Nebraska 2011

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Dave Heineman

Governor

OFFICEOFTHE GOVERNOR

STATEOF NEBRASKA

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Dear Fellow Drivers:

Thank you for taking the time to review the Nebraska Motorcycle Manual. The

information in this booklet is designed to help you study for the motorcycle written

and driving tests. I know that you will find the manual useful. The manual is also

available via the Department of Motor Vehicle's Web site at www.dmv.ne.gov.

By reviewing the information in this manual you will increase your chances of

passing the motorcycle test. You may also learn more about driving safely on our

roads. These days Nebraskans are driving more vehicles, more miles. This

increased traffic generally equates to higher crash rates. By being informed and by

following the laws and rules of the road, you can reduce the likelihood that you will

be involved in a crash.

I wish you safe travels as you drive the many beautiful roads and highways of

Nebraska. I also urge you to review the information in this manual from time to

time for the safety of all who share our roads.

Sincerely,

Dave Heineman

Governor

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NEBRASKA SPECIFICS A

GENERAL INFORMATION

Please review the Nebraska Drivers Manual in conjunction with

this manual. It contains important inormation regarding proo oidentifcation, address verifcation and licensing requirements thathave not been duplicated here. This inormation is also available onthe Department o Motor Vehicles website at: www.dmv.ne.gov/examining.

The DMV sends renewal notices to individuals 90 days prior tothe expiration o their current operators license, commercial driverslicense or state identifcation card. To speed up the renewal process,

please present this renewal notice to Driver Licensing Sta at the timeo renewal. The renewal notice should be reviewed and updated priorto that time.

Individuals who cannot present a renewal notice will be requiredto complete a DMV data orm. For your convenience, a detachabledata orm has been inserted into the centerold o this manual oryour completion prior to visiting the Driver Licensing Ofce.

A Z-125 cc or less restriction will be placed on the license whenthe motorcycle used to take the drive test has 125 cubic centimetersor less. Other restrictions as determined by Driver Licensing Sta mayalso be placed on the license.

The written motorcycle test (i required) must be passed beorethe motorcycle skills test is administered. Please check our website orcontact your local Driver Licensing Ofce to fnd out when motorcycle

skills tests are administered and i an appointment is needed.

Motorcycle skills testing will not be administered during inclementweather or i Driver Licensing Sta determine the saety o the rideror examiner is at risk.

NOTE:A moped is dened as a bicycle with fully operative pedalsfor propulsion by human power, an automatic transmission and amotor not exceeding 50 ccs that produces no more than two brake

horsepower at a maximum design speed of no more than 30 miles perhour. A Class O (car) license is required to operate a moped on publicroadways.

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B NEBRASKA SPECIFICS

MOTORCYCLE LAWS

A motorcycle as defned by Nebraska law is a motor vehicle having

a seat or saddle or the use o the driver and designed to travel on notmore than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding atractor.

All motorcycles and moped operators and passengers are requiredto wear a protective helmet that has been manuactured tomeet the standards o the U.S. Department o Transportation.Anyone in violation o the helmet law will be guilty o a trafcinraction and fned fty dollars. (For more inormation on

approved helmets, contact the Department o Motor Vehicles.)

A list o protective helmets that comply with 218 Federal MotorVehicle Saety Standard can be ound by accessing the ollowingwebsite: www.dmv.ne.gov/highwaysaety/areas/mchelmetlist06.html.

Any person who operates a motorcycle shall ride only upon apermanent and regular seat, and shall not carry any passengerunless it is designed to carry more than one person.

Any person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sittingastride the seat, acing orward.

No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package,bundle, or other article which prevents him or her rom keepingboth hands on the handlebars.

No operator shall carry any person in a position that will intererewith the operation or control o the motorcycle or the vision othe operator.

The operator o a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in thesame lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes o trafc or

between adjacent lines or rows o vehicles. No person who rides upon a motorcycle shall attach himsel or

the motorcycle to any other vehicle on a roadway.

