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MOTORCYCLEOPERATOR
MANUAL
MSF LICENSING PROGRAMS
A N M S F MANUAL
With Supplementary Information
for Three-Wheel Motorcycles
16TH EDITION
Maine
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State of Maine
Department of the Secretary of State
Augusta Maine 04333
This booklet is prepar ed under the authority of the
SECRETARY OF STATE
BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Augusta Maine 04333
(207) 624-9000
Web site httpwwwMainegovsosbmv
Questions on registration EXT 52149Questions on driver license renewals and duplicates EXT 52114
Questions on license suspensions 624-9000
Questions on driving tests (Class C and Motorcycles) EXT 52119
Questions on Commercial Driver License (CDL) EXT 52122
Questions on Driver Education EXT 52128
You may call or visit any Motor Vehicle Office listed below
AUGUSTA 19 Anthony Ave Tel 287-3330
BANGOR 1129 Union St Bangor Airport Mall Griffin Rd Entrance Tel 942-1319
CALAIS 23 Washington St Tel 454-2175
CARIBOU 14 Access Highway Tel 492-9141
ELLSWORTH 24 Church St Tel 667-9363
KENNEBUNK 63 Portland Rd Rt 1 North Tel 985-4890
LEWISTON 36 Mollison Way Tel 753-7750
MEXICO 110 Main Street Mexico Shopping Plaza Tel 369-9921
PORTLAND 125 Presumpscot St Tel 822-6400
ROCKLAND 360 Old County Road Tel 596-2255
SCARBOROUGH 200 Expedition Drive Tel 883-2596
SPRINGVALE 456 Main St Rt 109 Tel 490-1261
TOPSHAM 49 Topsham Fair Mall Rd Tel 725-6520
TTY Usershelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Maine relay 711
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CONTENTS 3CONTENTS
THE RIDER ANDTHE MOTORCYCLE 4
PREPARING TO RIDE
Wear the Right Gear 5
Know Your Motorcycle 7
Know Your Responsibilities 10
RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Basic Vehicle Control 11
Keeping Your Distance 15
SEE 20
Intersections 21
Increasing Conspicuity 24
Crash Avoidance 27
Handling Dangerous Surfaces 30
Mechanical Problems 33
Animals 34
Flying Objects 35
Getting Off the Road 35
Carrying Passengersand Cargo 35
Group Riding 38
BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
Why This Information Is
Important 42Alcohol and Other Drugs in
Motorcycle Operation 42
Alcohol in the Body 42
Alcohol and the Law 44
Minimize the Risks 44
Step in to Protect Friends 45
Fatigue 45
EARNING YOUR LICENSE 46
THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Supplementary Informationfor Three-Wheel Motorcycles 48
Know Your Vehicle 48
Basic Vehicle Control 50
Carrying Passengers and Cargo 53
HAND SIGNALS 55
T-CLOCS PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST 57
Appendix58
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4 THE RIDER AND THE MOTORCYCLE
Motorcycling is aunique experienceCompared to a caryou donrsquot sit in a
motorcycle youbecome part of itNot as a passivedriver but as an
active rider arcinginto a string ofsmooth cornersplaying along with
the rhythm of theroad shiftingacceleratingand braking
with precisionWhether youride to and fromwork or prefer
the camaraderie of a group ride on theweekend motorcycling engages all your
senses and creates an invigorating senseof freedom
Along with that freedom comesresponsibility All states requiresome form of license endorsement
demonstrating you possess a minimumlevel of skill and knowledge Thisbooklet and other motorcyclepublications can help prepare you to
be successful You might also consider
taking a formal hands-on trainingcourse even if your state doesnrsquot requirethat you complete one Yoursquoll learn how
to 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 theMotorcycle Safety Foundation says
ldquoSafe riding is as much a skill of the
eyes and mind as it is of the hands andfeetrdquo
Successfully piloting a motorcycle is amuch more involved task than driving acar Motorcycling requires a fine senseof balance and a heightened sense of
awareness and position amidst otherroadway users A motorcycle respondsmore quickly to rider inputs than a carbut is also more sensitive to outside
forces like irregular road surfaces orcrosswinds A motorcycle is also lessvisible than a car due to its narrowerprofile and offers far less protection by
exposing its rider to other traffic andthe elements All these risks can bemanaged through study training andpractice
RIDING ENVIRONMENT
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PREPARING TO RIDE 5
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining
whether or not yoursquoll get where you want to go safely Before taking off on 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
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
When you ride your gear is ldquorightrdquo
if it protects you In any crash you havea far better chance of avoiding seriousinjury if you wear
bull A DOT compliant helmet
bull Face or eye protection
bull Protective clothing
Helmet Use
Crashes can occur mdash particularly
among untrained beginning ridersAnd one out of every five motorcyclecrashes results in head or neck injuriesHead injuries are just as severe as neck
injuries mdash and far more common Crashanalyses show that head and neckinjuries account for a majority of seriousand fatal injuries to motorcyclistsResearch also shows that with few
exceptions head and neck injuries are
reduced by properly wearing a qualityhelmet
Some riders donrsquot wear helmetsbecause they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides Others wear
helmets only on long trips or whenriding at high speeds But here aresome facts to consider
bull A DOT-compliant helmet lets
you see as far to the sides asnecessary A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes where40 of the riders wore helmetsdid not find even one case in which
a helmet kept a rider from spottingdanger
bull Most crashes happen on shorttrips (less than five miles long) justa few minutes after starting out
bull Most riders are riding slower than30 mph when a crash occurs Atthese speeds helmets can cut boththe number and the severity of headinjuries by half
No matter what the speed helmeted
riders are three times more likely to
survive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of thecrash The single most important thing
you can do to improve your chances ofsurviving a crash is to wear a securely-fastened quality helmet
Helmet Selection
There are two primary types ofhelmets providing two different levels
of coverage three-quarter and full face
Whichever style you choose you canget the most protection by making surethat the helmet
bull Is designed to meet US Department of Transportation(DOT) and state standards Helmetswith a label from the Snell MemorialFoundation also give you anassurance of quality
bull Fits snugly all the way around
bull Has no obvious defects such ascracks loose padding or frayedstraps
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6 PREPARING TO RIDE
Whatever helmet youdecide on keep it securelyfastened on your headwhen you ride Otherwise
if you are involved in acrash itrsquos likely to fly offyour head before it gets achance to protect you
Eye and FaceProtection
A plastic shatter-resistant
faceshield can help protectyour whole face in acrash It also protects youfrom wind dust dirt rain insects and
pebbles thrown up from cars aheadThese problems are distracting andcan be painful If you have to dealwith them you canrsquot devote your fullattention to the road
Goggles protect your eyes though
they wonrsquot 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 Glasseswonrsquot keep your eyes from wateringand they might blow off when you turnyour head while riding
To be effective eye or faceshield protection must
bull Be free of scratches
bull Be resistant to penetration
bull Give a clear view to either side
bull Fasten securely so it does notblow off
bull Permit air to pass through toreduce fogging
bull Permit enough room foreyeglasses or sunglasses if needed
Tinted eye protection should not be
worn when little light is available
Clothing
The right clothing protects you in
a collision It also provides comfortas well as protection from heat colddebris and hot and moving parts of themotorcycle It can also make you more
visible to others
bull Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely They
should fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping in the wind yetloosely enough to move freelyLeather offers the most protection
Sturdy synthetic material providesa lot of protection as well Weara jacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration Many are
designed to protect without gettingyou overheated even on summerdays Some riders choose jacketsand pants with rigid ldquobody armorrdquo
inserts in critical areas for additionalprotection
bull Boots or shoes should be high
and sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support Soles
should be made of hard durableslip-resistant material Keep heels
short so they do not catch on roughsurfaces Tuck in laces so they wonrsquotcatch on your motorcycle
HELMETS
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7
bull Gloves allow a better grip and helpprotect your hands in a crash Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material
bull Hearing protection reducesnoise while allowing you to hearimportant sounds such as car horns
or sirens Long term exposure toengine and wind noise can causepermanent hearing damage evenif you wear a full face helmet
Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custommolded devices be sure you adhereto state laws regarding hearing
protection
In cold or wet weather your clothesshould keep you warm and dry as
well as protect you from injury Youcannot control a motorcycle well ifyou are numb Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chill
and fatigue A winter jacket shouldresist wind and fit snugly at the neckwrists and waist Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle riding resist
tearing apart or ballooning up at highspeeds
KNOW YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you troubleYour motorcycle should not be oneof them To make sure that your
motorcycle wonrsquot let you down
bull Start with the right motorcycle
for you
bull Read the ownerrsquos manual
bull Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols
bull Check the motorcycle before
every ride
bull Keep it in safe riding condition
between rides
bull Avoid add-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harder
to handle
The Right Motorcycle For You
First make sure your motorcycle isright for you It should ldquofitrdquo you Yourfeet should reach the ground while
you are seated on the motorcycle andthe controls should be easy to operateSmaller motorcycles are usually easierfor beginners to operate
At a minimum your street-legalmotorcycle should have
bull Headlight taillight andbrakelight
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 47
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8 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Front and rear brakes
bull Turn signals
bull Horn
bull Two mirrors
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles
beware Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders mdash especiallyin the first months of riding Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a motorcycleget familiar with it in a controlled areaAnd if you lend your motorcycle tofriends make sure they are licensed and
know how to ride before allowing themout into traffic
No matter how experienced you
may be ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thatrsquos new or unfamiliarto you More than half of all crashes
involve riders with less than five months
of 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 ownerrsquos manual This is particularly
important if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle
If you are going to use an unfamiliar
motorcycle
bull Make all the checks you would on
your own motorcycle
bull Find out where everything is particularly the turn signals horn
headlight switch fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
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9
bull Know the controls Work thethrottle clutch brakes and shifter afew times before you start riding
bull Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings Accelerate gentlytake turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping
Check Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle needs more frequent
attention than a car A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than an
