North Dakota_motorcycle 11-13

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Motorcycle Operator Manual

2011 - 2013

It is NDDOTs policy that all employees have the right to work in anenvironment free of harassment. An employee may discontinueservice to a customer if the customer subjects the employee toconduct, communication, or sexuallyexplicit paraphernalia which mayinterfere with the employees work performance or create a hostile,intimidating, or offensiveworkenvironment.

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and its related statutes

and regulations, no person or groups of persons shall, on the groundsof race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap, or incomestatus, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, orbe otherwise subjected to discrimination under any and all programs,services, or activitiesadministered by the North DakotaDepartment ofTransportation.

Prepared by

NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONBISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA

www.dot.nd.gov

DIRECTORFrancis G. Ziegler, P.E.

DRIVERS LICENSE DIVISIONGlenn E. Jackson

DL0711


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To the Motorcycle Operator:

This manual contains important information for those of you whowish to operate a motorcycle. You are urged to study this manualthoroughly.

As a motorcyclist, you should remember that you will be traveling onthe streets and highways with a variety of vehicles, most of whichare larger than your motorcycle. Statistics show that the chancesof a motorcyclist being injured in a motorcycle crash are far greaterthan any other type of vehicular crash. And one out of every fivemotorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries.

As a motorcyclist in North Dakota, you are subject to the same

rules of the road as other motorists, as well as special laws formotorcycles, which are summarized in this manual. Applicants whodo not currently possess a North Dakota operators license shouldstudy this manual along with the North Dakota Rules of the Roadmanual, available at any of the Drivers License offices or online atwww.dot.nd.gov.

Drivers License DivisionND Department of Transportation


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LICENSE REQUIREMENT

Any person other than a nonresidentstudent, a tourist, or a member ofthe armed forces who has lived in thisstate for 90 consecutive days, shall bedeemed a resident of North Dakota forthe purposes of driver licensing. Youmay operate a vehicle with an operatorslicense from another state for a periodof 60 days after you become a residentof North Dakota, then you must obtaina North Dakota operators license.

When operating either a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle, North Dakotalaw requires that you have in yourpossession a Class M permit or license.Driving without the Class M permit orlicense will result in a $20 fine and afour point assessment on your drivingrecord.

Fourteen- and fifteen-year-oldmotorcycle operators may only operatemotorcycles with a 250 cc engine orless.

Operators and passengers under theage of 18 must wear a safety helmetthat meets U.S. Department ofTransportation standards. If the operatoris required to wear a helmet, then any

passenger, regardless of age, must alsowear a helmet.

Applying for a Class MLicense or Permit

Applications for an operators licenseor permit are made with the DriversLicense office in your area.

PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION ISREQUIRED.

Original applicants who do not havea valid North Dakota operators licensemust present proof of legal presence,

current name and date of birth. Out-of-state permits, licenses, and ID cardswill not be accepted as proof of legalpresence, name and date of birth.Proof of North Dakota residence

address may also be required.Acceptable forms of identification are:

- U.S. Birth Certificate (state certified;Government-issued: includes U.S.territories).

- Valid U.S. Passport.

- U.S. Government-issued ConsularReport of Birth Abroad. Certificateor FS 240 (seal required).

- Valid Foreign Passport with an I-94card or an I-551 stamp.

- U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/ReservistMilitary ID Card.

- U.S. Court Order for adoptioncontaining the legal name anddate of birth (Court seal required).U.S. Court Order for name change,divorce decree or marriagecertificate used for proof of currentname only.

- North Dakota state issued permit,license, or ID card.

- The following Immigrationdocuments (unexpired):

I-551 Resident Alien or PermanentResident Card

I-766 Employment AuthorizationCard

N560 Certificate of Citizenship

N550 Certificate of Naturalization

I-94 card stamped Refugee orAsylee

Only original documents and certifiedcopies will be accepted. No photo-copies. A court order or governmentissued marriage certificate isrequired for a name change. Severaldocuments may be necessary in theevent there has been more than onename change since birth.

You will not be allowed to testwithout proper identification.

Applicants born in North Dakota


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who do not have the required birthcertificate may obtain a copy by

sending $7 and general birth andidentification information to VitalRecords, North Dakota Department ofHealth, Dept. 301, 600 East BoulevardAvenue, Bismarck, North Dakota58505-0200. Visit www.ndhealth.gov/vital for details.

All applications for permit, license, oridentification card must contain theindividuals social security number(NDCC 39-06-07 and NDCC 39-06-03.1).

All applicants must pass a visionscreening, testing your ability to see as

it applies to driving.

All applicants who do NOT present avalid Class A, B, C, or D North Dakotaoperators license will be required topass the Class D Rules of the Roadwritten test prior to the Class Mwritten test. Children, backpacks,purses, and electronic devices suchas cell phone, ipods, etc., will not beallowed in the testing area.

You may NOT operate a motorcycleuntil you receive the Class M permit,then you must pass an on-cycle skilltest prior to a Class M license beingissued. The on-cycle skill test may bewaived upon successful completion ofa motorcycle safety course approvedby the director.

Anyone operating a motorcycle witha learners permit may not drive afterdark and shall not carry passengers.

State statutes require a $5 fee foreach written test and a $5 fee foreach road/skill test.

North Dakota Drivers LicenseLocations

No appointment is needed for thewritten test. Arrive no later than onehour prior to noon and no later than

one hour prior to closing.

TTY users may call: Relay North Dakota

at 711.

For skill test appointments and generallicense information, call your respectiveDrivers License office. Skill tests willnot be conducted during inclementweather. Call for cancellationinformation.

All sites are closed from 12:00-1:00p.m. except Bismarck, Minot, GrandForks and Fargo.

Fargo 239-8940WahpetonLisbon

Jamestown 252-5596Valley CityOakes

Dickinson 227-6550BeulahBowman

Bismarck 328-2252WishekLintonCarson

Grand Forks 787-6540Langdon

GraftonMayville

Minot 857-7624BottineauRollaRugbyHarvey

Williston 774-4358CrosbyWatford City

Devils Lake 662-4814Carrington


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Offices are closed on the followingholidays:

New Years Day, January 1Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, third Mondayin JanuaryPresidents Day, third Monday in FebruaryGood Friday, the Friday preceding EasterSundayMemorial Day, the last Monday in MayIndependence Day, July 4Labor Day, the first Monday in SeptemberVeterans Day, November 11Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday inNovemberChristmas Eve, December 24 (offices closeat noonChristmas Day, December 25

If January 1st, July 4th, November 11thor December 25th falls on a Sunday, thefollowing Monday shall be the holiday.If these holidays fall on a Saturday, thepreceding Friday is the holiday.

