Arizona Motorcycle Manual | Arizona Motorcycle Handbook

8/2/2019 Arizona Motorcycle Manual | Arizona Motorcycle Handbook

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MOTORCYCLEOPERATOR

MANUAL

A N M S F M A N U A L

With Supplementary Information

for Three-Wheel Motorcycles


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Dear Motorcyclist:

We at the Arizona Department of Transportations Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) are

pleased to provide this comprehensive Motorcycle Operator Manual to convey the

essentials of safe riding information to operate a motorcycle on Arizona streets and

roadways and crash avoidance.

To ensure that the information contained in the manual achieves the most current

and nationally recognized standard, we have reprinted, with permission, the

Sixteenth Revision of the Motorcycle Operator Manual provided by the Motorcycle

Safety Foundation. For your convenience, Arizona licensing information is also

provided.

Funding for this manual is provided by the Governors Office of Highway Safety and

Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council through the Motorcycle Safety Fund

A.R.S. 28-2010(C).

Motorcycling can be an enjoyable and safe experience. To make it even safer, follow

these guidelines:

Enroll in a basic or experienced rider course

Check your motorcycle before riding

Avoid alcohol and other drugs when riding

Wear protective clothing, including a helmet and eye protection

Ride with your headlights on

Wear bright colored clothing

Arizona continues to experience growth in the number of motorcycle enthusiasts.Whether you ride your motorcycle for pleasure or basic transportation, rider/driver

safety is very important. With your help, we can make motorcycles a safer form of

transportation.

We look forward to providing you with outstanding customer service: by phone, in

an MVD customer service center, and online at www.azdot.gov.

Stacey K. Stanton, Director

Arizona Department of Transportation

Motor Vehicle Division


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ARIZONA LICENSING INFORMATION

Operating a motorcycle requires

special skills in addition to a thorough

knowledge of traffic laws, registration

and licensing requirements. This manualsupplements information contained in

theArizona Driver License Manual and

Customer Service Guide and provides

useful information for all motorcyclists

regardless of riding experience. It

presents safe driving practices and

techniques developed by the National

Motorcycle Safety Foundation and

provides information to help you obtainan Arizona driver license. It is not

intended as an official reference.

TheArizona Driver License Manual and

Customer Service Guideis available online

at www.azdot.gov or may be requested

by phone:

Phoenix: (602) 255-0072

Tucson: (520) 629-9808elsewhere in AZ: (800) 251-5866

TDD Hearing and Speech Impaired:

(602) 712-3222.

Changes may have been made to the

information contained in this publication

since it was last revised. Please check

the Motor Vehicle Division's What's New

page atwww.azdot.gov for updates.

Arizona's Driver LicenseArizona issues a driver license that

does not expire until age 65. However,

your photo and eye test will need to be

updated every 12 years. Drivers 60 and

over will receive a 5-year license.

Temporary residents such as out-of-state

students and their family members,

or military personnel and their family

members may apply for a 5-year license

regardless of age.

Types of LicensesLicenses are issued by "class": M for

motorcycle, G for graduated, D for operator,

and A, B, C for commercial. If the class Mlicense is combined with any other class of

license, it will be added as an "endorsement"

on the back of the current license.

Instruction PermitsIf you are at least 15 years and 6 monthsof age, you may be issued a motorcycleinstruction permit.

With a permit you are prohibited fromcarrying passengers and operating amotorcycle on freeways or interstatehighways or between sunset and sunrise,or at any time when there is not enoughlight to clearly see persons or vehicles at adistance of 500 feet. A motorcycle permit isvalid for 6 months and can be renewed onlyone time within a 24-month period. You will

be required to retake the written test whenrenewing an expired motorcycle permit.

Class MA motorcycle license or endorsementis required to operate a motorcycle ormotor-driven cycle. You must be at least16 years of age to apply for a motorcyclelicense or endorsement.

An applicant for a motorcycle license or

endorsement who is under 18 must have

held an Arizona instruction permit for atleast 6 months. The permit must be valid

at the time of application. An applicantmust also have satisfactorily completed a

motorcycle driver education program that isapproved by MVD, or the parent or guardian

must certify in writing that the applicant has

completed at least 30 hours of motorcycle

driving practice.

An applicant holding an out-of-statemotorcycle license or endorsement

is exempt from the driver education/

driving practice and instruction permitrequirements.


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Class G with an EndorsementA graduated driver license with a

motorcycle endorsement is issued to an

applicant who is at least 16, but less than

18 years of age and is valid to operate

any vehicle that does not require acommercial license.

The applicant must have held both an

Arizona graduated instruction permit

and an Arizona motorcycle instruction

permit for at least 6 months. The permits

must be valid at the time of application.

An applicant must also have satisfactorily

completed both a graduated and a

motorcycle driver education program

approved by MVD or the parent or

guardian must certify in writing that

the applicant has completed at least 30

hours of supervised driving practice, or

have successfully completed a certified

motorcycle safety course.

Class D with an EndorsementAn operator license with a motorcycle

endorsement allows you to drive

any vehicle that does not require a

commercial license. You must be at least

18 years of age to apply for an operator

license.

Class A, B or C with an

EndorsementA commercial license (CDL), with a

motorcycle endorsement allows you to

drive heavy-weight vehicles, 26,001 lbs.

or more gross vehicle weight (GVW),

vehicles capable of carrying 16 or more

passengers (including the driver), or

vehicles required to be placarded for

hazardous material. The minimum age

for a commercial driver license is 21. If

you are at least 18, you may apply for anintrastate commercial driver license that

is valid only in Arizona.

For additional information, see the

Commercial Driver License Manual,

available online at www.azdot.gov.

RestrictionsIf you test with a 100cc or less

motorcycle, you will receive a J

restriction. You must test with a

motorcycle greater than 100cc to obtain

an unrestricted license.

TestsMVD is responsible for screening and

testing driver license applicants. This

helps the ensure that Arizona drivers

have the necessary knowledge and

ability to safely handle the vehicles they

will be driving.

Medical ScreeningAssisted by the Arizona Medical Advisory

Board, MVD has established medical

standards for driver licensing. Several

questions regarding your medical

condition are included on the driver

license application.

You must report to MVD any medical

conditions that develop or worsen that

may affect your ability to safely operate

a motor vehicle. This must be done

within five days of a change or as soon

as the condition allows. The written

report must include: full name, address,

date of birth, description of condition

and signature. The report must be sent

to: Mail Drop 818Z, Medical Review

Program, PO Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ

85001-2100;

phone: 602.771.2460

fax: 623.925.9323

Vision ScreeningYou may be given a vision exam. If you

wear prescription glasses or contact

lenses for distance vision, be sure to wear

them. You must have uncorrected visionof 20/40 or better in at least one eye in

order to obtain an unrestricted license.

