmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces. Start with your right

wrist at. This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much

holdinghandgriPs

throttle. Also, adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows. This permits

you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering.

• Knees — Keep your knees against

the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns.

• Feet — Keep your feet rmly on the

footrests to maintain balance. Don’tdrag your feet. If your foot catcheson something, you could be injuredand it could affect your control of

the motorcycle. Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them

fast if needed. Also, don’t let yourtoes point downward — they may

get caught between the road andthe footrests.

Shifting Gears

There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick

up speed smoothly. Learning to use thegears when downshifting, turning or

starting on hills is equally important forsafe motorcycle operation.

The gearshift lever is located in frontof the left footrest and is operated bythe left foot. To shift “up” to a higher

gear, position your foot under theshift lever and lift. To downshift, pressthe shift lever down. The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted

or pressed down. Whenever the leveris released, spring loading returns it tocenter, where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down. A typical

gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5. The N is



12 ridewithinyourabilities

for neutral, which is selected by eithera “half lift” from 1st gear or a “halfpress” from 2nd gear. Most motorcycleshave ve gears, but some have four or

six gears.

As your motorcycle increasesspeed, you will need to shift up to ahigher gear. Shift up well before the

engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed. As a general rule,shift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine, but not so soon to

cause the engine to lug.

When upshifting, use a 3-stepprocess: 1) Roll off the throttle as you

squeeze the clutch lever, 2) lift theshift lever rmly as far as it will go, 3)smoothly ease out the clutch and adjustthe throttle. Once the shift is completed,

release the shift lever to permit it toreset for the next shift.

You should shift down through the

gears with the clutch as you slow orstop, and can also shift down when youneed more power to accelerate.

Make certain you are riding slowlyenough when you shift into a lowergear. If not, the motorcycle will lurch,

and the rear wheel may skid. Whenriding downhill or shifting into rst gearyou may need to use the brakes to slow

enough before downshifting safely.

When downshifting, use a 3-step

process: 1) Roll off the throttle as yousqueeze the clutch lever, 2) press theshift lever down rmly, 3) ease out the

clutch lever as you roll on the throttle.Once the shift is completed, releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift. Rolling on the throttle

slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the

downshift smoother. Shifting to a lowergear causes an effect similar to using

the brakes. This is known as enginebraking. To use engine braking, shiftdown one gear at a time and ease outthe clutch through the friction zone

between each downshift. Keep theclutch in the friction zone until theengine speed stabilizes. Then ease outthe lever fully until ready for the next

downshift. Usually you shift gears one ata time, but it is possible to shift throughmore than one gear while the clutch issqueezed.

Remain in rst gear while you arestopped so that you can move outquickly if you need to.

Work toward a smooth, even clutchrelease, especially when downshifting. It

is best to change gears before enteringa turn. However, sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary. If so,remember to do so smoothly. A sudden

change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid.

Braking

Improper braking technique remainsa signicant contributing factor in many

motorcycle crashes. Your motorcyclehas two brake controls: one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheel.Always use both brakes every time you

shiftinggears



13

slow or stop. The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70%of your total stopping power. The frontbrake is safe to use if you use it properly.

Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying bothfront and rear brakes without locking

either wheel.

To do this:

• Squeeze the front brakesmoothly, rmly and withprogressively more force. Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure.

• As the motorcycle’s weighttransfers forward, more tractionbecomes available at the front

wheel, so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins.

• Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up, looking

well ahead. This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line.

• Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid. As weight transfers

forward less traction is availableat the rear. Use less rear brakepressure.

Using both brakes for even “normal”

stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency. Squeeze the

front brake and press down on the rear.Grabbing at the front brake or jammingdown on the rear can cause the brakesto lock, resulting in control problems.

Braking in a Corner

Any time a motorcycle is leaned over,

the amount of traction available forbraking is reduced. The greater the lean

angle, the more the possibility of thetires losing traction.

To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve, and depending onroad and trafc conditions, try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road

as possible, then brake. If conditions donot allow, brake smoothly and gradually,but do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were

straight up. As you slow, you can reduceyour lean angle, and as more tractionbecomes available for braking, you canmore rmly apply the brakes, so that

by the time the motorcycle is stopped,the motorcycle is straight up, and thehandlebars are squared.

Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems

Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear

brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when

either the front lever or rear pedal isapplied. An integrated braking system

is a variation of the linked system inwhich partial front braking is appliedwhenever the rear brake is activated.Consult your owner’s manual for a

detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems.

Anti-Lock Braking Systems

(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel

lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line, panic situations. ABS

operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied. If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock, brake

hydraulic pressure, is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking

effectiveness.

The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second.




Turning

Approach turns and curves with

caution. Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast. When they can’t holdthe turn, they end up crossing into

another lane of trafc or going off theroad. Or, they overreact and brake toohard, causing a skid and loss of control.

Use four steps for better control:

• SLOW — Reduce speed before the

turn by closing the throttle and, if

necessary, applying both brakes.

• LOOK — Look through the turn

to where you want to go. Turn just your head, not your shoulders,and keep your eyes level with thehorizon.

• PRESS — To turn, the motorcyclemust lean. To lean the motor-cycle, press on the handgrip in

the direction of the turn. Press lefthandgrip — lean left — go left.Press right handgrip — lean right —go right. The higher the speed in a

turn, the greater the lean angle.

• ROLL — Roll on the throttle tomaintain or slightly increase speed.

This helps stabilize the motorcycle.

In normal turns, the rider and themotorcycle should lean together at the

same angle.

In slow, tight turns, counterbalance by

leaning the motorcycle only and keepingyour body straight.

slow,tightturns

norMalturns

When riding, you should:

A. Turn your head and shouldersto look through turns.

B. Keep your arms straight.

C. Keep your knees away from

the gas tank.

D. Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going.

testyourself 3

Answer - page 47



15

KeePiNg YOUr DiStaNCe

The best protection you can have is

distance — a “cushion of space” —separating yourself from other vehicleson the roadway. This will provide youwith a clear view of emerging trafcsituations, so that if someone elsemakes a mistake, you will have:

• More time to respond.

• More space to maneuver, includingan escape route if necessary.

Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that

they are safer when clearly seen. Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage. Each trafclane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel, as indicated in the illustration.

Your lane position should help you:

• Increase your ability to see and be

seen.• Avoid others’ blind spots.

• Avoid surface hazards.

• Protect your lane from other drivers.

• Communicate your intentions.

• Avoid windblast from othervehicles.

• Provide an escape route.• Set up for turns.

Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane – the left tire track ofautomobiles – to be their default laneposition. You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant, keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided —including the center.

You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you. Changeposition as trafc situations change.Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and otherpotential problems are on your leftonly. Remain in path 1 or 2 if hazardsare on your right only. If vehicles arebeing operated on both sides of you,the center of the lane, path 2, is usuallyyour best option.

Remember, the center third of thelane is the place where debris and oildrippings from cars collect and wherehazards such as manhole covers arelocated. Unless the road is wet, the

lanePositions




average center strip permits adequate

traction to ride on safely. You canoperate to the left or right of the greasestrip and still be within the center thirdof the trafc lane. Avoid riding on bigbuildups of oil and grease usually foundat busy intersections or tollbooths.