CRASH REPORTS

If you are involved in a crash whichresults in the combined damage of$1,000 or more, or results in personalinjury or death, you must immediatelyreport it to the local police, sheriffsoffice, or State Highway Patrol.

No person shall operate a motor vehiclein the state of North Dakota withouta valid policy of liability insurance ineffect, the name of the insurance policycarrier, and the policy number must befurnished to a law enforcement officerupon request. The minimum fine foroperating an uninsured motor vehicleis $150 and may result in a licensesuspension.

In any crash involving injury or damage,the operators must exchange thefollowing information: operators name,address, and motor vehicle insurance

company.Any operator who hits an unattendedvehicle must immediately locate andnotify the owner. If the owner cannotbe found, the operator must leave a

note at a conspicuous place on theunattended vehicle. The note must

list the operators name, address, andmotor vehicle insurance company.

NORTH DAKOTA CRASH

DATA

Visit www.dot.nd.gov and click onCrash Data and Reports for the mostcurrent information on motorcyclecrashes in North Dakota.

EXAMINATIONS

Cooperation With the

Examiner The applicant must at all times

cooperate with the examiners byfollowing their instructions.

License applicants must furnish theirown vehicle for the on-motorcycletest.

License applicants must submittheir motorcycle to an equipmentinspection at the time of the on-motorcycle test.

Applicants who successfully passthe on-motorcycle skill test with a

motorcycle that has an automatictransmission, will be restricted tooperating a Class M vehicle soequipped.

Applicants successfully completingthe on-motorcycle test on a three-wheeled motorcycle will receive aClass M operators license restrictedto the operation of a three-wheeledmotorcycle.

If you fail any of the tests, you will notbe allowed to retake the examinationthe same day.

Additional Requirement forApplicants 14 or 15 Years ofAge

To receive a Class M learners permit,


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the 14- or 15-year-old applicant mustbe enrolled in or have completed an

approved motorcycle safety course. When applying for a learners permit,

14- or 15-year-old applicants mustpresent to the examiner an enrollmentcertificate or a Motorcycle SafetyCompletion Certificate.

These applicants must operate onthe initial learners permit for at leasttwo months prior to completing theon-motorcycle skill test for a Class Moperators license.

A Motorcycle Safety CompletionCertificate must be presented atthe time of the on-motorcycle skilltest. If the applicant has held theinitial learners permit for at leasttwo months, the on-motorcycle skilltest may be waived upon successfulcompletion of a motorcycle safetycourse approved by the director.

MOTORIZED BICYCLE

A motorized bicycle is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, no more than 32inches wide. It must also have:

Maximum piston or rotordisplacement of 49.98 (3.05 cubic

inches) enabling a speed not toexceed 30 mph on a level surface.

Foot pedals or footrests.

An automatic drive system notrequiring the use of a clutch.

Motorized bicycles must display anassigned registration plate whenoperated upon a public highway.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

The operator of a motorized bicyclemust be at least 14 years of age orolder.

You must have a valid operatorslicense, operator permit, a temporarypermit, instruction permit, motorcycle

permit, or motorized bicycle permitin your immediate possession when

operating a motorized bicycle upona public street or highway within thestate of North Dakota.

Operators under the age of 18 mustwear a safety helmet that meetsU.S. Department of Transportationstandards.

APPLYING FOR A

MOTORIZED BICYCLE

PERMIT

Application for a motorized bicyclepermit is made with the Drivers License

office in your area.

All applicants applying for an originalmotorized bicycle permit must presentproof of legal presence, currentname and date of birth. Out-of-statepermits, licenses, and ID cards willnot be accepted as proof of legalpresence, name and date of birth.Acceptable forms of identification are:

- U.S. Birth Certificate (state certified;Government-issued: includes U.S.territories).

- Valid U.S. Passport.

- U.S. Government-issued ConsularReport of Birth Abroad. Certificateor FS 240 (seal required).

- Valid Foreign Passport with an I-94card or an I-551 stamp.

- U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/ReservistMilitary ID Card.

- U.S. Court Order for Adoptioncontaining the legal name anddate of birth (Court seal required).U.S. Court Order for name change,divorce decree or marriage

certificate used for proof of currentname only.

- North Dakota state issued permit,


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license, or ID card.

- The following Immigrationdocuments (unexpired):

I-551 Resident Alien or PermanentResident CardI-766 Employment AuthorizationCardN560 Certificate of CitizenshipN550 Certificate of NaturalizationI-94 card stamped Refugee orAsylee

Only original documents and certifiedcopies will be accepted. No photocopies.A court order or government issuedmarriage certificate is required for a

name change. Several documents may

be necessary in the event there has beenmore than one name change since birth.

You will not be allowed to testwithout proper identification.

Motorized bicycle applications mustcontain the individuals social securitynumber (NDCC 39-06-07).

Pass the Rules of the Roadwrittentest.

Pass a vision screening, testing yourability to see as it applies to operatinga motorized bicycle.

NO on-cycle skill test is required for amotorized bicycle permit.

There is a $5 written test fee required.


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PREFACE

Welcome to the Sixteenth Edition ofthe MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual(MOM). Operating a motorcyclesafely in traffic requires special skillsand knowledge. The MotorcycleSafety Foundation (MSF) has madethis manual available to help novicemotorcyclists reduce their risk of havinga crash. The manual conveys essentialsafe riding information and has beendesigned for use in licensing programs.While designed for the novice, allmotorcyclists can benefit from theinformation this manual contains.

The original Motorcycle OperatorManualwas developed by the NationalPublic Services Research Institute(NPSRI) under contract to the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) and within the terms ofa cooperative agreement betweenNHTSA and the MSF. The manual andrelated tests were used in a multi-yearstudy of improved motorcycle operatorlicensing procedures, conducted bythe California Department of MotorVehicles under contract to NHTSA.

The purpose of this manual is to

educate riders and to help them avoidcrashes while safely operating eithera standard two-wheel motorcycle or athree-wheel motorcycle.

