Cycle Handbook[1]

8/6/2019 Cycle Handbook[1]

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WMH


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DMV Service Centershttp://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/about/locate/dmv/scmap.htm

DMV Web sitehttp://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/index.htm

Motorcycle Crash Factshttp://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/motorist/crashfacts/docs/motorcyclefacts.pdf

Motorcycle Licensehttp://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/types/motorcyc.htm

Motorcycle Safety (Motorcycle Safety Course information)http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/vehicle/motorcycle/index.htm

Motorcycle Training Sponsors and Locationshttp://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/vehicle/motorcycle/training.htm

Motorcyclists Handbookhttp://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/cycle-handbook.htm

Schedule a Skills Test Appointmenthttp://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/schedule.htm

WisDOT Web sitehttp://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/

For Skills Test appointments only:http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/schedule.htm

For other information or inquiries:http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/

Milwaukee/Waukesha area: (414) 266-1000All other areas: (800) 924-3570

State Patrol Posts(1) DeForest ....... (608) 846-8500 (5) Tomah ........ (608) 374-0513

(2) Waukesha ..... (262) 785-4700 (6) Eau Claire .. (715) 839-3800

(3) Fond du Lac .. (920) 929-3700 (7) Spooner ..... (715) 635-2141

(4) Wausau ......... (715) 845-1143

Take a rider courseGet skills test waivedIf you are applying for, or interested in applying for, a cycle license,we strongly recommend that you complete a cycle rider course (under certaincircumstances, a rider course is required). e Motorcycle Rider Course:Riding and Street Skil ls (basic rider course) is designed for beginning riders.e course was developed, and t he instructors are certied by the Motorcycle

Safety Foundation and approved by the Department of Transportation.e course is taug ht o-street, out of tra c, and motorcycles andhelmets are provided. For detailed information, visit the Web site.

Note: is manual is intended to inform the user of the Rules of the Road(Wisconsin state laws and Administrative Rules), as well as important safety tips.Information in this and other handbooks a nd manuals published by the Divisionof Motor Vehicles is not al l-inclusive and is subject to change at any timedue to new or revised laws.


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Passig ad Beig Passed............... 20

Passing ...............................................21

Being Passed .....................................21Lane Sharing ......................................21

Merging Cars..................................... 22

Cars Alongside .................................. 22

SEE ...................................................... 23

Search ............................................... 23

Evaluate ............................................ 23

Execute ............................................. 23

Itersectios ...................................... 24

Blind Intersections ............................ 25

Passing Parked Cars ........................ 26

Parking at the Roadside.................... 26

Icreasig Cospicity .....................27

Clothing ..............................................27

Headlight (s) .......................................27

Signals ................................................27Brake Light (s) ................................... 28

Using Your Mirrors ............................ 28

Head Checks ..................................... 29

Horn ................................................... 29

Riding at Night ................................... 29

Crash Aoidace ............................... 30

Quick Stops .......................................30

Swerving or Turning Quickly ..............31

Cornering ..........................................31

Hadig Dageros Srfaces ........ 33

Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ...... 33

Slippery Surfaces.............................. 34

Railroad Tracks, Trolley

Tracks and Pavement Seams............ 34

Grooves and Gratings ....................... 35

Mechaica Probems ....................... 35

Tire Failure......................................... 36

Stuck Throttle .................................... 36

Wobble .............................................. 36

Chain Problems ..................................37

Engine Seizure ...................................37

Aimas ................................................37

Fyig Obects .....................................37

Gettig Off the Road ......................... 38

Carryig Passegers ad Cargo ..... 38

Equipment ......................................... 38

Instructing Passengers ..................... 38

Riding with Passengers .................... 39

Carrying Loads .................................. 39

TABlE OF COnTEnTS

Preface ...................................................1

Wiscosi licesig Iformatio ..... 3

Reqiremets forMotorcyce Operatio ......................... 3

Type 1 Motorcycle ............................... 3

Type 2 Motorcycle ............................... 3

Motor Bicycle....................................... 3

Moped ................................................. 4

Cass M licese i For Steps .......... 5

1. Get Cycle Instruction Permit ........... 5

2. Practice Riding ................................ 5

3. Take Motorcycle Skills Test ............. 6

4. Obtain Class M License .................. 6

The Motorcyce Skis Test.................. 6

The Pre-test Inspection ....................... 6

The Skills Test ......................................7

Motorcyce laws .................................. 8lae Positio (Trig) ...................... 9

Farm Safety/Rra Driig ................ 10

Rairoad Crossigs ........................... 10

Preparig to Ride................................11

Wear the Right Gear ..........................11

Helmet Use.........................................11

Helmet Selection ................................11

Eye and Face Protect ion ................ ....12

Clothing ..............................................12

Kow Yor Motorcyce ...................... 13

The Right Motorcyce for Yo ........... 13

Borrowig ad ledig .................... 13

Get Familiar With the

Motorcycle Controls ...........................14Check Your Motorcycle ......................14

Kow Yor Resposibiities ............. 15

Ride Withi Yor Abiities ................ 16

Basic Vehicle Control ........................ 16

Body Position .................................... 16

Shifting Gears ....................................17

Braking ...............................................17

Turning ............................................... 18

Keepig yor distace ...................... 19

Lane Positions................................... 19

Following Another Vehicle ................ 19

Being Followed .................................. 20


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Grop Ridig ...................................... 39

Keep the Group Small ....................... 39

Keep the Group Together ................. 40Keep Your Distance .......................... 40

Single-File Formation.........................41

Beig i Shape to Ride ..................... 42

Why this Information

is Important ....................................... 42

Alcohol and Other Drugs

in Motorcycle Operation .................... 42

Alcohol in the Body ........................... 43

Alcohol Concentration ....................... 43

Alcohol and the Law .......................... 44

Alcohol Laws ..................................... 44

Minimize the Risks ............................ 45

Dont Drink or Use Drugs .................. 45

Step in to Protect Friends ................. 45

Fatige ................................................46Earig Yor licese ........................ 46

Sampe KowedgeTest Qestios ....................................47

O-Cyce Skis Test .......................... 48

Motorcyce Rider Corses................ 49

lear From the Pros ......................... 49

The Courses ...................................... 49

Instructors ......................................... 50

Provided For You............................... 50

You Provide ....................................... 50

Who Can Attend .................................51

Waier of Skis Test ...........................51

Poit Redctio ..................................51

Schedes ............................................51


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1

PREFACEMotorcycling can be an exciting way

to travel. While riding, a cyclist can hear,see and feel things a driver inside a

car cannot. But cycling calls for special

knowledge, skill, and constant attention.

The chances of being involved and

seriously injured in a trafc crash are

greater riding a cycle than driving a car.

A cycle is easily tipped over.y

Weather and road conditions often make cycling difcult.y

A cycle is small. Other drivers, looking for carsyand trucks, do not always see the cycle.

Other drivers often disregard the rights of cyclists.y

In a crash, a cycle offers little protection to the rider.y

2005 WISCOnSIn MOTORCYClE STATISTICS

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/motorist/crashfacts/docs/motorcyclefacts.pdf

Motorcycles were involved in 2.14% of motor vehicle crashes.yHowever, motorcycles were involved in 6.07% of injury

crashes, and they were involved in 13% of fatal crashes.

Licensed cyclists between 35 and 54 years of agey

accounted for 47.20% of motorcycle drivers in crashes.

39.13% of motorcyclists killed were 45 and older.

84.96% of all motorcycle crashes resultedyin injury. 3.40% resulted in a fatality.

75.82% of those killed were not wearing a helmet.y

Alcohol and speed were factors in 64.44% of all single unity

fatal crashes and 37.06% of all single unit non-fatal crashes.

Alcohol and/or speed were the primary contributingyfactor in 28.9% of single unit fatal crashes. 44.44%

of the drivers killed tested positive for alcohol.

The top ve possible contributing factors for injuries and fatalities were:

Inattentive drivingy

Speedingy

Driver condition (e.g. alcohol use, driving while sleepy, etc.)y

Driving, Meeting, Overtaking and Passingy

Failure to control (the motorcycle)y

Improe yor ridig skis ad ear from experieced riders.