Experienced riders rely on their ownbest judgment and instincts. Oneabsolute, however, is to avoid riding inanother vehicle’s blind spot.

Following Another Vehicle“Following too closely” is a factor in

crashes involving motorcyclists. In trafc,motorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars. Normally, a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead.

To gauge your following distance:

• Pick out a marker, such as a

pavement marking or lamppost, onor near the road ahead.

• When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker,

count off the seconds: “one-

thousand-one, one-thousand-two.”• If you reach the marker before

you reach “two,” you are followingtoo closely.

A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly. It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road.

A larger cushion of space is needed

if your motorcycle will take longerthan normal to stop. If the pavementis slippery, if you cannot see throughthe vehicle ahead, or if trafc is heavyand someone may squeeze in front ofyou, open up a three-second or morefollowing distance.

Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped. This willmake it easier to get out of the way

if someone bears down on you frombehind. It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason.

following



17

When behind a car, ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirror.Riding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror — where a driver ismost likely to see you.

Riding at the far side of a lane maypermit a driver to see you in a sideviewmirror. But remember that most driversdon’t look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror. If the trafc situationallows, the center portion of the lane is

usually the best place for you to be seenby the drivers ahead and to prevent lanesharing by others.

Being Followed

Speeding up to lose someone followingtoo closely only ends up with someonetailgating you at a higher speed.

A better way to handle tailgatersis to get them in front of you. When

someone is following too closely,change lanes and let them pass. If youcan’t do this, slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stop.This will also encourage them to pass.If they don’t pass, you will have givenyourself and the tailgater more time andspace to react in case an emergencydoes develop ahead.

Passing and Being Passed

Passing and being passed by anothervehicle is not much different than with acar. However, visibility is more critical. Besure other drivers see you, and that you

see potential hazards.

Passing

1� Ride in the left portion of the

lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible. Signaland check for oncoming trafc.Use your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for trafc behind.

2� When safe, move into the leftlane and accelerate. Select a laneposition that doesn’t crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane.

3� Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible.

4� Signal again, and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal.

Remember, passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits, and only where permitted�

Know your signs and road markings!

Passing




Being Passed

When you are being passed from

behind, stay in the center portion ofyour lane. Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation.

Avoid being hit by:

• The other vehicle — A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe.

• Extended mirrors — Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders.

• Objects thrown from windows— Even if the driver knows you’rethere, a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you.

• Blasts of wind from largervehicles — They can affect yourcontrol. You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane.

Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle. Itmight invite the other driver to cut back

into your lane too early.

Lane Sharing

Cars and motorcycles need a full laneto operate safely. Lane sharing is usuallyprohibited.

Riding between rows of stopped ormoving cars in the same lane can leaveyou vulnerable to the unexpected. A

hand could come out of a window;a door could open; a car could turnsuddenly. Discourage lane sharing byothers. Keep a center-portion positionwhenever drivers might be tempted

to squeeze by you. Drivers are mosttempted to do this:

• In heavy, bumper-to-bumpertrafc.

• When they want to pass you.

• When you are preparing to turn atan intersection.

• When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway.

Usually, a good way to handletailgaters is to:

A. Change lanes and let them pass.

B. Use your horn and makeobscene gestures.

C. Speed up to put distancebetween you and the tailgater.

D. Ignore them.

testyourself 4

Answer - page 47

beingPassed



19

Merging blindsPots

Merging Cars

Drivers on an entrance ramp may

not see you on the highway. Give themplenty of room. Change to another lane

if one is open. If there is no room for alane change, adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver.

Cars Alongside

Do not ride next to cars or trucks in

other lanes if you do not have to. Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the

next lane, which could switch into yourlane without warning. Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane. Speed

up or drop back to nd a place clear oftrafc on both sides.




considered enough time and space toswerve and/or brake for xed hazards or

for someone or something entering yourpath of travel.

Finally, experienced riders search for

hazards that are further out, lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach. This providestime to prepare for a situation before it

becomes immediate.

Using the SEE strategy will help you to

Search for a variety of factors such as:

• Oncoming trafc that may turn leftin front of you.

• Trafc coming from the left andfrom the right.

• Trafc approaching from behind.

See

Good, experienced

riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem. They reduce theirrisk by using MSF’s three-

step SEESM strategy:

• Search

• Evaluate

• Execute

SEE will help youassess what is going on

in trafc so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafcsituations change. Let’s

look at each of thesesteps.

Search

How assertively yousearch, and how muchtime and space you have,

can eliminate or minimizerisk. As you search, focuson nding potential escape routes,especially in or around intersections,

shopping areas and school andconstruction zones.

One way to search is to use your

“RiderRadar” to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you, to the sides,and behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise. There

are three “lead times” experiencedriders consider. First, be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you, or within your following

distance. Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for

a quick response if something shouldgo wrong. Anything that is within 4

seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is

riderradar



21

To reduce your reaction time, you should:

A. Ride slower than the speedlimit.

B. Cover the clutch and the brakes.

C. Shift into neutral when slowing.

D. Pull in the clutch when turning.

testyourself 5

Answer - page 47

• Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert, especially inareas with limited visibility. Visually“busy” surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others.

Evaluate

Evaluate means to think about how

hazards can interact to create risks foryou. Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks, particularlywhen faced with:

• Road and surface characteristics such as potholes, guardrails,bridges, telephone poles and trees

that won’t move into your path, butmay inuence your riding strategy.

• Trafc control devices including

trafc signals, warning signs, andpavement markings, which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead.

• Vehicles and other trafc thatmay move into your path andincrease the likelihood of a crash.

Think about your time and spacerequirements in order to maintain amargin of safety, and give yourselftime to react if an emergency arises.

Execute

Finally, Execute your decision. Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard:

• Communicate your presence withlights and/or horn.

• Adjust your speed by accelerating,stopping or slowing.

• Adjust your position and/or

direction by swerving, changing

lanes, or moving to another positionwithin your lane.

Apply the old adage “one step at a

time” to handle two or more hazards.

Adjust speed to permit two hazardsto separate. Then deal with them oneat a time as single hazards. Decision-

making becomes more complex withthree or more hazards. Evaluate theconsequences of each and give equaldistance to the hazards.

In potential high-risk areas, such asintersections, shopping areas and schooland construction zones, cover the clutch

and both brakes to reduce the time youneed to react.

iNterSeCtiONS

The greatest potential for conictbetween you and other trafc is atintersections. An intersection can bein the middle of an urban area or at

a driveway on a residential street —anywhere trafc may cross your path of

travel. Over one-half of motorcycle/carcrashes are caused by drivers entering a

rider’s right-of-way. Cars that turn left infront of you, including cars turning leftfrom the lane on your right, and cars onside streets that pull into your lane, are

the biggest dangers. Your use of SEEat intersections is critical.