Any motorcycle which carries a passenger, other than in a sidecar or enclosed cab, shall be equipped with ootrests or thepassenger.

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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 ve 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 aresome facts to consider:

A DOT compliant helmet letsyou see as far to the sides as

necessary. A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes, where40% of the riders wore helmets,did not nd even one case in whicha helmet kept a rider from spottingdanger.

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

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

No matter what the speed, helmetedriders are three times more likely tosurvive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of the

crash. The single most important thingyou 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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5

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

Fits snugly, all the way around.

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

Whatever helmet you decide on, keepit securely fastened on your head whenyou ride. Otherwise, if you are involvedin a crash, its likely to y off your head

before 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 be

painful. 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. Neitherwill 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 free of scratches.

Be resistant to penetration.

Give a clear view to either side.

Fasten securely, so it does notblow off.

Permit air to pass through, toreduce fogging.

Permit enough room foreyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

Tinted eye protection should not 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 t snugly enough to keepfrom apping in the wind, yet

loosely 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 shoes should 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.

Gloves allow a better grip and helpprotect 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 periods

in cold weather can cause severe chilland fatigue. A winter jacket shouldresist wind and t 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:

Read the owners manual rst.

Start with the right motorcycle foryou.

Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols.

Check the motorcycle before everyride.

Keep it in safe riding conditionbetween rides.

Avoid add-ons and modicationsthat make your motorcycle harder

to handle.

The Right Motorcycle For You

First, make sure your motorcycle isright for you. It should t you. Yourfeet should reach the ground 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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7

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 rst 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 trafc.

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 ve 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 checks you 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 cautiously and 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 nd outabout it before you get in trafc. 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 uid levels. At aminimum, check hydraulic uidsand 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 difcultto 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 rm 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 uidlevels. Follow your owners manual toget recommendations.

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9

KNOW YOUr

reSPONSiBiLitieS

Accident implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without anyones faultor negligence. Most often in trafc, 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 rst 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 intentions use the proper signals, brake lightand lane position.

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

Search your path of travel 12

seconds ahead. Identify and separate multiple

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 thanve 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 your

arms 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 handgripsrmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces. Start with your rightwrist at. 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 rmly on thefootrests to maintain balance. Dontdrag your feet. If your foot catcheson 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 with

the clutch as you slow or stop. Remainin rst 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 rst 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 can

provide at least three-quarters of yourtotal stopping power. The front brake issafe to use if you use it properly.

Remember:

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

and squeeze the brake lever, nevergrab.

Some motorcycles have 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 trafc 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. Turn

just your head, not your shoulders,and keep your eyes level with thehorizon.

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

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

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

Your lane position should:

Increase your ability to see and beseen.

Avoid others blind spots.

Avoid surface hazards.

Protect your lane from otherdrivers.

Communicate your intentions.

Avoid wind blast from othervehicles.

Provide an 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 themotorcycle. 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 trafc 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 traction

to ride on safely. You can operate tothe left or right of the grease strip andstill be within the center portion of thetrafc 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 trafc, motorcycles need as muchdistance to stop as cars. Normally, aminimum of two seconds distanceshould 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 bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker,count off the seconds: one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two.

If you reach the marker beforeyou reach two, you are followingtoo closely.

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

A larger cushion of space is 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 trafc is heavyand someone may squeeze in front ofyou, open up a three-second or morefollowing distance.

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

mirror. But remember that most driversdont look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror. If the trafc 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 a

car. 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 portion of thelane at a safe following distance

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

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

3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible.

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

Remember, passes must be

completed within posted speedlimits, and only where permittedKnow 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 forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side ofthe lane.

Do not move 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 position

whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you. Drivers are mosttempted to do this:

In heavy, bumper-to-bumpertrafc.

When they want to pass you.

When you are preparing to turn atan intersection.