inconvenience for the driver The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in a
crash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road Ifanythingrsquos wrong with your motorcycleyoursquoll want to find out about it before
you get in traffic
The primary source of informationabout how a motorcycle should be
inspected and maintained is its ownerrsquosmanual Be sure to absorb all of itsimportant information A motorcycle willcontinue to ride like new if it is properly
maintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle
A pre-ride inspection only takesa few minutes and should be donebefore every ride to prevent problemsItrsquos quick and easy to check the critical
components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the dayA convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM There is a T-CLOCSldquotear-outrdquo sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you when
you ride A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride andincludes checks of
T mdash Tires and Wheels
bull Check tire inflation pressuretreadwear and general condition ofsidewalls and tread surface
bull Try the front and rear brake leversone at a time Make sure each feelsfirm and holds the motorcycle whenfully applied
C mdash Controls
bull Make sure the clutch and throttleoperate smoothly The throttleshould snap back to fully closedwhen released The clutch shouldfeel tight and should operatesmoothly
bull Try the horn Make sure it worksbull Clean and adjust your mirrors
before starting Itrsquos difficult to ridewith one hand while you try toadjust a mirror Adjust each mirrorso you can see the lane behind andas much as possible of the lane nextto you When properly adjusted amirror may show the edge of yourarm or shoulder ndash but itrsquos the road
behind you and to the side that aremost important
L mdash Lights and Electrics
bull Check both headlight and taillightTest your switch to make sure bothhigh and low beams work
bull Turn on both right and left handturn signals Make sure all lights areworking properly
bull Try both brakes and make sure eachone turns on the brake light
O mdash Oil and Other Fluids
bull Check engine oil and transmissionfluid levels
bull Check the brake hydraulic fluid andcoolant level weekly
bull Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out With the fuelvalve closed your motorcycle maystart with only the fuel that is still inthe lines but will stall once the linesare empty
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10 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak
C mdash Chassisbull Check the front suspension Ensure
there is no binding The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly
bull Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturerrsquosspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged
S mdash Stands
bull Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position Ifequipped the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving
Additionally regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for youWear and tear is normal with useroutine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcyclersquos ownerrsquos manual
KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
ldquoAccidentrdquo implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence In traffic that is not the
case In fact most people involved in acrash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place
Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red Your
light turns green You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash It was the driverrsquosresponsibility 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 doesnrsquotleave any of us free of responsibility
As a rider you canrsquot be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring
bull Be visible mdash wear proper clothing
use your headlight ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen
bull Communicate your intentions mdash
use the proper signals brake lightand lane position
bull Maintain an adequate spacecushion mdash when following beingfollowed lane sharing passing andbeing passed
bull Search your path of travel 12
seconds aheadbull Identify and separate hazards
bull Be prepared to act mdash remain alertand know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills
Blame doesnrsquot matter when someoneis injured in a crash The ability to ride
aware make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders
from the rest Remember it is up to youto keep from being the cause of or an
unprepared 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 47
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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State of Maine
Department of the Secretary of State
Augusta Maine 04333
This booklet is prepar ed under the authority of the
SECRETARY OF STATE
BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Augusta Maine 04333
(207) 624-9000
Web site httpwwwMainegovsosbmv
Questions on registration EXT 52149Questions on driver license renewals and duplicates EXT 52114
Questions on license suspensions 624-9000
Questions on driving tests (Class C and Motorcycles) EXT 52119
Questions on Commercial Driver License (CDL) EXT 52122
Questions on Driver Education EXT 52128
You may call or visit any Motor Vehicle Office listed below
AUGUSTA 19 Anthony Ave Tel 287-3330
BANGOR 1129 Union St Bangor Airport Mall Griffin Rd Entrance Tel 942-1319
CALAIS 23 Washington St Tel 454-2175
CARIBOU 14 Access Highway Tel 492-9141
ELLSWORTH 24 Church St Tel 667-9363
KENNEBUNK 63 Portland Rd Rt 1 North Tel 985-4890
LEWISTON 36 Mollison Way Tel 753-7750
MEXICO 110 Main Street Mexico Shopping Plaza Tel 369-9921
PORTLAND 125 Presumpscot St Tel 822-6400
ROCKLAND 360 Old County Road Tel 596-2255
SCARBOROUGH 200 Expedition Drive Tel 883-2596
SPRINGVALE 456 Main St Rt 109 Tel 490-1261
TOPSHAM 49 Topsham Fair Mall Rd Tel 725-6520
TTY Usershelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Maine relay 711
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CONTENTS 3CONTENTS
THE RIDER ANDTHE MOTORCYCLE 4
PREPARING TO RIDE
Wear the Right Gear 5
Know Your Motorcycle 7
Know Your Responsibilities 10
RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Basic Vehicle Control 11
Keeping Your Distance 15
SEE 20
Intersections 21
Increasing Conspicuity 24
Crash Avoidance 27
Handling Dangerous Surfaces 30
Mechanical Problems 33
Animals 34
Flying Objects 35
Getting Off the Road 35
Carrying Passengersand Cargo 35
Group Riding 38
BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
Why This Information Is
Important 42Alcohol and Other Drugs in
Motorcycle Operation 42
Alcohol in the Body 42
Alcohol and the Law 44
Minimize the Risks 44
Step in to Protect Friends 45
Fatigue 45
EARNING YOUR LICENSE 46
THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Supplementary Informationfor Three-Wheel Motorcycles 48
Know Your Vehicle 48
Basic Vehicle Control 50
Carrying Passengers and Cargo 53
HAND SIGNALS 55
T-CLOCS PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST 57
Appendix58
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4 THE RIDER AND THE MOTORCYCLE
Motorcycling is aunique experienceCompared to a caryou donrsquot sit in a
motorcycle youbecome part of itNot as a passivedriver but as an
active rider arcinginto a string ofsmooth cornersplaying along with
the rhythm of theroad shiftingacceleratingand braking
with precisionWhether youride to and fromwork or prefer
the camaraderie of a group ride on theweekend motorcycling engages all your
senses and creates an invigorating senseof freedom
Along with that freedom comesresponsibility All states requiresome form of license endorsement
demonstrating you possess a minimumlevel of skill and knowledge Thisbooklet and other motorcyclepublications can help prepare you to
be successful You might also consider
taking a formal hands-on trainingcourse even if your state doesnrsquot requirethat you complete one Yoursquoll learn how
to 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 theMotorcycle Safety Foundation says
ldquoSafe riding is as much a skill of the
eyes and mind as it is of the hands andfeetrdquo
Successfully piloting a motorcycle is amuch more involved task than driving acar Motorcycling requires a fine senseof balance and a heightened sense of
awareness and position amidst otherroadway users A motorcycle respondsmore quickly to rider inputs than a carbut is also more sensitive to outside
forces like irregular road surfaces orcrosswinds A motorcycle is also lessvisible than a car due to its narrowerprofile and offers far less protection by
exposing its rider to other traffic andthe elements All these risks can bemanaged through study training andpractice
RIDING ENVIRONMENT
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PREPARING TO RIDE 5
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining
whether or not yoursquoll get where you want to go safely Before taking off on 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
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
When you ride your gear is ldquorightrdquo
if it protects you In any crash you havea far better chance of avoiding seriousinjury if you wear
bull A DOT compliant helmet
bull Face or eye protection
bull Protective clothing
Helmet Use
Crashes can occur mdash particularly
among untrained beginning ridersAnd one out of every five motorcyclecrashes results in head or neck injuriesHead injuries are just as severe as neck
injuries mdash and far more common Crashanalyses show that head and neckinjuries account for a majority of seriousand fatal injuries to motorcyclistsResearch also shows that with few
exceptions head and neck injuries are
reduced by properly wearing a qualityhelmet
Some riders donrsquot wear helmetsbecause they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides Others wear
helmets only on long trips or whenriding at high speeds But here aresome facts to consider
bull A DOT-compliant helmet lets
you see as far to the sides asnecessary A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes where40 of the riders wore helmetsdid not find even one case in which
a helmet kept a rider from spottingdanger
bull Most crashes happen on shorttrips (less than five miles long) justa few minutes after starting out
bull Most riders are riding slower than30 mph when a crash occurs Atthese speeds helmets can cut boththe number and the severity of headinjuries by half
No matter what the speed helmeted
riders are three times more likely to
survive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of thecrash The single most important thing
you can do to improve your chances ofsurviving a crash is to wear a securely-fastened quality helmet
Helmet Selection
There are two primary types ofhelmets providing two different levels
of coverage three-quarter and full face
Whichever style you choose you canget the most protection by making surethat the helmet
bull Is designed to meet US Department of Transportation(DOT) and state standards Helmetswith a label from the Snell MemorialFoundation also give you anassurance of quality
bull Fits snugly all the way around
bull Has no obvious defects such ascracks loose padding or frayedstraps
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6 PREPARING TO RIDE
Whatever helmet youdecide on keep it securelyfastened on your headwhen you ride Otherwise
if you are involved in acrash itrsquos likely to fly offyour head before it gets achance to protect you
Eye and FaceProtection
A plastic shatter-resistant
faceshield can help protectyour whole face in acrash It also protects youfrom wind dust dirt rain insects and
pebbles thrown up from cars aheadThese problems are distracting andcan be painful If you have to dealwith them you canrsquot devote your fullattention to the road
Goggles protect your eyes though
they wonrsquot 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 Glasseswonrsquot keep your eyes from wateringand they might blow off when you turnyour head while riding
To be effective eye or faceshield protection must
bull Be free of scratches
bull Be resistant to penetration
bull Give a clear view to either side
bull Fasten securely so it does notblow off
bull Permit air to pass through toreduce fogging
bull Permit enough room foreyeglasses or sunglasses if needed
Tinted eye protection should not be
worn when little light is available