This latest edition has undergonesignificant improvements, and containsnew, more in-depth information,designed to:

Guide riders in preparing to ride safely

Develop effective street strategies

Give riders more comprehensiveunderstanding of safe group ridingpractices

Describe in detail best practices forcarrying passengers and cargo

In promoting improved licensingprograms, the MSF works closely with

state licensing agencies. The Foundationhas helped more than half the statesin the nation adopt the MotorcycleOperator Manualfor use in theirlicensing systems.

Improved licensing, along with highquality motorcycle rider education andincreased public awareness, has thepotential to reduce crashes. Staff at theFoundation are available to assist state,private and governmental agencies inefforts to improve motorcycle safety.

Tim BuchePresident,Motorcycle Safety Foundation


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CONTENTS

THE RIDER ANDTHE MOTORCYCLE ...........................1

PREPARING TO RIDE

Wear the Right Gear ............................2

Know Your Motorcycle .. ................ ......4

Know Your Responsibilities .................7

RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

Basic Vehicle Control ............................8

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

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

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

Increasing Noticeability .....................21

Crash Avoidance .................................24

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

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

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

Flying Objects .....................................31

Getting Off the Road .........................31

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

Group Riding .......................................35

BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEWhy This Information Is

Important .......................................39

Alcohol and Other Drugs inMotorcycle Operation ....................39

Alcohol in the Body ............................39

Alcohol and the Law ..........................41

Minimize the Risks .............................42

Step in to Protect Friends ..................42

Fatigue ................................................43

EARNING YOUR LICENSE ..............44

THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT

Supplementary Informationfor Three-Wheel Motorcycles .........46

Know Your Vehicle ..............................46

Basic Vehicle Control ...........................48

Carrying Passengers and Cargo ..........51

HAND SIGNALS..........................52

T-CLOCS PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST ....55


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PREPARING TO RIDE 1EARNING YOUR LICENSETHREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENTHAND SIGNALSTHE RIDER AND THE MOTORCYCLE

Motorcycling is aunique experience.Compared to a car,you dont sit in amotorcycle, youbecome part of it.Not as a passivedriver, but as anactive rider arcinginto a string ofsmooth corners,playing along withthe rhythm of theroad; shifting,accelerating,

and brakingwith precision.Whether youride to and fromwork or preferthe camaraderieof a group ride on the weekend,motorcycling engages all your sensesand creates an invigorating sense offreedom.

Along with that freedom comesresponsibility. All states requiresome form of license endorsementdemonstrating you possess a minimum

level of skill and knowledge. Thisbooklet and other motorcyclepublications can help prepare you tobe successful. You might also considertaking a formal hands-on trainingcourse, even if your state doesnt requirethat you complete one. Youll learn howto improve your riding skills and mentalstrategies, so you can be a safer, morealert rider.

The diagram above illustrates thecomplex environment that awaits you,and supports the concept that, as the

Motorcycle Safety Foundation says,Safe riding is as much a skill of theeyes and mind as it is of the hands andfeet.

Successfully piloting a motorcycle is amuch more involved task than driving acar. Motorcycling requires a fine senseof balance and a heightened sense ofawareness and position amidst other

roadway users. A motorcycle respondsmore quickly to rider inputs than a car,but is also more sensitive to outsideforces, like irregular road surfaces orcrosswinds. A motorcycle is also lessvisible than a car due to its narrowerprofile, and offers far less protection byexposing its rider to other traffic andthe elements. All these risks can bemanaged through study, training, andpractice.

RIDING ENVIRONMENT


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CONTENTS2 PREPARING TO RIDE

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 on anytrip, a safe rider makes a point to:

1. Wear the right gear.

2. Become familiar with the motorcycle.

3. Check the motorcycle equipment.

4. Be a responsible rider.

WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR

When you ride, your gear is right ifit protects you. In any crash, you havea far better chance of avoiding seriousinjury if you wear:

A DOT compliant helmet.

Face or eye protection.

Protective clothing.

Helmet Use

Crashes can occur particularlyamong untrained, beginning riders.And one out of every five motorcyclecrashes results in head or neck injuries.Head injuries are just as severe as neckinjuries and far more common. Crashanalyses show that head and neckinjuries account for a majority of seriousand fatal injuries to motorcyclists.Research also shows that, with fewexceptions, head and neck injuries arereduced by properly wearing a qualityhelmet.

Some riders dont wear helmets becausethey think helmets will limit their view tothe sides. Others wear helmets only onlong trips or when riding at high speeds.But, here are some facts to consider:

A DOT-compliant helmet lets yousee as far to the sides as necessary. A

study of more than 900 motorcyclecrashes, where 40% of the riderswore helmets, did not find even onecase in which a helmet kept a riderfrom spotting danger.

Most crashes happen on short trips(less than five miles long), just a fewminutes after starting out.

Most riders are riding slower than

30 mph when a crash occurs. Atthese speeds, helmets can cut boththe number and the severity of headinjuries by half.

No matter what the speed, helmetedriders are three times more likely tosurvive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of thecrash. The single most important 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 of helmets,providing two different levels ofcoverage: three-quarter and full face.

Whichever style you choose, you can getthe most protection by making sure thatthe helmet:

Is designed to meet U.S.Department of Transportation (DOT)and state standards. Helmets witha label from the Snell MemorialFoundation also give you an assuranceof quality.

Fits snugly, all the way around.

Has no obvious defects such ascracks, loose padding or frayed straps.

Whatever helmet you decide on, keepit securely fastened on your head when


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you ride. Otherwise, if youare involved in a crash, itslikely to fly off your headbefore it gets a chance toprotect you.

Eye and FaceProtection

A plastic shatter-resistantfaceshield can help protectyour whole face in a crash.It also protects you fromwind, dust, dirt, rain, insectsand pebbles thrown up

from cars ahead. Theseproblems are distracting and can bepainful. If you have to deal with them,you cant devote your full attention tothe road.

Goggles protect your eyes, though theywont protect the rest of your face likea faceshield does. A windshield is not asubstitute for a faceshield or goggles.Most windshields will not protectyour eyes from the wind. Neither willeyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses wontkeep your eyes from watering, and theymight blow off when you turn your

head while riding.To be effective, eye or faceshield

protection must:

Be free of scratches.

Be resistant to penetration.

Give a clear view to either side.

Fasten securely, so it does not blowoff.

Permit air to pass through, to reducefogging.

Permit enough room for eyeglassesor sunglasses, if needed.