If you cannot meet this requirement

without glasses or contact lenses, you will

be given a license with an A restriction. An

A restriction means you must always wear

your glasses or contact lenses when driving.


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A test of visual field will also be given to

check how far you can see to the side while

keeping your eyes straight ahead.

In addition, drivers who visit an MVD

office for vehicle title and registration

services may be required to update this

vision exam.

Written TestsWhen applying for your first Arizona

driver license or instruction permit with a

motorcycle endorsement, you must pass

a written motorcycle test based on the

information contained in this manual,

and a separate driver license test based

on the information in the Arizona Driver

License Manual and Customer Service

Guide. One application fee allows you 3

attempts to pass the tests in a 12-month

period.

The written motorcycle license

examination is available in English and

Spanish. If you cannot take a written

test, arrangements can be made for

an oral examination. If you need an

interpreter, you must provide one.

Exercises for Two Wheel

MotorcyclesThe motorcycle skills test is a 10-15

minute demonstration of your ridingability that consists of performing

maneuvers on an off-street, 30 x 125

closed track as described in the following

instructions.

If you have a current out-of-state

motorcycle license in your possession,

and the state that issued the license

requires a motorcycle skills test similarto that given by Arizona, then you

normally will not be required to take the

test. However, you may be required to

take a test anytime that you apply for an

Arizona license.

Exercise 1

Cone Weave, Normal Stop:

Ride to the right of the first cone, to the

left of the second, and so on. Weave

past all five cones without touching or

skipping a cone or putting a foot down.

Turn left and ride toward that side of the

course. Make a smooth, non-skidding

stop with your front tire inside the box.

When stopped your front tire must not

touch the painted lines. Remain stopped.

Cones are placed 12 feet apart.

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3&4

2


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Exercise 2

Turn from a stop, U-Turn:

Make a right turn between the boundary

lines. Do not touch either line or put

a foot down. Diagonally, cross to the

opposite side of the range and make a

left u-turn inside the painted box at the

far end of the range. Do not touch the

solid line (motorcycles 600cc or more) or

the dashed line (motorcycles less than

600cc) or put a foot down. Stop with

your front tire inside that box and wait

for further instructions.

Exercise 3

Quick Stop:

From a full stop, accelerate in a straight

line through the timing zone. Stabilize

your speed between 12-18 mph by the

time you reach the first line. Maintain

a steady speed. When your front tire

crosses the second line, stop as fast as

you safely can. You will not lose points

if you skid. Once stopped, do not

allow your motorcycle to roll in eitherdirection.

Exercise 4

Obstacle Swerve:

From a full stop, ride through the timing

zone at 12-18 mph. When your front tire

passes the second line, swerve right or

left, as instructed. Avoid the obstacle

line but stay inside the boundary line.Do not touch either line. Stop smoothly

and wait for further instructions.

Exercises for Three-Wheel

Motorcycles:

Exercise 1

Left Turn, Normal Stop:Accelerate straight ahead and make

a sharp left turn between the outside

boundary line and the cone marker. Do

not touch the outside line or the cone.

Ride toward the end of the course, as

instructed. Make a smooth, non-skidding

stop with your front tire inside the box.

(Left front tire on vehicles with two front

tires.) When stopped, your front tire

must not touch the painted lines.

Exercise 2

Cone Weave, Turn from a Stop:

Ride to the left of the first cone, to the

right of the second, and to the left of the

third. Weave past all three cones without

touching or skipping any of the cones.

Turn right at the end of the course and

stop at the Start T facing the other

side of the course. Upon signal, make

a right hand turn between the outside

boundary line and the cone. Do not

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3&4

2


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touch the outside boundary line or the

cone. Make a smooth, non-skidding stop

with your front tire inside the box and

wait for further instructions.

Exercise 3Quick Stop:


line. Stabilize your speed between 12-18

mph by the time you reach the first line.

Maintain a steady speed. When your

front tire/overhang crosses the second

line, stop as fast as you safely can. You

will not lose points if you skid.

Exercise 4

Obstacle Swerve:


line. Stabilize your speed between 12-18

mph by the time you reach the first

line. Maintain a steady speed. When

your front tire/overhang passes the

second line swerve to the (right/left), as

instructed. Avoid the obstacle line andstay to the inside of the sideline. Do not

touch either line. Stop smoothly.

General InstructionsYou have the right to stop the test at

any time. Inform the examiner that you

do not want to continue the test. The

examiner will tell you the conditions for

taking the test at a later date.

The examiner may stop the test if any of

the following occurs:

You fail to demonstrate basic control

skills.

You accumulate more than the

maximum number of points.

You commit an unsafe act.

You fail to understand or follow

directions.

You fall or drop the motorcycle

while on the test track.

Mechanical failure.

Inclement weather, including

temperatures 105 and above.

The motorcycle that you use for this test

must be in good mechanical condition,

be properly registered and have allequipment required by Arizona law.

Protective Gear

Must be worn during testing:

Helmet- U.S. Department of

Transportation (USDOT) approved

motorcycle helmet in good condition

properly fastened (may waive if 18 or

older.)

Gloves - Designed for use when

operating a motorcycle or other gloves

that permit freedom to operate controls.

Clothing- Long pants and a jacket or

long sleeve shirt.

Footwear- Boots or shoes that cover

the ankle made of sturdy materialthat do not interfere with operation of

motorcycle controls.

Eye Protection- Face shield, goggles,

safety glasses or protective windshield.

Testing Locations & HoursFor the nearest testing location, visit

www.azdot.gov/mvd or call:

Phoenix: (602) 255-0072

Tucson: (520) 629-9808

elsewhere in AZ: (800) 251-5866

TDD Hearing and Speech Impaired:

(602) 712-3222


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Safety Equipment

Arizona law requires operators and

passengers under 18 to wear a

helmet that is safely secured.

You are encouraged to use yourheadlight, on high beams, during

the daylight hours to maximize your

visibility. You may use a modulating

headlight during the day, if the light

modulates at least 200 cycles per

minute.

You must have at least one horn

capable of emitting sound for at

least 200 feet. A minimum of one rearview mirror

is required.

Riders are encouraged to equip the

motorcycle with both hand and foot

brakes, but Arizona law requires at

least one brake.

Fuel tanks must be properly closed

by a cap or cover.

Motorcycle operators are required

to wear protective glasses, goggles

or a transparent face shield, unless

the motorcycle is equipped with a

protective windshield. Windscreens

on sport-style motorcycles are not

considered protective windshields.

Seat and footrests are requiredfor motorcycle operators. Seat,

footrests and handrails are required

for the passenger. Passengers must

be able to rest their feet on the foot

pegs.

Handlebars must be positioned so

that the hands of the operator are

not above the operators shoulder

height, when the operator is sittingastride the seat and the operators

hands are on the handlebar grip.