Clothing
The right clothing protects you in
a collision It also provides comfortas well as protection from heat colddebris and hot and moving parts of themotorcycle It can also make you more
visible to others
bull Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely They
should fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping in the wind yetloosely enough to move freelyLeather offers the most protection
Sturdy synthetic material providesa lot of protection as well Weara jacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration Many are
designed to protect without gettingyou overheated even on summerdays Some riders choose jacketsand pants with rigid ldquobody armorrdquo
inserts in critical areas for additionalprotection
bull Boots or shoes should be high
and sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support Soles
should be made of hard durableslip-resistant material Keep heels
short so they do not catch on roughsurfaces Tuck in laces so they wonrsquotcatch on your motorcycle
HELMETS
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7
bull Gloves allow a better grip and helpprotect your hands in a crash Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material
bull Hearing protection reducesnoise while allowing you to hearimportant sounds such as car horns
or sirens Long term exposure toengine and wind noise can causepermanent hearing damage evenif you wear a full face helmet
Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custommolded devices be sure you adhereto state laws regarding hearing
protection
In cold or wet weather your clothesshould keep you warm and dry as
well as protect you from injury Youcannot control a motorcycle well ifyou are numb Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chill
and fatigue A winter jacket shouldresist wind and fit snugly at the neckwrists and waist Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle riding resist
tearing apart or ballooning up at highspeeds
KNOW YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you troubleYour motorcycle should not be oneof them To make sure that your
motorcycle wonrsquot let you down
bull Start with the right motorcycle
for you
bull Read the ownerrsquos manual
bull Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols
bull Check the motorcycle before
every ride
bull Keep it in safe riding condition
between rides
bull Avoid add-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harder
to handle
The Right Motorcycle For You
First make sure your motorcycle isright for you It should ldquofitrdquo you Yourfeet should reach the ground while
you are seated on the motorcycle andthe controls should be easy to operateSmaller motorcycles are usually easierfor beginners to operate
At a minimum your street-legalmotorcycle should have
bull Headlight taillight andbrakelight
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 47
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8 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Front and rear brakes
bull Turn signals
bull Horn
bull Two mirrors
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles
beware Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders mdash especiallyin the first months of riding Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a motorcycleget familiar with it in a controlled areaAnd if you lend your motorcycle tofriends make sure they are licensed and
know how to ride before allowing themout into traffic
No matter how experienced you
may be ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thatrsquos new or unfamiliarto you More than half of all crashes
involve riders with less than five months
of 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 ownerrsquos manual This is particularly
important if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle
If you are going to use an unfamiliar
motorcycle
bull Make all the checks you would on
your own motorcycle
bull Find out where everything is particularly the turn signals horn
headlight switch fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
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9
bull Know the controls Work thethrottle clutch brakes and shifter afew times before you start riding
bull Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings Accelerate gentlytake turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping
Check Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle needs more frequent
attention than a car A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than an
inconvenience for the driver The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in a
crash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road Ifanythingrsquos wrong with your motorcycleyoursquoll want to find out about it before
you get in traffic
The primary source of informationabout how a motorcycle should be
inspected and maintained is its ownerrsquosmanual Be sure to absorb all of itsimportant information A motorcycle willcontinue to ride like new if it is properly
maintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle
A pre-ride inspection only takesa few minutes and should be donebefore every ride to prevent problemsItrsquos quick and easy to check the critical
components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the dayA convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM There is a T-CLOCSldquotear-outrdquo sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you when
you ride A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride andincludes checks of
T mdash Tires and Wheels
bull Check tire inflation pressuretreadwear and general condition ofsidewalls and tread surface
bull Try the front and rear brake leversone at a time Make sure each feelsfirm and holds the motorcycle whenfully applied
C mdash Controls
bull Make sure the clutch and throttleoperate smoothly The throttleshould snap back to fully closedwhen released The clutch shouldfeel tight and should operatesmoothly
bull Try the horn Make sure it worksbull Clean and adjust your mirrors
before starting Itrsquos difficult to ridewith one hand while you try toadjust a mirror Adjust each mirrorso you can see the lane behind andas much as possible of the lane nextto you When properly adjusted amirror may show the edge of yourarm or shoulder ndash but itrsquos the road
behind you and to the side that aremost important
L mdash Lights and Electrics
bull Check both headlight and taillightTest your switch to make sure bothhigh and low beams work
bull Turn on both right and left handturn signals Make sure all lights areworking properly
bull Try both brakes and make sure eachone turns on the brake light
O mdash Oil and Other Fluids
bull Check engine oil and transmissionfluid levels
bull Check the brake hydraulic fluid andcoolant level weekly
bull Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out With the fuelvalve closed your motorcycle maystart with only the fuel that is still inthe lines but will stall once the linesare empty
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10 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak
C mdash Chassisbull Check the front suspension Ensure
there is no binding The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly
bull Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturerrsquosspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged
S mdash Stands
bull Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position Ifequipped the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving
Additionally regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for youWear and tear is normal with useroutine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcyclersquos ownerrsquos manual
KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
ldquoAccidentrdquo implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence In traffic that is not the
case In fact most people involved in acrash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place
Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red Your
light turns green You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash It was the driverrsquosresponsibility 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 doesnrsquotleave any of us free of responsibility
As a rider you canrsquot be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring
bull Be visible mdash wear proper clothing
use your headlight ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen
bull Communicate your intentions mdash
use the proper signals brake lightand lane position
bull Maintain an adequate spacecushion mdash when following beingfollowed lane sharing passing andbeing passed
bull Search your path of travel 12
seconds aheadbull Identify and separate hazards
bull Be prepared to act mdash remain alertand know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills
Blame doesnrsquot matter when someoneis injured in a crash The ability to ride
aware make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders
from the rest Remember it is up to youto keep from being the cause of or an
unprepared 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 47
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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CONTENTS 3CONTENTS
THE RIDER ANDTHE MOTORCYCLE 4
PREPARING TO RIDE
Wear the Right Gear 5
Know Your Motorcycle 7
Know Your Responsibilities 10
RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Basic Vehicle Control 11
Keeping Your Distance 15
SEE 20
Intersections 21
Increasing Conspicuity 24
Crash Avoidance 27
Handling Dangerous Surfaces 30
Mechanical Problems 33
Animals 34
Flying Objects 35
Getting Off the Road 35
Carrying Passengersand Cargo 35
Group Riding 38
BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
Why This Information Is
Important 42Alcohol and Other Drugs in
Motorcycle Operation 42
Alcohol in the Body 42
Alcohol and the Law 44
Minimize the Risks 44
Step in to Protect Friends 45
Fatigue 45
EARNING YOUR LICENSE 46
THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Supplementary Informationfor Three-Wheel Motorcycles 48
Know Your Vehicle 48
Basic Vehicle Control 50
Carrying Passengers and Cargo 53
HAND SIGNALS 55
T-CLOCS PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST 57
Appendix58
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4 THE RIDER AND THE MOTORCYCLE
Motorcycling is aunique experienceCompared to a caryou donrsquot sit in a
motorcycle youbecome part of itNot as a passivedriver but as an
active rider arcinginto a string ofsmooth cornersplaying along with
the rhythm of theroad shiftingacceleratingand braking
with precisionWhether youride to and fromwork or prefer
the camaraderie of a group ride on theweekend motorcycling engages all your
senses and creates an invigorating senseof freedom
Along with that freedom comesresponsibility All states requiresome form of license endorsement
demonstrating you possess a minimumlevel of skill and knowledge Thisbooklet and other motorcyclepublications can help prepare you to
be successful You might also consider
taking a formal hands-on trainingcourse even if your state doesnrsquot requirethat you complete one Yoursquoll learn how
to 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 theMotorcycle Safety Foundation says
ldquoSafe riding is as much a skill of the
eyes and mind as it is of the hands andfeetrdquo
Successfully piloting a motorcycle is amuch more involved task than driving acar Motorcycling requires a fine senseof balance and a heightened sense of
awareness and position amidst otherroadway users A motorcycle respondsmore quickly to rider inputs than a carbut is also more sensitive to outside
forces like irregular road surfaces orcrosswinds A motorcycle is also lessvisible than a car due to its narrowerprofile and offers far less protection by
exposing its rider to other traffic andthe elements All these risks can bemanaged through study training andpractice
RIDING ENVIRONMENT
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PREPARING TO RIDE 5
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining
whether or not yoursquoll get where you want to go safely Before taking off on 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
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
When you ride your gear is ldquorightrdquo
if it protects you In any crash you havea far better chance of avoiding seriousinjury if you wear