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

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 come

upon danger in your own lane. Speedup or drop back to nd a place clear oftrafc 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 SEESM strategy, a three-step process used to make appropriate

judgments, and apply them correctly indifferent trafc 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 eliminate

or reduce harm. Focus even more onnding potential escape routes in oraround intersections, shopping areasand school and construction zones.

Search for factors such as:

Oncoming trafc that may turnleft in front of you.

Trafc coming from the left and

right. Trafc approaching from behind.

Hazardous road conditions.

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

EvaluateThink about how hazards can interact

to 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 mayinuence your riding strategy.

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

Vehicles and other trafc Maymove into your path and increasethe 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:

Communicate your presence withlights and/or horn.

Adjust your speed by accelerating,stopping or slowing.

Adjust your position and/ordirection.

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 the

consequences of each and give equaldistance to the hazards.

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iNterSeCtiONS

The greatest potential for conictbetween you and other trafc is at

intersections. An intersection can bein the middle of an urban area or ata driveway on a residential street anywhere trafc 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 him

or her. The only eyes that you can counton are your own. If a car can enter yourpath, assume that it will. Good ridersare always looking for trouble 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

trafc. 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 othertrafc around you. This strategy shouldalso be used whenever a vehicle in theoncoming lane of trafc 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 eld 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 rst. Then edge forwardand stop again, just short of where thecross-trafc 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 whileyoure 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 trafc is present, itis 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 trafc behind. Even if he

does look, he may fail to see you.In either event, the driver might cut

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

Making eye contact with otherdrivers:

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. Reective, bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacket or vest) isbest.

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

coming from the side to spot you.Reective 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, a

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

Signals

The signals on a motorcycle are similarto those on a car. They tell others 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 trafc 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 ashing your brake lightbefore you slow down. It is especiallyimportant to ash your brake lightbefore:

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

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

If you are being followed closely, itsa good idea to ash your brake lightbefore you slow. The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down.This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see.

Using Your MirrorsWhile its most important to keep

track of whats happening ahead, youcant afford to ignore situations behind.Trafc 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 partof your normal searching routine. Makea special point of using your mirrors:

When you are stopped at 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 atmirrors. They also make cars seemfarther away than they really are. Ifyou 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 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 around you 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 beepbefore passing anyone that may moveinto your lane.

Here are some situations:

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

A parked car has someone in the

drivers seat. Someone is in the street, riding a

bicycle 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, use

it, 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 articial lights at night.Open up a three-second followingdistance or more. And allow moredistance to pass and be passed.

Use the Car Ahead Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can. Taillightsbouncing up and down can 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: Wearreective materials when riding atnight.

Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange 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 nd 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:

Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear.

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

The following information offerssome good advice.

Quick Stops

To stop quickly, apply both brakesat the same time. Dont be shy aboutusing the front brake, but dont grabit, either. Squeeze the brake leverrmly and progressively. If the frontwheel locks, release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it rmly. Atthe same time, press down on therear brake. If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surface,you can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped; but, even with alocked rear wheel, you can control themotorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line.

Reective 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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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 xed 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 ontrafc, road conditions and curve ofthe road. If no trafc 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

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

haNDLiNg DaNgerOUS

SUrFaCeS

Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases 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, rst determine if it ispossible. Approach it at as close to a 90angle as possible. Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel. Ifyou have to ride over the obstacle, youshould:

Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact.

Make sure the motorcycle isstraight.

obstAcles

The best way to stop quickly is to:

A. Use the front brake only.

B. Use the rear brake rst.

C. Throttle down and use the frontbrake.

D. Use both brakes at the same time.

test youRself 8

Answer - page 41

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

the motorcycle.

Just before contact, roll on 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 Surfaces

Motorcycles handle better whenridden 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 direction

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

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

Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road especially oncurves and ramps leading to 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 trafc.

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 usuallybest 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 nd yourself in an emergencythe moment something goes wrong

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

Tire Failure

You will seldom hear a tire go at.