Motorcycle Safety CoursesAs an alternative to the motorcycle

skills test, you may take a Motorcycle

Rider Courseoffered by MVD authorized

schools at several locations throughout

Arizona. The Certificate of Completionyou will receive when you successfully

complete the course eliminates the

requirement to take the knowledge and

skills tests at MVD.

Beginning Riders

Motorcycle Rider Course-Riding and

Street Skills: For beginning riders of

all ages. This is a hands on trainingprogram in a controlled, off-street

environment. Each instructor is certified

by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

and MVD. The course is approximately 20

hours long and most often scheduled on

weekends. The course fee includes the

costs of motorcycle rental, helmet rental,

insurance and classroom materials.

Experienced Riders

Experienced Rider Course-This course

gives participants an opportunity to

increase their riding skills on their own

motorcycle while examining defensive

driving strategies. Advanced riding

techniques in cornering, braking and

swerving are presented and practiced.

Emphasis is placed on accident

avoidance techniques.

Locate a Course

Locate the motorcycle safety course

nearest you online at

www.azdot.gov/mvd, click on Driver

Services

________________________________

Funding for this manual provided by

the Governors Office of Highway Safety

and Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory

Council Fund, A.R.S. 28-2010(C).


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PREFACE

Operating a motorcycle safelyin traffic requires special skills andknowledge. The Motorcycle SafetyFoundation (MSF) has made this manualavailable to help novice motorcyclistsreduce their risk of having a crash. Themanual conveys essential safe ridinginformation and has been designedfor use in licensing programs. Whiledesigned for the novice, all motorcyclistscan benefit from the information this

manual contains.

The original Motorcycle OperatorManual was developed by the NationalPublic Services Research Institute (NPSRI)under contract to the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)and within the terms of a cooperativeagreement between NHTSA and the

MSF. The manual and related testswere 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 the reader to help avoid crasheswhile safely operating a motorcycle. For

this edition, the MSF has updated andexpanded the content of the originalmanual.

These revisions reflect:

The latest nding of motorcycle-safety research.

Comments and guidance providedby the motorcycling, licensing andtraffic safety communities.

Supplementary information forThree-Wheel vehicles

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 theirlicensing systems.

Improved licensing, along with high-quality motorcycle rider education andincreased public awareness, has the

potential to reduce crashes. Staff at theFoundation are available to assist state,private and governmental agencies inefforts to improve motorcycle safety.

Tim BuchePresident,Motorcycle Safety Foundation

2 Jenner, Suite 150Irvine, CA 92618-3806

www.msf-usa.org


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CONTENTS 3

CONTENTS

PREPARING TO RIDE

Wear the Right Gear ............................4

Know Your Motorcycle ........................6

Know Your Responsibilities .................9

RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

Basic Vehicle Control ..........................10

Keeping Your Distance .......................12

SEE .......................................................17

Intersections .......................................18

Increasing Conspicuity .......................21Crash Avoidance .................................24

Handling Dangerous Surfaces ...........27

Mechanical Problems .........................30

Animals ...............................................31

Flying Objects .....................................32

Getting Off the Road .........................32

Carrying Passengersand Cargo .......................................32

Group Riding .......................................34

BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE

Why This Information IsImportant .......................................36

Alcohol and Other Drugs inMotorcycle Operation ....................36

Alcohol in the Body ............................37

Alcohol and the Law ..........................38

Minimize the Risks .............................38

Step in to Protect Friends ..................39

Fatigue ................................................39

EARNING YOUR LICENSE 40

THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT

Supplementary Informationfor Three-Wheel Vehicles ...............42

Know Your Vehicle ..............................42

Basic Vehicle Control ...........................44

Carrying Passengers and Cargo ..........47


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What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determiningwhether or not youll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off onany 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.

4 PREPARING TO RIDE

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 particularlyamong untrained, beginning riders.And one out of every five motorcyclecrashes results in head or neck injuries.Head injuries are just as severe as neckinjuries and far more common. Crashanalyses show that head and neckinjuries account for a majority of seriousand fatal injuries to motorcyclists.

Research also shows that, with fewexceptions, head and neck injuries arereduced by properly wearing a qualityhelmet.

Some riders dont wear helmetsbecause they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides. Others wearhelmets only on long trips or whenriding at high speeds. But, here are

some facts to consider:

A DOT compliant helmetletsyou see as far to the sides asnecessary. A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes, where40% of the riders wore helmets,did not find even one case in whicha helmet kept a rider from spottingdanger.

Most crashes happenon shorttrips (less than five miles long), justa few minutes after starting out.

Most ridersare 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, helmetedriders are three times more likely tosurvive 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 levelsof coverage: three-quarter and full face.

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


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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 as

cracks, loose padding or frayedstraps.

Whatever helmet you decide on, keepit securely fastened on your head whenyou ride. Otherwise, if you are involvedin a crash, its likely to fly off your headbefore it gets a chance to protect you.

Eye and Face Protection

A plastic shatter-resistant faceshieldcan help protect your whole face in acrash. It also protects you from wind,dust, dirt, rain, insects and pebblesthrown up from cars ahead. Theseproblems are distracting and can bepainful. If you have to deal with them,you cant devote your full attention tothe road.

Goggles protect your eyes, thoughthey wont 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. Neither

will eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasseswont keep your eyes from watering,and they might blow off when you turnyour head while riding.

To be effective, eye or faceshieldprotection must:

Be freeof scratches.

Be resistantto penetration.

Give a clear viewto either side.

Fasten securely,so it does notblow off.

Permit airto pass through, toreduce fogging.

Permit enough roomforeyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

Tinted eye protection should not beworn at night or any other time whenlittle light is available.

HELMETS


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6 PREPARING TO RIDE

Clothing

The right clothing protects you ina 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 morevisible to others.

Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely. Theyshould fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping 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 aredesigned to protect without gettingyou overheated, even on summerdays.

Boots or shoesshould be highand sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support. Solesshould be made of hard, durable,slip-resistant material. Keep heelsshort so they do not catch on roughsurfaces. Tuck in laces so they wontcatch on your motorcycle.

Glovesallow a better grip and help

protect your hands in a crash. Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material.

In cold or wet weather, your clothesshould keep you warm and dry, aswell as protect you from injury. Youcannot control a motorcycle well ifyou are numb. Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chilland fatigue. A winter jacket shouldresist wind and fit snugly at the neck,wrists and waist. Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle riding resisttearing 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 yourmotorcycle wont let you down:

Readthe owners manual first.

Startwith the right motorcycle foryou.

Be familiarwith the motorcyclecontrols.

Checkthe motorcycle before everyride.

Keepit in safe riding conditionbetween rides.

Avoidadd-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harder

to handle.

The Right Motorcycle For You

First, make sure your motorcycle isright for you. It should fit you. Yourfeet should reach the ground whileyou are seated on the motorcycle, andthe controls should be easy to operate.Smaller motorcycles are usually easier

for beginners to operate.