bull A DOT compliant helmet
bull Face or eye protection
bull Protective clothing
Helmet Use
Crashes can occur mdash particularly
among untrained beginning ridersAnd one out of every five motorcyclecrashes results in head or neck injuriesHead injuries are just as severe as neck
injuries mdash and far more common Crashanalyses show that head and neckinjuries account for a majority of seriousand fatal injuries to motorcyclistsResearch also shows that with few
exceptions head and neck injuries are
reduced by properly wearing a qualityhelmet
Some riders donrsquot wear helmetsbecause they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides Others wear
helmets only on long trips or whenriding at high speeds But here aresome facts to consider
bull A DOT-compliant helmet lets
you see as far to the sides asnecessary A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes where40 of the riders wore helmetsdid not find even one case in which
a helmet kept a rider from spottingdanger
bull Most crashes happen on shorttrips (less than five miles long) justa few minutes after starting out
bull Most riders are riding slower than30 mph when a crash occurs Atthese speeds helmets can cut boththe number and the severity of headinjuries by half
No matter what the speed helmeted
riders are three times more likely to
survive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of thecrash The single most important thing
you can do to improve your chances ofsurviving a crash is to wear a securely-fastened quality helmet
Helmet Selection
There are two primary types ofhelmets providing two different levels
of coverage three-quarter and full face
Whichever style you choose you canget the most protection by making surethat the helmet
bull Is designed to meet US Department of Transportation(DOT) and state standards Helmetswith a label from the Snell MemorialFoundation also give you anassurance of quality
bull Fits snugly all the way around
bull Has no obvious defects such ascracks loose padding or frayedstraps
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6 PREPARING TO RIDE
Whatever helmet youdecide on keep it securelyfastened on your headwhen you ride Otherwise
if you are involved in acrash itrsquos likely to fly offyour head before it gets achance to protect you
Eye and FaceProtection
A plastic shatter-resistant
faceshield can help protectyour whole face in acrash It also protects youfrom wind dust dirt rain insects and
pebbles thrown up from cars aheadThese problems are distracting andcan be painful If you have to dealwith them you canrsquot devote your fullattention to the road
Goggles protect your eyes though
they wonrsquot 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 Glasseswonrsquot keep your eyes from wateringand they might blow off when you turnyour head while riding
To be effective eye or faceshield protection must
bull Be free of scratches
bull Be resistant to penetration
bull Give a clear view to either side
bull Fasten securely so it does notblow off
bull Permit air to pass through toreduce fogging
bull Permit enough room foreyeglasses or sunglasses if needed
Tinted eye protection should not be
worn when little light is available
Clothing
The right clothing protects you in
a collision It also provides comfortas well as protection from heat colddebris and hot and moving parts of themotorcycle It can also make you more
visible to others
bull Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely They
should fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping in the wind yetloosely enough to move freelyLeather offers the most protection
Sturdy synthetic material providesa lot of protection as well Weara jacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration Many are
designed to protect without gettingyou overheated even on summerdays Some riders choose jacketsand pants with rigid ldquobody armorrdquo
inserts in critical areas for additionalprotection
bull Boots or shoes should be high
and sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support Soles
should be made of hard durableslip-resistant material Keep heels
short so they do not catch on roughsurfaces Tuck in laces so they wonrsquotcatch on your motorcycle
HELMETS
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7
bull Gloves allow a better grip and helpprotect your hands in a crash Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material
bull Hearing protection reducesnoise while allowing you to hearimportant sounds such as car horns
or sirens Long term exposure toengine and wind noise can causepermanent hearing damage evenif you wear a full face helmet
Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custommolded devices be sure you adhereto state laws regarding hearing
protection
In cold or wet weather your clothesshould keep you warm and dry as
well as protect you from injury Youcannot control a motorcycle well ifyou are numb Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chill
and fatigue A winter jacket shouldresist wind and fit snugly at the neckwrists and waist Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle riding resist
tearing apart or ballooning up at highspeeds
KNOW YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you troubleYour motorcycle should not be oneof them To make sure that your
motorcycle wonrsquot let you down
bull Start with the right motorcycle
for you
bull Read the ownerrsquos manual
bull Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols
bull Check the motorcycle before
every ride
bull Keep it in safe riding condition
between rides
bull Avoid add-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harder
to handle
The Right Motorcycle For You
First make sure your motorcycle isright for you It should ldquofitrdquo you Yourfeet should reach the ground while
you are seated on the motorcycle andthe controls should be easy to operateSmaller motorcycles are usually easierfor beginners to operate
At a minimum your street-legalmotorcycle should have
bull Headlight taillight andbrakelight
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 47
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8 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Front and rear brakes
bull Turn signals
bull Horn
bull Two mirrors
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles
beware Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders mdash especiallyin the first months of riding Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a motorcycleget familiar with it in a controlled areaAnd if you lend your motorcycle tofriends make sure they are licensed and
know how to ride before allowing themout into traffic
No matter how experienced you
may be ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thatrsquos new or unfamiliarto you More than half of all crashes
involve riders with less than five months
of 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 ownerrsquos manual This is particularly
important if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle
If you are going to use an unfamiliar
motorcycle
bull Make all the checks you would on
your own motorcycle
bull Find out where everything is particularly the turn signals horn
headlight switch fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
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9
bull Know the controls Work thethrottle clutch brakes and shifter afew times before you start riding
bull Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings Accelerate gentlytake turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping
Check Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle needs more frequent
attention than a car A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than an
inconvenience for the driver The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in a
crash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road Ifanythingrsquos wrong with your motorcycleyoursquoll want to find out about it before
you get in traffic
The primary source of informationabout how a motorcycle should be
inspected and maintained is its ownerrsquosmanual Be sure to absorb all of itsimportant information A motorcycle willcontinue to ride like new if it is properly
maintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle
A pre-ride inspection only takesa few minutes and should be donebefore every ride to prevent problemsItrsquos quick and easy to check the critical
components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the dayA convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM There is a T-CLOCSldquotear-outrdquo sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you when
you ride A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride andincludes checks of
T mdash Tires and Wheels
bull Check tire inflation pressuretreadwear and general condition ofsidewalls and tread surface
bull Try the front and rear brake leversone at a time Make sure each feelsfirm and holds the motorcycle whenfully applied
C mdash Controls
bull Make sure the clutch and throttleoperate smoothly The throttleshould snap back to fully closedwhen released The clutch shouldfeel tight and should operatesmoothly
bull Try the horn Make sure it worksbull Clean and adjust your mirrors
before starting Itrsquos difficult to ridewith one hand while you try toadjust a mirror Adjust each mirrorso you can see the lane behind andas much as possible of the lane nextto you When properly adjusted amirror may show the edge of yourarm or shoulder ndash but itrsquos the road
behind you and to the side that aremost important
L mdash Lights and Electrics
bull Check both headlight and taillightTest your switch to make sure bothhigh and low beams work
bull Turn on both right and left handturn signals Make sure all lights areworking properly
bull Try both brakes and make sure eachone turns on the brake light
O mdash Oil and Other Fluids
bull Check engine oil and transmissionfluid levels
bull Check the brake hydraulic fluid andcoolant level weekly
bull Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out With the fuelvalve closed your motorcycle maystart with only the fuel that is still inthe lines but will stall once the linesare empty
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10 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak
C mdash Chassisbull Check the front suspension Ensure
there is no binding The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly
bull Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturerrsquosspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged
S mdash Stands
bull Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position Ifequipped the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving
Additionally regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for youWear and tear is normal with useroutine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcyclersquos ownerrsquos manual
KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
ldquoAccidentrdquo implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence In traffic that is not the
case In fact most people involved in acrash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place
Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red Your
light turns green You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash It was the driverrsquosresponsibility 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 doesnrsquotleave any of us free of responsibility
As a rider you canrsquot be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring
bull Be visible mdash wear proper clothing
use your headlight ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen
bull Communicate your intentions mdash
use the proper signals brake lightand lane position
bull Maintain an adequate spacecushion mdash when following beingfollowed lane sharing passing andbeing passed
bull Search your path of travel 12
seconds aheadbull Identify and separate hazards
bull Be prepared to act mdash remain alertand know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills
Blame doesnrsquot matter when someoneis injured in a crash The ability to ride
aware make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders
from the rest Remember it is up to youto keep from being the cause of or an
unprepared 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 47
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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4 THE RIDER AND THE MOTORCYCLE