Cosider takig a Motorcyce Rider Corse.See page 49 for more details.


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Studying this manual, taking a motorcycle rider course and practicing

your riding skills can reduce your risk and increase your safety.

This manual shows safe riding techniques and contains what you

need to know to pass the motorcycle knowledge test. You should

also study the Wisconsin Motorists Handbookfor safe driving

tips and additional information. However, these manuals are

not a complete statement of Wisconsin trafc law. For that you

should consult the general Statutes of the State of Wisconsin.

Many organizations worked together to develop

the material in the following pages:

Wisconsin Department of Transportationy

National Public Service Research Institutey

Motorcycle Safety Foundation, with support fromy

The National Highway Trafc Safety Administrationy

COnSIDER SAvInG A lIFE BY BECOMInG An ORGAn DOnOR

When you apply for or renew your ID card, instruction permit or driver

license, you will be asked if you want to be an organ donor in the event

of your death. If you answer yes, you should sign the back of your ID

card, instruction permit, or driver license. Be sure to also let your family

know of your wishes. If you change your mind at any time, simply cross

off your signature on the back of your ID card, permit or license.

The Department of Transportation intends for the products andservices it offers to be accessible to all. If you need accommodations

or do not understand any part of this publication, please e-mail

[email protected] call 608-266-2353.

Information in this and other handbooks and manuals

published by the Division of Motor Vehicles is subject to

change due to passage of new laws. For the latest information

visit our Web site or contact a DMV Service Center.

Visit our Web site at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov for more

information on driver licensing products and services. If youhave additional questions, e-mail them to driverrecords.

[email protected] call 608-266-2353.


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Exemptios to ridercorse reqiremetsfor persos der 18:

If you live more than 50 road milesfrom a basic rider course site.

If you have a valid motorcycle

license from another jurisdiction.

Non-residents must have appro-

priate licensing for motorcycle

operation from their home state.

New Wisconsin residents with

an out-of-state drivers license

authorizing operation of motorcyclesmay be able to get a Wisconsin

Class M license without taking

the knowledge or skills tests.

Residents of Wisconsin who plan

to operate any of the following

vehicles on public roads need

either a Class D (regular or special

restricted) or Juvenile license:

Type 2 MotorcycleA Type 2 motorcycle is:

A motor vehicle designed and builtto have at least three whees in

contact with the ground with a curb

weight less than 1,500 lbs. ad,

A passenger and operator areawith sides permanently enclosed

with rigid construction and a

top which may be convertible.

Examples of Type 2 vehicles

are motorized golf carts, Postal

Department mailsters, etc.

Motor BicycleA motor bicycle is a bicycleto which a power unit has been

added to permit travel at o moretha 30 mph on dry, level, hard

surface, with no wind, and

a 150 lb. operator.

WISCOnSIn lICEnSInG InFORMATIOn

REQuIREMEnTS FORMOTORCYClE OPERATIOnAll Wisconsin residents who plan

to operate a Type 1 motorcycle

on public roads must have a

Class M (motorcycle) license.

Most Class M license holders

also hold a Class Dcar and

light trucklicense. However, if

you want to operate only a Type

1 motorcycle, a motorcycle only

license is available. For more details,

e-mail the address or call the phonenumber listed on page 2 or inquire

at your local DMV Service Center.

Type 1 MotorcycleA Type 1 motorcycle is a motorvehicle capable of speeds in

excess of 30 mph on a dry level

hard surface road with no wind,

with a power source as an integral

part of the vehicle, while carrying

a 150 lb. operator AnD is one

of the following:

Designed and built with twoy

wheels in tandem, seatingfor the operator and may

have a side-car attached.

OR

Designed and built to havey

no more than 3 wheels,

seating for the operator and

no more than 3 passengers,

and does not have the

operator area enclosed.

uder 18 reqiremet:

Wisconsin residents under the

age of 18 must have proof that

they have completed driver

education and have successfully

complete a basic rider course to

be eligible for a Class M license.


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MopedA moped is any of the following

vehicles (excluding a tractor) capableof speeds ot more tha 30 mph,

with 150 lb. rider on a dry, level,

hard surface with no wind, a power

source as an integral part of the

vehicle, and a seat for the operator:

A bicycle-type vehicle with fully

operative pedals and an engine

certified by the manufacturer

at not more than 130 cc.

A Type 1 motorcycle with anautomatic transmission and engine

certified at not more than 50 cc.A Class M license or Motorcycle

Instruction Permit (CYCI) is not

required to operate these vehicles,

however a Class D is and safe

riding techniques as outlined in

this handbook should be followed.

For details on special licensing to

operate the above vehicles, contact

your local DMV Service Center.

* .....eye protection worn during hours of darknessmay not

be tinted or darkened. Wi. Stats.347.485(2)(emphasis added).

In other words, face shields, goggles, glasses worn at night must

be clear. Prescriptionphotosensitivecorrectivelenses are

acceptable. The wearing of other tinted or darkened eye protection

while operating a motorcycle during hours of darkness is illegal.

Reqired

Helmet, meeting standards,

if you are under 18 years

of age or if you have a

motorcycle instruction permit.

Eye protection (faceshield/goggles/glasses

or an approved windshield).*

All ages, all circumstances.

Recommeded

Helmet highly recommended

if you are 18 or older.

Gloves.

Jacket or shirt with

long sleeves.

Long pants.

Boots or shoes that

cover the ankles.

Face shield or gogglesare recommended for

better eye protection,

even if you have glassesor an approved windshield.*

PROTECTIvE GEAR FOR MOTORCYClE OPERATIOn


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ClASS M lICEnSEIn FOuR STEPS

1. Get Cycle Instruction PermitStudy this handbook.

Be at least 16.

If under 18, you must havesponsorship of a parent or

guardian, and you must have

proof you have completed

driver education.

If under 18, you must provide

proof of enrollment in a basic

rider course. To obtain proof of

enrollment, you will need to enroll

in a basic rider course (see list of

providers on pages 5254) and pay

the required course fees. Ask your

basic rider course provider for the

blue copy of DMV form MV3575

(Motorcycle Skills Test Waiver

Authorization), which you can

show at the DMV Service

Center as proof of enrollment.

Pass a test of knowledge

of traffic laws as they relate

to cycle operation.

Depending upon what otherinstruction permits or licenses

you have, or wish to have, youmay need additional tests such

as a Class D knowledge test,

highway signs test or vision

and hearing screening.

Upon meeting all requirementsand paying a fee, you will receive

a Cycle Instruction Permit (CYCI)

which is valid for 6 months.

If you complete a department-

approved basic rider course,

you are not required to hold

a motorcycle instruction

permit unless you do any

on-street practice riding.If you have held 3 CYCIs, you

must successfully complete, or be

enrolled in, a basic rider course

before applying for a 4th CYCI.

If you do not reside within50 highway miles, by the

most direct route, of a basicrider course site, you may

obtain a 4th CYCI without the

rider course requirement.

If you choose to take the basicrider course and nOT obtain

a CYCI prior to successfully

completing it, the fee for the

CYCI is not required when

you apply for your Class M.

2. Practice RidingYou mst wear an approved

helmet, with the chin strap properly

fastened, whether operating thecycle or riding as a passenger

(see Protective Gear).

You mst have eye protection

(see Protective Gear).

You may carry a licensed person

as a passenger. (However,

DMV does not recommend

carrying passengers until you

are experienced. See page 38.)

The licensed person must:

have at least 2 years licensedydriving experience.

have a Class M License.y

During hours of darkness,

you mst be accompanied

by a licensed person who:

is at least 25 years old.y

has at least 2 years licensedy

driving experience.

has a Class M license.y(The licensed person does

not need to be a passenger on

your cycle, but must be nearby).

Practice on low speed, lowtraffic volume streets first, then

gradually move to higher speed,

higher traffic volume streets andhighways as skill progresses.


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3. Take Motorcycle Skills Testor successfully complete an

approved basic motorcycle ridercourse, and present satisfactory

proof of course completion to the

driver license examiner. A basic

motorcycle rider course may be

required. See page 3 and 6.

Schedule an appointment for a

skills test (see inside front cover).