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

HELMETS

Clothing

The right clothing protects you in acollision. It also provides comfort, aswell 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 cover armsand legs completely. They should fitsnugly enough to keep from flappingin the wind, yet loosely enough tomove freely. Leather offers the mostprotection. Sturdy synthetic materialprovides a lot of protection as well.Wear a jacket even in warm weatherto prevent 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.

Boots or shoes should be high andsturdy enough to cover your anklesand give them support. Soles shouldbe made of hard, durable, slip-resistant material. Keep heels short so

they do not catch on rough surfaces.Tuck in laces so they wont catch onyour motorcycle.


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

Hearing protection reduces noisewhile allowing you to hear importantsounds such as car horns or sirens.Long term exposure to engine andwind noise can cause permanenthearing damage even if you wear afull face helmet. Whether you choosedisposable foam plugs or reusablecustom molded devices, be sure youadhere to state laws regarding hearing

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

CLOTHING

A plastic shatter-resistant face shield:

A. Is not necessary if you have awindshield.

B. Only protects your eyes.

C. Helps protect your whole face.

D. Does not protect your face as wellas goggles.

TEST YOURSELF 1

Answer - page 45

KNOW YOURMOTORCYCLE

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:

Start with the right motorcyclefor you.

Read the owners manual.

Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols.

Check the motorcycle beforeevery ride.

Keep it in safe riding conditionbetween rides.

Avoid add-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harder tohandle.

The Right Motorcycle For You

First, make sure your motorcycle is rightfor you. It should fit you. Your feetshould reach the ground while youare seated on the motorcycle, and the

controls should be easy to operate.Smaller motorcycles are usually easierfor beginners to operate.

At a minimum, your street-legalmotorcycle should have:

Headlight, taillight and brakelight.

Front and rear brakes


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Turn signals. Horn.

Two mirrors.

Borrowing and Lending

Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles,beware. Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders especiallyin the first months of riding. Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to theproblem. If you borrow a motorcycle,get familiar with it in a controlled area.And if you lend your motorcycle tofriends, make sure they are licensed andknow how to ride before allowing themout into traffic.

No matter how experienced youmay be, ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thats new or unfamiliarto you. More than half of all crashesinvolve riders with less than five monthsof experience on their motorcycle.

Get Familiar with theMotorcycle Controls

Make sure you are completely familiarwith 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:

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 having tolook for them.

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

MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS


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Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings. Accelerate gently,take turns more slowly and leave extraroom for stopping.

Check Your Motorcycle

A motorcycle needs more frequentattention than a car. A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than aninconvenience for the driver. The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in acrash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road. Ifanythings wrong with your motorcycle,

youll want to find out about it beforeyou get in traffic.

The primary source of information abouthow a motorcycle should be inspectedand maintained is its owners manual.Be sure to absorb all of its importantinformation. A motorcycle will continueto ride like new if it is properlymaintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle.

A pre-ride inspection only takes a fewminutes and should be done beforeevery ride to prevent problems. Itsquick and easy to check the critical

components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the day.A convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM. There is a T-CLOCStear-out sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you whenyou ride. A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride, andincludes checks of:

T Tires and Wheels

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

Try the front and rear brake levers oneat a time. Make sure each feels firmand holds the motorcycle when fullyapplied.

C Controls Make sure the clutch and throttle

operate smoothly. The throttle shouldsnap back to fully closed whenreleased. The clutch should feel tightand should operate smoothly.

Try the horn. Make sure it works.

Clean and adjust your mirrors beforestarting. Its difficult to ride with onehand while you try to adjust a mirror.Adjust each mirror so you can see thelane behind and as much as possibleof the lane next to you. When

properly adjusted, a mirror may showthe edge of your arm or shoulder but its the road behind you and tothe side that are most important.

L Lights and Electrics

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

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

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

O Oil and Other Fluids

Check engine oil and transmissionfluid levels.

Check the brake hydraulic fluid andcoolant level weekly.

Be sure your fuel valve is open beforestarting out. With the fuel valveclosed, your motorcycle may start withonly the fuel that is still in the lines,but will stall once the lines are empty.

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

C Chassis Check the front suspension. Ensure

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


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PREPARING TO RIDE 7

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

S Stands

Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holds ittightly in the up position. If equipped,the center stand should also be heldfirmly against the frame whenever themotorcycle is moving.

Additionally, regular maintenance suchas tune-ups and oil changes are as

important 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 schedule forregular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcycles owners manual.

KNOW YOUR

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accident implies an unforeseen eventthat occurs without fault or negligence.In traffic, that is not the case. In fact,

most people involved in a crash canclaim some responsibility for what takesplace.

Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red. Yourlight turns green. You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic. That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash. It was the driversresponsibility to stop, and it was yourresponsibility to look before pulling out.Both of you are at fault. Someone elsemight be the first to start the chain of

events leading to a crash, but it doesntleave any of us free of responsibility.

As a rider you cant be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the right

of 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 light andlane position.

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

Search your path of travel 12

seconds ahead.

Identify and separate hazards.

Be prepared to act remain alertand know how to carry out 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.

More than half of all crashes:

A. Occur at speeds greater than35mph.

B. Happen at night.C. Are caused by worn tires.

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

TEST YOURSELF 2

Answer - page 45


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CONTENTS8 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 knowingyour 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 Position yourselfcomfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use

your arms to steer the motorcycle,rather than to hold yourself up. Thishelps you bond with your motorcycleand allows you to react quickly tohazards.

Seat Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when youhold the handgrips. Bending yourarms permits you to press on thehandlebars without having to stretch.

Hands Hold the handgrips firmlyto keep your grip over rough surfaces.Start with your right wrist flat. Thiswill help you keep from accidentallyusing too much throttle. Also, adjustthe handlebars so your hands areeven with or below your elbows. This

HOLDING HANDGRIPS

permits you to use the proper musclesfor precision steering.

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

Feet Keep your feet firmly on thefootrests to maintain balance. Dont

drag your feet. If your foot catcheson something, you could be injuredand it could affect your control of themotorcycle. Keep your feet near thecontrols so you can get to them fast ifneeded. Also, dont let your toes pointdownward they may get caughtbetween the road and the footrests.

Shifting Gears

There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pickup speed smoothly. Learning to use thegears when downshifting, turning or

starting on hills is equally important forsafe motorcycle operation.