Motorcycling is aunique experienceCompared to a caryou donrsquot sit in a
motorcycle youbecome part of itNot as a passivedriver but as an
active rider arcinginto a string ofsmooth cornersplaying along with
the rhythm of theroad shiftingacceleratingand braking
with precisionWhether youride to and fromwork or prefer
the camaraderie of a group ride on theweekend motorcycling engages all your
senses and creates an invigorating senseof freedom
Along with that freedom comesresponsibility All states requiresome form of license endorsement
demonstrating you possess a minimumlevel of skill and knowledge Thisbooklet and other motorcyclepublications can help prepare you to
be successful You might also consider
taking a formal hands-on trainingcourse even if your state doesnrsquot requirethat you complete one Yoursquoll learn how
to 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 theMotorcycle Safety Foundation says
ldquoSafe riding is as much a skill of the
eyes and mind as it is of the hands andfeetrdquo
Successfully piloting a motorcycle is amuch more involved task than driving acar Motorcycling requires a fine senseof balance and a heightened sense of
awareness and position amidst otherroadway users A motorcycle respondsmore quickly to rider inputs than a carbut is also more sensitive to outside
forces like irregular road surfaces orcrosswinds A motorcycle is also lessvisible than a car due to its narrowerprofile and offers far less protection by
exposing its rider to other traffic andthe elements All these risks can bemanaged through study training andpractice
RIDING ENVIRONMENT
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PREPARING TO RIDE 5
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining
whether or not yoursquoll get where you want to go safely Before taking off on 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
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
When you ride your gear is ldquorightrdquo
if it protects you In any crash you havea far better chance of avoiding seriousinjury if you wear
bull A DOT compliant helmet
bull Face or eye protection
bull Protective clothing
Helmet Use
Crashes can occur mdash particularly
among untrained beginning ridersAnd one out of every five motorcyclecrashes results in head or neck injuriesHead injuries are just as severe as neck
injuries mdash and far more common Crashanalyses show that head and neckinjuries account for a majority of seriousand fatal injuries to motorcyclistsResearch also shows that with few
exceptions head and neck injuries are
reduced by properly wearing a qualityhelmet
Some riders donrsquot wear helmetsbecause they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides Others wear
helmets only on long trips or whenriding at high speeds But here aresome facts to consider
bull A DOT-compliant helmet lets
you see as far to the sides asnecessary A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes where40 of the riders wore helmetsdid not find even one case in which
a helmet kept a rider from spottingdanger
bull Most crashes happen on shorttrips (less than five miles long) justa few minutes after starting out
bull Most riders are riding slower than30 mph when a crash occurs Atthese speeds helmets can cut boththe number and the severity of headinjuries by half
No matter what the speed helmeted
riders are three times more likely to
survive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of thecrash The single most important thing
you can do to improve your chances ofsurviving a crash is to wear a securely-fastened quality helmet
Helmet Selection
There are two primary types ofhelmets providing two different levels
of coverage three-quarter and full face
Whichever style you choose you canget the most protection by making surethat the helmet
bull Is designed to meet US Department of Transportation(DOT) and state standards Helmetswith a label from the Snell MemorialFoundation also give you anassurance of quality
bull Fits snugly all the way around
bull Has no obvious defects such ascracks loose padding or frayedstraps
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6 PREPARING TO RIDE
Whatever helmet youdecide on keep it securelyfastened on your headwhen you ride Otherwise
if you are involved in acrash itrsquos likely to fly offyour head before it gets achance to protect you
Eye and FaceProtection
A plastic shatter-resistant
faceshield can help protectyour whole face in acrash It also protects youfrom wind dust dirt rain insects and
pebbles thrown up from cars aheadThese problems are distracting andcan be painful If you have to dealwith them you canrsquot devote your fullattention to the road
Goggles protect your eyes though
they wonrsquot 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 Glasseswonrsquot keep your eyes from wateringand they might blow off when you turnyour head while riding
To be effective eye or faceshield protection must
bull Be free of scratches
bull Be resistant to penetration
bull Give a clear view to either side
bull Fasten securely so it does notblow off
bull Permit air to pass through toreduce fogging
bull Permit enough room foreyeglasses or sunglasses if needed
Tinted eye protection should not be
worn when little light is available
Clothing
The right clothing protects you in
a collision It also provides comfortas well as protection from heat colddebris and hot and moving parts of themotorcycle It can also make you more
visible to others
bull Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely They
should fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping in the wind yetloosely enough to move freelyLeather offers the most protection
Sturdy synthetic material providesa lot of protection as well Weara jacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration Many are
designed to protect without gettingyou overheated even on summerdays Some riders choose jacketsand pants with rigid ldquobody armorrdquo
inserts in critical areas for additionalprotection
bull Boots or shoes should be high
and sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support Soles
should be made of hard durableslip-resistant material Keep heels
short so they do not catch on roughsurfaces Tuck in laces so they wonrsquotcatch on your motorcycle
HELMETS
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7
bull Gloves allow a better grip and helpprotect your hands in a crash Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material
bull Hearing protection reducesnoise while allowing you to hearimportant sounds such as car horns
or sirens Long term exposure toengine and wind noise can causepermanent hearing damage evenif you wear a full face helmet
Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custommolded devices be sure you adhereto state laws regarding hearing
protection
In cold or wet weather your clothesshould keep you warm and dry as
well as protect you from injury Youcannot control a motorcycle well ifyou are numb Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chill
and fatigue A winter jacket shouldresist wind and fit snugly at the neckwrists and waist Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle riding resist
tearing apart or ballooning up at highspeeds
KNOW YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you troubleYour motorcycle should not be oneof them To make sure that your
motorcycle wonrsquot let you down
bull Start with the right motorcycle
for you
bull Read the ownerrsquos manual
bull Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols
bull Check the motorcycle before
every ride
bull Keep it in safe riding condition
between rides
bull Avoid add-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harder
to handle
The Right Motorcycle For You
First make sure your motorcycle isright for you It should ldquofitrdquo you Yourfeet should reach the ground while
you are seated on the motorcycle andthe controls should be easy to operateSmaller motorcycles are usually easierfor beginners to operate
At a minimum your street-legalmotorcycle should have
bull Headlight taillight andbrakelight
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 47
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8 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Front and rear brakes
bull Turn signals
bull Horn
bull Two mirrors
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles
beware Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders mdash especiallyin the first months of riding Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a motorcycleget familiar with it in a controlled areaAnd if you lend your motorcycle tofriends make sure they are licensed and
know how to ride before allowing themout into traffic
No matter how experienced you
may be ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thatrsquos new or unfamiliarto you More than half of all crashes
involve riders with less than five months
of 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 ownerrsquos manual This is particularly
important if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle
If you are going to use an unfamiliar
motorcycle
bull Make all the checks you would on
your own motorcycle
bull Find out where everything is particularly the turn signals horn
headlight switch fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
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9
bull Know the controls Work thethrottle clutch brakes and shifter afew times before you start riding
bull Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings Accelerate gentlytake turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping
Check Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle needs more frequent
attention than a car A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than an
inconvenience for the driver The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in a
crash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road Ifanythingrsquos wrong with your motorcycleyoursquoll want to find out about it before
you get in traffic
The primary source of informationabout how a motorcycle should be
inspected and maintained is its ownerrsquosmanual Be sure to absorb all of itsimportant information A motorcycle willcontinue to ride like new if it is properly
maintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle
A pre-ride inspection only takesa few minutes and should be donebefore every ride to prevent problemsItrsquos quick and easy to check the critical
components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the dayA convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM There is a T-CLOCSldquotear-outrdquo sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you when
you ride A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride andincludes checks of
T mdash Tires and Wheels
bull Check tire inflation pressuretreadwear and general condition ofsidewalls and tread surface
bull Try the front and rear brake leversone at a time Make sure each feelsfirm and holds the motorcycle whenfully applied
C mdash Controls
bull Make sure the clutch and throttleoperate smoothly The throttleshould snap back to fully closedwhen released The clutch shouldfeel tight and should operatesmoothly
bull Try the horn Make sure it worksbull Clean and adjust your mirrors
before starting Itrsquos difficult to ridewith one hand while you try toadjust a mirror Adjust each mirrorso you can see the lane behind andas much as possible of the lane nextto you When properly adjusted amirror may show the edge of yourarm or shoulder ndash but itrsquos the road
behind you and to the side that aremost important
L mdash Lights and Electrics
bull Check both headlight and taillightTest your switch to make sure bothhigh and low beams work
bull Turn on both right and left handturn signals Make sure all lights areworking properly
bull Try both brakes and make sure eachone turns on the brake light
O mdash Oil and Other Fluids
bull Check engine oil and transmissionfluid levels
bull Check the brake hydraulic fluid andcoolant level weekly
bull Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out With the fuelvalve closed your motorcycle maystart with only the fuel that is still inthe lines but will stall once the linesare empty
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10 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak
C mdash Chassisbull Check the front suspension Ensure