For the skills test, you must:

provide a cycle in safe, legalyoperating condition.

wear eye protection.y

wear an approved helmet.y

be at least 16.y

If you have failed 2 motorcycle-in-

trafc skills tests, and you still wish

to obtain a Class M license, you

must successfully complete a basic

rider course. Then, upon application,

your skills test will be waived.

4. Obtain Class M LicenseUpon satisfactory completion of

the skills test, or upon presentation

of a motorcycle skills test waiver

form, and payment of a fee, a Class

M license will be issued to you.

Note: Cycle riders with a physical

impairment or disability will need

to demonstrate their ability to

safely operate a motorcycle at

a DMV Service Center. This

evaluation will determine if

restrictions are necessary andcannot be waived by presenting a

motorcycle skills test waiver form.

THE MOTORCYClE SKIllS TEST

The Pre-test InspectionYour cycle will be inspected

before the test. The test will not

be given if any of the following

equipment defects are found:

Handlebars defective, repaired

or improvised, or handlebarsobviously rising more than 30

above the lowest part of the top

of the seat when occupied.

No headlight.

Defective mechanical signals(if cycle was manufactured with

signals, they must be installed

and operating).

Defective or no horn.

Inadequate seat.

Foot pegs or foot rest

for operator missing.

Defective/noisy muffler.

Defective brakes (front or rear).

Cycle must have both brakes if

manufactured with two brakes.

No brake light.

No speedometer.

Excessively worn tires (tire cord

visible or inadequate tread depth).

No left rear view mirror.

Expired or no registration.

After 30 days expiration, you

must show proof that you have

applied for registration.note: If you take the test on a three

wheel cycle you will be restricted

to operating on that type cycle.


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The Skills TestThe MotorcycleinTrafc Test is a

series of trafc situations designedto measure how you respond to

road and trafc conditions. You

will be given a small radio receiver

that is worn under the helmet. The

examiner will follow several car

lengths behind you, giving directions

over the radio. During the test, the

examiner will score your speed,

attention while riding, skill and

position in the lane and through

intersections, and a number of right

and left turns. The following possible

test situations will help you prepare:

Crossing a blind intersectionfrom a stop sign.

Turning at a blind intersection

from a stop sign.

Crossing an intersectionfrom a stop sign on a street

with 2-way traffic.

Turning right and left

from a stop sign.

Crossing blind intersectionwith right-of-way.

Turning at a blind intersection

with right-of-way.

Entering and leaving the

street or roadway.

Controlling speed.

Making a quick stop.

Changing lanes.

Making a U-turn.

Turning left from a one-way street.

Crossing an intersection on aone-way street from a stop sign.

Stopping and starting on a hill.

Turning left across traffic.

Preparing for oncoming vehiclesturning in front of cycle.

Stopping behind other vehicles.Observing behind thecycle using the mirrors.

Passing parked vehiclesor roadway hazards.

Meeting and being overtakenby other vehicles.

Observing properfollowing distance.

While you ride, the driver license

examiner will be observing your:

Use of front and rear brakes.

Observation of the traffic

and pedestrian scene.

Obeying stop signs, speedsigns and other laws.

Use of proper mini

lanes when turning.

Position for seeing and being seen.Use of turn signals, and

possibly hand signals.

Proper selection of gapswhen entering traffic or

turning across traffic.

Speed control.

Mirror usage and checking blindspots (use of head checks).

Keeping a properfollowing distance.

Lane selection and positionwithin the lane.

Foot position on pegs,

when in motion.

If you have any questions please

ask the driver license examiner.


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During darkness or times when

little light is available, eye protection

must not be tinted or darkened.When riding on a highway, headlight

and taillight must be on at all

times. During daylight hours, motor

driven cycles may be ridden to

a repair shop for replacement

of a defective headlamp.

Motor driven cycles may be equipped

with modulating headlamps and

deceleration warning lights.

Some Type 2 motorcycles or

mopeds may not be allowed on

highways. Check with your local

police department or State Patrol.

Operators of Type 2 vehicles are

subject to the same rules of the road

as Type 1 motorcycle operators,

with the following exceptions:

helmets and eye protection are not

required (they are, nevertheless,

highly recommended).

mopeds may be operated 2 abreastin a single lane oy where the

speed limit is 25 mph or less.

where speed limit is more

than 25 mph, mopeds may be

operated only single file, inextreme right-hand lane.

a moped may not carryany passengers.

When facing a red light, you may

proceed CAUTIOUSLY through

the intersection when the light

is still red if ALL of the following

conditions are present:

You reasonably believe the signal

is vehicle activated (if the signal

is timed, you may not proceed

through a red light no matter how

long it takes to change to green);

MOTORCYClE lAWSOnly motorcycles certied by the

federal government for highwayoperation are permitted on the

highway. Cycles cannot be attached

to any other moving vehicle unless

the cycle is being towed for repair.

Riding side saddle is forbidden.

A single passenger may ride upon

the motorcycle if the passenger:

rides on the seat designedfor passengers,

does not ride in front of

the operator, and

rests his/her feet on standard

equipment foot rests or pegs.(The passenger must

be tall enough so his/her

feet reach the pegs.)

More than one passenger may

ride upon the motorcycle if the

motorcycle is designed for more

than one passenger. See the

denition of a Type 1 motorcycle.

Motorcyclists are entitled to use a full

trafc lane. You may not ride in any

part of a lane occupied by another

vehicle except when two cyclists

agree to ride side by side in one lane.

Operators and passengers under

18 or with a cycle instruction permit

must wear approved helmets (U.S.

DOT standard at minimum) with

the chin straps properly fastened.

All operators must wear eye

protection except when the cycle

is equipped with a windshield rising

at least 15 above the handlebars.


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SElECT THE PROPER

lAnE POSITIOn

9

No other vehicles are presentto activate the signal;

You have stopped at the signalfor at least 45 seconds; and,

You yield right-of-way tovehicles proceeding through

on a green signal and to

pedestrians and bicycles in

the crosswalk or intersection.

A driver convicted of failure to yield

right-of-way (FYR) is required

to attend trafc safety school.

Type 1 motorcycles may park at

an angle in a parallel parking area.

If parallel or angle parking spaces

are marked, three cycles may parkin a space. If there is a parking meter

installed for the space, and parking

regulations are violated, the operator

of each cycle parked in the space

will receive a citation for violation

of time restriction (parking ticket).

Mopeds are considered bicycles

for the purposes of parking. Mopeds

may be parked on a sidewalk, in a

bike rack, or other area designated

for bicycle parking. They may not

impede the ow of pedestrian trafc.

Whe makig a RIGHTtr, yo shod positioyourself so trafc cannott between you and thecrb.In addition, you want tocontrol your lane of trafc so others

do not try to squeeze through on

the left side as well. However, you

will also need to evaluate the

condition of the roadwayloose

gravel, parked cars, etc., when

determining the best path.

For a LEFT turn, the approach

should be similar to prevent other

drivers from sharing your lane

or passing you in the turn.

lAnE POSITIOn (TuRnInG)You are entitled to full use of a

trafc lane. However, incorrectpositioning within the lane as you

approach a turn can be hazardous.

Knowing how to make a safe turn

is a vital part of safe riding.

Proper lane position will increase

visibility, communicate your intentions

and protect your lane. As you ride,

mentally divide your trafc lane

into thirds. As you approach the

turn, evaluate which path is safest.


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10

FARM SAFETY/RuRAl DRIvInG

You should be aware of specialhazards in rural areas of Wisconsin.

These may include slow moving

tractors, horse drawn wagons or

carriages, farm machinery exiting

elds or on the roadway, wide

machinery, debris on the road (such

as mud and manure), and livestock

on or crossing the highway. Farm

machinery operators may have

difculty seeing or hearing other

trafc, and the machinery may not

have brake lights or turn signals.

Be alert for deer, especially during

the dusk to dawn hours and when

you see Deer Crossing signs.Scan the sides of the road for motion

during the day and the reection of

your headlight in the eyes of deer at

night. Reduce speed and sound the

horn if you see a deer near the road.

There may be other deer nearby. If

you must avoid a deer, brake rst,

then swerve if necessary. Do not

combine braking with swerving.

Separate the two to maintain control.