The gearshift lever is located in frontof the left footrest and is operated bythe left foot. To shift up to a highergear, position your foot under theshift lever and lift. To downshift, pressthe shift lever down. The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is liftedor pressed down. Whenever the leveris released, spring loading returns it tocenter, where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down. A typicalgear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5. The N is

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


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PREPARING TO RIDE 9RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

As your motorcycle increases speed, youwill need to shift up to a higher gear.Shift up well before the engine RPMreaches its maximum recommendedspeed. As a general rule, shift up soon

enough to avoid over-revving theengine, but not so soon to cause theengine 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 and adjustthe throttle. Once the shift is completed,release the shift lever to permit 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 when youneed more power to accelerate.

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

When downshifting, use a 3-step

process: 1) Roll off the throttle as yousqueeze the clutch lever, 2) press theshift lever down firmly, 3) ease out theclutch lever as you roll on the throttle.Once the shift is completed, release

the shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift. Rolling on the throttleslightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make thedownshift smoother. Shifting to a lowergear causes an effect similar to usingthe brakes. This is known as enginebraking. To use engine braking, shiftdown one gear at a time and ease outthe clutch through the friction zonebetween each downshift. Keep theclutch in the friction zone until theengine speed stabilizes. Then ease outthe lever fully until ready for the nextdownshift. Usually you shift gears one ata time, but it is possible to shift throughmore than one gear while the clutch issqueezed.

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

change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid.

Braking

Improper braking technique remains asignificant contributing factor in manymotorcycle crashes. Your motorcyclehas two brake controls: one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheel.Always use both brakes every time youslow or stop. The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70%of your total stopping power. The frontbrake is safe to use if you use it properly.

Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying bothfront and rear brakes without lockingeither wheel.

SHIFTING GEARS


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To do this: Squeeze the front brake smoothly,

firmly and with progressively moreforce. Do not grab the brake lever oruse abrupt pressure.

As the motorcycles weight transfersforward, more traction becomesavailable at the front wheel, so thefront brake can be applied harderafter braking begins.

Keep your knees against the tankandyour eyes up, looking well ahead.This helps you stop the motorcycle in

a straight line. Apply light-to-lighter pressure to

the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid. As weight transfersforward less traction is available at therear. Use less rear brake pressure.

Using both brakes for even normalstops 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 Corner

Any time a motorcycle is leaned over,the amount of traction available forbraking is reduced. The greater the leanangle, the more the possibility of thetires losing traction.

To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve, and dependingon road and traffic conditions, try toget the motorcycle as perpendicularto the road as possible, then brake. Ifconditions do not allow, brake smoothlyand gradually, but do not apply as

much braking force as you would if themotorcycle were straight up. As youslow, you can reduce your lean angle,and as more traction becomes available

for braking, you can more firmly applythe brakes, so that by the time themotorcycle is stopped, the motorcycleis straight up, and the handlebars aresquared.

Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems

Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rearbrakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes wheneither the front lever or rear pedal isapplied. An integrated braking system

is a variation of the linked system inwhich partial front braking is appliedwhenever the rear brake is activated.Consult your 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 stoppingin straight-line, panic situations. ABSoperates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controls

is applied. If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock, brakehydraulic pressure, is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum brakingeffectiveness.

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

Turning

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


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Use four steps for better control: SLOW Reduce speed before the

turn by closing the throttle and, ifnecessary, applying both brakes.

LOOK Look through the turn towhere you want to go. Turn just yourhead, not your shoulders, and keepyour eyes level with the horizon.

PRESS To turn, the motorcyclemust lean. To lean the motor-cycle,press on the handgrip in the directionof the turn. Press left handgrip leanleft go left. Press right handgrip

lean right go right. The higher thespeed in a turn, the greater the leanangle.

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

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

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

SLOW, TIGHT TURNS

NORMAL 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 45


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KEEPING YOUR DISTANCEThe best protection you can have isdistance a cushion of space separating yourself from other vehicleson 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, including anescape route if necessary.

Lane Positions

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

Your lane position should help you:

Increase your ability to see and beseen.

Avoid others blind spots.

Avoid surface hazards.

Protect your lane from other drivers.

Communicate your intentions.

Avoid windblast from other vehicles. Provide an escape route.

Set up for turns.

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

You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are most

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

Remember, the center third of thelane is the place where debris and oildrippings from cars collect and wherehazards such as manhole covers are

located. Unless the road is wet, the

LANE POSITIONS


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average 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 bestjudgment and instincts. One absolute,however, is to avoid riding in anothervehicles blind spot.

Following Another Vehicle

Following too closely is a factor incrashes involving motorcyclists. In traffic,motorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars. Normally, a minimumof three seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead.

To gauge your following distance:

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

When the rear bumper of the

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

If you reach the markerbefore youreach three, you are following tooclosely.

A three-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 longerthan normal to stop. If the pavementis slippery, if you cannot see throughthe vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavyand someone may squeeze in front ofyou, open up a four 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 of

FOLLOWING


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space if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason.

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

Riding at the far side of a lane maypermit a driver to see you in a sideviewmirror. But remember that most driversdont look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror. If the traffic situation

allows, 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 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 you

cant do this, slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stop.This will also encourage them to pass.If they dont pass, you will have givenyourself and the tailgater more time andspace to react in case an emergencydoes develop ahead.

Passing and Being Passed

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

Passing

1. Ride in the left portion of the

lane at a safe following distance toincrease your line of sight and makeyou more visible. Signal and checkfor oncoming traffic. Use your mirrorsand turn your head to look for trafficbehind.

2. When safe, move into the left laneand accelerate. Select a lane positionthat doesnt crowd the car andprovides space to avoid hazards inyour lane.

3. Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible.

4. Signal again, and complete mirrorand headchecks before returning toyour original lane and then cancel thesignal.

Remember, passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits, and only where permitted.Know your signs and road markings!

PASSING


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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 45

BEING PASSED

Being PassedWhen you are being passed from behind,stay in the center portion of your lane.Riding close to the passing vehicle couldput you in a hazardous situation.

Avoid being hit by:

The other vehicle A slight mistakeby you or the passing driver couldcause a sideswipe.

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

Objects thrown from windows

Even if the driver knows youre there,a passenger may not see you andmight toss something on you or theroad ahead of you.

Blasts of wind from larger vehicles They can affect your control. Youhave more room for error if you arein the middle portion when hit by thisblast than if you are on either side ofthe lane.

Do not move into the portion of the

lane farthest from the passing vehicle. Itmight invite the other driver to cut backinto your lane too early.

