Texas Motorcycle Manual | Texas Motorcycle Handbook

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    Revised June 2014

    STRANDED MOTORISTS

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    CALL 1-800-525-5555

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    This Motorcycle Operators Manual has been prepared in cooperationwith the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Within these pages arenumerous instructions, suggestions, and tips that, if followed, will

    prepare anyone for a lifetime of enjoyable motorcycling.

    In recent years motorcycle safety has received a great deal of attention.This is the result of many serious injuries and deaths of motorcyclists inmotor vehicle traffic accidents. This handbook was prepared to assistthe beginning motorcyclist in passing the required written examination.In addition, this manual serves to refresh and therefore, improve theexperienced rider.

    Although comprehensive, this handbook does not include all lawsregulating traffic on the streets and highways. The Department ofPublic Safety strongly recommends reviewing the references to themotor vehicle statutes and local ordinances in order to gain a betterknowledge of motor vehicle laws.

    NOTICE: The Texas Department of Public Safety does notdiscriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, nationalorigin, age, or disability. Persons needing accommodationunder the provisions of the Americans With DisabilitiesAct (ADA) should contact their local Driver License Office.ADA Grievance Procedures are published in the TexasAdministrative Code, Title 37, Section 1.41.

    PREFACE

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    Motorcycling is an enjoyable driving experience. Althoughmotorcycling may look easy, in reality, it is quite challenging andrequires special attention, knowledge, and skills beyond thoserequired to drive a car. Too often motorcyclists suffer severe injuryor even death as a result of a crash that could have been avoided.

    Primarily designed for new riders, I highly encourage you toread and study this information in preparation for your licensingexamination to better protect you from serious injury. I believethat you will be a safer motorcyclist if you follow the guidance

    and suggestions outlined in this document.

    While the handbook is geared toward the beginner motorcyclist,experienced riders will also benefit from a review of thisdocument.

    Establishing safe riding habits early in your motorcycling careerwill undoubtedly, yield years of enjoyment.

    Steven C. McCraw, DirectorDepartment of Public Safety

    A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THETEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

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    THE RIDER AND

    THE MOTORCYCLE............................1

    RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS............2

    DISABLED PARKING ..........................6

    PREPARING TO RIDE

    Wear the Right Gear ............................7

    Know Your Motorcycle .........................9

    Know Your Responsibilities ................12

    RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

    Basic Vehicle Control ..........................13

    Keeping Your Distance .......................17

    SEE .......................................................22

    Intersections ........................................23

    Increasing Conspicuity ........................26

    Crash Avoidance .................................29

    Handling Dangerous Surfaces ............32

    Mechanical Problems ..........................35

    Animals ................................................36

    Flying Objects ......................................37

    Getting Off the Road .........................37

    Carrying Passengers

    and Cargo .......................................37

    Group Riding .......................................40

    BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE

    Why This Information IsImportant .......................................44

    Alcohol and Drugs inMotorcycle Operation ....................44

    Alcohol in the Body ............................44

    Alcohol and the Law ..........................46

    Minimize the Risks ..............................47

    Step in to Protect Friends ...................47

    Fatigue ................................................48

    EARNING YOUR LICENSE.............49

    THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT

    Supplementary Informationfor Three-Wheel Motorcycles .........51

    Know Your Vehicle ..............................51

    Basic Vehicle Control ...........................53

    Carrying Passengers and Cargo ..........56

    T-CLOCS PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST...57

    HAND SIGNALS.................................58

    FREQUENTLY ASKED

    QUESTIONS ........................................60

    CONTENTS

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    Motorcycling is a unique experience.Compared to a car, you do not sit in amotorcycle, you become part of it. Notas a passive driver, but as an active riderarcing into a string of smooth corners,playing along with the rhythm of theroad; shifting, accelerating, and brakingwith precision. Whether you ride to andfrom work or prefer the camaraderie of

    a group ride on the weekend, motorcy-cling engages all your senses and cre-ates an invigorating sense of freedom.

    Along with that freedom comesresponsibility. All states require someform of license endorsement demon-strating you possess a minimum levelof skill and knowledge. This bookletand other motorcycle publications can

    help prepare you to be successful. Youmight also consider taking a formalhands-on training course, even if yourstate doesnt require that you completeone. You will learn how to improve yourriding skills and mental strategies, soyou can be a safer, more alert rider.

    The diagram above illustrates thecomplex environment that awaits you,and supports the concept that, as theMotorcycle Safety Foundation says,Safe riding is as much a skill of the eyesand mind as it is of the hands and feet.

    Successfully piloting a motorcycle is amuch more involved task than driv-ing a car. Motorcycling requires a fine

    sense of balance and a heightenedsense of awareness and position amidstother roadway users. A motorcycleresponds more quickly to rider inputsthan a car, but is also more sensitiveto outside forces, like irregular roadsurfaces or crosswinds. A motorcycleis also less visible than a car due toits narrower profile, and offers far

    less protection by exposing its riderto other traffic and the elements. Allthese risks can be managed throughstudy, training, and practice.

    THE RIDER AND THE MOTORCYCLE

    RIDING ENVIRONMENT

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    Motorcycling is very popular inTexas. Before you take the roadtest it is critical that you know theTexas laws governing motorcycles,

    and the common sense safety rules.If you have ever riddena motorcycle,you may know that a motorcycle onlylooks easy to ride. Motorcycles aredifferent from other vehiclesonly twowheels place more demand on theoperator for balance and coordination.The motorcycles smaller size makes itharder for others to see it in traffic andthe rider more vulnerable to injury ina crash. Riding a motorcycle requiresspecial skills and knowledge beyondthose required for driving a car.

    On todays highways, there are largenumbers of motorcycle riders and aneven larger number of automobiledrivers who do not understand how

    to safely mix in traffic. This lack ofknowledge has resulted in an increasein motorcycle-related crashes. Thekey to safety is understanding andlearning how to share the roadway.

    Knowing all you can about the mo-torcycleyou ride, or intend to ride, isgood preparation for safe and enjoyableriding. Learning to ride off the street

    in The Course for Motorcycle Ridersis good insurance. When you take tothe road, you will be able to concen-trate on the traffic because controlof the motorcycle becomes secondnature with the proper instruction.

    There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you trouble.

    Your motorcycle should not be oneof them. Three ways to be sure yourmotorcycle wont let you down are:

    Make sure you start with the rightequipment.

    Maintain your motorcycle and keep itin safe riding condition.

    Avoid add-ons and modicationsthat make your motorcycle harderto handle.

    EQUIPMENTTexas law requires the followingequipment on motorcycles andmotor-driven cycles:

    Horn Mirror

    Steering

    Brakes

    Tires

    Wheel Assembly

    Exhaust System

    Tail Lamp (1)

    Stop Lamp (1)

    License Plate Lamp

    Rear Red Reector

    Head Lamp (1)

    Motorcycle, Serial, or Vehicle

    IdentificationTexas law requires the followingequipment on mopeds:

    Brake

    Head Lamp

    Reector

    Rear Lamp

    These are just minimum requirements.To survive in traffic, you should havea mirror on each side. It is also a goodidea to have additional reectors onthe motorcycle.

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    RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS

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    Motorcycles manufactured after 1975must be ridden with the headlight on.

    Helmet and Passengers Helmetsmeeting Federal Motor Vehicle

    Safety Standard #218 (FMVSS-218) arerequired for motorcycle operators andpassengers. This requirement appliesto all motorcycles and mopeds regard-less of size or number of wheels.

    Persons 21 years or older are exemptfrom wearing a helmet if they havecompleted a Department-approved

    Motorcycle Operator Training Course orthey are covered with medical insur-ance. (Proof of medical insurance mustbe a card or certificate that containsthe name of the insurer, the insurancepolicy number, and the policy period).