RAIlROAD CROSSInGSMotorcyclists should approach

all highway-rail intersectionsVERY slowly and be alert to the

possibility of rough crossings.

Expect a train on any track

in any direction at every

highway-rail intersection.

Never ride onto a railroad crossing

until you are sure you can clear

the tracks on the other side

without stopping. Do not stop on

the tracks and DO NOT SHIFT

gears while crossing tracks.

If the gates are down, stay in your

lane and do not cross the tracksuntil the gates are raised and the

red lights stop ashing. It is against

the law to drive around gates.

When you are at a multiple-track

crossing and the last car of the

closest train passes by, before

starting to cross, look and listen

carefully for another train on another

track coming from either direction.

Trains appear to be moving much

slower than they are. Do not take

a chance and try to beat a train at

a crossing. If there is any doubt,stop and wait for the train to pass.

R R

CROSSIN

GRA

IL

ROAD


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11

PREPARInG TO RIDE

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

determining whether or not youll get where you want to go safely.

Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:

Wear the right gear.

Become familiar with the motorcycle.

Check the motorcycle equipment.

Be a responsible rider.

even one case in which a helmet

kept a rider from spotting danger.

Most crashes happen on shorttrips (less than five miles long), just

a few minutes after starting out.

Most riders are riding slower than

30 mph when a crash occurs.

At these speeds, helmets can

cut both the number and the

severity of head injuries by half.

No matter what the speed,

helmeted riders are three times

more likely to survive head

injuries than those not wearing

helmets at the time of the crash.

Helmet SelectionThere are two primary types

of helmets, providing two

different levels of coveragefull face and three-quarter.

Whichever style you choose,

you can get the most protection

by making sure that the helmet:

Meets U.S. Department ofTransportation (DOT) and state

standards. The Motorcycle Safety

Foundation (MSF) recommends

helmets with a label from the Snell

Memorial Foundation which gives

you an added assurance of quality.

Fits snugly, all the way around.

Has no obvious defects

such as cracks, loose

padding or frayed straps.

Wear the Right GearWhen you ride, your gear is right

if it protects you. In any crash,

you have a far better chance of

avoiding serious injury if you wear:

An approved helmet.

Face or eye protection.

Protective clothing.

Helmet UseCrashes are not rare events

particularly among beginning riders.

And one out of every ve motorcycle

crashes results in head or neck

injuries. Head injuries are just as

severe as neck injuriesand far

more common. Crash analyses

show that head and neck injuries

account for a majority of serious

and fatal injuries to motorcyclists.Research also shows that, with

few exceptions, head and neck

injuries are reduced by the proper

wearing of an approved helmet.

Some riders dont wear helmets

because they think helmets will

limit their view to the sides. Others

wear helmets only on long trips or

when riding at high speeds. Here

are some facts to consider:

An approved helmet lets you seeas far to the sides as necessary.

A study of more than 900 motor-

cycle crashes, where 40% of the

riders wore helmets, did not find


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12

Whatever helmet you decide on,

keep it securely fastened on your

head when you ride. Otherwise,if you are involved in a crash, its

likely to y off your head before

it gets a chance to protect you.

Eye and Face ProtectionA plastic shatter-resistant faceshield

can help protect your whole face in

a crash. It also protects you from

wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, and

pebbles thrown up from cars ahead.

These problems are distracting

and can be painful. If you have to

deal with them, you cant devote

your full attention to the road.Goggles protect your eyes, though

they wont protect the rest of your

face like a faceshield does. A

windshield is not a substitute for

a faceshield or goggles. Most

windshields will not protect your

eyes from the wind. Neither will

eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses

wont keep your eyes from watering,

and they might blow off when you

turn your 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 not blow off.Permit air to pass through,

to reduce fogging.

Permit enough room for eyeglassesor sunglasses, if needed.

Tinted eye protection should not

be worn at night or any other time

when little light is available.

ClothingThe 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 the motorcycle.

Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely. They

should fit snugly enough to keep

from flapping in the wind, yet

loosely enough to move freely.

Leather offers the most protection.

Sturdy synthetic material

provides a lot of protection as

well. Wear a jacket even in warm

weather to prevent dehydration.

Many are designed to protect

without getting you overheated,

even on summer days.


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13

Boots or shoes should be high andsturdy enough to cover your ankles

and give them support. Solesshould be made of hard, durable

slip resistant material. Keep heels

short so they do not catch on rough

surfaces. Tuck laces in so they

wont catch on your motorcycle.

Gloves allow a better grip andhelp protect your hands in a crash.

Your gloves should be made of

leather or similar durable material.

In cold or wet weather, your clothes

should keep you warm and dry, as

well as protect you from injury. You

cannot control a motorcycle well

if you are numb. Riding for long

periods in cold weather can cause

severe chill and fatigue. A winter

jacket should resist wind and t

snugly at the neck, wrists and waist.

Good-quality rainsuits designed for

motorcycle riding resist tearing apart

or ballooning up at high speeds.

1. Test Yourself

A plastic shatter-resistant face shield:

Is not necessary if youA. have a windshield.

Only protects your eyes.B.

Helps protect your whole face.C.

Answers appear on page 47.

KnOW YOuR MOTORCYClEThere are plenty of things on the

highway that can cause you trouble.

Your motorcycle should not be one

of them. To make sure that your

motorcycle wont let you down:

Read the owners manual first.

Start with the right

motorcycle for you.

Be familiar with themotorcycle controls.

Check the motorcyclebefore every ride.

Keep it in safe ridingcondition between rides.

Avoid add-ons and modifications

that make your motorcycle

harder to handle.

THE RIGHT MOTORCYClEFOR YOuFirst, make sure your motorcycle is

right for you. It should t you. Your

feet should reach the ground while

you are seated on the motorcycle.

At minimum, your street-legal

motorcycle should have:

Headlight, taillight and brakelight.

Front and rear brakes.

Turn signals.

Horn.

Two mirrors.

BORROWInG AnD lEnDInGBorrowers and lenders of

motorcycles, beware. Crashes are

fairly common among beginning

ridersespecially in the rst months

of riding. Riding an unfamiliarmotorcycle adds to the problem.

If you borrow a motorcycle, get

familiar with it in a controlled area.

And if you lend your motorcycle

to friends, make sure they are

licensed and know how to ride

before allowing them out into trafc.

No matter how experienced you

may be, ride extra carefully on any

motorcycle thats new or unfamiliar

to you. More than half of all crashes

occur on motorcycles ridden by the

operator for less than six months.


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Light Switch (high/low)

Choke (varies)

Turn-SignalSwitch

Ignition Key(varies)

Horn Button

Clutch Lever

Speedometer

& Odometer

Fuel Supply Valve(if equipped)

Gear-Change Lever

Engine Cut-offSwitch

ElectricStartButton

Throttle

Front Brake Lever

Tachometer(if equipped)

Rear Brake Pedal

Kick Starter(if equipped)

14

Get Familiar With theMotorcycle Controls

Make sure you are completelyfamiliar with the motorcycle before

you take it out on the street. Be sure

to review the owners manual. This is

particularly important if you are riding

a borrowed motorcycle. If you are

going to use an unfamiliar motorcycle:

Make all the checks you wouldon your own motorcycle.

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

headlight switch, fuel-control

valve, and engine cut-off switch.

Find and operate these itemswithout having to look for them.

Know the gear pattern. Work thethrottle, clutch, and brakes a few

times before you start riding. All

controls react a little differently.

Ride very cautiously and beaware of surroundings. Accelerate

gently, take turns more slowly, and

leave extra room for stopping.

Check Your MotorcycleA motorcycle needs more frequent

attention than a car. A minor

technical failure in a car seldom

leads to anything more than an

inconvenience for the driver.

MOTORCYClE COnTROlS

If somethings wrong with the

motorcycle, youll want to nd out

about it before you get in trafc.Make a complete check of your

motorcycle before every ride.


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15

Before mounting the motorcycle

make the following checks:

Tires : Check the air pressure,general wear and tread.

Fids : Oil and fluid levels.

At a minimum, check hydraulic

fluids and coolants weekly.

Look under the motorcycle

for signs of an oil or gas leak.