A plastic shatter-resistant faceshield:

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.

TEST YOURSELF 1

Answer - page 41


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At a minimum, your street-legalmotorcycle should have:

Headlight, taillight and

brakelight.

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 first months of riding. Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to theproblem. 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 and

know how to ride before allowing themout into traffic.

No matter how experienced you

may be, ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thats new or unfamiliarto you. More than half of all crashesinvolve riders with less than five monthsof experience on their motorcycle.

Get Familiar with theMotorcycle Controls

Make sure you are completely familiar

with the motorcycle before you takeit out on the street. Be sure to reviewthe owners manual. This is particularlyimportant if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle.

If you are going to use an unfamiliarmotorcycle:

MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS

Light Switch (high/low)

Choke (varies)

Turn-SignalSwitch

Ignition Key(varies)

Engine Cut-OffSwitch

Horn Button

Clutch LeverSpeedometer& Odometer

Fuel Supply Valve(if equipped)

Gear-Change Lever

Throttle

Front Brake Lever

Tachometer(if equipped)

Rear Brake Pedal

Kick Starter(if equipped)

ElectricStartButton


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8 PREPARING TO RIDE

Make all the checksyou would onyour 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.

Know the gear pattern.Work thethrottle, clutch and brakes a fewtimes before you start riding. Allcontrols react a little differently.

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

Check Your Motorcycle

A motorcycle needs more frequentattention than a car. A minor technical

failure in a car seldom leads to anythingmore than an inconvenience for thedriver.

If somethings wrong with themotorcycle, youll want to find outabout it before you get in traffic. Makea complete check of your motorcyclebefore every ride.

Before mounting the motorcycle,make the following checks:

Tires Check the air pressure,general wear and tread.

Fluids Oil and fluid levels. At aminimum, check hydraulic fluidsand coolants weekly. Look underthe motorcycle for signs of an oil orgas leak.

Headlights and Taillight Checkthem both. Test your switch tomake sure both high and lowbeams are working.

Turn Signals Turn on both rightand left turn signals. Make sure all

lights are working properly.

Brake Light Try both brakecontrols, and make sure each one

turns on the brake light.

Once you have mounted themotorcycle, complete the followingchecks before starting out:

Clutch and Throttle Make surethey work smoothly. The throttleshould snap back when you let go.The clutch should feel tight andsmooth.

Mirrors Clean and adjust bothmirrors before starting. Its difficultto ride with one hand while youtry to adjust a mirror. Adjust eachmirror so you can see the lanebehind and as much as possible ofthe lane next to you. When properlyadjusted, a mirror may show theedge of your arm or shoulderbut

its the road behind and to the sidethats most important.

Brakes Try the front and rearbrake levers one at a time. Makesure each one feels firm and holdsthe motorcycle when the brake isfully applied.

Horn Try the horn. Make sure itworks.

Fuel Supply Valve Make surethe valve is open. Your motorcyclemay start with fuel still in the lines,but it will stall once the lines areempty.

In addition to the checks you shouldmake before every trip, check thefollowing items at least once a week:Wheels, cables, fasteners and fluid

levels. Follow your owners manual toget recommendations.


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KNOW YOUR

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accident implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without anyones faultor negligence. Most often in traffic, thatis not the case. In fact, most peopleinvolved in a crash can usually claimsome responsibility for what takes place.

Consider a situation where someonedecides to try to squeeze through anintersection on a yellow light turning

red. Your light turns green. You pull intothe intersection without checking forpossible latecomers. That is all it takesfor the two of you to tangle. It was thedrivers responsibility to stop. And it wasyour responsibility to look before pullingout. Neither of you held up your endof the deal. Just because someone elseis the first to start the chain of events

leading to a crash, it doesnt leave anyof us free of responsibility.

As a rider you cant be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way. To lessen your chances of acrash occurring:

Be visible wear proper clothing,use your headlight, ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen.

Communicate your intentionsuse the proper signals, brake lightand lane position.

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

Search your pathof travel 12

seconds ahead. Identify and separatemultiple

hazards.

Be prepared to act remain alertand know how to carry out propercrash-avoidance skills.

Blame doesnt matter when someoneis injured in a crash. There is rarely a

single cause of any crash. The ability toride aware, make critical decisions andcarry them out separates responsibleriders from all the rest. Remember, it isup to you to keep from being the causeof, or an unprepared participant in, anycrash.

More than half of all crashes:

A. Occur at speeds greater than 35 mph.

B. Happen at night.

C. Are caused by worn tires.

D. Involve riders who have less thanfive months of experience on theirmotorcycle.

TEST YOURSELF 2

Answer - page 41


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10 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.Thats something you can learn only through practice, preferably in a formalcourse of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse.But control begins with knowing

your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and obeying the rulesof the road.

BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL

Body Position

To control a motorcycle well:

Posture Sit so you can use yourarms to steer the motorcycle ratherthan to hold yourself up.

Seat Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent whenyou hold the handlegrips. Bendingyour arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch.

Hands Hold the handgrips

firmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces. Start with your rightwrist flat. This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too muchthrottle. Also, adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows. This permitsyou to use the proper muscles forprecision steering.

HOLDING HANDGRIPS

RIGHT

WRONG

Knees Keep your knees againstthe gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns.

Feet Keep your feet firmly on thefootrests to maintain balance. Dontdrag your feet. If your foot catches

on something, you could be injuredand it could affect your control ofthe motorcycle. Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to themfast if needed. Also, dont let yourtoes point downward they mayget caught between the road andthe footrests.

Shifting GearsThere is more to shifting gears than

simply getting the motorcycle to pickup speed smoothly. Learning to use thegears when downshifting, turning orstarting on hills is important for safemotorcycle operation.

Shift down through the gears withthe clutch as you slow or stop. Remainin first gear while you are stopped sothat you can move out quickly if youneed to.

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 first gear

you may need to use the brakes to slowenough before downshifting safely.Work toward a smooth, even clutchrelease, especially when downshifting.


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11

It is best to change gears beforeentering a turn. However, sometimesshifting while in the turn is necessary.

If so, remember to do so smoothly. Asudden change in power to the rearwheel can cause a skid.

Braking

Your motorcycle has two brakes: oneeach for the front and rear wheel. Useboth of them at the same time. Thefront brake is more powerful and canprovide at least three-quartersof yourtotal stopping power. The front brake issafe to use if you use it properly.

Remember:

Use both brakesevery time youslow or stop. Using both brakes foreven normal stops will permityou to develop the proper habit orskill of using both brakes properly

in an emergency. Squeeze thefront brake and press down on therear. Grabbing at the front brakeor jamming down on the rear cancause the brakes to lock, resulting incontrol problems.