    An operator who uses someoneelses motorcycle to take the roadtest portion of the driver license

    examination must wear a helmetunless he or she is 21 years or olderand meets the course or insurancerequirements described above.

    Helmets should:

    Fit snugly

    Be securely fastened when riding

    Be free of defects such ascracks, loose padding, frayedstraps, or exposed metal.

    A motorcycle operator cannot carrya passenger unless the motorcycle isequipped with a permanent passen-ger seat, footrests and handholds.

    LICENSING AND OPERATION

    Texas law requires all applicants passa Department-approved motorcycleoperator training course before apply-ing for licensing. All applicants mustalso pass a written test which includesboth two and three-wheel motor-cycle information from this manual.

    Out-of-State applicants who hold amotorcycle license are not required toshow proof of course completion.

    The operator of a motorcycle on a pub-

    lic highway must hold a valid motorcyclelicense (class M driver license). Thisrequirement also applies to operatorsof motor driven cycles and mopeds.

    In 2013, the Governor signed into lawSenate Bill 763, referenced in Transpor-tation Code, Section 521.148, that nowrequires persons who complete a motor-

    cycle course for three-wheel motorcyclesbe restricted to the operation of onlythree-wheel motorcycles. At the time ofthis publication, DPS had not yet imple-mented this change. Please note thatthis change may be implemented beforethe next revision of the handbook.

    Adult Motorcycle Operator

    LicensingTo receive a license to operate amotorcycle, adult applicants must passa course, a written test covering trafficlaws pertaining to motorcycles and aroad test. The road test may be waived.

    Adults 18 through 24 who do not holda current driver license of any class mustsuccessfully complete an Adult Driver

    Education course.

    Road Test and WaiverInformationIn order to take a road test, applicantsmust have their own motorcycle andprovide a passenger vehicle and alicensed driver to drive the examinerduring the road test. The vehicle owners

    must show proof of liability insurancefor both vehicles and must pass anon-site vehicle assessment. This test willbe similar to the passenger car test andwill include scoring on four basic skills.

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    1. Control Your ability to makeyour motorcycle do what you wantit to do.

    2. Observation Your ability to see

    what other traffic is doing and otherthings which may create problemsin traffic.

    3. Positioning Your ability to drivein your lane.

    4. Signaling Your ability to useturn signals is required.

    You may also be graded on yourperformance on the following skills

    a. Traffic signs

    b. Traffic signals

    c. Intersection observance Usethe proper lane; slow downand look both ways beforeentering the intersection.

    d. Turnse. Right-of-way

    f. Following, passing, proper laneposition and observance

    Note: Texas law requires that theapproach for a right turn and theright turn shall be made as close aspracticable to the right-hand curb or

    edge of the roadway. This does notconict with the material presentedelsewhere in this manual. A motorcyclepositioned to the right of center of itslane is complying with the law whilestill protecting its lane position. Formore information, refer to page 50

    An applicant, 18 years or older, who haspassed a Department of Public Safetyapproved Motorcycle Operator Train-ing Course, and has an unrestricted(not a learner license) Class A, B, or Clicense, may present the MSB-8 comple-tion certificate or a completion card

    from a course that meets MotorcycleSafety Foundation curriculum stan-dards and have the road test waived.

    Requirements for LicensingMinorsMinors, ages 15 through 17 mustpass a Motorcycle Operator TrainingCourse approved by the Departmentof Public Safety before applying fora motorcycle license.

    Before taking the course, minors musthave successfully completed the entire

    classroom phase of a driver educationcourse and should obtain a Class C learn-

    erlicense or unrestricted Class C license.A minor must present the MSB-8 beforetesting for a motorcycle license.

    Minors 15 through 17 are NOT eligiblefor a road test waiver. Minors underthe age of 16 can only be licensed

    to ride a motorcycle with no morethan 250cc piston displacement. Thisrestriction is indicated by the restrictioncode I on the driver license. Afterthe person reaches the age of 16, the250cc restriction may be removed.

    MopedsThe operator of a moped must holda valid license as a moped operator(Class M driver license with a restrictioncode of K). A moped is dened as amotor-driven cycle that cannot exceed30 mph, does not have an engine largerthan 50cc, and does not have manualgear shifting. Applicants for a mopedoperators license must be at least 15years old. The licensing requirementsinvolve a course and written examina-tion on traffic laws that apply to theoperation of mopeds. No road testis required to operate a moped.

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    RIDING TEXAS HIGHWAYS

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    RegistrationEvery owner of a motor vehicle,including motorcycles, and mopedsthat will be ridden on public roadways,

    must register their vehicle throughthe County Tax Assessor-Collector intheir county of residence. A licenseplate that includes a current registra-tion sticker must be attached to therear of a motorcycle or moped.

    InspectionAll motor vehicles registered in Texas

    (including motorcycles, and mopeds)must be inspected each year at an Of-cial Motor Vehicle Inspection Station.When the motorcycle or moped passesinspection, the approved certificatemust be placed near the rear licenseplate. These certificates are good forone year from the month of inspection.

    InsuranceAll motor vehicle operators mustshow proof of liability insurancewhen the vehicle is registered,inspected, or when obtaining anoriginal Texas Driver License.

    BE ROAD READYStudies indicate that in crashes,motorcycle riders and passengers are

    more likely to be seriously injured orkilled than automobile operators orpassengers. Your chance of reach-ing your destination safely is directlyrelated to the preparation you dobefore the ride. You need to men-tally prepare by being alert, free ofstress, sober, and ready for riding.

    Head Protection A helmet protectsyou against head injury, windblast, cold,sunburn, ying objects, and hearingloss. Head injuries account for the ma-

    jority of motorcycle fatalities. Without ahelmet, you are five times more likely tosustain a critical head injury in a crash.

    Eye Protection Eyeglasses withshatterproof lenses protect the eyesbut most styles do not seal out thewind that makes your eyes water.

    Goggles provide eye protection andmost models protect your eyes fromthe wind. A motorcycle windshield orfairing alone is not adequate for eyeprotection. Eye protection should:

    Be shatterproof

    Be securely fastened

    Be optically clear

    Resist impact and penetration

    Not block peripheral vision

    Protective Clothing The clothes youwear when riding a motorcycle shouldprotect you from sunburn, windburn,rain, dehydration, cold, and parts ofthe motorcycle, and provide visibilityand comfort. In case of a crash, qualityriding clothes may prevent or reduce theseverity of cuts, abrasions, and bodilyinjury. Quality riding clothes consist of:

    Low-heeled footwear that coversthe ankle with no dangling laces orrings and provides a good grip onthe road surface and footpegs.

    Gloves that protect the hands from

    cuts and bruises, blisters, cold, wind,and provide better grip for control.

    Brightly colored long-sleevedshirt or jacket and long pantsthat will resist abrasions and fitcomfortably without binding.

    Rain suits are recommended inrainy weather.

    Face Shields Any motorcyclist whohas been hit in the face by a stoneor an insect while riding can tell youabout the benefits of face protec-tion. Studies indicate that motorcycleriders with shields covering their faces

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    suffer fewer facial injuries than otherswithout a shield. A face shield should:

    Be securely fastened to the helmet

    Be free of scratches. Resist impact and penetration.

    DISABLED PARKING

    It is a violation of state law, carrying ane of $500-$750, for a person to park,stand, or stop any vehicle, includingmotorcycles, in a disabled person park-

    ing space. The law specifically states:

    1. You may not park in a disabledparking space unless the vehicle(motorcycle) has a disabled licenseplate or a state issued removablewindshield identification card;

    2. You may not use a disabled park-ing windshield identification card

    unless transporting the disabledperson to whom it was issued;

    3. You may not lend your windshieldidentification card to someone else;

    4. You may not block an access orcurb ramp;

    Additionally, certain municipalitiesalso prohibit stopping or standing

    a vehicle (motorcycle) in a disabledparking space unless bearing a dis-abled parking windshield identifica-tion card or disabled license plate.