Headights ad Taiight :

Check them both. Test your

switch to make sure both high

and low beams are working.

Tr Sigas : Turn on both right

and left turn signals. Make sure

all lights are working properly.

Brake light : Try both brake

controls, and make sure each

one turns on the brake light.

Once you have mounted the

motorcycle, complete the following

checks before starting out:

Ctch ad Throtte : Make

sure they work smoothly. The

throttle should snap back

when you let go. The clutch

should feel tight and smooth.

Mirrors : Clean and adjust both

mirrors before starting. Its difficult

to ride with one hand while youtry to adjust a mirror. Adjust each

mirror so you can see the lane

behind and as much as possible of

the lane next to you. When properly

adjusted, a mirror may show the

edge of your arm or shoulder: but

its the road behind and to the

side thats most important.

Brakes : Try the front and

rear brake levers one at a time.

Make sure each one feels firm

and holds the motorcycle when

the brake is fully applied.

Hor : Try the horn.

Make sure it works.

In addition to the checks you should

make before every trip, check the

following items at least once a week:wheels, cables, fasteners, and

uid checks. Follow your owners

manual to get recommendations.

2. Test Yourself

More than half of all crashes:

Occur at speeds greaterA.

than 35 mph.

Happen at night.B.

Involve riders who haveC.ridden their motorcycles

less than six months.


KnOW YOuRRESPOnSIBIlITIES

Accident implies an unforeseen

event that occurs without anyones

fault or negligence. Most often

in trafc, that is not the case. In

fact, most people involved in a

crash can usually claim some

responsibility for what takes place.

Consider a situation where someone

decides to try to squeeze through anintersection on a yellow light turning

red. Your light turns green. You pull

into the intersection without checking

for possible latecomers. That is all

it takes for the two of you to tangle.

It was the drivers responsibility to

stop. And it was your responsibility

to look before pulling out. Neither

of you held up your end of the deal.

Just because someone else is the

rst to start the chain of events

leading to a crash, doesnt leave

any of us free of responsibility.


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16

As a rider you cant be sure that

other operators will see you or yield

the right of way. To lessen yourchances of a crash occurring:

Be isibe : wear proper clothing,

use your headlight, ride in the best

lane position to see and be seen.

Commicate yor itetios :

use the proper signals, brake

light, and lane position.

Maitai a adeqate

space cshio: following,

being followed, lane sharing,

passing and being passed.

Sca yor path of trae

12 seconds ahead.

Idetify ad separate

multiple hazards.

Be prepared to act :remain alert and know

how to carry out proper

crash-avoidance skills.

Blame doesnt matter when some-

one is injured in a crash. There is

rarely a single cause of any crash.

The ability to ride aware, make

critical decisions, and carry them

out separates responsible riders from

all the rest. Remember, it is up to you

to keep from being the cause of, or an

unprepared participant in, any crash.

RIDE WITHIn YOuR ABIlITIESThis manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed,

or balance. Thats something you can learn only through practice.

But control begins with knowing your abilities and riding within

them, along with knowing and obeying the rules of the road.

Basic Vehicle Control

Body PositionTo control a motorcycle well:

Postre : Sit so you can use

your arms to steer the motorcycle

rather than to hold yourself up.

Seat: Sit far enough forward

so that arms are slightly bent

when you hold the handlegrips.

Bending your arms permits

you to press on the handlebars

without having to stretch.

Hads : Hold the handlegrips

firmly to keep your grip over

rough surfaces. Start with your

right wrist flat. This will help you

keep from accidentally using too

much throttle. Also, adjust the

handlebars so your hands are

even with or below your elbows.

This permits you to use the proper

muscles for precision steering.

Kees : Keep your knees

against the gas tank to help

you keep your balance as

the motorcycle turns.

Feet : Keep your feet firmly

on the footpegs to maintain

balance. Dont drag your feet.If your foot catches on some-

thing, you can be injured and

it could affect your control

of the motorcycle. Keep your

feet near the controls so you

can get to them fast if needed.

Also, dont let your toes point

downwardthey may get

caught between the road

and the footpegs.


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17

Shifting GearsThere is more to shifting gears than

simply getting the motorcycle to pickup speed smoothly. Learning to use

the gears when downshifting, turning,

or starting on hills is important

for safe motorcycle operation.

Shift down through the gears

with the clutch as you slow or

stop. Remain in rst gear while

you are stopped so that you can

move out quickly if you need to.

BrakingYour motorcycle has two brakes

one each for the front and rearwheels. Use both of them at the

same time. The front brake is

more powerful and can provide at

least three-quarters of your total

stopping power. The front brake is

safe to use if you use it properly.

Remember

use both brakes every time you

slow or stop. Using both brakes

for even normal stops will permit

you to develop the proper habit or

skill of using both brakes properly

in an emergency. Squeeze thefront brake and press down on

the rear. Grabbing at the front

brake or jamming down on the

rear can cause the brakes to lock,

resulting in control problems.

If you kow the techiqe, using

both brakes in a turn is possible,

although it should be done very

carefully. When leaning the

motorcycle some of the traction is

used for cornering. Less traction

is available for stopping. A skid

can occur if you apply too much

brake. Also, using the frontbrake incorrectly on a slippery

surface may be hazardous.

Use caution and squeeze the

brake lever, never grab.

Some motorcycles haveitegrated brakig systems

that link the front and rear

brakes together by applying the

rear brake pedal. (Consult the

owners manual for a detailed

explanation on the operation and

effective use of these systems.)

HOlDInG HAnDlEGRIPS

Make certain you are riding slowly

enough when you shift into a lower

gear. If not, the motorcycle will

lurch, and the rear wheel may skid.

When riding downhill or shiftinginto rst gear you may need to use

the brakes to slow enough before

downshifting safely. Work towards

a smooth, even clutch release,

especially when downshifting.

It is best to change gears before

entering a turn. However, sometimes

shifting while in the turn is necessary.

If so, remember to do so smoothly.

A sudden change in power to the

rear wheel can cause a skid.

correct

icorrect


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18

TurningRiders often try to take curves

or turns too fast. When they canthold the turn, they end up crossing

into another lane of trafc or going

off the road. Or, they overreact

and brake too hard, causing a

skid and loss of control. Approach

turns and curves with caution.

Use four steps for better control:

SlOWy

lOOKy

lEAny

ROlly

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 the horizon.

lEAn: To turn, the motorcycle must

lean. To lean the motorcycle, press

on the handgrip in the direction of

the turn. Press leftlean leftgo

left. Press rightlean rightgo right.

Higher speeds and/or tighter turns

require the motorcycle to lean more.

ROll: Roll on the throttle through

the turn to stabilize suspension.

Maintain steady speed or accelerate

gradually through the turn. This will

help keep the motorcycle stable.

In normal turns, the rider and the

motorcycle should lean together

at the same angle.SlOW TuRnInG

3. Test Yourself

When riding, you should:

Turn your head and shouldersA.

to look through turns.Keep your knees awayB.from the gas tank.

Turn just your head and eyesC.

to look where you are going.


In slow tight turns, counterbalance

by leaning the motorcycle only

and keeping your body straight.

SlOW TuRnInG

nORMAl TuRnInG

SlOW TuRnInG


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19

KEEPInG YOuR DISTAnCEThe best protection you can

have is distancea cushionof spaceall around your

motorcycle. If someone else makes

a mistake, distance permits you:

Time to react.

Space to maeer.

Position yourself in the portion of

the lane where you are most likely

to be seen and you can maintain aspace cushion around you. Change

position as trafc situations change.

Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and

other potential problems are on

your left only. Remain in path 1 or 2

if hazards are on your right only. If

vehicles are being operated on both

sides of you, the center of the lane,

(path 2), is usually your best option.

The oily strip in the center portion that

collects drippings from cars is usually

no more than two feet wide. Unless

the road is wet, the average center

strip permits adequate traction to ride

on safely. You can operate to the left

or right of the grease strip and still be

within the center portion of the trafc

lane. Avoid riding on big buildups

of oil and grease usually found at

busy intersections or toll booths.

Following Another VehicleFollowing too closely is a major

factor in crashes involving

motorcyclists. In trafc, motorcycles

need as much distance to stop as

cars. A minimum of two seconds

following distance is recommended

under ideal driving conditions. Less

then perfect riding conditions require

increasing available time and space.