If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently, it may be a tire failure. Thiscan be dangerous. You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reacts.If one of your tires suddenly loses air,react quickly to keep your balance. Pulloff and check the tires.

If the front tire goes at, the steering

will feel heavy. A front-wheel at isparticularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering. You have to steer well tokeep your balance.

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

If either tire goes at while riding:

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

If braking is required, however,gradually apply the brake of the tirethat isnt at, 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 nd the sourceof the trouble. Make certain the throttleworks freely before you start to rideagain.

Wobble

A wobble occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start

to 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 the

settings recommended for that muchweight. 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 qualied professional.

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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 difcult to see.Without face protection, an objectcould hit you in the eye, face or mouth.Whatever happens, keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars. When safe, pull off the 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 rmenough 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 difcult.

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 trafc.

Equipment

To carry passengers safely:

Equip and adjust your motorcycleto carry passengers.

Instruct the passenger before youstart.

Adjust your riding technique 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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33

Instructing Passengers

Even if your passenger is a motorcyclerider, provide complete instructions

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

you have started the engine.

Sit as far forward as possiblewithout crowding you.

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

Keep both feet on the footrests,even when stopped.

Keep legs away from themufer(s), chains or moving parts.

Stay directly behind you, leaningas you lean.

Avoid unnecessary talk or motion.

Also, tell your passenger to tighten his

or her hold when you: Approach surface problems.

Are about to start from a stop.

Warn that you will 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 earlier as youapproach a stop.

Open up a larger cushion ofspace ahead and to the sides.

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

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 Evenly Load 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 ow of trafc.

Keep the Group Small

Small groups make it easier and saferfor car drivers who need to get aroundthem. A small number isnt separatedas easily by trafc or red lights. Riderswont always be hurrying to catch up.If your group is larger than four or veriders, divide it up into two or moresmaller groups.

Keep the Group Together

Plan The leader should look

ahead 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.

Know the Route Make sureeveryone knows the route. Then, ifsomeone is separated they wonthave to hurry to keep from getting

lost or taking a wrong turn. Planfrequent stops on long rides.

Keep Your DistanceMaintain close ranks but at the same

time keep a safe distance to allow eachrider in the group time and space toreact to hazards. A close group takesup less space on the highway, is easierto see and is less likely to be separated.

However, it must be done properly.

Dont Pair Up Never operatedirectly alongside another rider. There isno place to go if you have to avoid a caror something on the road. To talk, waituntil you are both stopped.

Staggered Formation This isthe best way to keep ranks close yetmaintain an adequate space cushion. The

leader rides in the left side of the lane,while the second rider stays one secondbehind in the right side of the lane.

stAGGeReD foRmAtIon

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35

A third rider maintains in the leftposition, two seconds behind the rstrider. The fourth rider would keep atwo-second distance behind the second

rider. This formation keeps the groupclose and permits each rider a safedistance from others ahead, behind andto the sides.

Passing in Formation Riders ina staggered formation should passone at a time.

First, the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe. After

passing, the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider.

After the rst rider passes safely,the second rider should move upto the left position and watch for asafe chance to pass. After passing,this rider should return to the right

position and open up room for thenext rider.

GRouP PAssInG (stAGe 1) GRouP PAssInG (stAGe 2)

Some people suggest that the leadershould move to the right side afterpassing a vehicle. This is not a goodidea. It encourages the second rider

to pass and cut back in before thereis a large enough space cushion infront of the passed vehicle. Its simplerand safer to wait until there is enoughroom ahead of the passed vehicle toallow each rider to move into the sameposition held before the pass.

Single-File Formation It is bestto move into a single-le formation

when riding curves, turning, entering orleaving a highway.