    Do NOT parkin striped areas

    Do not park a vehicle (motorcycle) instriped areas adjacent to handicapparking spaces or in the striped area

    in front of the entrance to a businessadjacent to a parking space. The stripedarea is for wheelchair lifts. In addition,motorcycles should not be parked onsidewalks. Parking on sidewalks canprevent a person who is handicappedfrom gaining access to a business ortheir residence.

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    WEAR THE RIGHT GEARWhen you ride, your gear is right ifit protects you. In any crash, you have

    a far better chance of avoiding seriousinjury if you wear:

    A DOT compliant helmet.

    Face or eye protection.

    Protective clothing.

    Helmet UseCrashes can occur particularly among

    untrained, beginning riders. And oneout of every five motorcycle crashesresults in head or neck injuries. Headinjuries are just as severe as neck injuries and far more common. Crash analy-ses show that head and neck injuriesaccount for a majority of serious andfatal injuries to motorcyclists. Researchalso shows that, with few exceptions,

    head and neck injuries are reduced byproperly wearing a quality helmet.

    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 helmetlets yousee as far to the sides as necessary.A study of more than 900motorcycle crashes, where 40% ofthe riders wore helmets, did not findeven one case in which a helmetkept a rider from spotting danger.

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

    Most ridersare riding slower than30 mph when a crash occurs. Atthese speeds, helmets can cut boththe number and the severity ofhead injuries by half.

    No matter what the speed, helmetedriders are three times more likely tosurvive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of thecrash. The single most importantthing you can do to improve yourchances of surviving a crash is to weara securely-fastened, quality helmet.

    Helmet SelectionThere are two primary types of hel-mets, providing two different levels ofcoverage: three-quarter and full face.

    Whichever style you choose, youcan get the most protection bymaking sure that the helmet:

    What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determiningwhether or not you will get where you want to go safely. Before taking offon any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:

    1. Wear the right gear.2. Become familiar with the motorcycle.

    3. Check the motorcycle equipment.

    4. Be a responsible rider.

    HELMETS

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    Is designed to meet U.S.Depart-ment of Transportation (DOT) andstate standards. Helmets with a labelfrom the Snell Memorial Foundation

    also give you an assurance of quality. Fits snugly,all the way around.

    Has no obvious defects suchas cracks, loose padding orfrayed straps.

    Whatever helmet you decide on, keepit securely fastened on your head whenyou ride. Otherwise, if you are involved

    in a crash, its likely to y off your headbefore it gets a chance to protect you.

    Eye and Face ProtectionA plastic shatter-resistant faceshield canhelp protect your whole face in a crash.It also protects you from wind, dust,dirt, rain, insects and pebbles thrownup from cars ahead. These problems

    are distracting and can be painful. Ifyou have to deal with them, you cantdevote your full attention to the road.

    Goggles protect your eyes, thoughthey wont protect the rest of your facelike a faceshield does. A windshieldis not a substitute for a faceshield orgoggles. Most windshields will notprotect your eyes from the wind.

    Neither will eyeglasses or sunglasses.Glasses wont keep your eyes fromwatering, and they might blow offwhen you turn your head while riding.

    To be effective, eye orfaceshield protection must:

    Be freeof scratches.

    Be resistantto penetration.

    Give a clear viewto either side.

    Fasten securely,so it does notblow off.

    Permit airto pass through, toreduce fogging.

    Permit enough roomforeyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

    Tinted eye protection should not beworn when little light is available.

    ClothingThe right clothing protects you in acollision. It also provides comfort,as well as protection from heat,cold, debris and hot and movingparts of the motorcycle. It can alsomake you more visible to others.

    Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely. Theyshould fit snugly enough to keepfrom apping in the wind, yetloosely enough to move freely.Leather offers the most protection.Sturdy synthetic material providesa lot of protection as well. Weara jacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration. Many aredesigned to protect without gettingyou overheated, even on summerdays. Some riders choose jacketsand pants with rigid body armorinserts in critical areas for additionalprotection.

    CLOTHING

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    Boots or shoesshould be highand sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support. Solesshould be made of hard, durable,

    slip-resistant material. Keep heelsshort so they do not catch on roughsurfaces. Tuck in laces so they wontcatch on your motorcycle.

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

    Hearing protection reducesnoise while allowing you to hearimportant sounds such as car hornsor sirens. Long term exposure toengine and wind noise can causepermanent hearing damage evenif you wear a full face helmet.Whether you choose disposablefoam plugs or reusable custom

    molded devices, be sure you adhereto state laws regarding hearingprotection.

    In cold or wet weather, your clothesshould keep you warm and dry, as wellas protect you from injury. You cannotcontrol a motorcycle well if you arenumb. Riding for long periods in coldweather can cause severe chill and fa-

    tigue. A winter jacket should resist windand fit snugly at the neck, wrists andwaist. Good-quality rainsuits designedfor motorcycle riding resist tearingapart or ballooning up at high speeds.

    KNOW YOUR

    MOTORCYCLEThere 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:

    Startwith the right motorcyclefor you.

    Readthe owners manual.

    Be familiarwith the motorcycle

    controls. Checkthe motorcycle before

    every ride.

    Keepit in safe riding conditionbetween rides.

    Avoidadd-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harderto handle.

    The Right Motorcycle For YouFirst, make sure your motorcycle isright for you. It should fit you. Yourfeet should reach the ground whileyou are seated on the motorcycle, andthe controls should be easy to oper-ate. Smaller motorcycles are usuallyeasier for beginners to operate.

    TEST YOURSELF 1

    A plastic shatter-resistant face shield:

    A. Is not necessary if you have a

    windshield.

    B. Only protects your eyes.

    C. Helps protect your whole face.

    D. Does not protect your face as well asgoggles.

    Answer - page 50

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    Borrowing and LendingBorrowers and lenders of motorcycles,beware. Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders especially

    in the first months of riding. Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to theproblem. If you borrow a motorcycle,get familiar with it in a controlledarea. And if you lend your motor-cycle to friends, make sure they arelicensed and know how to ride beforeallowing them out into traffic.

    No matter how experienced you maybe, ride extra carefully on any motor-cycle thats new or unfamiliar to you.More than half of all crashes involveriders with less than five months ofexperience on their motorcycle.

    Get Familiar with theMotorcycle ControlsMake sure you are completely famil-iar with the motorcycle before you

    take it out on the street. Be sureto review the owners manual. Thisis particularly important if you areriding a borrowed motorcycle.

    If you are going to use an unfamiliarmotorcycle:

    Make all the checksyou would onyour own motorcycle.

    Find out where everything is,particularly the turn signals, horn,headlight switch, fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch. Find and

    operate these items without havingto look for them.

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

    Ride very cautiouslyand beaware of surroundings. Accelerategently, take turns more slowly and

    leave extra room for stopping.

    MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS

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    Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturersspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged.

    S Stands Ensure the side stand operates

    smoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position. Ifequipped, the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against theframe whenever the motorcycleis moving.

    Additionally, regular maintenance suchas tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routinecheckups by your doctor are for you.Wear and tear is normal with use;routine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns. The schedulefor regular upkeep for motorcycleparts and controls is contained in

    your motorcycles owners manual.

    KNOW YOUR

    RESPONSIBILITIESAccident implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence. In traffic, that is notthe case. In fact, most people in-volved in a crash can claim some

    responsibility for what takes place.Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersec-tion on a yellow light turning red.Your light turns green. You pull intothe intersection without checking forpossible traffic. That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash. It was the driversresponsibility to stop, and it was your

    responsibility to look before pulling out.Both of you are at fault. Someone elsemight be the first to start the chain ofevents leading to a crash, but it doesntleave any of us free of responsibility.