If you know the technique,using both brakes in a turn is

possible, although it should be donevery carefully. When leaning themotorcycle some of the traction isused for cornering. Less tractionis available for stopping. A skidcan occur if you apply too muchbrake. Also, using the front brakeincorrectly on a slippery surfacemay be hazardous. Use cautionand squeezethe brake lever, nevergrab.

Some motorcycleshave integratedbraking systems that activate thefront and rear brakes together

when applying the rear brakepedal. (Consult the owners manualfor a detailed explanation on theoperation and effective use of thesesystems.)

Turning

Riders often try to take curves or turnstoo fast. When they cant hold the turn,they end up crossing into another laneof traffic or going off the road. Or, theyoverreact and brake too hard, causing askid and loss of control. Approach turnsand curves with caution.

Use four steps for better control:

SLOW Reduce speed before theturn by closing the throttle and, ifnecessary, applying both brakes.

LOOK Look through the turnto where you want to go. Turnjust 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 aturn, the greater the lean angle.

ROLL Roll on the throttle tomaintain or slightly increase speed.This helps stabilize the motorcycle.


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

SLOW, TIGHT TURNS

When riding, you should:

A. Turn your head and shouldersto look through turns.

B. Keep your arms straight.

C. Keep your knees away fromthe gas tank.

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

TEST YOURSELF 3

Answer - page 41

NORMAL TURNS

KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE

The best protection you can have isdistance a cushion of space allaround your motorcycle. If someone elsemakes a mistake, distance permits you:

Time to react.

Space to maneuver.

Lane Positions

In some ways the size of themotorcycle can work to your advantage.Each traffic lane gives a motorcyclethree paths of travel, as indicated in theillustration.

Your lane position should:

Increaseyour ability to see and beseen.

Avoidothers blind spots.

Avoid surface hazards.

Protectyour lane from otherdrivers.

Communicateyour intentions.

Avoidwind blast from othervehicles.

Providean escape route.

Select the appropriate path tomaximize your space cushion and makeyourself more easily seen by others onthe road.

In slow, tight turns, counterbalance byleaning the motorcycle only and keepingyour body straight.


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13

In general, there is no single bestposition for riders to be seen and tomaintain a space cushion around the

motorcycle. No portion of the lane needbe avoided including the center.

Position yourself in the portion ofthe lane where you are most likely tobe seen and you can maintain a spacecushion around you. Change positionas traffic situations change. Ride in path2 or 3 if vehicles and other potentialproblems are on your left only. Remain

in path 1 or 2 if hazards are on yourright only. If vehicles are being operatedon both sides of you, the center of thelane, path 2, is usually your best option.

The oily strip in the center portionthat collects drippings from cars isusually no more than two feet wide.Unless the road is wet, the averagecenter strip permits adequate tractionto ride on safely. You can operate to

the left or right of the grease strip andstill be within the center portion of thetraffic lane. Avoid riding on big buildupsof oil and grease usually found at busyintersections or toll booths.

Following Another Vehicle

Following too closely could be a

factor in crashes involving motorcyclists.In traffic, motorcycles need as muchdistance to stop as cars. Normally, aminimum of two secondsdistanceshould be maintained behind the vehicleahead.

To gauge your following distance:

Pick out a marker,such as apavement marking or lamppost, on

or near the road ahead. When the rear bumperof the

vehicle ahead passes the marker,count off the seconds: one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two.

If you reach the markerbeforeyou reach two, you are followingtoo closely.

A two-second following distance

leaves 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 neededif your motorcycle will take longer

LANE POSITIONS


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than normal to stop. If the pavementis slippery, if you cannot see throughthe vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy

and 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 wayif someone bears down on you frombehind. It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to back

up for some reason.When behind a car, ride where the

driver 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 driversdont look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror. If the traffic situationallows, the center portion of the lane isusually the best place for you to be seenby the drivers ahead and to prevent lanesharing by others.

Being Followed

Speeding up to lose someone

following too closely only ends up withsomeone tailgating you at a higherspeed.

A better way to handle tailgatersis to get them in front of you. Whensomeone is following too closely,change lanes and let them pass. If youcant 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 dont 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 yousee potential hazards.

FOLLOWING


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15

Passing

1. Ride in the left portionof thelane at a safe following distance

to increase your line of sight andmake you more visible. Signaland check for oncoming traffic.Use your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind.

2. When safe,move into the leftlane and accelerate. Select a laneposition that doesnt crowd thecar you are passing and providesspace to avoid hazards in yourlane.

3. Ride through the blind spotasquickly as possible.

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

Remember, passes must be

completed within posted speedlimits, and only where permitted.Know your signs and road markings!

Being Passed

When you are being passed frombehind or by an oncoming vehicle,

stay in the center portion of your lane.Riding any closer to them could put youin a hazardous situation.

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 yourethere, 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 for

error if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side ofthe lane.

Do notmove into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle. Itmight invite the other driver to cut backinto your lane too early.

PASSING BEING PASSED


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Lane Sharing

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

prohibited.

Riding between rows of stopped ormoving cars in the same lane can leaveyou vulnerable to the unexpected. Ahand 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 temptedto squeeze by you. Drivers are mosttempted to do this:

In heavy,bumper-to-bumpertraffic.

When theywant to pass you.

When youare preparing to turn atan intersection.

When youare moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway.

Merging Cars

Drivers on an entrance ramp maynot see you on the highway. Give them

plenty of room. Change to another laneif one is open. If there is no room for alane change, adjust speed to open up

space for the merging driver.Cars Alongside

Do not ride next to cars or trucks inother lanes if you do not have to. Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in thenext lane, which could switch into yourlane without warning. Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane. Speedup or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides.

MERGING

BLIND SPOTS

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.

TEST YOURSELF 4

Answer - page 41


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17

SEE

Good experienced riders remainaware of what is going on around them.

They improve their riding strategy byusing MSFs SEESMstrategy, a three-step process used to make appropriatejudgments, and apply them correctly indifferent traffic situations:

Search

Evaluate

Execute

Lets examine each of these steps.

Search

Search aggressively ahead, to thesides and behind to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise. Howassertively you search, and how muchtime and space you have, can eliminateor reduce harm. Focus even more onfinding potential escape routes in oraround intersections, shopping areasand school and construction zones.

Search for factors such as:

Oncoming trafcthat may turnleft in front of you.

Trafc coming from the left andright.

Trafcapproaching from behind.

Hazardousroad conditions.

Be especially alert in areas with limitedvisibility. Visually busy surroundingscould hide you and your motorcyclefrom others.

Evaluate

Think about how hazards can interactto create risks for you. Anticipatepotential problems and have a plan toreduce risks.

Road and surface characteristics Potholes, guardrails, bridges,telephone poles and trees wont

move into your path but mayinfluence your riding strategy.

Trafc control devices Look fortraffic signals, including regulatorysigns, warning signs, and pavementmarkings, to help you evaluatecircumstances ahead.