When riding in a group,inexperienced riders should positionthemselves:

A. Just behind the leader.

B. In front of the group.

C. At the tail end of the group.

D. Beside the leader.

test youRself 13

Answer - page 41

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36 beInG In sHAPe to RIDe

Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle,identifying potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisions

quickly and skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing roadand trafc conditions is inuenced by how t and alert you are. Alcohol andother drugs, more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearlyand to ride safely. As little as one drink can have a signicant effect on yourperformance.

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

WhY thiS iNFOrMatiON

iS iMPOrtaNtAlcohol is a major contributor to

motorcycle crashes, particularly fatalcrashes. Studies show that nearly 40%of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking. The rest had only afew drinks in their systems enoughto impair riding skills. In the past, druglevels have been harder to distinguish or

have not been separated from drinkingviolations for the trafc records. Butriding under the inuence of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider.

Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile drivers.Motorcyclists, however, are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crash.

Injuries occur in 90% of motorcyclecrashes and 33% of automobile crashesthat involve abuse of substances. Ona yearly basis, 2,000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50,000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash. Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore.

By becoming knowledgeable about

the effects of alcohol and other drugsyou will see that riding and substanceabuse dont mix. Take positive steps toprotect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves.

aLCOhOL aND Other

DrUgS iN MOtOrCYCLeOPeratiON

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

making processes needed for vehicleoperation are affected long before legallimitations are reached.

Many over-the-counter, prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding. It is difcult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashes.But we do know what effects various

drugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle. We also know thatthe combined effects of alcohol andother drugs are more dangerous thaneither is alone.

aLCOhOL iN the BODY

Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly. Unlike most foods andbeverages, it does not need to be

digested. Within minutes after beingconsumed, it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker. The majoreffect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions both mentaland physical. Whatever you do, you doless well after consuming alcohol.

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37

Blood Alcohol Concentration

Blood Alcohol Concentration or BACis the amount of alcohol in relation to

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

Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC:

The amount of alcohol youconsume.

How fast you drink.

Your body weight.

Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system.

Your sex, physical condition andfood intake are just a few that may

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

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

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

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

A person drinking:

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

AlcoHol content

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39

Or Dont Ride If you haventcontrolled your drinking, you mustcontrol your riding.

Leave the motorcycle so youwont be tempted to ride. Arrangeanother way to get home.

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

SteP iN tO PrOteCt

FrieNDS

People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsibledecision. It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk. No one wants to do this itsuncomfortable, embarrassing andthankless. You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time. But thealternatives are often worse.

There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves:

Arrange a safe ride Providealternative ways for them to gethome.

Slow the pace of drinking Involve them in other activities.

Keep them there Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle. Serve themfood and coffee to pass the time.Explain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else. Take theirkey, if you can.

Get friends involved Use peerpressure from a group of friends to

intervene.It helps to enlist support from others

when you decide to step in. The morepeople on your side, the easier it is to be

rm and the harder it is for the rider toresist. While you may not be thanked atthe time, you will never have to say, If

only I had ...FatigUe

Riding a motorcycle is more tiringthan driving a car. On a long trip, youlltire sooner than you would in a car.Avoid riding when tired. Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle.

Protect yourself from the elements

Wind, cold, and rain makeyou tire quickly. Dress warmly. Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances.

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

Take frequent rest breaks Stopand get off the motorcycle at least

every two hours. Dont drink or use drugs

Articial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off. Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand.

If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated fromyour body before riding:

A. You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding.

B. Your riding skills will not be affected.

C. Side effects from the drinking maystill remain.

D. You will be okay as long as you ride

slowly.

test youRself 14

Answer - page 41

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40 eARnInG youR lIcense

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

To earn your license, you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest. Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices and ideasfrom this manual. They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices. An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtrafc environment or in a controlled, off-street area.

Knowledge Test

(Sample Questions)

1. It is MOST important to ashyour brake light when:

A. Someone is following too closely.

B. You will be slowing suddenly.

C. There is a stop sign ahead.

D. Your signals are not working.

2. The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping

power?