    As a rider you can not be sure thatother operators will see you or yieldthe right of way. To lessen yourchances of a crash occurring:

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

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

    Maintain an adequate spacecushion when following, being

    followed, lane sharing, passing andbeing passed.

    Search your pathof travel 12seconds ahead.

    Identify and separatehazards.

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

    Blame doesnt matter when someoneis injured in a crash. The ability to rideaware, make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible ridersfrom the rest. Remember, it is up to youto keep from being the cause of, or anunprepared participant in, any crash.

    TEST YOURSELF 2

    More than half of all crashes:

    A. Occur at speeds greater than 35mph.

    B. Happen at night.

    C. Are caused by worn tires.

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

    Answer - page 50

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    BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL

    Body Position

    To control a motorcycle well:

    Posture Position yourselfcomfortably so you are able to

    operate all the controls and can useyour arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself up.This helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to reactquickly to hazards.

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

    Hands Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces. Start with your rightwrist at. This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much

    throttle. Also, adjust the handlebars

    so your hands are even with orbelow your elbows. This permitsyou to use the proper muscles forprecision steering.

    Knees Keep your knees againstthe gas tank to help you keep your

    balance as the motorcycle turns. Feet Keep your feet firmly on

    the footrests to maintain balance.Dont drag your feet. If your footcatches on something, you couldbe injured and it could affect yourcontrol of the motorcycle. Keepyour feet near the controls so youcan get to them fast if needed.

    Also, do not let your toes pointdownward they may get caughtbetween the road and the footrests.

    Shifting GearsThere is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pickup speed smoothly. Learning to usethe gears when downshifting, turning

    or starting on hills is equally impor-tant for safe motorcycle operation.

    The gearshift lever is located in frontof the left footrest and is operatedby the left foot. To shift up to ahigher gear, position your foot underthe shift lever and lift. To downshift,press the shift lever down. The shiftlever changes one gear each time it

    is lifted or pressed down. Wheneverthe lever is released, spring load-ing returns it to center, where themechanism resets for the next shiftup or down. A typical gear patternis 1-N-2-3-4-5. The N is for neutral,

    RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

    This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.That is something you can learn only through practice, preferably in a formalcourse of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse.But control begins withknowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing andobeying the rules of the road.

    HOLDING HANDGRIPS

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    which is selected by either a half liftfrom 1st gear or a half press from2nd gear. Most motorcycles have fivegears, but some have four or six gears.

    As your motorcycle increases speed,you will need to shift up to a highergear. Shift up well before the en-gine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed. As a generalrule, shift up soon enough to avoidover-revving the engine, but not sosoon to cause the engine to lug.

    When upshifting, use a 3-stepprocess: 1) Roll off the throttle as yousqueeze the clutch lever, 2) lift theshift lever firmly as far as it will go,

    3) smoothly ease out the clutch andadjust the throttle. Once the shift iscompleted, release the shift lever topermit it to reset for the next shift.

    You should shift down through thegears with the clutch as you slow orstop, and can also shift down whenyou need more power to accelerate.

    Make certain you are riding slowlyenough when you shift into a lowergear. If not, the motorcycle will lurch,and the rear wheel may skid. Whenriding downhill or shifting into first gearyou may need to use the brakes to slowenough before downshifting safely.

    When downshifting, use a 3-stepprocess:1) Roll off the throttle as yousqueeze the clutch lever, 2) press theshift lever down rmly, 3) ease out the

    clutch lever as you roll on the throttle.Once the shift is completed, release theshift lever to permit it to reset for thenext shift. Rolling on the throttle slightlywhile smoothly easing out the clutchcan help the engine come up to speedmore quickly and make the downshiftsmoother. Shifting to a lower gearcauses an effect similar to using the

    brakes. This is known as engine braking.To use engine braking, shift down onegear at a time and ease out the clutchthrough the friction zone betweeneach downshift. Keep the clutch in thefriction zone until the engine speedstabilizes. Then ease out the lever fullyuntil ready for the next downshift. Usu-ally you shift gears one at a time, but it

    is possible to shift through more thanone gear while the clutch is squeezed.

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

    Work toward a smooth, even clutchrelease, especially when downshift-ing. It is best to change gears before

    entering a turn. However, sometimesshifting while in the turn is necessary.If so, remember to do so smoothly.A sudden change in power to therear wheel can cause a skid.

    BrakingImproper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor inmany motorcycle crashes. Your mo-torcycle has two brake controls: onefor the front wheel and one for therear wheel. Always use both brakesevery time you slow or stop. Thefront brake is more powerful and canprovide at least 70% of your total

    SHIFTING GEARS

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    stopping power. The front brake issafe to use if you use it properly.

    Maximum straight-line brakingis accomplished by fully apply-

    ing both front and rear brakeswithout locking either wheel.

    To do this:

    Squeeze the front brakesmoothly, firmly and withprogressively more force.Do not grab the brake leveror use abrupt pressure.

    As the motorcycles weighttransfers forward, more tractionbecomes available at the frontwheel, so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins.

    Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up, lookingwell ahead. This helps you stop the

    motorcycle in a straight line.

    Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal toprevent a rear wheel skid. Asweight transfers forward lesstraction is available at the rear.Use less rear brake pressure.

    Using both brakes for even normal

    stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency. Squeeze thefront brake and press down on the rear.Grabbing at the front brake or jammingdown on the rear can cause the brakesto lock, resulting in control problems.

    Braking in a CornerAny time a motorcycle is leaned over,the amount of traction availablefor braking is reduced. The greaterthe lean angle, the more the pos-sibility of the tires losing traction.

    To stop as quickly and as safely as pos-sible in a curve, and depending on roadand traffic conditions, try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road

    as possible, then brake. If conditions donot allow, brake smoothly and gradu-ally, but do not apply as much brakingforce as you would if the motorcyclewere straight up. As you slow, you canreduce your lean angle, and as moretraction becomes available for braking,you can more firmly apply the brakes,so that by the time the motorcycle is

    stopped, the motorcycle is straightup, and the handlebars are squared.

    Linked and IntegratedBraking SystemsSome motorcycles have linked brak-ing which connects the front and rearbrakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when

    either the front lever or rear pedal isapplied. An integrated braking systemis a variation of the linked system inwhich partial front braking is appliedwhenever the rear brake is activated.Consult your owners manual for adetailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems.

    Anti-Lock Braking Systems(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheellock-up and avoid skids when stop-ping in straight-line, panic situations.ABS operates when maximum pres-sure on both the front and rear brakecontrols is applied. If electronic sen-sors detect the possibility of a wheel

    lock, brake hydraulic pressure isreleased then reapplied to maintainmaximum braking effectiveness.

    The system is capable of releasingand reapplying pressure more than15 times per second.

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    TurningApproach turns and curves with cau-tion. Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast. When they can not

    hold the turn, they end up crossing intoanother lane of traffic or going off theroad. Or, they overreact and brake toohard, causing a skid and loss of control.

    Use four steps for better control:

    SLOW Reduce speed before 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.

    In normal turns, the rider and themotorcycle should lean together atthe same angle.

    In slow, tight turns, counterbalanceby leaning the motorcycle only andkeeping your body straight.

    TEST YOURSELF 3

    When riding, you should:

    A. Turn your head and shoulders to lookthrough turns.

    B. Keep your arms straight.

    C. Keep your knees away from the gastank.

    D. Turn just your head and eyes to lookwhere you are going.

    Answer - page 50

    NORMAL TURNS

    SLOW, TIGHT TURNS

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    KEEPING YOUR DISTANCEThe best protection you can have isdistance a cushion of space separating yourself from other vehicles

    on the roadway. This will provide youwith a clear view of emerging trafficsituations, so that if someone elsemakes a mistake, you will have:

    More time to respond.

    More space to maneuver, includingan escape route if necessary.

    Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that theyare safer when clearly seen. In someways the size of the motorcycle canwork to your advantage. Each trafclane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel, as indicated in the illustration.

    Your lane position should help you:

    Increase your ability to see andbe seen.

    Avoid others blind spots.

    Avoid surface hazards.

    Protect your lane from other drivers.

    Communicate your intentions.

    Avoid windblast from othervehicles.

    Provide an escape route.

    Set up for turns.Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane the left tire trackof automobiles to be their defaultlane position. You should then con-sider varying your lane position asconditions warrant, keeping in mindthat no portion of the lane need beavoided including the center.

    You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you aremost likely to be seen and you canmaintain a space cushion around you.Change position as traffic situationschange. Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehiclesand other potential problems are onyour left only. Remain in path 1 or 2

    if hazards are on your right only. Ifvehicles are being operated on bothsides of you, the center of the lane,path 2, is usually your best option.

    Remember, the center third of thelane is the place where debris and oildrippings from cars collect and where

    LANE POSITIONS

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    hazards such as manhole covers are

    located. Unless the road is wet, theaverage center strip permits adequatetraction to ride on safely. You canoperate to the left or right of the greasestrip and still be within the center thirdof the traffic lane. Avoid riding on bigbuildups of oil and grease usually foundat busy intersections or tollbooths.

    Experienced riders rely on their own

    best judgment and instincts. Oneabsolute, however, is to avoid ridingin another vehicles blind spot.

    Following Another VehicleFollowing too closely is a factor incrashes involving motorcyclists. In traf-fic, motorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars. Normally, a minimum

    of two secondsdistance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead.

    To gauge your following distance:

    Pick out a marker,such as apavement marking or lamppost,on or near the road ahead.

    When the rear bumperof the

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

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

    A two-second following distance leavesa minimum amount of space to stop orswerve if the driver ahead stops sud-denly. It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road.

    A larger cushion of space is needed ifyour motorcycle will take longer thannormal to stop. If the pavement isslippery, if you cannot see through thevehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy andsomeone may squeeze in front of you,

    open up a three-second or more follow-ing distance.

    Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped. Thiswill make it easier to get out of theway if someone bears down on you

    FOLLOWING

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    from behind. It will also give you acushion of space if the vehicle aheadstarts to back up for some reason.

    When behind a car, ride where the

    driver can see you in the rearviewmirror. Riding in the center portion ofthe lane should put your image in themiddle of the rearview mirror wherea driver is most likely to see you.

    Riding at the far side of a lane maypermit a driver to see you in a sideviewmirror. But remember that most drivers

    dont look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror. If the traffic situa-tion allows, the center portion of thelane is usually the best place for youto be seen by the drivers ahead andto prevent lane sharing by others.

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

    A better way to handle tailgaters isto get them in front of you. Whensomeone is following too closely,change lanes and let them pass. If youcant do this, slow down and openup extra space ahead of you to allow

    room for both you and the tailgaterto stop. This will also encourage themto pass. If they do not pass, you willhave given yourself and the tailgatermore time and space to react in casean emergency does develop ahead.

    Passing and Being PassedPassing and being passed by another

    vehicle is not much different than witha car. However, visibility is morecritical. Be sure other drivers see you,and that you see potential hazards.

    Passing

    1. Ride in the left portionof thelane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible. Signaland check for oncoming traffic.Use your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind.

    2. When safe, move into the leftlane and accelerate. Select a laneposition that does not crowdthe car and provides space to

    avoid hazards in your lane.3. Ride through the blind spot

    as quickly as possible.

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

    Remember, passes must be com-

    pleted within posted speed limits,and only where permitted. Knowyour signs and road markings!

    PASSING

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    Being PassedWhen you are being passed from be-hind, stay in the center portion of yourlane. Riding close to the passing vehicle

    could put you in a hazardous situation.

    Avoid being hit by:

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

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

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

    Blasts of wind from largervehicles They can affect yourcontrol. You have more room

    for error if you are in the middleportion when hit by this blast thanif you are on either side of the lane.

    Do notmove into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle.It might invite the other driver tocut back into your lane too early.

    Lane SharingCars and motorcycles need a fulllane to operate safely. Lane sharingis 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 sharingby others. Keep a center-portionposition whenever drivers might betempted to squeeze by you. Driv-ers are most tempted to do this:

    In heavy,bumper-to-bumpertraffic.

    When theywant to pass you. When youare preparing to turn at

    an intersection.

    When youare moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway.

    TEST YOURSELF 4

    Usually, a good way to handletailgaters is to:

    A. Change lanes and let them pass.

    B. Use your horn and make obscenegestures.

    C. Speed up to put distance between youand the tailgater.

    D. Ignore them.

    Answer - page 50

    BEING PASSED

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    Merging CarsDrivers on an entrance ramp may notsee you on the highway. Give themplenty of room. Change to another

    lane if one is open. If there is no roomfor a lane change, adjust speed toopen up space for the merging driver.

    Cars AlongsideDo 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

    the next lane, which could switch intoyour lane without warning. Cars inthe next lane also block your escapeif you come upon danger in your ownlane. Speed up or drop back to find aplace clear of traffic on both sides.

    MERGING BLIND SPOTS

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    SEEGood, experienced ridersare always aware of whatis going on around them.

    They reduce their risk byusing MSFs three-stepSEESMstrategy:

    Search

    Evaluate

    Execute

    SEE will help you assess

    what is going on in trafficso you can plan and im-plement the safest courseof action as traffic situa-tions change. Lets lookat each of these steps.

    SearchHow assertively you

    search, and how muchtime and space youhave, can eliminate orminimize risk. As yousearch, focus on findingpotential escape routes, especially in oraround intersections, shopping areasand school and construction zones.

    One way to search is to use your

    RiderRadar to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you, to the sides,and behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise. There arethree lead times experienced ridersconsider. First, be alert and scan for haz-ards that are about 2 seconds ahead ofyou, or within your following distance.Scanning your 4-second immediate path

    can allow you time for a quick responseif something should go wrong. Any-thing that is within 4 seconds of yourpath is considered immediate because4 seconds is considered enough timeand space to swerve and/or brake

    for fixed hazards or for someone orsomething entering your path of travel.

    Finally, experienced riders search forhazards that are further out, look-ing ahead to an area it would take

    about 12 seconds to reach. Thisprovides time to prepare for a situa-tion before it becomes immediate.

    Using the SEE strategy will help you toSearchfor a variety of factors such as:

    Oncoming trafficthat may turnleft in front of you.

    Trafficcoming from the left andfrom the right.

    Trafficapproaching from behind.

    Hazardousroad conditions thatrequire you to be alert, especially inareas with limited visibility. Visually

    RIDER RADAR

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    busy surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others.

    Evaluate

    Evaluate means to think about howhazards can interact to create risksfor you. Anticipate potential prob-lems and have a plan to reduce risks,particularly when faced with:

    Road and surface characteristicssuch as potholes, guardrails,bridges, telephone poles and treesthat will not move into your path,

    but may inuence your ridingstrategy.

    Trafc control devices includingtraffic signals, warning signs, andpavement markings, which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead.

    Vehicles and other trafcthat

    may move into your path andincrease the likelihood of a crash.Think about your time and spacerequirements in order to maintain amargin of safety, and give yourselftime to react if an emergency arises.

    ExecuteFinally, Executeyour decision. To create

    more space and minimize harm fromany hazard:

    Communicateyour presence withlights and/or horn.

    Adjust your speedby accelerating,stopping or slowing.

    Adjust your positionand/ordirection by swerving, changing

    lanes, or moving to another positionwithin your lane.

    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 one

    at a time as single hazards. Decision-making becomes more complexwith three or more hazards. Evaluatethe consequences of each and giveequal distance to the hazards.

    In potential high-risk areas, suchas intersections, shopping areasand school and construction zones,cover the clutch and both brakes toreduce the time you need to react.