There are no guarantees that

others see you. Never count on “eyecontact” as a sign that a driver willyield. Too often, a driver looks right at amotorcyclist and still fails to “see” him

or her. The only eyes that you can counton are your own. If a car can enter yourpath, assume that it will. Good ridersare always “looking for trouble” — not

to get into it, but to stay out of it.

Increase your chances of being

seen at intersections. Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtrafc. Provide a space cushion around

the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action. When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path, slow

down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driver.Cover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time. As you enter

Making eye contact with other drivers:

A. Is a good sign they see you.

B. Is not worth the effort it takes.C. Doesn’t mean that the driver will

yield.

D. Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you.

testyourself 6

Answer - page 47

largeintersections

sMallintersection



23

stoPsigns

Parkedcars

the intersection, move away from thevehicle. Do not change speed or positionradically, as drivers might think youare preparing to turn. Be prepared to

brake hard and hold your position if anoncoming vehicle turns in front of you,especially if there is other trafc aroundyou. This strategy should also be used

whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of trafc is signaling for a left turn,whether at an intersection or not.

Blind Intersections

If you approach a blind intersection,move to the portion of the lane that will

bring you into another driver’s eld ofvision at the earliest possible moment.In this picture, the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane — away

from the parked car — so the driver onthe cross street can see him as soon aspossible.

Remember, the key is to see as muchas possible and remain visible to otherswhile protecting your space.

If you have a stop sign or stop line,stop there rst. Then edge forwardand stop again, just short of where thecross-trafc lane meets your lane. From

that position, lean your body forwardand look around buildings, parked carsor bushes to see if anything is coming.Just make sure your front wheel stays

out of the cross lane of travel whileyou’re looking.

Passing Parked Cars

When passing parked cars, staytoward the left of your lane. You

can avoid problems caused by doorsopening, drivers getting out of cars

or people stepping from betweencars. If oncoming trafc is present, it

is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion.

blindintersections




A bigger problem can occur if thedriver pulls away from the curb withoutchecking for trafc behind. Even if hedoes look, he may fail to see you.

In either event, the driver might cutinto your path. Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone

cutting in.

Cars making a sudden U-turn arethe most dangerous. They may cut

you off entirely, blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go. Since you can’t tell what adriver will do, slow down and get the

driver’s attention. Sound your horn andcontinue with caution.

Parking at the Roadside

If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb, position the motorcycle

at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb. (Note: Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb.)

Increasing Conspicuity

In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers

often say that they never saw themotorcycle. From ahead or behind, amotorcycle’s outline is much smallerthan a car’s. Also, it’s hard to see

something you are not looking for,and most drivers are not looking formotorcycles. More likely, they arelooking through the skinny, two-

wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them.

Even if a driver does see you coming,

you aren’t necessarily safe. Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they

actually are. It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcyclists,thinking they have plenty of time. Toooften, they are wrong.

However, you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle.

Clothing

Most crashes occur in broad daylight.Wear bright-colored clothing to increase

your chances of being seen. Remember,your body is half of the visible surface

area of the rider/motorcycle unit.

Bright orange, red, yellow or green jackets/vests are your best bets for being

seen. Your helmet can do more thanprotect you in a crash. Brightly coloredhelmets can also help others see you.

Any bright color is better than drab

or dark colors. Reective, bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacket/vest) is best.

Reective material on a vest and onthe sides of the helmet will help driverscoming from the side to spot you.

Reective material can also be a bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind.

Headlight

The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight on— at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically

Parkingatcurbs



25

have the headlights on when running).Studies show that, during the day, a

motorcycle with its light on is twice aslikely to be noticed. Use low beam atnight and in fog.

Signals

The signals on a motorcycle are similarto those on a car. They tell others what

you plan to do.

However, due to a rider’s addedvulnerability, signals are even more

important. Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn. Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around.

It’s the car you don’t see that’s going togive you the most trouble. Your signallights also make you easier to spot.That’s why it’s a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan

to do is obvious.

When you enter a freeway, driversapproaching from behind are more likely

to see your signal blinking and make

room for you.Turning your signal light on before

each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the trafc around you.

Once you turn, make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your

path, thinking you plan to turn again.Use your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly. Don’t make themguess what you intend to do.

Brake Light

Your motorcycle’s brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car — particularly when your taillight

is on. (It goes on with the headlight.)

If the situation will permit, help othersnotice you by ashing your brake lightbefore you slow down. It is especially

important to ash your brake lightbefore:

• You slow more quickly than

others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway).

• You slow where others may not

expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley).

If you are being followed closely, it’s

a good idea to ash your brake lightbefore you slow. The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down.

This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see.

Using Your Mirrors

While it’s most important to keep

track of what’s happening ahead, youcan’t afford to ignore situations behind.Trafc conditions change quickly.Knowing what’s going on behind is

essential for you to make a safe decisionabout how to handle trouble ahead.

Frequent mirror checks should be partof your normal searching routine. Makea special point of using your mirrors:

• When you are stopped at anintersection. Watch cars coming up

signaling




from behind. If the drivers aren’tpaying attention, they could be ontop of you before they see you.

• Before you change lanes� Makesure no one is about to pass you.

• Before you slow down� The driverbehind may not expect you to slow,or may be unsure about where youwill slow. For example, you signal aturn and the driver thinks you plan

to turn at a distant intersection,rather than at a nearer driveway.

Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors. These provide awider view of the road behind thando at mirrors. They also make cars

seem farther away than they really are.If you are not used to convex mirrors,get familiar with them. (While youare stopped, pick out a parked car in

your mirror. Form a mental image of

how far away it is. Then, turn around and look at it to see how close youcame.) Practice with your mirrors untilyou become a good judge of distance.

Even then, allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes.

Head Checks

Checking your mirrors is not enough.

Motorcycles have “blind spots” like cars.

Before you change lanes, turn your head,and look to the side for other vehicles.

On a road with several lanes, checkthe far lane and the one next to you. Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take.

Frequent head checks should beyour normal scanning routine, also.

Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it.

Horn

Be ready to use your horn to getsomeone’s attention quickly.

It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move

into your lane.

Here are some situations:

• A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass.

• A parked car has someone in thedriver’s seat.

• Someone is in the street, riding abicycle or walking.

In an emergency, sound your horn

loud and long. Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger.

Reective clothing should:

A. Be worn at night.B. Be worn during the day.

C. Not be worn.

D. Be worn day and night

testyourself 7

Answer - page 47

usingMirrors



27

Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s hornisn’t as loud as a car’s — therefore, use it,but don’t rely on it. Other strategies, likehaving time and space to maneuver, may

be appropriate along with the horn.

Riding at Night

At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen. Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers. To

compensate, you should:

• Reduce Your Speed — Ride evenslower than you would during theday — particularly on roads youdon’t know well. This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard.

• Increase Distance — Distancesare harder to judge at night thanduring the day. Your eyes rely uponshadows and light contrasts todetermine how far away an objectis and how fast it is coming. Thesecontrasts are missing or distortedunder articial lights at night.Open up a three-second followingdistance or more. And allow moredistance to pass and be passed.