Vehicles and other trafc Maymove into your path and increase

the likelihood of a crash.

Think about your time and spacerequirements in order to maintaina margin of safety. You must leaveyourself time to react if an emergencyarises.

Execute

Carry out your decision.To create more space and minimize

harm from any hazard:

Communicateyour presence withlights and/or horn.

Adjust your speedby accelerating,stopping or slowing.

Adjust your positionand/or

direction.

Apply the old adage one step at atime 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.


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INTERSECTIONS

The greatest potential for conflictbetween you and other traffic is at

intersections. An intersection can bein the middle of an urban area or ata driveway on a residential street anywhere traffic may cross your path oftravel. Over one-half of motorcycle/carcrashes are caused by drivers entering ariders right-of-way. Cars that turn left infront of you, including cars turning leftfrom the lane to your right, and cars on

side streets that pull into your lane, arethe biggest dangers. Your use of SEE[p. 17] at intersections is critical.

There are no guarantees thatothers 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 himor 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 notto get into it, but to stay out of it.

Increase your chances of beingseen at intersections. Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncoming

traffic. Provide a space cushion aroundthe motorcycle that permits you to takeevasive action.

To reduce your reaction time, youshould:

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.

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.

TEST YOURSELF 5

SMALL INTERSECTIONS

Answer - page 41


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19

When approaching an intersectionwhere a vehicle driver is preparing tocross your path, slow down and selecta lane position to increase your visibiityto that driver. Cover the clutch lever andboth brakes to reduce reaction time. Asyou enter the intersection, move awayfrom the vehicle. Do not change speed

or position radically, as drivers mightthink you are preparing to turn. Beprepared to brake hard and hold yourposition if an oncoming vehicle turns infront of you, especially if there is othertraffic around you. This strategy shouldalso be used whenever a vehicle in theoncoming lane of traffic is signaling fora left turn, whether at an intersection

or not.Blind Intersections

If you approach a blind intersection,move to the portion of the lane that willbring you into another drivers field ofvision at the earliest possible moment.

In this picture, the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane awayfrom 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.

BLIND INTERSECTIONS

LARGE INTERSECTIONS


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If you have a stop sign or stop line,stop there first. Then edge forwardand stop again, just short of where thecross-traffic lane meets your lane. Fromthat position, lean your body forwardand look around buildings, parked carsor bushes to see if anything is coming.Just make sure your front wheel staysout of the cross lane of travel while

youre looking.

Passing Parked Cars

When passing parked cars, staytoward the left of your lane. Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening, drivers getting out of carsor people stepping from betweencars. If oncoming traffic is present, it

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

A bigger problem can occur if thedriver pulls away from the curb without

checking for traffic 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 someonecutting in.

Cars making a sudden U-turn arethe most dangerous. They may cutyou off entirely, blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with no

place to go. Since you cant tell what adriver will do, slow down and get thedrivers attention. Sound your horn andcontinue with caution.

Parking at the Roadside

If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb, position the motorcycleat an angle with the rear wheel to the

curb. (Note: Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb.)

Making eye contact with other

drivers:A. Is a good sign they see you.

B. Is not worth the effort it takes.

C. Doesnt mean that the driver will yield.

D. Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you.

TEST YOURSELF 6

STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS

PARKING AT CURBS

Answer - page 41


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21

INCREASING

CONSPICUITY

In crashes with motorcyclists, driversoften say that they never saw themotorcycle. From ahead or behind, amotorcycles outline is much smallerthan a cars. Also, its hard to seesomething 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 arent necessarily safe. Smallervehicles appear farther away and seemto be traveling slower than they actuallyare. It is common for drivers to pull outin front of motorcyclists, thinking theyhave plenty of time. Too often, they are

wrong.However, you can do many things to

make it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle.

Clothing

Most crashes occur in broad daylight.Wear bright-colored clothing to increaseyour chances of being seen. Remember,

your body is half of the visible surfacearea of the rider/motorcycle unit.

Bright orange, red, yellow or greenjackets or vests are your best bets forbeing seen. Your helmet can do morethan protect you in a crash. Brightlycolored helmets can also help others seeyou.

Any bright color is better than drabor dark colors. Reflective, bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacket or vest) isbest.

Reflective material on a vest and onthe sides of the helmet will help drivers

coming from the side to spot you.Reflective material can also be a big helpfor drivers coming toward you or from

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 automaticallyhave the headlights on when running).Studies show that, during the day, amotorcycle 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 whatyou plan to do.

SIGNALING


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However, due to a riders addedvulnerability, signals are even moreimportant. Use them anytime you plan

to change lanes or turn. Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around.Its the car you dont see thats going togive you the most trouble. Your signallights also make you easier to spot.Thats why its a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you planto do is obvious.

When you enter a freeway, drivers

approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and makeroom for you.

Turning your signal light on beforeeach turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you.Once you turn, make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into yourpath, thinking you plan to turn again.

Use your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly. Dont make themguess what you intend to do.

Brake Light

Your motorcycles brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car particularly when your taillightis on. (It goes on with the headlight.)

If the situation will permit, help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down. It is especiallyimportant to flash your brake lightbefore:

You slow more quicklythanothers might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway).

You slow whereothers may notexpect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley).

If you are being followed closely, itsa good idea to flash 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 MirrorsWhile its most important to keep

track of whats happening ahead, youcant afford to ignore situations behind.Traffic conditions change quickly.Knowing whats going on behind isessential for you to make a safe decisionabout how to handle trouble ahead.

Frequent mirror checks should be part

of your normal searching routine. Makea special point of using your mirrors:

When you are stoppedat anintersection. Watch cars coming upfrom behind. If the drivers arentpaying attention, they could be ontop of you before they see you.

Before you change lanes.Make

sure 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 planto turn at a distant intersection,rather than at a nearer driveway.


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23

Some motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors. These provide a widerview of the road behind than do flatmirrors. They also make cars seemfarther away than they really are. Ifyou are not used to convex mirrors,get familiar with them. (While you arestopped, pick out a parked car in your

mirror. Form a mental image of howfar away it is. Then, turn around andlook at it to see how close you came.)Practice with your mirrors until youbecome a good judge of distance. Eventhen, allow extra distance before youchange lanes.

USING MIRRORSHead Checks

Checking your mirrors is not enough.Motorcycles have blind spots like

cars. Before you change lanes, turn yourhead, and look to the side for othervehicles.

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 be

your normal scanning routine, also.Only by knowing what is happeningall aroundyou are you fully preparedto deal with it.

Horn

Be ready to use your horn to getsomeones attention quickly.

It is a good idea to give a quick beep

before passing anyone that may moveinto your lane.

Here are some situations:

A driverin the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass.

A parked carhas someone in thedrivers seat.

Someone is in the street,riding abicycle or walking.