Lane Sharing

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

Riding between rows of stopped ormoving cars in the same lane can leaveyou vulnerable to the unexpected. Ahand could come out of a window;a door could open; a car could turnsuddenly. Discourage lane sharing by

others. Keep a center-portion positionwhenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you. Drivers are mosttempted to do this:

In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic.

When they want to pass you.

When you are preparing to turn at anintersection.

When youare moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway.


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MERGING BLIND SPOTS

Merging CarsDrivers on an entrance ramp may notsee you on the highway. Give themplenty of room. Change to another laneif one is open. If there is no room for alane change, adjust speed to open upspace 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 thenext lane, which could switch into yourlane without warning. Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane. Speedup or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both side


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RIDER RADARSEEGood, experienced ridersare always aware of whatis going on around them.They reduce their risk byusing MSFs three-stepSEE strategy:

Search

Evaluate

Execute

SEE will help you assesswhat is going on in traffic

so you can plan andimplement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change. Letslook at each of thesesteps.

Search

How assertively yousearch, and how muchtime and space you have,can eliminate or minimizerisk. As you search, focuson finding potential

escape routes, especially in or aroundintersections, shopping areas and schooland construction zones.

One way to search is to use yourRiderRadar to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you, to the sides,and behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise. Thereare three lead times experiencedriders consider. First, be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you, or within your followingdistance. Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time fora quick response if something shouldgo wrong. Anything that is within 4seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds isconsidered enough time and space to

swerve and/or brake for fixed hazards or

for someone or something entering yourpath of travel.

Finally, experienced riders search forhazards that are further out, lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach. This providestime to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate.

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

Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you.

Traffic coming from the left and from

the right. Traffic approaching from behind.

Hazardous road conditions that


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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.

TEST YOURSELF 5

Answer - page 45

require you to be alert, especially inareas with limited visibility. Visuallybusy surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others.

Evaluate

Evaluate means to think about howhazards can interact to create risks foryou. Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks, particularlywhen faced with:

Road and surface characteristicssuch as potholes, guardrails, bridges,telephone poles and trees that

wont move into your path, but mayinfluence your riding strategy.

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

Vehicles and other traffic that maymove into your path and increasethe likelihood of a crash. Think aboutyour time and space requirements inorder to maintain a margin of safety,and give yourself time to react if anemergency arises.

Execute

Finally, execute your decision. To createmore space and minimize harm fromany hazard:

Communicate your presence withlights and/or horn.

Adjust your speed by accelerating,stopping or slowing.

Adjust your position and/ordirection by swerving, changing lanes,or moving to another position within

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 oneat a time as single hazards. Decision-making becomes more complex withthree or more hazards. Evaluate theconsequences of each and give equaldistance to the hazards.

In potential high-risk areas, such asintersections, shopping areas and schooland construction zones, cover the clutchand both brakes to reduce the time youneed to react.

INTERSECTIONS

The greatest potential for conflictbetween you and other traffic is atintersections. An intersection can bein the middle of an urban area or ata driveway on a residential street anywhere traffic may cross your path oftravel. Over one-half of motorcycle/carcrashes are caused by drivers entering ariders right-of-way. Cars that turn left infront of you, including cars turning leftfrom the lane on your right, and cars onside streets that pull into your lane, arethe biggest dangers. Your use of SEEat intersections is critical.

There are no guarantees that others seeyou. Never count on eye contact as


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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

Answer - page 45

LARGE INTERSECTIONS

SMALL INTERSECTION

a sign 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 arealways looking for trouble not toget 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 driveris preparing to cross your path, slowdown and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driver.Cover the clutch lever and bothbrakes to reduce reaction time. As


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STOP SIGNS

PARKED CARS

BLIND INTERSECTIONSyou enter the intersection, move awayfrom the vehicle. Do not change speedor position radically, as drivers mightthink you are preparing to turn. Beprepared to brake hard and hold yourposition if an oncoming vehicle turns infront of you, especially if there is othertraffic around you. This strategy shouldalso be used whenever a vehicle in theoncoming lane of traffic is signaling fora left turn, whether at an intersectionor not.

Blind Intersections

If you approach a blind intersection,move to the portion of the lane that willbring you into another drivers field ofvision at the earliest possible moment.In this picture, the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane awayfrom the parked car so the driver onthe cross street can see him as soon aspossible.

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

If you have a stop sign or stop line, stopthere first. Then edge forward and stop

again, just short of where the cross-traffic lane meets your lane. From thatposition, lean your body forward andlook around buildings, parked cars orbushes to see if anything is coming. Justmake sure your front wheel stays outof the cross lane of travel while yourelooking.

Passing Parked Cars

When passing parked cars, stay towardthe left of your lane. You can avoidproblems caused by doors opening,drivers getting out of cars or people

stepping from between cars. If oncomingtraffic is present, it is usually best toremain in the center- lane position tomaximize your space cushion.


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PARKING AT CURBSA bigger problem can occur if thedriver pulls away from the curb withoutchecking for traffic 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 are themost dangerous. They may cut you offentirely, blocking the whole roadwayand leaving you with no place to go.Since you cant tell what a driver willdo, slow down and get the driversattention. Sound your horn and

continue 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.)

INCREASING

NOTICEABILITY

In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers

often 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, youarent necessarily safe. Smaller vehiclesappear farther away and seem to betraveling slower than they actually are. It is

common for drivers to pull out in front ofmotorcyclists, thinking they have plenty oftime. 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/vests are your best bets for beingseen. 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 ordark colors. Reflective, bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacket/vest) is best.

Reflective material on a vest and onthe sides of the helmet will help driverscoming from the side to spot you.Reflective material can also be a big helpfor drivers coming toward you or frombehind.

Headlight

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


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SIGNALING

have the headlights on when running).Studies show that, during the day, amotorcycle with its light on is twice aslikely to be noticed. Use low beam atnight and in fog.

Signals

The signals on a motorcycle are similarto those on a car. They tell others whatyou plan to do.

However, due to a riders addedvulnerability, signals are even moreimportant. Use them anytime you planto 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, driversapproaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make

room for you.Turning your signal light on before eachturn reduces confusion and frustrationfor the traffic around you. Once youturn, make sure your signal is off or a

driver may pull directly into your path,thinking you plan to turn again. Useyour signals at every turn so drivers canreact 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 thesituation will permit, help others noticeyou by flashing your brake light beforeyou slow down. It is especially important

to flash your brake light before: You slow more quickly than others

might expect (turning off a high-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 flash your brake lightbefore you slow. The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down.This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazards

ahead they may not see.