there is no binding The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly
bull Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturerrsquosspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged
S mdash Stands
bull Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position Ifequipped the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving
Additionally regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for youWear and tear is normal with useroutine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcyclersquos ownerrsquos manual
KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
ldquoAccidentrdquo implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence In traffic that is not the
case In fact most people involved in acrash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place
Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red Your
light turns green You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash It was the driverrsquosresponsibility 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 doesnrsquotleave any of us free of responsibility
As a rider you canrsquot be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring
bull Be visible mdash wear proper clothing
use your headlight ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen
bull Communicate your intentions mdash
use the proper signals brake lightand lane position
bull Maintain an adequate spacecushion mdash when following beingfollowed lane sharing passing andbeing passed
bull Search your path of travel 12
seconds aheadbull Identify and separate hazards
bull Be prepared to act mdash remain alertand know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills
Blame doesnrsquot matter when someoneis injured in a crash The ability to ride
aware make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders
from the rest Remember it is up to youto keep from being the cause of or an
unprepared 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 47
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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PREPARING TO RIDE 5
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining
whether or not yoursquoll get where you want to go safely Before taking off on 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
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
When you ride your gear is ldquorightrdquo
if it protects you In any crash you havea far better chance of avoiding seriousinjury if you wear
bull A DOT compliant helmet
bull Face or eye protection
bull Protective clothing
Helmet Use
Crashes can occur mdash particularly
among untrained beginning ridersAnd one out of every five motorcyclecrashes results in head or neck injuriesHead injuries are just as severe as neck
injuries mdash and far more common Crashanalyses show that head and neckinjuries account for a majority of seriousand fatal injuries to motorcyclistsResearch also shows that with few
exceptions head and neck injuries are
reduced by properly wearing a qualityhelmet
Some riders donrsquot wear helmetsbecause they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides Others wear
helmets only on long trips or whenriding at high speeds But here aresome facts to consider
bull A DOT-compliant helmet lets
you see as far to the sides asnecessary A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes where40 of the riders wore helmetsdid not find even one case in which
a helmet kept a rider from spottingdanger
bull Most crashes happen on shorttrips (less than five miles long) justa few minutes after starting out
bull Most riders are riding slower than30 mph when a crash occurs Atthese speeds helmets can cut boththe number and the severity of headinjuries by half
No matter what the speed helmeted
riders are three times more likely to
survive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of thecrash The single most important thing
you can do to improve your chances ofsurviving a crash is to wear a securely-fastened quality helmet
Helmet Selection
There are two primary types ofhelmets providing two different levels
of coverage three-quarter and full face
Whichever style you choose you canget the most protection by making surethat the helmet
bull Is designed to meet US Department of Transportation(DOT) and state standards Helmetswith a label from the Snell MemorialFoundation also give you anassurance of quality
bull Fits snugly all the way around
bull Has no obvious defects such ascracks loose padding or frayedstraps
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6 PREPARING TO RIDE
Whatever helmet youdecide on keep it securelyfastened on your headwhen you ride Otherwise
if you are involved in acrash itrsquos likely to fly offyour head before it gets achance to protect you
Eye and FaceProtection
A plastic shatter-resistant
faceshield can help protectyour whole face in acrash It also protects youfrom wind dust dirt rain insects and
pebbles thrown up from cars aheadThese problems are distracting andcan be painful If you have to dealwith them you canrsquot devote your fullattention to the road
Goggles protect your eyes though
they wonrsquot 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 Glasseswonrsquot keep your eyes from wateringand they might blow off when you turnyour head while riding
To be effective eye or faceshield protection must
bull Be free of scratches
bull Be resistant to penetration
bull Give a clear view to either side
bull Fasten securely so it does notblow off
bull Permit air to pass through toreduce fogging
bull Permit enough room foreyeglasses or sunglasses if needed
Tinted eye protection should not be
worn when little light is available
Clothing
The right clothing protects you in
a collision It also provides comfortas well as protection from heat colddebris and hot and moving parts of themotorcycle It can also make you more
visible to others
bull Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely They
should fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping in the wind yetloosely enough to move freelyLeather offers the most protection
Sturdy synthetic material providesa lot of protection as well Weara jacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration Many are
designed to protect without gettingyou overheated even on summerdays Some riders choose jacketsand pants with rigid ldquobody armorrdquo
inserts in critical areas for additionalprotection
bull Boots or shoes should be high
and sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support Soles
should be made of hard durableslip-resistant material Keep heels
short so they do not catch on roughsurfaces Tuck in laces so they wonrsquotcatch on your motorcycle
HELMETS
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7
bull Gloves allow a better grip and helpprotect your hands in a crash Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material
bull Hearing protection reducesnoise while allowing you to hearimportant sounds such as car horns
or sirens Long term exposure toengine and wind noise can causepermanent hearing damage evenif you wear a full face helmet
Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custommolded devices be sure you adhereto state laws regarding hearing
protection
In cold or wet weather your clothesshould keep you warm and dry as
well as protect you from injury Youcannot control a motorcycle well ifyou are numb Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chill
and fatigue A winter jacket shouldresist wind and fit snugly at the neckwrists and waist Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle riding resist
tearing apart or ballooning up at highspeeds
KNOW YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you troubleYour motorcycle should not be oneof them To make sure that your
motorcycle wonrsquot let you down
bull Start with the right motorcycle
for you
bull Read the ownerrsquos manual
bull Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols
bull Check the motorcycle before
every ride
bull Keep it in safe riding condition
between rides
bull Avoid add-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harder
to handle
The Right Motorcycle For You
First make sure your motorcycle isright for you It should ldquofitrdquo you Yourfeet should reach the ground while
you are seated on the motorcycle andthe controls should be easy to operateSmaller motorcycles are usually easierfor beginners to operate
At a minimum your street-legalmotorcycle should have
bull Headlight taillight andbrakelight
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 47
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8 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Front and rear brakes
bull Turn signals
bull Horn
bull Two mirrors
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles
beware Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders mdash especiallyin the first months of riding Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a motorcycleget familiar with it in a controlled areaAnd if you lend your motorcycle tofriends make sure they are licensed and
know how to ride before allowing themout into traffic
No matter how experienced you
may be ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thatrsquos new or unfamiliarto you More than half of all crashes
involve riders with less than five months
of 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 ownerrsquos manual This is particularly
important if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle
If you are going to use an unfamiliar
motorcycle
bull Make all the checks you would on
your own motorcycle
bull Find out where everything is particularly the turn signals horn
headlight switch fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
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9
bull Know the controls Work thethrottle clutch brakes and shifter afew times before you start riding
bull Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings Accelerate gentlytake turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping
Check Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle needs more frequent
attention than a car A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than an
inconvenience for the driver The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in a
crash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road Ifanythingrsquos wrong with your motorcycleyoursquoll want to find out about it before
you get in traffic
The primary source of informationabout how a motorcycle should be
inspected and maintained is its ownerrsquosmanual Be sure to absorb all of itsimportant information A motorcycle willcontinue to ride like new if it is properly
maintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle
A pre-ride inspection only takesa few minutes and should be donebefore every ride to prevent problemsItrsquos quick and easy to check the critical
components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the dayA convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM There is a T-CLOCSldquotear-outrdquo sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you when
you ride A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride andincludes checks of
T mdash Tires and Wheels
bull Check tire inflation pressuretreadwear and general condition ofsidewalls and tread surface
bull Try the front and rear brake leversone at a time Make sure each feelsfirm and holds the motorcycle whenfully applied
C mdash Controls
bull Make sure the clutch and throttleoperate smoothly The throttleshould snap back to fully closedwhen released The clutch shouldfeel tight and should operatesmoothly
bull Try the horn Make sure it worksbull Clean and adjust your mirrors
before starting Itrsquos difficult to ridewith one hand while you try toadjust a mirror Adjust each mirrorso you can see the lane behind andas much as possible of the lane nextto you When properly adjusted amirror may show the edge of yourarm or shoulder ndash but itrsquos the road
behind you and to the side that aremost important
L mdash Lights and Electrics
bull Check both headlight and taillightTest your switch to make sure bothhigh and low beams work
bull Turn on both right and left handturn signals Make sure all lights areworking properly
bull Try both brakes and make sure eachone turns on the brake light
O mdash Oil and Other Fluids
bull Check engine oil and transmissionfluid levels