A. About one-quarter.

B. About one-half.

C. About three-quarters.

D. All of the stopping power.

3. To swerve correctly:

A. Shift your weight quickly.

B. Turn the handlebars quickly.

C. Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn.

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

4. If a tire goes at while riding andyou must stop, it is usually bestto:

A. Relax on the handgrips.

B. Shift your weight toward thegood tire.

C. Brake on the good tire and steerto the side of the road.

D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.

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

A. Make eye contact with the driver.

B. Reduce speed and be ready toreact.

C. Maintain speed and position.

D. Maintain speed and move right.

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41

Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)

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

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

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

Answers to Knowledge Test (left):

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

On-Motorcycle Skill Test

Basic vehicle control and crash-avoidance skills are included in on-

motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardoustrafc situations.

You may be tested for your ability to:

Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits.

Accelerate, brake and turnsafely

See, be seen and communicatewith others.

Adjust speed and position to thetrafc situation.

Stop, turn and swerve quickly

Make critical decisions and carrythem out.

Examiners may score on factorsrelated to safety such as:

Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers.

Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries.

Completing normal and quickstops.

Completing normal and quickturns or swerves.

To receive a motorcycle license with full privileges, moststates require that maneuvers be performed as designed

for single-track, two-wheeled motorcycles

On-motorcycle skill tests are not designed for sidecars or three-wheeled

vehicles. Those vehicles maneuver differently than a two-wheeled motorcycle.Depending on the state, an examiner may follow you on a car test-route.Restrictions (sidecar, three-wheeled vehicle) may be added until completion of atwo-wheeled motorcycle test.

Diagrams and drawings used in this

manual are for reference only and are

not to correct scale for size of vehicles

and distances.

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42 tHRee-wHeel suPPlement

SUPPLeMeNtarY

iNFOrMatiON FOr

three-WheeL VehiCLeS

This supplement contains informationspecic to the safe operation of a three-wheel vehicle, including both three-trackvehicles and motorcycles with sidecars.

KNOW YOUr VehiCLe

Due to the many three-wheel vehicledesigns available on the market today,

standards suitable for testing may vary.However, vehicles should conform tostandards determined by your state. Ingeneral, three-wheel vehicles will havethe following specications:

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

2 Motorcycle-based conversion or

design with:

Handlebar steering

Motorcycle-type controlsarranged with the standardlayout. Convenience alterationssuch as a single brake pedal orlever control, automatic clutch,or automatic transmission are

allowed. Saddle seating

Seating in which the rider/passenger straddles thevehicle.

If designed for a passenger,the passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passenger

compartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar).

3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be lessthan 40.

4 The vehicle meets all applicablefederal on-road vehicle standards.

The following vehicles are notincluded in this denition, andtherefore testing requirements may notbe applicable. Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor Vehicles,Department of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency for

exact regulations regarding testing for:

Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions

Vehicleswith automotivecontrols or seating

Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below the

rider to be considered motorcycle-based)

Vehicles with enclosed or semi-enclosed riding compartments

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

motorcyclesor

Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards.

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Three-Wheel Vehicle Designs

As shown below in the Figure, vehicledesigns vary among manufacturers.

Unlike traditional motorcycles, which areconsidered single-track vehicles, three-wheel vehicles could be either dual ortriple track design. Dual track vehiclesare motorcycles with sidecars, whiletriple track vehicles can be conguredeither with dual front wheels or dualrear wheels.

The Right Vehicle for You

Make sure your three-wheel vehicle orsidecar-equipped motorcycle is right foryou. You should be able to comfortablyreach and operate all of the controls,

and be able to complete full vehicleturns using the handlebars withoutexcessive upper body movements thatcould jeopardize stability and control.

motoRcycle AnD tHRee-

wHeel veHIcle DesIGns

Borrowing and Lending

Borrowers and lenders, beware.

Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators, especially in therst months of riding. Operating anunfamiliar vehicle adds to the problem.If you borrow a three-wheel vehicle ormotorcycle with sidecar, get familiarwith it in a controlled area. If you lendyour three-wheel vehicle or motorcyclewith sidecar to friends, make sure

they are licensed and know how toride before you allow them to operatein trafc. Such vehicles operate verydifferently than 2-wheel motorcycles.

No matter how experienced you maybe, be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you.

Get Familiar with Vehicle

ControlsBe sure you are familiar with the

controls of the three-wheel vehicleor motorcycle with a sidecar beforeattempting to operate it on anyhighway, since some vehicle controlsmay differ from those found on otherthree-wheel vehicles or motorcycles.This is especially important if you are

riding on a borrowed vehicle. Beforebeginning the ride:

Make all the checks you would onyour own vehicle.

Familiarize yourself with allcontrols, such as the turn signals,horn, headlight switch, fuel controlvalve, and cut-off switch. Locate

and operate these items withouthaving to search for them.

Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding. Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle, clutch and brakes a fewtimes. Controls react differently

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44 tHRee-wHeel suPPlement

on different vehicles, and exactlocations of controls may varyslightly. Additionally, some

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

As you begin to ride, start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings. Accelerate gently,take turns a little more slowly, andleave extra room for stopping.

BaSiC VehiCLe CONtrOL

Steering & Tip

Three-wheel vehicles handle differentlythan motorcycles. With three wheelson the ground, they are naturally morestable than a motorcycle. They also steerdifferently. Because conventional three-

wheel vehicles cannot lean, they cannotcountersteer. Instead, the front wheel ispointed in the direction the rider wantsthe vehicle to go.

Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel vehicle, itis possible to have only two wheels incontact with the road surface. Thiscould occur during turning or tight

maneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines. The Figure shows the

tip-over lines on three-wheel vehicles.Because of this tendency, careful loadand passenger positioning inside the tip-

over lines will help maintain maximumstability of the vehicle.

Body Position

As with any motor vehicle, operatorposition is important for control andfor reducing or preventing fatigue. Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably, since more

handlebar movement is necessary thanwhen riding a motorcycle. While it isnot necessary for the rider of a three-wheel vehicle to move drastically duringoperation, shifting weight in the directionof the turn can improve control.

Braking

On a motorcycle with a sidecar,

during braking in a sharp turn, thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground.Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface andtraction is greater when the vehicle isrolling, not skidding or slipping. Duringturning, some of the available tiretraction is used for cornering, so less isavailable for stopping. Thus, a skid can

occur if you brake too hard.Turning

The tendency of the rear, inside wheelto lift during turning is greater withincreased vehicle speed and tightercurve radii. During a turn, inertia causesthe center of gravity of the vehicle toshift sideways, and outward toward the

tip-over line. The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly.

tIP-oveR lInes

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Because the weight of a three-trackvehicle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rear

wheels, these vehicles handle the samein left and right hand turns.

When turning a three-trackvehicle:

Approach a turn at speed withyour head up, and look through theturn.

Concentrate on pointing the frontwheel/wheels in the direction youwant the vehicle to go.

Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn.

Apply the brakes enough to slowthe vehicle to a speed at which youcan ride safely through the turn,then release the brakes before theturn.

Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn.

Steer the front wheel/wheelstoward the turn.

Roll on the throttle to pull thevehicle through the turn.

Because the center of gravity of amotorcycle with sidecar is close to the

motorcycle itself, the behavior of thevehicle when turning right and whenturning left are quite different.

During a right turn, a slight sidewaysmovement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift. The lift will begreater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded.

When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar:

Anticipate the degree of turnrequired.

Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking.

Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn.

Maintain speed as you enter the

curve. Accelerate gradually as you exit the

curve.

During a left hand turn, the sidecaracts as a stabilizer, so the sidecar wheelstays on the ground. However, if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed, there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension toextend, and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground.

When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar:

Reduce speed prior to e

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