In an emergency, press the hornbutton loud and long. Be ready to stopor swerve away from the danger.

Keep in mind that a motorcycles hornisnt as loud as a cars therefore, useit, but dont rely on it. Other strategies,like having time and space to maneuver,may be appropriate along with thehorn.


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Riding at Night

At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen. Picking your headlight

or taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers. Tocompensate, you should:

Reduce Your Speed Ride evenslower than you would during theday particularly on roads youdont know well. This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard.

Increase Distance Distances

are 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 artificial 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 alertyou to bumps or rough pavement.

Use Your High Beam Get all thelight you can. Use your high beamwhenever you are not following

or meeting a car. Be visible: Wearreflective materials when riding atnight.

Be Flexible About Lane Position.Change to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see, beseen and keep an adequate spacecushion.

CRASH AVOIDANCE

No matter how careful you are, therewill be times when you find yourself in a

tight spot. Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly. Often, a crashoccurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers.

Know when and how to stop orswerve, two skills critical in avoidinga crash. It is not always desirable orpossible to stop quickly to avoid an

obstacle. Riders must also be able toswerve around an obstacle. Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well.

Studies show that most crash-involved riders:

Underbrakethe front tire andoverbrake the rear.

Did notseparate 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. Dont be shy about

using the front brake, but dont grabit, either. Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively. If the frontwheel locks, release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly. Atthe same time, press down on therear brake. If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surface,you can keep it locked until you have

completely stopped; but, even with alocked rear wheel, you can control themotorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line.

Reflective clothing should:

A. Be worn at night.

B. Be worn during the day.

C. Not be worn.

D. Be worn day and night

TEST YOURSELF 7

Answer - page 41


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25

Always use both brakes at the sametime to stop. The front brake canprovide 70% or more of the potentialstopping power.

If you must stop quickly while turningor riding a curve, the best technique isto straighten the bike upright first andthen brake. However, it may not alwaysbe possible to straighten the motorcycle

and then stop. If you must brake whileleaning, apply light brakes and reducethe throttle. As you slow, you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle is

straight and maximum brake pressureis possible. You should straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet ofstopping. The motorcycle should then

be straight up and in balance.

Swerving or Turning Quickly

Sometimes you may not have enoughroom to stop, even if you use bothbrakes properly. An object might appearsuddenly in your path. Or the car aheadmight squeal to a stop. The only way toavoid a crash may be to turn quickly, or

swerve around it.

A swerve is any sudden change indirection. It can be two quick turns, ora rapid shift to the side. Apply a smallamount of pressure to the handgriplocated on the side of your intendeddirection of escape. This will cause themotorcycle to lean quickly. The sharperthe turn(s), the more the motorcyclemust lean.

Keep your body upright and allowthe motorcycle to lean in the directionof the turn while keeping your knees

STOPPING DISTANCE

SWERVE, THEN BRAKE BRAKE, THEN SWERVE


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against the tank and your feet solidly onthe footrests. Let the motorcycle moveunderneath you. Make your escape

route the target of your vision. Presson the opposite handgrip once youclear the obstacle to return you to youroriginal direction of travel. To swerve tothe left, press the left handgrip, thenpress the right to recover. To swerve tothe right, press right, then left.

IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED, SEPARATEIT FROM SWERVING. Brake before or

after never while swerving.

Cornering

A primary cause of single-vehiclecrashes is motorcyclists running wide in

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

Every curve is different. Be alert towhether a curve remains constant,gradually widens, gets tighter orinvolves multiple turns.

Ride within your skill level and postedspeed limits.

Your best path may not always followthe curve of the road.

CONSTANT CURVES

DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)

MULTIPLE CURVES

WIDENING CURVES


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27

Change lane position depending ontraffic, road conditions and curve ofthe road. If no traffic is present, start at

the outside of a curve to increase yourline of sight and the effective radius ofthe turn. As you turn, move toward theinside of the curve, and as you pass thecenter, move to 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

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

HANDLING DANGEROUS

SURFACES

Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases wheneveryou ride across:

Uneven surfaces or obstacles.

Slippery surfaces.

Railroad tracks.

Grooves and gratings.

Uneven Surfaces andObstacles

Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps, broken pavement, potholes orsmall pieces of highway trash.

Try to avoid obstacles by slowing orgoing around them. If you must goover the obstacle, first determine if it ispossible. Approach it at as close to a 90

angle as possible. Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel. Ifyou have to ride over the obstacle, youshould:

Slow downas much as possiblebefore contact.

Make surethe motorcycle isstraight.

OBSTACLES

The best way to stop quickly is to:

A. Use the front brake only.

B. Use the rear brake first.

C. Throttle down and use the frontbrake.

D. Use both brakes at the same time.

TEST YOURSELF 8

Answer - page 41


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Rise slightlyoff 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 thethrottle 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 SurfacesMotorcycles handle better when

ridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction. Surfaces that provide poortraction include:

Wet pavement,particularly justafter it starts to rain and beforesurface oil washes to the side of the

road. Gravel roads,or where sand and

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

Avoid Sudden Moves Anysudden change in speed or directioncan cause a skid. Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up, shiftgears, turn or brake.

Use Both Brakes The frontbrake is still effective, even on aslippery surface. Squeeze the brake

lever gradually to avoid locking thefront wheel. Remember, gentlepressure on the rear brake.

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

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

Dirt and gravelcollect along thesides of the road especially oncurves and ramps leading to andfrom highways. Be aware of whatson the edge of the road, particularlywhen making sharp turns andgetting on or off freeways at highspeeds.

Rain dries and snow melts faster

on some sections of a road thanon others. Patches of ice tend todevelop in low or shaded areas andon bridges and overpasses. Wetsurfaces or wet leaves are just asslippery. Ride on the least slipperyportion of the lane and reducespeed.

Cautious riders steer clear of roads

covered with ice or snow. If you cantavoid a slippery surface, keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedasslowlyas possible. If you encountera large surface so slippery that youmust 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 thanthe slowest of speeds could provehazardous.


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29

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 carryyou into another lane of traffic.

CROSSTRACKSRIGHT

CROSSTRACKSWRONG

PARALLEL TRACKSRIGHT

GRATE CROSSINGSRIGHT

PARALLEL TRACKSWRONG

GRATE CROSSINGSWRONG

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 least

45. 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.

TEST YOURSELF 9

Answer - page 41


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MECHANICAL PROBLEMS

You can find yourself in an emergencythe moment something goes wrong

with your motorcycle. In dealing withany mechanical problem, take intoaccount the road and traffic conditionsyou face. Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely.

Tire Failure

You will seldom hear a tire go flat.

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 flat, the steeringwill feel heavy. A front-wheel flat isparticularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering. You have to steer well tokeep your balance.