To gauge your following distance:

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

on or near the road ahead.

When the rear bumper of the

vehicle ahead passes the marker,

count off the seconds: one

thousand-one, one-thousand-two.

If you reach the marker

before you reach two, youare following too closely.

Lane PositionsIn some ways the size of the

motorcycle can work to your

advantage. Each trafc lane

gives a motorcycle three paths

of travel, as indicated in

the above illustration.

Your lane position should:

Increase your abilityto see and be seen.

Avoid others blind spots.

Avoid surface hazards.

Protect your lane from other drivers.

Communicate your intentions.

Avoid wind blast fromother vehicles.

Provide an escape route.

Select the appropriate path to

maximize your space cushion

and make yourself more easily

seen by others on the road.

In general, there is no single

best position for riders to be

seen and to maintain a spacecushion around the motorcycle.

No portion of the lane need be

avoidedincluding the center.

lAnE POSITIOnS


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20

A two-second following distance

leaves space to stop or swerve if the

driver ahead stops suddenly. It alsopermits a better view of potholes

and other hazards in the road.

A larger cushion of space is needed

if your motorcycle will take longer

than normal to stop. If the pavement

is slippery, if you cannot see through

the vehicle ahead or if trafc is heavy

and someone may squeeze in front of

you, open up more following distance.

Keep well behind the vehicle ahead

even when you are stopped. This

will make it easier to get out of the

way if someone bears down on youfrom behind. It will also give you a

cushion of space 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 lane should put your image in the

middle of the rearview mirrorwhere

a driver is most likely to see you.

Riding at the far side of a lane

may permit a driver to see you in

a sideview mirror. But remember

that most drivers dont look at

their sideview mirrors nearly as

often as they check the rearview

mirror. If the trafc situation allows,

the center portion of the lane is

usually the best place for you to

be seen by the drivers ahead and

to prevent lane sharing by others.

Being FollowedSpeeding up to lose someone

following too closely only endsup with someone tailgating

you at a higher speed.

A better way to handle tailgaters

is to get them in front of you. When

someone is following too closely,

change lanes and let them pass.

If you cant do this, slow down

and open up extra space ahead

of you to allow room for both you

and the tailgater to stop. This will

also encourage them to pass.

If they dont pass, you will have

given yourself and the tailgater more

time and space to react in case an

emergency does develop ahead.

PASSInG AnDBEInG PASSEDPassing and being passed by another

vehicle is not much different than

with a car. However, visibility is more

critical. Be sure other drivers see you,

and that you see potential hazards.

PASSInG


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21

PassingRide in the left portion of the1.

lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight and

make you more visible. Signal

and check for oncoming trafc.

Use your mirrors and turn your

head to look for trafc behind.

When safe, move into the left2.

lane and accelerate. Select

a lane position that doesnt

crowd the car you are passing

and provides space to avoid

hazards in your lane.

Ride through the blind spot3.

as quickly as possible.Signal again, and complete4.

mirror and headchecks before

returning to your original lane

and then cancel signal.

Being PassedWhen you are being passed from

behind or by an oncoming vehicle,stay in the center portion of your

lane. Riding any closer to them could

put you in a hazardous situation.

Avoid being hit by:

The other ehice : A slight

mistake by you or the passing

driver could cause a sideswipe.

Exteded mirrors : Some drivers

forget that their mirrors hang

out farther than their fenders.

Obects throw fromwidows: Even if the driver knows

youre there, a passenger may notsee you and might toss something

on you or the road ahead of you.

Basts of wid from argerehices: They can affect your

control. You have more room

for error if you are in the middle

portion when hit by this blast than

if you are on either side of the lane.

Do ot move into the portion of

the lane farthest from the passing

vehicle. It might invite the other driver

to cut back into your lane too early.

Lane SharingCars and motorcycles need a

full lane to operate safely. Lane

sharing is usually prohibited.

Riding between rows of stopped

or moving cars in the same lane

can leave you vulnerable to the

unexpected. A hand could come out

of a window; a door could open; a car

could turn suddenly. Discourage lane

sharing by others. Keep a center-

portion position whenever drivers

might be tempted to squeeze by you.

Drivers are most tempted to do this:In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic.

When they want to pass you.

When you are preparing toturn at an intersection.

Remember, passes mst

be competed withi posted

speed imits, ad oy wherepermitted. Kow yor sigs

ad road markigs!

BEInG PASSED


26/64

22

When you are getting in an exitlane or leaving a highway.

Merging CarsDrivers on an entrance ramp may not

see you on the highway. Give them

plenty of room. Change to another

lane if one is open. If there is no room

for a lane change, adjust speed to

open up space for the merging driver.

Cars AlongsideDo not ride next to cars or trucks in

other lanes i f you do not have to. You

might be in the blind spot of a car in

the next lane, which could switch into

your lane without warning. Cars in

the next lane also block your escape

if you come upon danger in your own

lane. Speed up or drop back to nd

a place clear of trafc on both sides.

MERGInG

4. Test Yourself

Usually, a good way tohandle tailgaters is to:

Change lanes andA.let them pass.

Use your horn and makeB.obscene gestures.

Speed up to put distanceC.between you and the tailgater.


BlInD SPOTS


27/64


28/64

24

of-way. Cars that turn left in front of

you, including cars turning left from

the lane to your right, and cars onside streets that pull into your lane,

are the biggest dangers. Your use

of SEE at intersections is critical.

There are no guarantees that others

see you. Never count on eye contact

as a sign that a driver will yield.

Too often, a driver looks right at a

motorcyclist and still fails to see him.

The only eyes that you can count on

are your own. If a car can enter your

path, assume that it will. Good riders

are always looking for troublenot

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

Increase your chances of being

seen at intersections. Ride with

your headlight on in a lane position

that provides the best view of

oncoming trafc. Provide a space

cushion around the motorcycle that

permits you to take evasive action.

5. Test Yourself

To reduce your reactiontime, you should:

Ride slower thanA.

the speed limit.

Cover the clutchB.

and the brakes.

Shift into neutralC.

when slowing.


InTERSECTIOnSThe greatest potential for conict

between you and other trafc is at

intersections. An intersection can

be in the middle of an urban area

or at a driveway on a residential

streetanywhere trafc may cross

your path of travel. Over one-half of

motorcycle/car crashes are caused

by drivers entering a riders right-

lARGE InTERSECTIOnS


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25

As you approach the intersection,select a lane position to increase

your visibility to the driver. Cover

the clutch and both brakes

to reduce reaction time.

Reduce your speed as you

approach an intersection. After

entering the intersection, move

away from vehicles preparing to

turn. Do not radically change speed

or position. The driver might think

that you are preparing to turn.

Blind IntersectionsIf you approach a blind intersection,

move to the portion of the lane that

will bring you into another drivers

eld of vision at the earliest possible

moment. In this picture, the rider

has moved to the left portion of the

laneaway from the parked car

so the driver on the cross street

can see him as soon as possible.

Remember, the key is to be seen as

soon as possible and remain visible

to others while protecting your space.

If you have a stop sign or stop line,

stop there rst. Then edge forward

and stop again, just short of where

the crosstrafc lane meets your lane.

From that position, lean your body

forward and look around buildings,

parked cars, or bushes to see if

anything is coming. Just make sure

your front wheel stays out of the cross

lane of travel while youre looking.

SMAll InTERSECTIOnS BlInD InTERSECTIOnS

STOP lInE


30/64

26

Passing Parked CarsWhen passing parked cars, stay

toward the left of your lane. Youcan avoid problems caused by

doors opening, drivers getting out

of cars, or people stepping from

between cars. If oncoming trafc

is present, it is usually best to

remain in the center-lane position

to maximize your space cushion.

A bigger problem can occur

if the driver pulls away from

the curb without checking for

trafc behind. Even if he does

look, he may fail to see you.

In either event, the driver mightcut into your path. Slow down

or change lanes to make room

for someone cutting in.

Cars making a sudden U-turn are

the most dangerous. They may cut

you off entirely, blocking the whole

roadway and leaving you with no

place to go. Since you cant tell what

a driver will do, slow down and get

the drivers attention. Sound your

horn and continue with caution.