• Use the Car Ahead — Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can. Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert

you to bumps or rough pavement.• Use Your High Beam — Get all the

light you can. Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car. Be visible: Wearreective materials when riding atnight.

• Be Flexible About Lane Position�Change to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see, be

seen and keep an adequate spacecushion.

CraSh aVOiDaNCe

No matter how careful you are, there

will be times when you nd yourself in atight spot. Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly. Often, a crash

occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers.

Know when and how to stop or

swerve, two skills critical in avoidinga crash. It is not always desirable or

possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle. Riders must also be able to

swerve around an obstacle. Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well.

Studies show that most crash-involved riders:

• Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear.

• Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate.

The following information offerssome good advice.

Quick Stops

To stop quickly, apply both brakesat the same time. Don’t be shy aboutusing the front brake, but don’t “grab”

it, either. Squeeze the brake leverrmly and progressively. If the frontwheel locks, release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it rmly. Atthe same time, press down on therear brake. If you accidentally lock the

rear brake on a good traction surface,you can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped; but, even with alocked rear wheel, you can control the

motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line.




Stopping Quicklyin a Curve

If you know thetechnique, using bothbrakes in a turn is possible,although it should be done

very carefully. When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering. Less traction is

available for stopping. Askid can occur if you apply

too much brake. Also, usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery

surface may be hazardous. Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever, never grab.

If you must stop quickly while turning

in a curve, rst straighten and squarethe handlebars, then stop. If you ndyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening rst, such as when

there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve, or whenfacing oncoming trafc in a right-hand curve, apply the brakes smoothly

and gradually. As you slow, you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure

can be applied. Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of

stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright.

Maximum Straight-LineBraking

Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front

and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel. Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well ahead,not down. This will help you keep

the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible, minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction.

swerve,thenbrake brake,thenswerve

stoPPingdistance



29

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 ofsteering control and balance. Failure tofully release the brake lever immediatelywill result in a crash.

Rear-Wheel Skids

A skidding rear tire is a dangerous

condition that can result in a violentcrash and serious injury or death. Toomuch rear brake pressure causes rear-wheel lockup. As soon as the rear wheel

locks, your ability to change direction islost. To regain control the brake mustbe released. However, if the rear wheelis out of alignment with the front, there

is a risk of a high-side crash. This occurswhen the wheels are out of alignmentand a locked rear wheel is released. Themotorcycle can abruptly snap uprightand tumble, throwing the rider into the

air ahead of the motorcycle’s path. Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash.

CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle

crashes is motorcyclists running wide in

constantcurves

decreasingcurves(tighterturns)

MultiPlecurves

wideningcurves




a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a xed object.

Every curve is different. Be alert towhether a curve remains constant,gradually widens, gets tighter orinvolves multiple turns. Ride within yourskill level and posted speed limits.

Your best path may not always followthe curve of the road. Change laneposition depending on trafc, road

conditions and curve of the road. If notrafc is present, start at the outsideof a curve to increase your line of sightand the effective radius of the turn. As

you turn, move toward the inside of thecurve, and as you pass the center, moveto the outside to exit.

Another alternative is to move to thecenter of your lane before entering acurve — and stay there until you exit.

This permits you to spot approaching

trafc as soon as possible. You can alsoadjust for trafc “crowding” the centerline, or debris blocking part of your lane.

haNDLiNg DaNgerOUS

SUrFaCeS

Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever

you ride across:

• Uneven surfaces or obstacles.• Slippery surfaces.

• Railroad tracks.

• Grooves and gratings.

Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles

Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps, broken pavement, potholes or

small pieces of highway trash.Try to avoid obstacles by slowing or

going around them. If you must goover the obstacle, rst determine if it is

possible. Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible. Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel. If youhave to ride over the obstacle, you should:

• Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact.

• Make sure the motorcycle isstraight.

• Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows, and avoid being thrown off

the motorcycle.• Just before contact, roll on the

throttle slightly to lighten the frontend.

If you ride over an object on thestreet, pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther.

Slippery Surfaces

Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction. Surfaces that provide poortraction include:

• Wet pavement, particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road.

• Gravel roads, or where sand andgravel collect.

• Mud, leaves, snow, and ice�

• Lane markings (painted lines), steel plates and manhole covers,especially when wet.

To ride safely on slippery surfaces:

• Reduce Speed — Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding. Your motorcycle needs

more distance to stop. And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves.

• Avoid Sudden Moves — Anysudden change in speed or direction



31

The best way to stop quickly is to:

A. Use the front brake only.

B. Use the rear brake rst.C. Throttle down and use the front

brake.

D. Use both brakes at the same time.

testyourself 8

Answer - page 47

obstacles

can cause a skid. Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up, shiftgears, turn or brake.

• Use Both Brakes — The front

brake is still effective, even on aslippery surface. Squeeze the brakelever gradually to avoid locking thefront wheel. Remember, gentlepressure on the rear brake.

• The center of a lane can behazardous when wet. When it startsto rain, ride in the tire tracks left bycars. Often, the left tire track willbe the best position, depending ontrafc and other road conditions.

• Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park. Youmay slip and fall.

• Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road — especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways. Be aware of what’s on theedge of the road, particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds.

• Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers. Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges

and overpasses. Wet surfaces or wetleaves are just as slippery. Ride on theleast slippery portion of the lane andreduce speed.

Cautious riders steer clear of roadscovered with ice or snow. If you can’t

avoid a slippery surface, keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible. If you encountera large surface so slippery that you

must coast, or travel at a walking pace,consider letting your feet skim alongthe surface. If the motorcycle starts tofall, you can catch yourself. Be sure to

keep off the brakes. If possible, squeezethe clutch and coast. Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous.




Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracksand Pavement Seams

Usually it is safer to ride straight withinyour lane to cross tracks. Turning to taketracks head-on (at a 90˚ angle) can bemore dangerous — your path may carry

you into another lane of trafc.

crosstracks—right

crosstracks—wrong

Paralleltracks—right

gratecrossings—right

Paralleltracks—wrong

gratecrossings—wrong

For track and road seams that runparallel to your course, move far enoughaway from tracks, ruts, or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚. Then, make a deliberate turn.Edging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance.

Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge

gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave. The uneasy, wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous. Relax, maintaina steady speed and ride straight across.

Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling.

When it starts to rain it is usually best to:

A. Ride in the center of the lane.

B. Pull off to the side until the rainstops.

C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars.

D. Increase your speed.

testyourself 9

Answer - page 47



33

MeChaNiCaL PrOBLeMS

You can nd yourself in an emergency

the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle. In dealing withany mechanical problem, take intoaccount the road and trafc conditions

you face. Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely.

Tire Failure

You will seldom hear a tire go at.

If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently, it may be a tire failure. Thiscan be dangerous. You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reacts.If one of your tires suddenly loses air,

react quickly to keep your balance. Pulloff and check the tires.

If the front tire goes at, the steering

will feel “heavy.” A front-wheel at is

particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering. You have to steer well tokeep your balance.

If the rear tire goes at, the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side.

If either tire goes at while riding:

• Hold handgrips rmly, ease off thethrottle, and keep a straight course.