    INTERSECTIONSThe greatest potential for conictbetween you and other traffic is atintersections. An intersection can bein the middle of an urban area or at adriveway on a residential street any-where traffic may cross your path of

    travel. Over one-half of motorcycle/carcrashes are caused by drivers entering ariders right-of-way. Cars that turn leftin front of you, including cars turningleft from the lane on your right, andcars on side streets that pull into yourlane, are the biggest dangers. Youruse of SEE at intersections is critical.

    TEST YOURSELF 5

    To reduce your reaction time, you

    should:A. Ride slower than the speed limit.

    B. Cover the clutch and the brakes.

    C. Shift into neutral when slowing.

    D. Pull in the clutch when turning.

    Answer - page 50

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    There are no guarantees that others seeyou. Never count on eye contact as asign that a driver will yield. Too often,a driver looks right at a motorcyclistand still fails to see him or her. Theonly eyes that you can count on areyour own. If a car can enter your path,assume that it will. Good riders are

    always looking for trouble notto get into it, but to stay out of it.

    Increase your chances of being seen atintersections. Ride with your headlighton and in a lane position that providesthe best view of oncoming traffic.Provide a space cushion around themotorcycle that permits you to takeevasive action. When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driver

    is preparing to cross your path, slowdown and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driver.Cover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time. As you enter

    TEST YOURSELF 6

    Making eye contact with other drivers:

    A. Is a good sign they see you.

    B. Is not worth the effort it takes.

    C. Doesnt mean that the driver will yield.

    D. Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you.

    Answer - page 50

    SMALL INTERSECTION

    LARGE INTERSECTIONS

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

    brake hard and hold your position if anoncoming vehicle turns in front of you,especially if there is other traffic aroundyou. This strategy should also be usedwhenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turn,whether at an intersection or not.

    Blind Intersections

    If you approach a blind intersection,move to the portion of the lane thatwill bring you into another driversfield of vision at the earliest pos-sible moment. In this picture, therider has moved to the left portionof the lane away from the parkedcar so the driver on the cross streetcan see him as soon as possible.

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

    Stop SignsIf you have a stop sign or stop line, stopthere first. Then edge forward and stopagain, just short of where the cross-traf-fic lane meets your lane. From that posi-

    tion, lean your body forward and lookaround buildings, parked cars or bushesto see if anything is coming. Just makesure your front wheel stays out of thecross lane of travel while youre looking.

    Passing Parked CarsWhen passing parked cars, stay towardthe left of your lane. You can avoidproblems caused by doors opening,drivers getting out of cars or peoplestepping from between cars. If oncom-ing traffic is present, it is usually bestto remain in the center- lane positionto maximize your space cushion.

    STOP SIGNS

    PARKED CARS

    BLIND INTERSECTIONS

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

    In either event, the driver might cut intoyour path. Slow down or change lanesto make room for someone cutting 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

    a driver will do, slow down and getthe drivers attention. Sound yourhorn and continue with caution.

    Parking at the RoadsideIf parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb, position the motor-cycle at an angle with the rear wheelto the curb. (Note: Some cities haveordinances that require motorcyclesto park parallel to the curb.)

    INCREASING CONSPICUITY

    In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers of-ten say that they never saw the motor-cycle. From ahead or behind, a motorcy-cles outline is much smaller than a cars.

    Also, its hard to see something you arenot looking for, and most drivers arenot looking for motorcycles. More likely,they are looking through the skinny,

    two-wheeled silhouette in search ofcars that may pose a problem to them.

    Even if a driver does see you com-ing, you are not necessarily safe.Smaller vehicles appear farther awayand seem to be traveling slower thanthey actually are. It is common fordrivers to pull out in front of motor-cyclists, thinking they have plenty oftime. Too often, they are wrong.

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

    ClothingMost 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/vests are your best bets for be-ing seen. Your helmet can do more thanprotect you in a crash. Brightly coloredhelmets can also help others see you.

    Any bright color is better than drab or

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

    Reective material on a vest andon the sides of the helmet will helpdrivers coming from the side tospot you. Reective material canalso be a big help for drivers com-ing toward you or from behind.

    HeadlightThe best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlighton Use your high beam wheneveryou are not following or meeting acar.(new motorcycles sold in the USA

    PARKING AT CURBS

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    since 1978 automatically have the head-lights on when running). Studies showthat, during the day, a motorcycle withits light on is twice as likely to be no-

    ticed. Use low beam at night and in fog.

    SignalsThe signals on a motorcycle aresimilar to those on a car. They tellothers what you plan to do.

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

    to change lanes or turn. Use themeven when you think no one else isaround. Its the car you do not see thatis going to give you the most trouble.Your signal lights also make you easierto spot. That is why it is a good ideato use your turn signals even whenwhat you plan to do is obvious.

    When you enter a freeway, driv-ers approaching from behind aremore likely to see your signal blink-ing and make room for you.

    Turning your signal light on before eachturn reduces confusion and frustration

    for the traffic around you. Once youturn, make sure your signal is off or adriver may pull directly into your path,thinking you plan to turn again. Use

    your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly. Dont makethem guess what you intend to do.

    Brake LightYour motorcycles brake light isusually not as noticeable as the brakelights on a car particularly whenyour taillight is on. (It goes on with

    the headlight.) If the situation willpermit, help others notice you byashing your brake light before youslow down. It is especially importantto ash your brake light before:

    You slow more quicklythanothers might expect (turning offa high-speed highway).

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

    If you are being followed closely, it isa 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

    from tailgating and warn them ofhazards ahead they may not see.

    Using Your MirrorsWhile it is most important to keep trackof what is happening ahead, you cannot afford to ignore situations behind.Traffic conditions change quickly.Knowing what is going on behind is

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

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

    SIGNALING

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    When you are stoppedat anintersection. Watch cars coming upfrom behind. If the drivers are notpaying attention, they could be on

    top 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 plan

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

    Most motorcycles have rounded (con-vex) mirrors. These provide a wider viewof the road behind than do at mirrors.They also make cars seem farther awaythan they really are. If you are not usedto convex mirrors, get familiar withthem. (While you are stopped, pick

    out a parked car in your mirror. Forma mental image of how far away it is.Then, turn around and look at it to seehow close you came.)Practice withyour mirrors until you become a good

    judge of distance. Even then, allowextra distance before you change lanes.

    Head Checks

    Checking your mirrors is not enough.Motorcycles have blind spots likecars. Before you change lanes, turnyour head, and look to the side forother vehicles.

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

    Frequent head checks should be your

    normal scanning routine, also. Only by

    knowing what is happening all aroundyou are you fully prepared to deal with it.

    HornBe ready to use your horn to getsomeones attention quickly.

    It is a good idea to give a quickbeep before passing anyone thatmay move into your lane.

    Here are some situations:

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

    A parked carhas someone in the

    drivers seat. Someone is in the street,riding a

    bicycle or walking.

    In an emergency, sound your horn loudand long. Be ready to stop or swerveaway from the danger.

    TEST YOURSELF 7

    Reflective clothing should:

    A. Be worn at night.

    B. Be worn during the day.

    C. Not be worn.

    D. Be worn day and nightAnswer - page 50

    USING MIRRORS

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    Keep in mind that a motorcycleshorn is not as loud as a cars therefore, use it, but do not rely onit. Other strategies, like having time

    and space to maneuver, may beappropriate along with the horn.

    Riding at NightAt night it is harder for you to seeand be seen. Picking your head-light or taillight out of the car lightsaround you is not easy for otherdrivers. To compensate, you should:

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

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

    Use the Car Ahead The

    headlights 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 beam

    whenever you are not following ormeeting a car. Be visible: Wear reec-

    tive materials when riding at night.

    Be Flexible About Lane Position.Change to whatever portion ofthe lane is best able to help yousee, be seen and keep an adequatespace cushion.