Parking at the Roadside

Park at a 90o angle to the curb withyour rear wheel touching the curb.

6. Test Yourself

Making eye contactwith other drivers:

Is a good sign they see you.A.

Is not worth the effort it takes.B.

Doesnt mean thatC.

the driver will yield.


PARKED CARS

PARKInG AT CuRBS


31/64

SIGnAlInG

27

InCREASInGCOnSPICuITYIn crashes with motorcyclists, driversoften say that they never saw the

motorcycle. From ahead or behind, a

motorcycles outline is much smaller

than a cars. Also, its hard to see

something you are not looking for,

and most drivers are not looking for

motorcycles. More likely, they are

looking through the skinny, two-

wheeled silhouette in search of cars

that may pose a problem to them.

Even if a driver does see you coming,

you arent necessarily safe. Smaller

vehicles appear farther away, andseem to be traveling slower than they

actually are. It is common for drivers

to pull out in front of motorcyclists,

thinking they have plenty of time.

Too often, they are wrong.

However, you can do many things

to make it easier for others to

recognize you and your cycle.

ClothingMost crashes occur in broad

daylight. Wear bright colored

clothing to increase your chances

of being seen. Remember, yourbody is half of the visible surface

area of the rider/motorcycle unit.

Bright orange, red, yellow or green

jackets or vests are your best

bets for being seen. Your helmet

can do more than protect you in

a crash. Brightly colored helmets

can also help others see you.

Any bright color is better than

drab or dark colors. Reective,

bright colored clothing (helmet

and jacket or vest) is best.

Reective material on a vest andon the sides of the helmet will help

drivers coming from the side spot

you. Reective material can also

be a big help for drivers coming

toward you or from behind.

Headlight(s)The best way to help others see

your motorcycle is to keep the

headlight(s) onat all times

(although motorcycles sold in the

U.S. since 1978 automatically have

the headlights on when running.)

Studies show that, during the day, a

motorcycle with its light(s) on is twice

as likely to be noticed. Use of the

high beam during the day increases

the likelihood that oncoming drivers

will see you. Use low beam at night,in inclement weather and when

meeting and following other trafc.

SignalsThe signals on a motorcycle are

similar to those on a car. They

tell others what you plan to do.


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However, due to a riders added

vulnerability, signals are even more

important. Use them anytime youplan to change lanes or turn. Use

them even when you think no

one else is around. Its the car

you dont see thats going to give

you the most trouble. Your signal

lights also make you easier to

spot. Thats why its a good idea to

use your turn signals even when

what you plan to do is obvious.

When you enter onto a freeway,

drivers approaching 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 and

frustration for the trafc around

you. Once you turn, make sure

your signal is off or a driver may

pull directly into your path, thinking

you plan to turn again. Use your

signals at every turn so drivers

can react accordingly. Dont make

them guess what you intend to do.

Brake Light(s)Your motorcycles brake lights is/are

usually not as noticeable as the brakelights on a carparticularly when

your taillight(s) is/are on. (It/They

goes/go on with the headlight(s)).

If the situation will permit, help

others notice you by ashing your

brake light(s) before you slow

down. It is especially important to

ash your brake light(s) before:

You slow more quickly thanothers might expect (turning

off a high-speed highway).

You slow where others may

not expect it (in the middle

of a block or at an alley).

If you are being followed closely, its

a good idea to ash your brake light

before you slow. The tailgater may be

watching you and not see something

ahead that will make you slow down.

This will hopefully discourage themfrom tailgating and warn them of

hazards ahead they may not see.

Using Your MirrorsWhile its most important to keep

track of whats happening ahead,

you cant afford to ignore situations

behind. Trafc conditions change

quickly. Knowing whats going

on behind is essential for you

to make a safe decision about

how to handle trouble ahead.

Frequent mirror checks should

be part of your normal scanningroutine. Make a special point

of using your mirrors:

Whe yo are stopped at an

intersection. Watch cars coming

up from behind. If the driver isnt

paying attention, he could be on

top of you before he sees you.

Before yo chage aes . Make

sure no one is about to pass you.

uSInG MIRRORS


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29

Before yo sow dow . The driver

behind may not expect you to slow,

or may be unsure about where youwill slow. For example, you signal

a turn and the driver thinks you

plan to turn at a distant intersection,

rather than at a nearer driveway.

Some motorcycles have rounded

(convex) mirrors. These provide a

wider view of the road behind than

do 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 you are 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 you

came.)Practice with your mirrors

until you become a good judge of

distance. Even then, allow extra

distance before you change lanes.

Head ChecksChecking 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, check

the far lane and the one next to you.

A driver in the distant lane may head

for the same space you plan to take.

Frequent head checks should

be your normal scanning routine,

also. Only by knowing what is

happening all around you, are

you fully prepared to deal with it.

HornBe ready to use your horn to

get someones attention quickly.

It is a good idea to give a quick

beep before passing anyone

that may move into your lane.

Here are some situations:

A drier i the ae ext to yo

is driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass.

A parked car has someone

in the drivers seat.

Someoe is i the street ,

riding a bicycle or walking.

In an emergency, press the horn

button loud and long. Be ready to

stop or swerve away from the danger.

Keep in mind that a motorcycles

horn isnt as loud as a cars,

therefore, use it, but dont rely

on it. Other strategies may be

appropriate along with the horn.

Riding at NightAt night it is harder for you to see

and be seen. Picking your headlight

or taillight out of the car lights

around you is not easy for other

drivers. To compensate, you should:

Redce Yor Speed : Ride even

slower than you would during the

dayparticularly on roads you

dont know well. This will increase

your chances of avoiding a hazard.

Icrease Distace : Distances

are harder to judge at night thanduring the day. Your eyes rely upon

shadows and light contrasts to

determine how far away an object

is and how fast it is coming. These

contrasts are missing or distorted

under artificial lights at night. Open

up a greater following distance than

during daylight. And allow more

distance to pass and be passed.

use the Car Ahead : The

headlights of the car ahead

can give you a better view of

the road than even your high

beam can. Taillights bouncing

up and down can alert you to

bumps or rough pavement.


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REAR

FRONT

BOTH

30

The following information

offers some good advice.

Quick StopsTo stop quickly, apply both brakes

at the same time. Dont be shy about

using the front brake, but dont grab

it, either. Squeeze the brake lever

rmly and progressively. If the front

wheel locks, release the front brake

immediately then reapply it rmly.

At the same time, press down on the

rear brake. If you accidentally lock

the rear brake on a good traction

surface, keep it locked until you have

completely stopped. Even with a

locked rear wheel, you can controlthe motorcycle on a straightaway if it

is upright and going in a straight line.

use Yor High Beam :

Get all the light you can. Use

your high beam whenever youare not following or meeting a

car. Be visible, wear reflective

materials when riding at night.

Be fexibe abot ae positio.Change to whatever portion

of the lane is best able to help

you see, be seen, and keep

an adequate space cushion.

7. Test Yourself

Refective clothing should:

Be worn at night.A.

Be worn during the day.B.

Be worn day and night.C.


CRASH AvOIDAnCENo matter how careful you are, there

will be times when you nd yourself

in a tight spot. Your chances of

getting out safely depend on your

ability to react quickly and properly.

Often, a crash occurs because a

rider is not prepared or skilled in

crash-avoidance maneuvers.Know when and how to stop or

swerve, two skills critical to avoiding

a crash. It is not always desirable

or possible to stop quickly to avoid

an obstacle. Riders must also be

able to swerve around an obstacle.

Determining the skill necessary for

the situation is important as well.

Studies show that most

crashinvolved riders:

uderbrake the front tire

and overbrake the rear.

Did ot separate brakig

fromswerving or did not choose

swerving when it was appropriate.

Always use both brakes at the

same time to stop. The front

brake can provide 70% or more

of the potential stopping power.

If you must stop quickly while turning

or riding a curve, the best technique

is to straighten the bike upright rst

and then brake. However, it may

not always be possible to straighten

the motorcycle and then stop. If

you must brake while leaning, apply

light brakes and reduce the throttle.As you slow, you can reduce your

lean angle and apply more brake

STOPPInG DISTAnCE


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31

pressure until the motorcycle is

straight and maximum brake pressure

is possible. You should straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet

of stopping, the motorcycle should

then be straight up and in balance.