• If braking is required, gradually

apply the brake of the tire that isn’tat, if you are sure which one it is.

• When the motorcycle slows, edge to the side of the road,squeeze the clutch and stop.

Stuck Throttle

Twist the throttle back and forth

several times. If the throttle cable isstuck, this may free it. If the throttlestays stuck, immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the

clutch at the same time. This will remove

power from the rear wheel, thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline. Once the motorcycle is “undercontrol,” pull off and stop.

After you have stopped, check thethrottle cable carefully to nd the sourceof the trouble. Make certain the throttle

works freely before you start to ride again.

Wobble

A “wobble” occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start

to shake from side to side at anyspeed. Most wobbles can be traced to

improper loading, unsuitable accessoriesor incorrect tire pressure. If you arecarrying a heavy load, lighten it. If youcan’t, shift it. Center the weight lower

and farther forward on the motorcycle.Make sure tire pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much

weight. Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly.

Check for poorly adjusted steering;

worn steering parts; a front wheel thatis bent, misaligned, or out of balance;loose wheel bearings or spokes; andworn swingarm bearings. If none of

these is determined to be the cause,have the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualied professional.

Trying to “accelerate out of awobble” will only make the motorcyclemore unstable. Instead:

• Grip the handlebars rmly, butdon’t ght the wobble.

• Close the throttle gradually to slow down. Do not apply thebrakes; braking could make thewobble worse.

• Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible.

• Pull off the road as soon as youcan to x the problem.




Drive Train Problems

The drive train for a motorcycle uses

either a chain, belt, or drive shaft totransfer power from the engine tothe rear wheel. Routine inspection,

adjustment, and maintenance makesfailure a rare occurrence. A chain or beltthat slips or breaks while you’re ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause

your motorcycle to skid.

If the chain or belt breaks, you’llnotice an instant loss of power to the

rear wheel. Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area.

On a motorcycle with a drive shaft,loss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock, and youmay not be able to prevent a skid.

Engine Seizure

When the engine “locks” or

“freezes” it is usually low on oil. Theengine’s moving parts can’t movesmoothly against each other, and theengine overheats. The rst sign may be

a loss of engine power or a change inthe engine’s sound. Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel. Pull off the road and stop.

Check the oil. If needed, oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine

will seize. When this happens, the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel. Let

the engine cool before restarting.

aNiMaLS

Naturally, you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an

animal. If you are in trafc, however,remain in your lane. Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than

hitting something big — like a car.

Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. Ifyou are being chased, downshift andapproach the animal slowly. As you

approach it, accelerate and leave the

animal behind. Don’t kick at the animal.Keep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go.

For larger animals (deer, elk, cattle)brake and prepare to stop — they areunpredictable.

FLYiNg OBJeCtS

From time to time riders are struckby insects, cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of

the vehicle ahead. If you are wearingface protection, it might get smearedor cracked, making it difcult to see.Without face protection, an objectcould hit you in the eye, face or mouth.

Whatever happens, keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars. When safe, pull off the roadand repair the damage.

gettiNg OFF the rOaDIf you need to leave the road to check

the motorcycle (or just to rest), be sure to:

• Check the roadside — Make surethe surface of the roadside is rmenough to ride on. If it is soft grass,loose sand or if you’re just not sureabout it, slow way down before youturn onto it.

• Signal — Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down. Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing direction.Check your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action.

If your motorcycle starts to wobble:

A. Accelerate out of the wobble.

B. Use the brakes gradually.

C. Grip the handlebars rmly and closethe throttle gradually.

D. Downshift.

testyourself 10

Answer - page 47



35

• Pull off the road — Get as far offthe road as you can. It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road. You don’t wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are.

• Park carefully — Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center stand difcult.

CarrYiNg PaSSeNgerS

aND CargO

The extra weight of a passengeror cargo will affect the way your

motorcycle behaves, requiring extrapractice, preparation and caution. Forthis reason, only experienced ridersshould attempt to carry passengers or

large loads. Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street, prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in trafc.

Preparing Your Motorcycle

Tire Pressure – Check the air

pressure of both tires. Refer to theowner’s manual or the label afxedto the motorcycle for the correctination specications. Though most

of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel, don’t forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire.

Correct ination pressures will maintainmaximum stability, steering precisionand braking capability.

Suspension – With a heavy load,

the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change. On somemotorcycles, it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring

preload, compression/damping settings,etc.) to compensate for the lowered rear

of the motorcycle. Refer to the owner’smanual for adjustment procedures and

specications.

Headlight – Prior to loading, position

the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark

the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk. With a full load andpassenger, recheck the headlight beamlocation. Use the adjusting screws on

the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height. Check your owner’smanual for adjustment procedure.

Equipment forCarrying a Passenger

• Be sure your passenger is properlyattired, wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you.

• Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests.

• Your motorcycle should have a properseat, one large enough to hold bothyou and your passenger withoutcrowding. You should not sit moreforward than you usually do.

• Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto.

Preparing YourPassenger to Ride

Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests, and is able tohold on to your waist, hips, belt, or the

bike’s passenger handholds. Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider. A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balancehim/herself and may interfere with the

rider’s control of the motorcycle.

Passenger safety begins with

proper instruction. Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar

with motorcycle handling, control, orbalance. As a routine practice, always

instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip, even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider.




If you are chased by a dog:

A. Kick it away.

B. Stop until the animal loses interest.

C. Swerve around the animal.

D. Approach the animal slowly, thenspeed up.

testyourself 11

Answer - page 47

As you prepare for your ride, tell yourpassenger to:

• Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral. Asthe passenger mounts, keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied.

• Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle.

• Hold rmly onto your waist, hips,belt or passenger handholds forbalance and security.

• Keep both feet rmly on the cycle’sfootrests, even when stopped. Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off.

• Keep legs away from the mufer(s),chains or moving parts.

• Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curves.It is helpful for the passenger tolook over the rider’s shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves.

• Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning around.Make no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation.

• Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle.

Also, remind your passenger to

tighten his or her hold when you:

• Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces.

• Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into trafc.

• Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move.

Riding With Passengers

Your motorcycle will respond slowlywhen you ride with a passenger. The

heavier your passenger, the longer it willtake to speed up, slow down, or turn.

When riding with passengers:

• Ride a little slower, especially whentaking curves, corners, or bumps. Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle, steeringcontrol can be lost.

• Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop, and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping.

• Wait for larger gaps to cross, enter,or merge in trafc.

Carrying Loads

Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many

different ways. There are complete

luggage systems, saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcycle,soft bags that do not require a carrier

system and can be tied to the seat,and a tank bag for other small items.You can also travel simply with only abackpack. Whatever you decide, do not

exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passenger,and always make adjustments to the

motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight.



37

Passengers should:

A. Lean as you lean.

B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat.

C. Sit as far back as possible.

D. Never hold onto you.

testyourself 12

Answer - page 47

Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo

• Keep the load forward. Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bag.Lighter items such as your sleepingbag, ground pad or tent, should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou. Try to place the load over, orin front of, the rear axle. Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes. It can also cause a wobble.