    CRASH AVOIDANCENo matter how careful you are, therewill be times when you find yourself in atight spot. Your chances of getting out

    safely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly. Often, a crashoccurs because a rider is not preparedor skilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers.

    Know when and how to stop or swerve,two skills critical in avoiding a crash. It isnot always desirable or possible to stopquickly to avoid an obstacle. Riders must

    also be able to swerve around an obsta-cle. Determining which skill is necessaryfor the situation is important as well.

    Studies show that most crash- involvedriders:

    Underbrakethe front tire andoverbrake the rear.

    Did notseparate braking from

    swerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate.

    The following information offers somegood advice.

    Quick StopsTo stop quickly, apply both brakes at thesame time. Dont be shy about usingthe front brake, but dont grab it,

    either. Squeeze the brake lever firmlyand progressively. If the front wheellocks, release the front brake immedi-ately then reapply it firmly. At the sametime, press down on the rear brake. Ifyou accidentally lock the rear brake ona good traction surface, you can keepit locked until you have completelystopped; but, even with a locked rear

    wheel, you can control the motorcycleon a straightaway if it is upright andgoing in a straight line.

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    Stopping Quickly in a CurveIf you know the technique, using bothbrakes in a turn is possible, althoughit should be done very carefully.

    When leaning the motorcycle someof the traction is used for cornering.Less traction is available for stop-ping. A skid can occur if you applytoo much brake. Also, using the frontbrake incorrectly on a slippery surfacemay be hazardous. Use caution andsqueeze the brake lever, never grab.

    If you must stop quickly while turning ina curve, first straighten and square thehandlebars, then stop. If you find your-self in a situation that does not allowstraightening first, such as when thereis a danger of running off the road in aleft-hand curve, or when facing oncom-ing traffic in a right-hand curve, applythe brakes smoothly and gradually. As

    you slow, you can reduce your leanangle and apply more brake pressureuntil the motorcycle is straight andmaximum brake pressure can be ap-plied. Always straighten the handlebarsin the last few feet of stopping to main-tain your balance and remain upright.

    Swerving or Turning QuicklySometimes you may not have enoughroom to stop, even if you use bothbrakes properly. You may encounter

    an unexpected object in your path. Orthe car ahead might squeal to a stop.The only way to avoid a crash maybe to turn quickly or swerve aroundit. A swerve is a sudden change indirection. It can be two quick turns,or a rapid shift to the side. Apply asmall amount of hand pressure to thehandlegrip located on the side of your

    intended direction of escape. This willcause the motorcycle to lean quickly.The sharper the turn(s), the more themotorcycle must lean. Keep your bodyupright and allow the motorcycle tolean in the direction of the turn whilekeeping your knees against the tankand your feet solidly on the foot rests.Let the motorcycle move underneath

    you. Make your escape route the targetof your vision. Press on the oppositehandlegrip once you clear the obstacleto return you to your original directionof travel. To swerve to the left, pressthe left handlegrip, then press the rightto recover. To swerve to the right, pressright, then left. If braking is required,

    SWERVE, THEN BRAKE BRAKE, THEN SWERVE

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    separate it from swerving.Brake

    before or after never while swerving.

    Maximum Straight-LineBrakingMaximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying frontand rear brakes without locking eitherwheel. Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well ahead,

    not down. This will help you keepthe motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible, minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction.

    Front-Wheel SkidsIf the front wheel locks, release thefront brake immediately and completely.

    Reapply the brake smoothly. Front-

    wheel skids result in immediate lossof steering control and balance.Failure to fully release the brake leverimmediately will result in a crash.

    Rear-Wheel SkidsA skidding rear tire is a dangerouscondition that can result in a violentcrash and serious injury or death.

    Too much rear brake pressure causesrear-wheel lockup. As soon as the rearwheel locks, your ability to changedirection is lost. To regain control thebrake must be released. However, if therear wheel is out of alignment with thefront, there is a risk of a high-side crash.

    This occurs when the wheels areout of alignment and a locked rearwheel is released. The motorcyclecan abruptly snap upright and

    tumble, throwing the rider intothe air ahead of the motorcyclespath. Even slight misalignmentcan result in a high-side crash.

    CurvesA primary cause of single-vehiclecrashes is motorcyclists runningwide in a curve or turn and colliding

    with the roadway or a fixed object.Every curve is different. Be alert towhether a curve remains constant,

    CONSTANT CURVES

    MULTIPLE CURVES

    STOPPING DISTANCE

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    gradually widens, gets tighter orinvolves multiple turns. Ride within yourskill level and posted speed limits.

    Your best path may not always followthe curve of the road. Change laneposition depending on traffic, roadconditions and curve of the road. If notraffic is present, start at the outsideof a curve to increase your line of sight

    and the effective radius of the turn.As you turn, move toward the insideof 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 a

    curve and stay there until you exit.This permits you to spot approachingtraffic as soon as possible. You can alsoadjust for traffic crowding the center

    line, or debris blocking part of your lane.

    HANDLING DANGEROUS

    SURFACESYour chance of falling or being involvedin a crash increases whenever you rideacross:

    Uneven surfaces or obstacles.

    Slippery surfaces. Railroad tracks.

    Grooves and gratings.

    Uneven Surfacesand ObstaclesWatch for uneven surfaces such asbumps, broken pavement, potholesor small pieces of highway trash.

    Try to avoid obstacles by slowing or goingaround them. If you must go over theobstacle, first determine if it is possible.Approach it at as close to a 90 angle aspossible. Look where you want to go tocontrol your path of travel. If you haveto ride over the obstacle, you should:

    Slow downas much as possiblebefore contact.

    Make surethe motorcycle isstraight.

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

    DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)

    WIDENING CURVES

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    your tires and rims for damage beforeriding any farther.

    Slippery SurfacesMotorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permitgood traction. Surfaces that pro-vide poor traction include:

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

    Gravel roads,or where sand andgravel collect.

    Mud, leaves, snow, and ice.

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

    To ride safely on slippery surfaces:

    Reduce Speed Slow down

    before 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 ordirection can cause a skid. Be assmooth as possible when you speed

    up, shift gears, turn or brake. Use Both Brakes The front

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

    The center of a lanecan be

    hazardous when wet. When itstarts to rain, ride in the tire tracksleft by cars. Often, the left tire trackwill be the best position, dependingon traffic and other road conditions.

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

    Dirt and gravelcollect along thesides of the road especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways. Be aware of what is on theedge of the road, particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds.

    OBSTACLES

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

    bridges and overpasses. Wet surfacesor wet leaves are just as slippery. Rideon the least slippery portion of thelane and reduce speed.

    Cautious riders steer clear of roadscovered with ice or snow. If you cannot avoid 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 along thesurface. If the motorcycle starts to fall,you can catch yourself. Be sure to keepoff the brakes. If possible, squeeze theclutch and coast. Attempting this ma-neuver at anything other than the slow-est of speeds could prove hazardous.

    Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracksand Pavement SeamsUsually it is safer to ride straight withinyour lane to cross tracks. Turning totake tracks head-on (at a 90 angle) canbe more dangerous your path maycarry you into another lane of traffic.

    For track and road seams that runparallel to your course, move farenough away from tracks, ruts, orpavement seams to cross at an angleof at least 45. Then, make a deliber-ate turn. Edging across could catchyour tires and throw you off balance. Grooves and Gratings

    Riding over rain grooves or bridgegratings may cause a motorcycle to

    weave. The uneasy, wandering feel-ing is generally not hazardous. Relax,maintain a steady speed and ridestraight across. Crossing at an angleforces riders to zigzag to stay in thelane. The zigzag is far more hazard-ous than the wandering feeling.

    TEST YOURSELF 8

    The best way to stop quickly is to:A. Use the front brake only.