Swerving or Turning QuicklySometimes you may not have enough

room to stop, even if you use both

brakes properly. An object might

appear suddenly in your path. Or the

car ahead might squeal to a stop. The

only way to avoid a crash may be to

turn quickly, or swerve around it.

A swerve is any sudden change in

direction. It can be two quick turns,or a rapid shift to the side. Apply a

small amount of hand pressure to the

handgrip located on the side of your

intended direction of escape. This

will cause the motorcycle to lean

quickly. The sharper the turn(s), the

more the motorcycle must lean.

Keep your body upright and allow

the motorcycle to lean in the

direction of the turn while keepingyour knees against the tank and

your feet solidly on the pegs. Let

the motorcycle move underneath

you. Make your escape route the

target of your vision. Press on the

opposite handgrip once you clear

the obstacle to return to your original

direction of travel. To swerve to the

left, press the left handgrip, then

press the right to recover. To swerve

to the right, press right, then left.

IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED,

SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING.

Brake before or after

never while swerving.

CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle

crashes is motorcyclists running

wide in a curve or turn and colliding

with the roadway or a xed object.

Every curve is different. Be alert

to whether a curve remains

constant, gradually widens, gets

tighter, or involves multiple

turns. Ride within your skill level

and posted speed limits.

SWERvE, THEn BRAKE

BRAKE, THEn SWERvE


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Your best path may not always follow

the curve of the road. Change lane

position depending on trafc, roadconditions and curve of the road. If no

trafc is present, start at the outside

of a curve to increase your line of

sight and the effective radius of the

turn. As you turn, move toward the

inside of the curve, and as you pass

the center, move to the outside to exit.

Another alternative is to move

to the center of your lane before

entering a curveand stay there

until you exit. This permits you

to spot approaching trafc as soon

as possible. You can also adjust

for trafc crowding the center line,

or debris blocking part of your lane.

COnSTAnT CuRvES

WIDEnInG CuRvES

MulTIPlE CuRvES

DECREASInG CuRvES

(TIGHTER TuRnS)


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OBSTAClES

8. Test Yourself

The best way to stopquickly is to:

Use the front brake only.A.

Throttle down and useB.

the front brake.

Use both brakesC.at the same time.


HAnDlInG DAnGEROuSSuRFACESYour chance of falling or being

involved in a crash increaseswhenever you ride across:

Uneven surfaces or obstacles.

Slippery surfaces.

Railroad tracks.

Grooves and gratings.

Uneven Surfacesand ObstaclesWatch for uneven surfaces such as

bumps, broken pavement, potholes,

or small pieces of highway trash.

33

Try to avoid obstacles by slowing or

going around them. If you must go

over the obstacle, rst, determine ifit is possible. Approach it at as close

to a 90angle as possible. Look

where you want to go to control

your path of travel. If you have to

ride over the obstacle, you should:

Slow down as much aspossible before contact.

Make sure the motorcycleis straight.

Rise slightly off the seat withyour weight on the footpegs

to absorb the shock with your

knees and elbows, and avoid

being thrown off the motorcycle.

Just before contact, roll

on the throttle slightly to

lighten the front end.

If you ride over an object on the

street, pull off the road and check

your tires and rims for damage

before riding any farther.


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Slippery SurfacesMotorcycles handle better when

ridden on surfaces that permitgood traction. Surfaces that

provide poor traction include:

Wet paemet , particularly

just after it starts to rain and

before surface oil washes

to the side of the road.

Grae roads , or where

sand and gravel collect.

Md, sow, ad ice.

lae markigs, steepates ad mahoe coers,

especially when wet.

To ride safely on slippery surfaces:Redce Speed : Slow down

before you get to a slippery

surface to lessen your chances of

skidding. Your motorcycle needs

more distance to stop. And, it is

particularly important to reduce

speed before entering wet curves.

Aoid Sdde Moes: Any

sudden change in speed or

direction can cause a skid. Be

as smooth as possible when you

speed up, shift gears, turn or brake.

use Both Brakes : The front

brake is still effective, even ona slippery surface. Squeeze the

brake lever gradually to avoid

locking the front wheel. Remember,

gentle pressure on the rear brake.

The ceter of a ae can be

hazardous when wet. When

it starts to rain, ride in the tire

tracks left by cars. Often, the

left tire track will be the best

position, depending on traffic and

other road conditions as well.

Watch for oi spots when you

put your foot down to stop or

park. You may slip and fall.

Dirt ad grae collect along

the sides of the road: especially

on curves and ramps leading to

and from highways. Be aware

of whats on the edge of the

road, particularly when makingsharp turns and getting on or

off freeways at high speeds.

Rai dries ad sow mets

faster on some sections of

a road than on others. Patches

of ice tend to crop up in low or

shaded areas and on bridges

and overpasses. Wet surfaces

or wet leaves are just as slippery.

Ride in the least slippery portion

of the lane and reduce speed.

Cautious riders steer clear of

roads covered with ice or snow.

If you cant avoid a slippery surface,

keep your motorcycle straight up

and proceed as slowly as possible.

If you encounter a large surface

so slippery that you must coast,

or travel at a walking pace, consider

letting your feet skim along the

surface. If the motorcycle starts

to fall, you can catch yourself.

Be sure to keep off the brakes.

If possible, squeeze the clutch and

coast. Attempting this maneuver at

anything other than the slowest of

speeds could prove hazardous.

Railroad Tracks, TrolleyTracks and Pavement SeamsUsually it is safer to ride straight

within your lane to cross tracks.

Turning to take tracks head-on

(at a 90angle) can be more

dangerousyour path may carry

you into another lane of trafc.

CROSS TRACKS-RIGHT


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Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge

gratings may cause a motorcycle

to weave. The uneasy, wandering

feeling is generally not hazardous.

Relax, maintain a steady speed and

ride straight across. Crossing at an

angle forces riders to zigzag to stayin the lane. The zigzag is far more

hazardous than the wandering feeling.GRATE CROSSInGSRIGHT

For track and road seams that run

parallel to your course, move far

enough away from tracks, ruts, or

pavement seams to cross at an angle

of at least 45. Then, make a quick,

sharp turn. Edging across could catch

your tires and throw you off balance.

CROSS TRACKS-WROnG

PARAllEl TRACKS-RIGHT

GRATE CROSSInGS-RIGHT

GRATE CROSSInGS-WROnG

PARAllEl TRACKS-WROnG

9. Test Yourself

When it starts to rainit is usually best to:

Ride in the center of the lane.A.

Pull off to the sideB.

until the rain stops.

Ride in the tireC.

tracks left by cars.


MECHAnICAl PROBlEMSYou can nd yourself in an

emergency the moment something

goes wrong with your motorcycle.

In dealing with any mechanical

problem, take into account the

road and trafc conditions you

face. Here are some guidelines

that can help you handle

mechanical problems safely.


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After you have stopped, check

the throttle cable carefully to nd

the source of the trouble. Makecertain the throttle works freely

before you start to ride again.

WobbleA wobble occurs when the front

wheel and handlebars suddenly

start to shake from side to side

at any speed. Most wobbles can

be traced to improper loading,

unsuitable accessories, or incorrect

tire pressure. If you are carrying a

heavy load, lighten it. If you cant,

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

the settings recommended for that

much weight. Make sure windshields

and fairings are mounted properly.

Check for poorly adjusted steering;

worn steering parts; a front wheel that

is bent, misaligned, or out of balance;

loose wheel bearings or spokes;

and swingarm bearings. If none of

these are determined to be the cause,

have the motorcycle checked out

thoroughly by a qualied professional.

Trying to accelerate out of a wobble

will only make the motorcycle

more unstable. Instead:

Grip the hadebars firmy ,

but dont fight the wobble.

Cose the throtte grada y

to slow down. Do not apply

the brakes; braking could

make the wobble worse.

Moe yor weight as far

forward and down as possible.

P off the road as soon as

you can to fix the problem.

Tire FailureYou wi

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