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

If either tire goes flat while riding:

Hold handgripsfirmly, ease off thethrottle, and keep a straight course.

If braking is required,however,gradually apply the brake of the tirethat isnt flat, if you are sure whichone 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 forthseveral times. If the throttle cable is

stuck, this may free it. If the throttlestays stuck, immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in theclutch at the same time. This will removepower 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 find the sourceof the trouble. Make certain the throttleworks freely before you start to rideagain.

Wobble

A wobble occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly startto shake from side to side at anyspeed. Most wobbles can be traced toimproper loading, unsuitable accessoriesor incorrect tire pressure. If you arecarrying a heavy load, lighten it. If youcant, shift it. Center the weight lowerand 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 ofthese is determined to be the cause,

have the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional.


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

Grip the handlebars rmly,butdont fight the wobble.

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

Move your weightas far forwardand down as possible.

Pull off the roadas soon as you

can to fix the problem.

If your motorcycle starts to wobble:

A. Accelerate out of the wobble.

B. Use the brakes gradually.

C. Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually.

D. Downshift.

TEST YOURSELF 10

Drive Train Problems

The drive train for a motorcycle useseither 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 youre ridingcould lock the rear wheel and causeyour motorcycle to skid.

If the chain or belt breaks, youllnotice an instant loss of power to therear wheel. Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area.

On models with a drive shaft, loss ofoil in the rear differential can cause therear wheel to lock, and you may not beable to prevent a skid.

Engine Seizure

When the engine locks orfreezes it is usually low on oil. The

engines moving parts cant movesmoothly against each other, and theengine overheats. The first sign may bea loss of engine power or a change inthe engines 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. Letthe engine cool before restarting.

ANIMALS

Naturally, you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting ananimal. If you are in traffic, however,remain in your lane. Hitting something

small is less dangerous to you thanhitting something big like a car.

Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. Ifyou are chased, downshift and approachthe animal slowly. As you approach it,accelerate away and leave the animalbehind. Dont kick at an animal. Keepcontrol of your motorcycle and look towhere you want to go.

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

Answer - page 41

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.

TEST YOURSELF 11

Answer - page 41


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FLYING OBJECTS

From time to time riders are struckby insects, cigarettes thrown from cars

or pebbles kicked up by the tires ofthe vehicle ahead. If you are wearingface protection, it might get smearedor cracked, making it difficult 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 road

and repair the damage.

GETTING OFF THE ROAD

If you need to leave the road to checkthe motorcycle (or just to rest for awhile), be sure you:

Check the roadside Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on. If it is soft grass,

loose sand or if youre 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.

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 dont wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are.

Park carefully Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center stand difficult.

CARRYING PASSENGERS

AND CARGO

Only experienced riders should carrypassengers or large loads. The extraweight changes the way the motorcyclehandles, balances, speeds up and slowsdown. Before taking a passenger or aheavy load on the street, practice awayfrom traffic.

Equipment

To carry passengers safely:

Equip and adjust your motorcycleto carry passengers.

Instruct the passenger before youstart.

Adjust your ridingtechnique forthe added weight.

Equipment should include:

A proper seat large enough tohold both of you without crowding.You should not sit any fartherforward than you usually do.

Footrests for the passenger.Firm footing prevents yourpassenger from falling off andpulling you off, too.

Protective equipment the same

protective gear recommended foroperators.

Adjust the suspension to handle theadditional weight. You will probablyneed to add a few pounds of pressureto the tires if you carry a passenger.(Check your owners manual forappropriate settings.) While yourpassenger sits on the seat with you,

adjust the mirrors and headlightaccording to the change in themotorcycles angle.


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Instructing Passengers

Even if your passenger is a motorcyclerider, provide complete instructions

before you start. Tell your passenger to: Get onthe motorcycle only after

you have started the engine.

Sit as far forwardas possiblewithout crowding you.

Hold rmlyto your waist, hips,belt, or to the bikes passengerhandholds.

Keep both feeton the footrests,even when stopped.

Keep legs awayfrom themuffler(s), chains or moving parts.

Stay directly behind you,leaningas you lean.

Avoid unnecessarytalk or motion.

Also, tell your passenger to tighten his

or her hold when you: Approachsurface problems.

Are about to startfrom a stop.

Warn that youwill make a suddenmove.

Riding With Passengers

Your motorcycle will respond more

slowly with a passenger on board. Theheavier your passenger, the longer itmay take to slow down and speed up especially on a light motorcycle.

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.

TEST YOURSELF 12

Answer - page 41

Ride a little slower,especiallywhen taking curves, corners orbumps.

Start slowing earlieras youapproach a stop.

Open up a larger cushionofspace ahead and to the sides.

Wait for larger gapsto cross,enter or merge in traffic.

Warn your passenger of specialconditions when you will pull out,stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over abump. Turn your head slightly to makeyourself understood, but keep your eyeson the road ahead.

Carrying Loads

Most motorcycles are not designedto carry much cargo. Small loads can becarried safely if positioned and fastenedproperly.

Keep the Load Low Fastenloads securely, or put them insaddlebags. Piling loads against asissybar or frame on the back of theseat raises the motorcycles centerof gravity and disturbs its balance.

Keep the Load Forward Placethe load over, or in front of, the rearaxle. Tankbags keep loads forward,

but use caution when loading hardor sharp objects. Make sure thetankbag does not interfere withhandlebars or controls. Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes. It can also cause a wobble.

Distribute the Load EvenlyLoad saddlebags with about the

same weight. An uneven load cancause the motorcycle to drift to oneside.


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Secure the Load Fasten the loadsecurely with elastic cords (bungeecords or nets). Elastic cords withmore than one attachment point

per side are more secure. A tightload wont catch in the wheel orchain, causing it to lock up and skid.Rope tends to stretch and knotscome loose, permitting the load toshift or fall.

Check the Load Stop and checkthe load every so often to makesure it has not worked loose or

moved.

GROUP RIDING

If you ride with others, do it in away that promotes safety and doesntinterfere with the flow of traffic.

Keep the Group Small

Small groups make it easier and saferfor car drivers who need to get around

them. A small number isnt separatedas easily by traffic or red lights. Riderswont always be hurrying to catch up.If your group is larger than four or fiveriders, divide it up into two or moresmaller groups.

Keep the Group Together

Plan The leader should lookahead for changes and signal earlyso the word gets back in plentyof time. Start lane changes early topermit everyone to complete thechange.

Put Beginners Up Front Placeinexperienced riders just behindthe leader. That way the moreexperienced riders can watch themfrom the back.

Follow Those Behind Letthe tailender set the pace. Useyour mirrors to keep an eye onthe person behind. If a rider fallsbehind, everyone should slow downa little to stay with the tailender.

Arizona Motorcycle Manual | Arizona Motorcycle Handbook

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Transcript of Arizona Motorcycle Manual | Arizona Motorcycle Handbook