Using Your Mirrors

While its most important to keep trackof whats happening ahead, you cantafford to ignore situations behind.Traffic conditions change quickly.Knowing whats going on behind isessential for you to make a safe decisionabout how to handle trouble ahead.

Frequent mirror checks should be 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 on topof you before they see you.


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USING MIRRORS

Reflective clothing should:

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

C. Not be worn.

D. Be worn day and night

TEST YOURSELF 7

Answer - page 45

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

Before you slow down.The driverbehind may not expect you to slow, ormay be unsure about where you willslow. For example, you signal a turnand the driver thinks you plan to turnat a distant intersection, rather than ata nearer driveway.

Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors. These provide a widerview of the road behind than do flatmirrors. They also make cars seemfarther away than they really are. If

you are not used to convex mirrors,get familiar with them. (While you arestopped, pick out a parked car in yourmirror. 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.

Head 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 yournormal scanning routine, also. Only by

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

Horn

Be ready to use your horn to getsomeones attention quickly.

It is a good idea to give a quick beep

before passing anyone that may moveinto your lane.

Here are some situations:

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

A parked car has someone in thedrivers seat.

Someone is in the street, riding abicycle or walking.

In an emergency, sound your horn loudand long. Be ready to stop or swerve

away from the danger.Keep in mind that a motorcycles hornisnt as loud as a cars therefore, useit, but dont rely on it. Other strategies,


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like having time and space to maneuver,may be appropriate along with thehorn.

Riding at Night

At night it is harder for you to see andbe seen. Picking your headlight ortaillight 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 you dontknow well. This will increase your

chances of avoiding a hazard.

Increase Distance Distances areharder to judge at night than duringthe day. Your eyes rely upon shadowsand light contrasts to determine howfar away an object is and how fast itis coming. These contrasts are missingor distorted under artificial lights atnight. Open up a three-second fol-lowing distance or more. And allowmore distance to pass and be passed.

Use the Car Ahead Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can. Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert youto bumps or rough pavement.

Use Your High Beam Get all thelight you can. Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car. Be visible: Wearreflective materials when riding atnight.

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

cushion.

CRASH AVOIDANCENo matter how careful you are, therewill be times when you find yourself in atight 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 or swerve,two skills critical in avoiding a crash. Itis not always desirable or possible tostop quickly to avoid an obstacle. Ridersmust also be able to swerve aroundan obstacle. Determining which skill isnecessary for the situation is importantas well.

Studies show that most crash- involvedriders:

Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear.

Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not choose swervingwhen it was appropriate.

The following information offers somegood advice.

Quick StopsTo stop quickly, apply both brakes at thesame time. Dont be shy about using thefront brake, but dont grab it, either.Squeeze the brake lever firmly andprogressively. If the front wheel locks,release the front brake immediatelythen reapply it firmly. At the same time,press down on the rear brake. If youaccidentally lock the rear brake on agood traction surface, you can keepit locked until you have completelystopped; but, even with a locked rearwheel, you can control the motorcycle

on a straightaway if it is upright andgoing in a straight line.


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SWERVE, THEN BRAKE BRAKE, THEN SWERVE

STOPPING DISTANCEStopping Quicklyin a Curve

If you know the technique,using both brakes in aturn is possible, althoughit should be done verycarefully. When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering. Less traction isavailable for stopping. Askid can occur if you applytoo much brake. Also, usingthe front brake incorrectly

on a slippery surface may be hazardous.Use caution and squeeze the brakelever, never grab.

If you must stop quickly while turningin a curve, first straighten and squarethe handlebars, then stop. If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first, such as whenthere is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve, or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve, apply the brakes smoothlyand gradually. As you slow, you canreduce your lean angle and apply more

brake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure

can be applied. Always straighten

the handlebars in the last few feet ofstopping to maintain your balance andremain upright.

Maximum Straight-LineBraking

Maximum 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.


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locks, your ability to change direction islost. To regain control the brake mustbe released. However, if the rear wheelis out of alignment with the front, thereis a risk of a high-side crash. This occurswhen the wheels are out of alignmentand a locked rear wheel is released. Themotorcycle can abruptly snap uprightand tumble, throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcycles path. Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash.

Cornering

A primary cause of single-vehicle crashesis motorcyclists running wide in a curve

CONSTANT CURVES

DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)

MULTIPLE CURVES

WIDENING CURVES

Front-Wheel Skids

If the front wheel locks, release thefront brake immediately and completely.

Reapply the brake smoothly. Front-wheel skids result in immediate loss ofsteering control and balance. Failure tofully release the brake lever immediatelywill result in a crash.

Rear-Wheel Skids

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


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or turn and colliding with the roadwayor a fixed object.

Every curve is different. Be alert towhether a curve remains constant,gradually widens, gets tighter or involvesmultiple turns. Ride within you skill leveland 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 sightand the effective radius of the turn. As

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

Another alternative is to move to thecenter of your lane before entering acurve and stay there until you exit.This permits you to spot approachingtraffic as soon as possible. You can alsoadjust for traffic crowding the centerline, or debris blocking part of your lane.

HANDLING DANGEROUS

SURFACES

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

Uneven surfaces or obstacles.

Slippery surfaces.

Railroad tracks.

Grooves and gratings.

Uneven Surfaces andObstacles

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

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

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

Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact.

Make sure the motorcycle is straight.

Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorb theshock with your knees and elbows,and avoid being thrown of themotorcycle.

Just before contact, roll on thethrottle slightly to lighten the frontend.

If you ride over an object on the street,pull off the road and check your tiresand rims for damage before riding anyfarther.

Slippery Surfaces

Motorcycles handle better when riddenon surfaces that permit good traction.Surfaces that provide poor tractioninclude:

Wet pavement, particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oil

washes to the side of the road. Gravel roads, or where sand and

gravel collect.

Sand on road after the winter thaw.

Mud, leaves, snow, and ice.

Lane markings (painted lines), steelplates and manhole covers, especiallywhen wet.

To ride safely on slippery surfaces:

Reduce Speed Slow downbefore you get to a slippery surface tolessen your chances of skidding. Yourmotorcycle needs more distance to stop.

And it is particularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves.

Avoid Sudden Moves Anysudden change in speed or directioncan cause a skid. Be as smooth as


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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 frontbrake.

D. Use both brakes at the same time.Answer - page 45

OBSTACLES

possible when you speed up, shiftgears, turn or brake.