• Plan your route and length of eachday’s riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks. Poorweather, breakdowns, and fatigueare always possible.

• Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway.

• Start as early in the morning aspossible. When you are fresh, youride at peak performance. For mostriders, this is usually between 6 a.m.and 11 a.m. – then, take a goodhour’s break for lunch. Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon.

• Don’t forget sun protection in thesummer. Some combinations of

riding gear can leave your neckexposed, risking sunburn.

• If you wear a backpack, be sure itis securely attached to you. Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat. This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders.

• If you have a tank bag, be sure itis securely mounted and does not

obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments. If necessary, pack itonly partially full. When strappingthe tank bag in place, make sure

it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head.

• Secure loads low, or put them insaddlebags. Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcycle’scenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance.

• If you use saddlebags, load eachwith about the same weight.An uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side.

Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chain,locking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid.

• Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets). Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended. A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain, causing

it to lock up, resulting in a skid.Rope can stretch and knots cancome loose, permitting the load toshift or fall. You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened.

• Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed. Water and some energy bars

or other food should also be part ofyour preparation, and don’t forgeta rst aid kit, especially if you areriding in a group.




Pre-Ride Test

Prior to starting out, take a test

ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of

your motorcycle. Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct, and that the sidestand, footrests, and exhaust pipes don’tscrape over bumps and in turns. Ensure

the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steering.Also check the security of the load, so

that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking.

You will also nd that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will

be different than what you are used to.Test the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower, increas-ing passing times and distances. Braking

will also feel different, and stopping

distances may increase.grOUP riDiNg

Preparation

Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready. Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries, distractions and stress. It alsomeans riding free from the inuence of

alcohol or drugs. For some, even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration.

Prior to a long trip, it’s a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you aren’t able to dothe work yourself. A thorough pre-ride check is a must. Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leave.Remember to consider such variables

as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment.

Plan

Before starting out, hold a rider’s

meeting to discuss the route, length ofriding segments, rest stops and locationsfor fuel, meals and lodging. Make sureeveryone knows the route. That way,if someone becomes separated, he orshe won’t have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turn.Choose a lead rider and a sweep rider.These should be the most experiencedriders of the group. The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road,

trafc or weather conditions, and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders. The sweeprider is the last rider in the group, andsets the pace for the group. Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader. That ensures that they won’thave to chase after the group, and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back.

The most important rules for groupriding are: no competition, no passingof other riders and no tailgating. If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup, allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point.

Hand signals

During the rider’s meeting, reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride. A

diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual.

Follow those behind

During the ride, use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand conrm that the group is stayingtogether. If a rider falls behind, everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether.



39

Keep Your Distance

Maintain close ranks, but at the

same time, maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazards.A close group takes up less space onthe highway, is easier to see, and is lesslikely to become separated. This must,however, be done properly.

Don’t Pair Up

Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane. There is no place

to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway. Waituntil you are both stopped to talk.

Staggered Formation

This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion. The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane, and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane. Thethird maintains the left position of thelane, at least two seconds behind therst rider. The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane, and so on. This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead, behind and to the sides.

It is best to move to single le forma-

tion when riding in curves, turning, andentering or leaving freeways or highways.

Intersections

Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group. Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow, tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possible.Make the turn single le – do not ride

side-by-side. If not all riders get throughthe light, stop at a safe point ahead andwait. This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light.

Interstate Highways andFreeways

A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstates.However, enter in single le and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin trafc. The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation. In heavytrafc, resist the temptation to ride tooclose together. Maintain your minimumone-second, two-second staggered

formation space cushion. When exiting,use a single le formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp.

Parking

When possible, park as a group, soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly. Avoid parking downhill orhead-in, and if possible, park where you

can pull through, making the arrival anddeparture smoother. Whenever possible,park so that the group can depart as aunit in single le.

staggeredforMation




When riding in a group,inexperienced riders should positionthemselves:

A. Just behind the leader.

B. In front of the group.

C. At the tail end of the group.

D. Beside the leader.

testyourself 13

Answer - page 47

grouPPassing(stage1)

grouPPassing(stage2)

Passing in Formation

When the group wants to pass slow

trafc on a freeway or interstate, thegroup may pass as a unit. On a two-lanehighway, riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time.

• First, the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe. Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider.

• Next, the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely pass.When passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafc.Just because the lead rider passed,that does not mean that conditionshaven’t changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass. Afterpassing the rider should return to

the right position and open uproom for the next rider.

Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicle.This is not a good idea, since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicle.It’s simpler and safer to wait until there

is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass.



41

Ten Rules of Group Riding

• Base the length of the route and

segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider.

• Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue.

• Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider. If necessary, form two groupswith different speeds.

• Don’t tailgate or encourage the

rider in front to speed. If you wantto ride faster, ride ahead of thegroup.

• Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation.

• Do not pass in the group, except inthe case of emergency.

• Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe.

• When passing, be conscious of thetrafc conditions and oncomingtrafc. Even though the previousriders passed safely, it may not besafe for you.

• Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders, especially atintersections. This allows you toavoid hard braking.

• Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together.



42 beinginshaPetoridebeinginshaPetoride 42

Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle,

identifying potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtrafc conditions is inuenced by how t and alert you are. Alcohol and drugs,more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely. As little as one drink can have a signicant effect on your performance.

Let’s look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs. What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined.

WhY thiS iNFOrMatiON

iS iMPOrtaNtAlcohol is a major contributor to

motorcycle crashes, particularly fatalcrashes. Studies show that nearly 40%of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking. The rest had only afew drinks in their systems — enoughto impair riding skills. In the past, druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking

violations for the trafc records. Butriding “under the inuence” of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider.

Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile drivers.Motorcyclists, however, are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crash.Injuries occur in 90% of motorcyclecrashes and 33% of automobile crashes

that involve abuse of substances. Ona yearly basis, 2,000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50,000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash. Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore.

By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse don’t mix. Take positive steps to

protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves.

aLCOhOL aND DrUgS

iN MOtOrCYCLeOPeratiON

No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs. Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs, but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully. Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle

operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached.

Many over-the-counter, prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding. It is difcult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashes.But we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle. We also know that

the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone.

aLCOhOL iN the BODY

Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly. Unlike most foods andbeverages, it does not need to bedigested. Within minutes after beingconsumed, it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker. The major

effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions — both mentaland physical. Whatever you do, you doless well after consuming alcohol.



4343

Blood Alcohol Concentration

Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC

is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body. Generally, alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour. But a varietyof other factors may also inuencethe level of alcohol retained. The morealcohol in your blood, the greater thedegree of impairment.

Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC:

• The amount of alcohol youconsume.

• How fast you drink.

• Your body weight.

Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system.

Your sex, physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher.

But the full effects of these are notcompletely known. Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour� Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink.

A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed drinkwith one shot (1.5 ounces) of liquor,and a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol.

The faster you drink, the more alcoholaccumulates in your body. If you drinktwo drinks in an hour, at the end of thathour, at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream.

Without taking into account anyother factors, these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink.