    B. Use the rear brake first.

    C. Throttle down and use the front brake.

    D. Use both brakes at the same time.

    Answer - page 50

    CROSSTRACKSRIGHT

    CROSSTRACKSWRONG

    PARALLEL TRACKSRIGHT

    PARALLEL TRACKSWRONG

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    MECHANICAL PROBLEMSYou can find yourself in an emer-gency the moment something goeswrong with your motorcycle. Indealing with any mechanical prob-lem, take into account the road andtrafc conditions you face. Here aresome guidelines that can help youhandle mechanical problems safely.

    Tire FailureYou will seldom hear a tire go at. Ifthe motorcycle starts handling dif-ferently, it may be a tire failure. Thiscan be dangerous. You must be ableto tell from the way the motorcycle

    reacts. If one of your tires suddenlyloses air, react quickly to keep yourbalance. Pull off and check the tires.

    If the front tire goes at, the steer-

    ing will feel heavy. A front-wheelat is particularly hazardous becauseit affects your steering. You have tosteer well to keep your balance.

    If the rear tire goes at, theback of the motorcycle may jerkor sway from side to side.

    If either tire goes flat while riding:

    Hold handgripsfirmly, ease offthe throttle, and keep a straightcourse.

    If braking is required,graduallyapply the brake of the tire that is notat, if you are sure which one it is.

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

    Stuck ThrottleTwist the throttle back and forthseveral times. If the throttle cable isstuck, this may free it. If the throttlestays stuck, immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in theclutch at the same time. This will

    remove power from the rear wheel,though engine sound may not imme-diately decline. Once the motorcycleis under control, pull off and stop.

    After you have stopped, check the throt-tle cable carefully to find the source of thetrouble. Make certain the throttle worksfreely before you start to ride again.

    WobbleA wobble occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start toshake from side to side at any speed.Most wobbles can be traced to im-proper loading, unsuitable accessories

    TEST YOURSELF 9

    When it starts to rain it is usually

    best to:

    A. Ride in the center of the lane.

    B. Pull off to the side until the rain stops.

    C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars.

    D. Increase your speed.Answer - page 50

    GRATE CROSSINGSRIGHT

    GRATE CROSSINGSWRONG

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    or incorrect tire pressure. If you arecarrying a heavy load, lighten it; if youcan not, shift it. Center the weightlower and farther forward on the mo-

    torcycle. Make sure tire pressure, springpre-load, air shocks and dampers areat the settings recommended for thatmuch weight. Make sure windshieldsand fairings are mounted properly.

    Check for poorly adjusted steering;worn steering parts; a front wheel thatis bent, misaligned, or out of balance;loose wheel bearings or spokes; andworn swingarm bearings. If none ofthese is determined to be the cause,have the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional.

    Trying to accelerate out of a wobblewill only make the motorcycle moreunstable. Instead:

    Grip the handlebars rmly,but

    do not fight the wobble.

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

    Move your weightas far forwardand down as possible.

    Pull off the roadas soon as youcan to fix the problem.

    Drive Train ProblemsThe drive train for a motorcycle useseither a chain, belt, or drive shaft totransfer power from the engine to

    the rear wheel. Routine inspection,adjustment, and maintenance makesfailure a rare occurrence. A chain orbelt that slips or breaks while youre

    riding could lock the rear wheel andcause your motorcycle to skid.

    If the chain or belt breaks, you willnotice an instant loss of power tothe rear wheel. Close the throttleand brake to a stop in a safe area.

    On a motorcycle with a drive shaft,loss of oil in the rear differential can

    cause the rear wheel to lock, and youmay not be able to prevent a skid.

    Engine SeizureWhen the engine locks or freezesit is usually low on oil. The enginesmoving parts can not move smoothlyagainst each other, and the engineoverheats. The first sign may be a lossof engine power or a change in theengines sound. Squeeze the clutch leverto disengage the engine from the rearwheel. Pull off the road and stop. Checkthe oil. If needed, oil should be addedas soon as possible or the engine willseize. When this happens, the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel. Letthe engine cool before restarting.

    ANIMALSNaturally, you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting ananimal. If you are in traffic, however,remain in your lane. Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you thanhitting something big like a car.

    Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. If

    you are being chased, downshift andapproach the animal slowly. As youapproach it, accelerate and leave theanimal behind. Do not kick at theanimal. Keep control of your motorcycleand look to where you want to go.

    TEST YOURSELF 10

    If your motorcycle starts to wobble:

    A. Accelerate out of the wobble.

    B. Use the brakes gradually.

    C. Grip the handlebars rmly and closethe throttle gradually.

    D. Downshift.Answer - page 50

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

    FLYING OBJECTSFrom time to time riders are struckby insects, cigarettes thrown fromcars or pebbles kicked up by thetires of the vehicle ahead. If you arewearing face protection, it might getsmeared or cracked, making it difficultto see. Without face protection, anobject could hit you in the eye, face

    or mouth. Whatever happens, keepyour eyes on the road and your handson the handlebars. When safe, pulloff the road and repair the damage.

    GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check the

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

    Check the roadside Make sure

    the surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on. If it is soft grass,loose sand or if youre just not sureabout it, slow way down before youturn onto it.

    Signal Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down. Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing direction.

    Check your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action.

    Pull off the road Get as far offthe road as you can. It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by the

    side of the road. You do notwant someone else pulling offat the same place you are.

    Park carefully Loose and sloped

    shoulders can make setting the sideor center stand difficult.

    CARRYING PASSENGERS

    AND CARGOThe extra weight of a passenger or car-go will affect the way your motorcyclebehaves, requiring extra practice, prepa-ration and caution. For this reason, onlyexperienced riders should attempt tocarry passengers or large loads. Beforetaking a passenger or a heavy load onthe street, prepare yourself and yourmotorcycle for safe operation in traffic.

    Preparing Your MotorcycleTire Pressure Check the air pres-sure of both tires. Refer to the owners

    manual or the label affixed to themotorcycle for the correct ina-tion specifications. Though most ofthe added weight will typically beon the rear wheel, do not forget toalso check the pressure on the fronttire. Correct ination pressures willmaintain maximum stability, steeringprecision and braking capability.

    Suspension With a heavy load, theriding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change. On somemotorcycles, it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (springpreload, compression/damping set-tings, etc.) to compensate for thelowered rear of the motorcycle. Referto the owners manual for adjust-ment procedures and specifications.

    Headlight Prior to loading, posi-tion the motorcycle about 10 feetfrom a wall in an unlighted garageand mark the headlight beam loca-tion on the wall with chalk. With a

    TEST YOURSELF 11

    If you are chased by a dog:

    A. Kick it away.

    B. Stop until the animal loses interest.

    C. Swerve around the animal.

    D. Approach the animal slowly, thenspeed up.

    Answer - page 50

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    full load and passenger, recheck theheadlight beam location, check mirrorsalso. Use the adjusting screws on theheadlight to lower the beam to the

    same height. Check your ownersmanual for adjustment procedure.

    Equipment forCarrying a Passenger

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

    Be sure your motorcycle is equipped

    with passenger footrests.

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

    Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger to

    hold onto.

    Preparing YourPassenger to RideEnsure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests, and is able tohold on to your waist, hips, belt, or thebikes passenger handholds. Childrenshould be placed immediately behind

    the rider. A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly bal-ance him/herself and may interfere withthe riders control of the motorcycle.

    Passenger safety begins with properinstruction. Riders should not as-sume that passengers are familiarwith motorcycle handling, control, orbalance. As a routine practice, alwaysinstruct your passenger on cyclingbasics prior to starting the trip, even ifyour passenger is a motorcycle rider.

    As you prepare for your ride, tell yourpassenger to:

    Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral.As the passenger mounts, keep

    both your feet on the ground andthe brakes applied.

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

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

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

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

    Stay directly behind