Use Both Brakes The front brakeis still effective, even on a slipperysurface. Squeeze the brake levergradually to avoid locking the frontwheel. Remember, gentle pressure onthe rear brake.

The center of a lane can behazardous when wet. When it starts

to rain, ride in the tire tracks left bycars. Often, the left tire track will bethe best position, depending on trafficand other road conditions.

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

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

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 bridgesand overpasses. Wet surfaces or wet

leaves are just as slippery. Ride on theleast slippery portion of the lane andreduce speed.

Cautious riders steer clear of roadscovered with ice or snow. If you cantavoid a slippery surface, keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible. If you encountera large surface so slippery that youmust coast, or travel at a walking pace,consider letting your feet skim along

the surface. If the motorcycle starts tofall, you can catch yourself. Be sure tokeep off the brakes. If possible, squeezethe clutch and coast. Attempting thismaneuver at anything other thanthe slowest of speeds could provehazardous.


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Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracksand Pavement Seams

Usually it is safer to ride straight withinyour lane to cross tracks. Turning to taketracks head-on (at a 90 angle) can bemore dangerous your path may carryyou into another lane of traffic.

For track and road seams that run

CROSSTRACKSRIGHT

CROSSTRACKSWRONG

PARALLEL TRACKSRIGHT

GRATE CROSSINGSRIGHT

PARALLEL TRACKSWRONG

GRATE CROSSINGSWRONG

parallel to your course, move far enoughaway from tracks, ruts, or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45. Then, make a deliberate turn.Edging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance.

Grooves and Gratings

Riding over rain grooves or bridgegratings 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 to

zigzag 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 45


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MECHANICAL PROBLEMSYou can find yourself in an emergencythe moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle. In dealing withany mechanical problem, take intoaccount the road and traffic conditionsyou face. Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely.

Tire Failure

You will seldom hear a tire go flat. If themotorcycle starts handling differently,it may be a tire failure. This can be

dangerous. You must be able to tellfrom the way the motorcycle reacts. Ifone of your tires suddenly loses air, reactquickly to keep your balance. Pull offand check the tires.

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

If the rear tire goes flat, the back of themotorcycle may jerk or sway from sideto side.

If either tire goes flat while riding:

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

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

When the motorcycle slows, edgeto the side of the road, squeeze theclutch and stop.

Stuck Throttle

Twist the throttle back and forth severaltimes. If the throttle cable is stuck, this

may free it. If the throttle stays stuck,immediately operate the engine cut-offswitch and pull in the clutch at thesame time. This will remove power fromthe rear wheel, though engine sound

may not immediately decline. Once themotorcycle is under control, pull offand stop.

After you have stopped, check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble. Make certain the throttleworks freely before you start to rideagain.

Wobble

A wobble occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly startto shake from side to side at anyspeed. Most wobbles can be traced to

improper loading, unsuitable accessoriesor incorrect tire pressure. If you arecarrying a heavy load, lighten it. If youcant, shift it. Center the weight lowerand farther forward on the motorcycle.Make sure tire pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that 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; and

worn 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 firmly,butdont fight the wobble.

Close the throttle graduallytoslow down. Do not apply the brakes;braking could make the wobbleworse.

Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible.

Pull off the road as soon as you canto fix the problem.


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Drive Train ProblemsThe drive train for a motorcycle useseither a chain, belt, or drive shaft totransfer power from the engine tothe rear wheel. Routine inspection,adjustment, and maintenance makesfailure a rare occurrence. A chain or beltthat slips or breaks while youre ridingcould lock the rear wheel and causeyour motorcycle to skid.

If the chain or belt breaks, youll noticean instant loss of power to the rearwheel. Close the throttle and brake to astop in a safe area.

On a motorcycle with a drive shaft, lossof oil in the rear differential can causethe rear wheel to lock, and you may notbe able to prevent a skid.

Engine Seizure

When the engine locks or freezesit is usually low on oil. The enginesmoving parts cant 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 lever

to 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 effect isthe same as a locked rear wheel. Let theengine cool before restarting.

ANIMALS

Naturally, you should do everything yousafely can to avoid hitting an animal.If you are in traffic, however, remainin your lane. Hitting something smallis less dangerous to you than hitting

something big like a car.Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. Ifyou are being chased, downshift andapproach the animal slowly. As youapproach it, accelerate and leave the

animal behind. Dont kick at the animal.Keep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go.

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

FLYING OBJECTS

From time to time riders are struck byinsects, cigarettes thrown from cars orpebbles kicked up by the tires of the vehicleahead. If you are wearing face protection,it might get smeared or cracked, makingit difficult to see. Without face protection,an object could hit you in the eye, faceor mouth. Whatever happens, keep youreyes on the road and your hands on thehandlebars. When safe, pull off the roadand repair the damage.

GETTING OFF THE ROAD

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

Check the roadside Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on. If it is soft grass,loose sand or if youre just not sure

about it, slow way down before youturn onto it.

Signal Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down. Give a clearsignal that you will be slowing downand changing direction. Check yourmirror and make a head check beforeyou take any action.

TEST YOURSELF 10

If your motorcycle starts to wobble:

A. Accelerate out of the wobble.

B. Use the brakes gradually.

C. Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually.

D. Downshift.Answer - page 45


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Pull off the road Get as far offthe road as you can. It can be very hardto spot a motorcycle by the side of theroad. You dont want someone elsepulling off at the same place you are.

Park carefully Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the side orcenter stand difficult.

CARRYING PASSENGERS

AND CARGO

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

motorcycle behaves, requiring extrapractice, preparation and caution. Forthis reason, only experienced ridersshould attempt to carry passengers orlarge loads. Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street, prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic.

Preparing Your Motorcycle

Tire Pressure Check the air pressureof both tires. Refer to the ownersmanual or the label affixed to themotorcycle for the correct inflation

specifications. Though most of theadded weight will typically be onthe rear wheel, dont forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire.Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability, steering precisionand 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 settings,etc.) to compensate for the lowered rearof the motorcycle. Refer to the ownersmanual for adjustment procedures andspecifications.

Headlight Prior to loading, positionthe motorcycle about 10 feet from a

wall in an unlighted garage and markthe headlight beam location on thewall with chalk. With a full load andpassenger, recheck the headlight beamlocation. Use the adjusting screws onthe headlight to lower the beam tothe same h

North Dakota_motorcycle 11-13

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