If you drink:

– Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 –3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours. Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding.

alcoholcontent



44 beinginshaPetoride

– Four drinks over the span of twohours, you would have at least two(4 – 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours. You

would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding.

There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed. They have more

blood and other bodily uids. But

because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been

affected. Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issue.Impairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit.

aLCOhOL aND the LaW

In all states, an adult with a BAC

of 0.08% or above is consideredintoxicated. For operators under the age

of 21, lower BAC limits (0.00 to 0.02%,depending on state) apply. It doesn’tmatter how sober you may look or act.The breath or urine test is what usually

determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally.

Your chances of being stopped for

riding under the inuence of alcohol areincreasing. Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused

by drinking drivers and riders.

Consequences of Conviction

Years ago, rst offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small neand participation in alcohol-abuse

classes. Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators. And those penalties aremandatory, meaning that judges must

impose them.

If you are convicted of riding under

the inuence of alcohol or drugs,you may receive any of the followingpenalties:

• License Suspension — Mandatorysuspension for conviction, arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test.

• Fines — Severe nes are anotheraspect of a conviction, usually leviedwith a license suspension.

• Community Service — Performingtasks such as picking up litter along

the highway, washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward.

• Costs — Additional lawyer’s fees,lost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs, publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda “drunk driver.”

MiNiMiZe the riSKS

Your ability to judge how well you

are riding is affected rst. Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly, you think you are doing betterand better. The result is that you ride

condently, taking greater and greaterrisks. Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink.

Control your drinking or control yourriding.

Make an Intelligent Choice

Don’t Drink — Once you start, yourresistance becomes weaker.

Setting a limit or pacing yourself are

poor alternatives at best. Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of therst things affected by alcohol. Even if

you have tried to drink in moderation,you may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcohol’sfatiguing effects.



45

Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’tcontrolled your drinking, you mustcontrol your riding.

• Leave the motorcycle — so youwon’t be tempted to ride. Arrangeanother way to get home.

• Wait — If you exceed your limit,wait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects.

SteP iN tO PrOteCt

FrieNDS

People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible

decision. It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk. No one wants to do this — it’suncomfortable, embarrassing and

thankless. You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time. But thealternatives are often worse.

There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves:

• Arrange a safe ride — Providealternative ways for them to gethome.

• Slow the pace of drinking —Involve them in other activities.

• Keep them there — Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle. Serve them

food and coffee to pass the time.Explain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else. Take theirkey, if you can.

• Get friends involved — Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene.

It helps to enlist support from others

when you decide to step in. The morepeople on your side, the easier it is to berm and the harder it is for the rider toresist. While you may not be thanked at

the time, you will never have to say, “Ifonly I had ...”

FatigUe

Riding a motorcycle is more tiring

than driving a car. On a long trip, you’lltire sooner than you would in a car.

Avoid riding when tired. Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle.

• Protect yourself from the elements— Wind, cold, and rain makeyou tire quickly. Dress warmly. Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances.

• Limit your distance — Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day.

• Take frequent rest breaks — Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours.

• Don’t drink or use drugs —Articial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off. Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand.

If you wait one hour per drink for the alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding:

A. You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding.

B. Your riding skills will not be affected.

C. Side effects from the drinking maystill remain.

D. You will be okay as long as you rideslowly.

testyourself 14

Answer - page 47



46 earningyourlicense

Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in trafc. Assessing yourown skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. Licensing

exams are designed to be scored more objectively.

To earn your license, you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest. Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices and ideas

from this manual. They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices. An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtrafc environment or in a controlled, off-street area.

Knowledge Test

(Sample Questions)

1. It is MOST important to ash your brake light when:

A. Someone is following too closely.

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 25%.

B. About 50%.

C. About 70%.

D. All of the stopping power.3. To swerve correctly:

A. Shift your weight quickly.

B. Turn the handlebars quickly.

C. Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn.

D. Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn.

4. If a tire goes at while riding and you must stop, it is usually best to:

A. Relax on the handgrips.

B. Shift your weight toward thegood tire.

C. Brake on the good tire and steer

to the side of the road.D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.

5. The car below is waiting to enter the intersection. It is best to:

A. Make eye contact with the driver.

B. Reduce speed and be ready toreact.

C. Maintain speed and position.

D. Maintain speed and move right.



47

Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)

1-C, 2-D, 3-D, 4-A, 5-B,

6-C, 7-D 8-D, 9-C, 10-C,

11-D, 12-A, 13-A, 14-C

Answers to Knowledge Test (left):

1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-C, 5-B

On-Motorcycle Skill Test

Basic vehicle control and crash-

avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous

trafc situations.

You may be tested for your ability to:

• Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits.

• Accelerate, brake and turnsafely�

• See, be seen and communicatewith others.

• Adjust speed and position to thetrafc situation.

• Stop, turn and swerve quickly�

• Make critical decisions and carry

them out.Examiners may score on factors

related to safety such as:

• Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers.

• Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries.

• Completing normal and quickstops.

• Completing normal and quickturns or swerves.

Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are

not to correct scale for size of vehicles

and distances.



48 three-wheelsuPPleMent

SUPPLeMeNtarY

iNFOrMatiON

FOr three-WheeL

MOtOrCYCLeS

Many states require a separate licenseendorsement to operate a three-wheel

motorcycle. This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test. Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written

exam for a three-wheel motorcycle

license or endorsement. This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe rst part of this Motorcycle Operator

Manual (MOM), so when preparingto take the written test, begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly. It provides

information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in trafc. This supplementcontains information specic to the safe

operation of a three-wheel motorcycle,including both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars.

KNOW YOUr VehiCLe

There are many types of three-wheel

motorcycles available on the markettoday. Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by state.In general, three-wheel motorcycles will

have the following characteristics:

1� Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation.

2� Motorcycle-based conversion or

design with:

• Handlebar steering

• Motorcycle-type controls

with the standard layout.Convenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol, automatic clutch, orautomatic transmission.

• Saddle seating

– Seating in which the rider/

passenger straddles thevehicle.

– If designed for a passenger,the passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar).

3� Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less

than 40’.4� The vehicle meets all applicable

federal on-road vehicle standards.

The following vehicles are notincluded in this denition, andtherefore testing requirements maynot be applicable. Always refer to your

state Department of Motor Vehicles,Department of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for:

• Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions

• Vehicles with automotive controls or seating

• Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-

based)• Vehicles with enclosed or semi-

enclosed riding compartments

• Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 18.1 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard, single-track, two-wheelmotorcycles

or

• Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards.



49

Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs

Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers. Unliketraditional motorcycles, which areconsidered single-track motorcycles,

three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design. Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecars,while triple track motorcycles can be

congured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels.

The Right Motorcycle for You

Make sure your three-wheel

motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you. You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls, and beable to complete full turns using the

Motorcycle

andthree-wheel

Motorcycledesigns

handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control.

Borrowing and Lending

Borrowers and lenders, beware.

Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators, especially inthe rst months of riding. Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the

problem. If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar,

get familiar with it in a controlled arearst. If you lend your three-wheel

motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends, make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in trafc. Such

motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles.

No matter how experienced you may

be, be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you.

Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls

Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before

attempting to operate it on anyhighway, since some controls may differ

from those found on other motorcycles.This is especially important if you are

riding on a borrowed motorcycle. Beforebeginning the ride:

• Make all the checks you would on

your own motorcycle.

• Familiarize yourself with all

controls, such as the turn signals,horn, headlight switch, fuel control

valve, and cut-off switch. Locateand operate these items without

having to search for them.




• Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding. Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle, clutch and brakes a few

times. Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles, andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly. Additionally, some

motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control, automatic clutch, orautomatic transmission.

• As you begin to ride, start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings. Accelerate gently,

take turns a little more slowly, andleave extra room for stopping.

BaSiC VehiCLe CONtrOL

Steering & Tip

Three-wheel motorcycles handle

differently than two-wheel motorcycles.With three wheels on the ground,they are naturally more stable than a

two-wheel motorcycle. They also steerdifferently. Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean, theycannot countersteer. Instead, the front

wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go.

Under some conditions during the

operation of a three-wheel motorcycle,it is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface. Thiscould occur during turning or tight

maneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines. This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning

inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability.

Body Position

As with any motor vehicle, operatorposition is important for control and

for reducing or preventing fatigue. Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably, since morehandlebar movement is necessary than

when riding a two-wheel motorcycle.While it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move

drastically during operation, shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control.

Braking

On a motorcycle with a sidecar,during braking in a sharp turn, thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground.

Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface, and

traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling, not skidding or slipping.

During turning, some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering, so lessis available for stopping. Thus, a skidcan occur if you brake too hard.

Turning

The tendency of the rear inside

wheel to lift during turning is greater

with increased speed and tighter curveradii. During a turn, inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to

shift sideways and outward toward the

tiP-overlines




Lane Position

The track of the dual wheels of a

three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles. Unlike a

motorcycle, you are limited, therefore, inlane positioning. Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted

lines into opposing trafc. Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement.

Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration. You will not be ableto use a staggered formation, such

as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles. Ride single le and alwaysmaintain a safe margin, two secondsminimum, between vehicles.

Parking at the Roadside

Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length, it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching

the curb, as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle. Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake.

Some three-wheel motorcycles have

reverse, so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile. Parking parallel to the curb

will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of trafc.

Acceleration and Deceleration

A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking

than a motorcycle with a sidecar.Attaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered, off-centered massof weight. So, during acceleration,

the sidecar will feel as though it is

lagging behind you, causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right. During deceleration orbraking, the momentum of the sidecar

continues to carry it forward, givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you, making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left.

• On acceleration, compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the

sidecar.• On deceleration, compensate for

this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar. You canalso pull in the clutch when braking.

Swerving

A quick stop may not always besufcient to avoid an obstacle in your

path, even if you properly apply both

brakes. Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve. A swerveis any sudden change of direction. It canbe two quick turns or a rapid shift to the

side when maneuvering the motorcycle.Often, there is not much time to adjustyour body position.

A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel

motorcycle, so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving. If braking is required, brakeeither before or after the swerve, never

while swerving.

Cornering & Curves

The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a

motorcycle. Even with three wheels onthe ground, a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner. Therefore, it is best to



53

always slow before entering a corner.

The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows thecurve of the road. Following the center

of the lane may actually increase thetip over forces. Check opposing trafccarefully, and if safe, enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane. This

increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve. As you turn, move towardthe inside of the curve, and as you pass

the center, move to the outside to exit,always remembering to stay in your lane.

CarrYiNg PaSSeNgerS

aND CargO

Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo, butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity. The

extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly, soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned.

Many three-track motorcycles will have

built-in storage compartments for cargo,either in front of, or behind the rider.On these motorcycles, center the loadand keep it low in the storage areas so

it is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side. If a passengeris being carried, the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider.

On a motorcycle with a sidecar, thebest place for a passenger is in the

sidecar. Never put a single passenger

on the saddle; the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle. While a secondpassenger can be carried on the seat

behind the rider, the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar.

The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times. It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider.

When carrying loads in a sidecar,secure the load rmly in place, sinceif the load shifts, handling will be

affected. Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn.

When loaded, you may ndperformance is reduced and that stopping

distances are longer, so allow a littleextra distance. The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stability,and right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed. Turning left,

however, will require more turning force.

Paththroughacurve



54



handsignals

3 Stop– arm extended

straight down,

palm acing

back.

7 you ead/come–arm extended upward 45 degrees,

palm orward pointing with index

fnger, swing in arc rom back to ront.

6 Follow Me– arm extended

straight up

rom shoulder,

palm orward.

5 Slow Down– arm extended

straight out, palm

acing down, swing

down to your side.

4 Speed p– arm extended

straight out,

palm acing up,

swing upward.

2 Double File–

arm with index

and middle fnger

extended straight up.

1 Single File–arm and index

fnger extended

straight up.



handsignals

adun Signal n–

open and close

hand with fngers and

thumb extended.

aacomfot Stop – orearm extended,

fst clenched with

short up and down

motion.

9 Highbeam– tap on top o

helmet with open

palm down.

8 Hazad in roadwa–

on the let, point

with let hand; on the

right, point with right oot.

afull ff–

arm positioned as or

right turn, orearm

swung toward shoulder.

as refeshmentStop–

fngers closed,

thumb to mouth.

ap Fuel– arm out to side

pointing to tank with

fnger extended.

Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k

e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e .



MotorcyclesMakesense–

sodoesProfessionaltraining

Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate, fun to ride and easy to park.

Unfortunately, many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safely.Professional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for

real-world trafc situations. Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesS teach andimprove such skills as:

• Effective turning • Braking maneuvers • Protective apparel selection

• Obstacle avoidance • Trafc strategies • Maintenance

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nation’s streets and highways. In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries, the Foundation has programs in rider education,licensing improvement, public information and statistics. These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists. A national not-for-protorganization, the MSF is sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda,Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha.

The information contained in this publication is offered for the benet of those

who have an interest in riding motorcycles. The information has been compiledfrom publications, interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles, accessories, and training. Because there aremany differences in product design, riding styles, federal, state and local laws,there may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions. Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area. Although the MSF will continue to research, eld test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject, it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein.

For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you,

call toll free: 800�446�9227

or visit www�msf-usa�org

Printing and distribution courtesy of Motorcycle Safety Foundation

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

Second Revision ............... December 1978 Tenth Revision ................. January 2002

Third Revision .....................February 1981 Eleventh Revision ................... July 2002

Fourth Revision ................... .January 1983 Twelfth Revision ................... May 2004

Fifth Revision ...................... October 1987 Thirteenth Revision ...............June 2007

Sixth Revision ........................... April 1991 Fourteenth Revision ........... March 2008

Seventh Revision ............. September 1992 Fifteenth Revision .................June 2009

Eighth Revision ................... .January 1999 Sixteenth Revision ........... January 2011

Ninth Revision ........................March 2000

Printed in USA 000254

mississippi 2011

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