bull Check the brake hydraulic fluid andcoolant level weekly
bull Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out With the fuelvalve closed your motorcycle maystart with only the fuel that is still inthe lines but will stall once the linesare empty
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10 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak
C mdash Chassisbull Check the front suspension Ensure
there is no binding The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly
bull Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturerrsquosspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged
S mdash Stands
bull Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position Ifequipped the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving
Additionally regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for youWear and tear is normal with useroutine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcyclersquos ownerrsquos manual
KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
ldquoAccidentrdquo implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence In traffic that is not the
case In fact most people involved in acrash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place
Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red Your
light turns green You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash It was the driverrsquosresponsibility 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 doesnrsquotleave any of us free of responsibility
As a rider you canrsquot be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring
bull Be visible mdash wear proper clothing
use your headlight ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen
bull Communicate your intentions mdash
use the proper signals brake lightand lane position
bull Maintain an adequate spacecushion mdash when following beingfollowed lane sharing passing andbeing passed
bull Search your path of travel 12
seconds aheadbull Identify and separate hazards
bull Be prepared to act mdash remain alertand know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills
Blame doesnrsquot matter when someoneis injured in a crash The ability to ride
aware make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders
from the rest Remember it is up to youto keep from being the cause of or an
unprepared 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 47
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 663
6 PREPARING TO RIDE
Whatever helmet youdecide on keep it securelyfastened on your headwhen you ride Otherwise
if you are involved in acrash itrsquos likely to fly offyour head before it gets achance to protect you
Eye and FaceProtection
A plastic shatter-resistant
faceshield can help protectyour whole face in acrash It also protects youfrom wind dust dirt rain insects and
pebbles thrown up from cars aheadThese problems are distracting andcan be painful If you have to dealwith them you canrsquot devote your fullattention to the road
Goggles protect your eyes though
they wonrsquot 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 Glasseswonrsquot keep your eyes from wateringand they might blow off when you turnyour head while riding
To be effective eye or faceshield protection must
bull Be free of scratches
bull Be resistant to penetration
bull Give a clear view to either side
bull Fasten securely so it does notblow off
bull Permit air to pass through toreduce fogging
bull Permit enough room foreyeglasses or sunglasses if needed
Tinted eye protection should not be
worn when little light is available
Clothing
The right clothing protects you in
a collision It also provides comfortas well as protection from heat colddebris and hot and moving parts of themotorcycle It can also make you more
visible to others
bull Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely They
should fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping in the wind yetloosely enough to move freelyLeather offers the most protection
Sturdy synthetic material providesa lot of protection as well Weara jacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration Many are
designed to protect without gettingyou overheated even on summerdays Some riders choose jacketsand pants with rigid ldquobody armorrdquo
inserts in critical areas for additionalprotection
bull Boots or shoes should be high
and sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support Soles
should be made of hard durableslip-resistant material Keep heels
short so they do not catch on roughsurfaces Tuck in laces so they wonrsquotcatch on your motorcycle
HELMETS
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7
bull Gloves allow a better grip and helpprotect your hands in a crash Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material
bull Hearing protection reducesnoise while allowing you to hearimportant sounds such as car horns
or sirens Long term exposure toengine and wind noise can causepermanent hearing damage evenif you wear a full face helmet
Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custommolded devices be sure you adhereto state laws regarding hearing
protection
In cold or wet weather your clothesshould keep you warm and dry as
well as protect you from injury Youcannot control a motorcycle well ifyou are numb Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chill
and fatigue A winter jacket shouldresist wind and fit snugly at the neckwrists and waist Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle riding resist
tearing apart or ballooning up at highspeeds
KNOW YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you troubleYour motorcycle should not be oneof them To make sure that your
motorcycle wonrsquot let you down
bull Start with the right motorcycle
for you
bull Read the ownerrsquos manual
bull Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols
bull Check the motorcycle before
every ride
bull Keep it in safe riding condition
between rides
bull Avoid add-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harder
to handle
The Right Motorcycle For You
First make sure your motorcycle isright for you It should ldquofitrdquo you Yourfeet should reach the ground while
you are seated on the motorcycle andthe controls should be easy to operateSmaller motorcycles are usually easierfor beginners to operate
At a minimum your street-legalmotorcycle should have
bull Headlight taillight andbrakelight
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 47
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8 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Front and rear brakes
bull Turn signals
bull Horn
bull Two mirrors
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles
beware Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders mdash especiallyin the first months of riding Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a motorcycleget familiar with it in a controlled areaAnd if you lend your motorcycle tofriends make sure they are licensed and
know how to ride before allowing themout into traffic
No matter how experienced you
may be ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thatrsquos new or unfamiliarto you More than half of all crashes
involve riders with less than five months
of 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 ownerrsquos manual This is particularly
important if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle
If you are going to use an unfamiliar
motorcycle
bull Make all the checks you would on
your own motorcycle
bull Find out where everything is particularly the turn signals horn
headlight switch fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
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9
bull Know the controls Work thethrottle clutch brakes and shifter afew times before you start riding
bull Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings Accelerate gentlytake turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping
Check Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle needs more frequent
attention than a car A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than an
inconvenience for the driver The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in a
crash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road Ifanythingrsquos wrong with your motorcycleyoursquoll want to find out about it before
you get in traffic
The primary source of informationabout how a motorcycle should be
inspected and maintained is its ownerrsquosmanual Be sure to absorb all of itsimportant information A motorcycle willcontinue to ride like new if it is properly
maintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle
A pre-ride inspection only takesa few minutes and should be donebefore every ride to prevent problemsItrsquos quick and easy to check the critical
components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the dayA convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM There is a T-CLOCSldquotear-outrdquo sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you when
you ride A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride andincludes checks of
T mdash Tires and Wheels
bull Check tire inflation pressuretreadwear and general condition ofsidewalls and tread surface
bull Try the front and rear brake leversone at a time Make sure each feelsfirm and holds the motorcycle whenfully applied
C mdash Controls
bull Make sure the clutch and throttleoperate smoothly The throttleshould snap back to fully closedwhen released The clutch shouldfeel tight and should operatesmoothly
bull Try the horn Make sure it worksbull Clean and adjust your mirrors
before starting Itrsquos difficult to ridewith one hand while you try toadjust a mirror Adjust each mirrorso you can see the lane behind andas much as possible of the lane nextto you When properly adjusted amirror may show the edge of yourarm or shoulder ndash but itrsquos the road
behind you and to the side that aremost important
L mdash Lights and Electrics
bull Check both headlight and taillightTest your switch to make sure bothhigh and low beams work
bull Turn on both right and left handturn signals Make sure all lights areworking properly
bull Try both brakes and make sure eachone turns on the brake light
O mdash Oil and Other Fluids
bull Check engine oil and transmissionfluid levels
bull Check the brake hydraulic fluid andcoolant level weekly
bull Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out With the fuelvalve closed your motorcycle maystart with only the fuel that is still inthe lines but will stall once the linesare empty
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10 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak
C mdash Chassisbull Check the front suspension Ensure
there is no binding The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly
bull Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturerrsquosspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged
S mdash Stands
bull Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position Ifequipped the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving
Additionally regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for youWear and tear is normal with useroutine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcyclersquos ownerrsquos manual
KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
ldquoAccidentrdquo implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence In traffic that is not the
case In fact most people involved in acrash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place
Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red Your
light turns green You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash It was the driverrsquosresponsibility 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 doesnrsquotleave any of us free of responsibility
As a rider you canrsquot be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring
bull Be visible mdash wear proper clothing
use your headlight ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen
bull Communicate your intentions mdash
use the proper signals brake lightand lane position
bull Maintain an adequate spacecushion mdash when following beingfollowed lane sharing passing andbeing passed
bull Search your path of travel 12
seconds aheadbull Identify and separate hazards
bull Be prepared to act mdash remain alertand know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills
Blame doesnrsquot matter when someoneis injured in a crash The ability to ride
aware make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders
from the rest Remember it is up to youto keep from being the cause of or an
unprepared 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 47
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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7
bull Gloves allow a better grip and helpprotect your hands in a crash Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material
bull Hearing protection reducesnoise while allowing you to hearimportant sounds such as car horns
or sirens Long term exposure toengine and wind noise can causepermanent hearing damage evenif you wear a full face helmet
Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custommolded devices be sure you adhereto state laws regarding hearing
protection
In cold or wet weather your clothesshould keep you warm and dry as
well as protect you from injury Youcannot control a motorcycle well ifyou are numb Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chill
and fatigue A winter jacket shouldresist wind and fit snugly at the neckwrists and waist Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle riding resist
tearing apart or ballooning up at highspeeds
KNOW YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you troubleYour motorcycle should not be oneof them To make sure that your
motorcycle wonrsquot let you down
bull Start with the right motorcycle
for you
bull Read the ownerrsquos manual
bull Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols
bull Check the motorcycle before
every ride
bull Keep it in safe riding condition
between rides
bull Avoid add-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harder
to handle
The Right Motorcycle For You
First make sure your motorcycle isright for you It should ldquofitrdquo you Yourfeet should reach the ground while
you are seated on the motorcycle andthe controls should be easy to operateSmaller motorcycles are usually easierfor beginners to operate
At a minimum your street-legalmotorcycle should have
bull Headlight taillight andbrakelight
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 47
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8 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Front and rear brakes
bull Turn signals
bull Horn
bull Two mirrors
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles
beware Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders mdash especiallyin the first months of riding Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a motorcycleget familiar with it in a controlled areaAnd if you lend your motorcycle tofriends make sure they are licensed and
know how to ride before allowing themout into traffic
No matter how experienced you
may be ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thatrsquos new or unfamiliarto you More than half of all crashes
involve riders with less than five months
of 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 ownerrsquos manual This is particularly
important if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle
If you are going to use an unfamiliar
motorcycle
bull Make all the checks you would on
your own motorcycle
bull Find out where everything is particularly the turn signals horn
headlight switch fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
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9
bull Know the controls Work thethrottle clutch brakes and shifter afew times before you start riding
bull Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings Accelerate gentlytake turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping
Check Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle needs more frequent
attention than a car A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than an
inconvenience for the driver The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in a
crash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road Ifanythingrsquos wrong with your motorcycleyoursquoll want to find out about it before
you get in traffic
The primary source of informationabout how a motorcycle should be
inspected and maintained is its ownerrsquosmanual Be sure to absorb all of itsimportant information A motorcycle willcontinue to ride like new if it is properly
maintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle
A pre-ride inspection only takesa few minutes and should be donebefore every ride to prevent problemsItrsquos quick and easy to check the critical
components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the dayA convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM There is a T-CLOCSldquotear-outrdquo sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you when
you ride A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride andincludes checks of
T mdash Tires and Wheels
bull Check tire inflation pressuretreadwear and general condition ofsidewalls and tread surface
bull Try the front and rear brake leversone at a time Make sure each feelsfirm and holds the motorcycle whenfully applied
C mdash Controls
bull Make sure the clutch and throttleoperate smoothly The throttleshould snap back to fully closedwhen released The clutch shouldfeel tight and should operatesmoothly
bull Try the horn Make sure it worksbull Clean and adjust your mirrors
before starting Itrsquos difficult to ridewith one hand while you try toadjust a mirror Adjust each mirrorso you can see the lane behind andas much as possible of the lane nextto you When properly adjusted amirror may show the edge of yourarm or shoulder ndash but itrsquos the road
behind you and to the side that aremost important
L mdash Lights and Electrics
bull Check both headlight and taillightTest your switch to make sure bothhigh and low beams work
bull Turn on both right and left handturn signals Make sure all lights areworking properly
bull Try both brakes and make sure eachone turns on the brake light
O mdash Oil and Other Fluids
bull Check engine oil and transmissionfluid levels
bull Check the brake hydraulic fluid andcoolant level weekly
bull Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out With the fuelvalve closed your motorcycle maystart with only the fuel that is still inthe lines but will stall once the linesare empty
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10 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak
C mdash Chassisbull Check the front suspension Ensure
there is no binding The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly
bull Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturerrsquosspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged
S mdash Stands
bull Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position Ifequipped the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving
Additionally regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for youWear and tear is normal with useroutine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcyclersquos ownerrsquos manual
KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
ldquoAccidentrdquo implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence In traffic that is not the
case In fact most people involved in acrash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place
Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red Your
light turns green You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash It was the driverrsquosresponsibility 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 doesnrsquotleave any of us free of responsibility
As a rider you canrsquot be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring
bull Be visible mdash wear proper clothing
use your headlight ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen
bull Communicate your intentions mdash
use the proper signals brake lightand lane position
bull Maintain an adequate spacecushion mdash when following beingfollowed lane sharing passing andbeing passed
bull Search your path of travel 12
seconds aheadbull Identify and separate hazards
bull Be prepared to act mdash remain alertand know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills
Blame doesnrsquot matter when someoneis injured in a crash The ability to ride
aware make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders
from the rest Remember it is up to youto keep from being the cause of or an
unprepared 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 47
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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8 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Front and rear brakes
bull Turn signals
bull Horn
bull Two mirrors
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles
beware Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders mdash especiallyin the first months of riding Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a motorcycleget familiar with it in a controlled areaAnd if you lend your motorcycle tofriends make sure they are licensed and
know how to ride before allowing themout into traffic
No matter how experienced you
may be ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thatrsquos new or unfamiliarto you More than half of all crashes
involve riders with less than five months
of 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 ownerrsquos manual This is particularly
important if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle
If you are going to use an unfamiliar
motorcycle
bull Make all the checks you would on
your own motorcycle
bull Find out where everything is particularly the turn signals horn
headlight switch fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
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9
bull Know the controls Work thethrottle clutch brakes and shifter afew times before you start riding
bull Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings Accelerate gentlytake turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping
Check Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle needs more frequent
attention than a car A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than an
inconvenience for the driver The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in a
crash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road Ifanythingrsquos wrong with your motorcycleyoursquoll want to find out about it before
you get in traffic
The primary source of informationabout how a motorcycle should be
inspected and maintained is its ownerrsquosmanual Be sure to absorb all of itsimportant information A motorcycle willcontinue to ride like new if it is properly
maintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle
A pre-ride inspection only takesa few minutes and should be donebefore every ride to prevent problemsItrsquos quick and easy to check the critical
components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the dayA convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM There is a T-CLOCSldquotear-outrdquo sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you when
you ride A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride andincludes checks of
T mdash Tires and Wheels
bull Check tire inflation pressuretreadwear and general condition ofsidewalls and tread surface
bull Try the front and rear brake leversone at a time Make sure each feelsfirm and holds the motorcycle whenfully applied
C mdash Controls
bull Make sure the clutch and throttleoperate smoothly The throttleshould snap back to fully closedwhen released The clutch shouldfeel tight and should operatesmoothly
bull Try the horn Make sure it worksbull Clean and adjust your mirrors
before starting Itrsquos difficult to ridewith one hand while you try toadjust a mirror Adjust each mirrorso you can see the lane behind andas much as possible of the lane nextto you When properly adjusted amirror may show the edge of yourarm or shoulder ndash but itrsquos the road
behind you and to the side that aremost important
L mdash Lights and Electrics
bull Check both headlight and taillightTest your switch to make sure bothhigh and low beams work
bull Turn on both right and left handturn signals Make sure all lights areworking properly
bull Try both brakes and make sure eachone turns on the brake light
O mdash Oil and Other Fluids
bull Check engine oil and transmissionfluid levels
bull Check the brake hydraulic fluid andcoolant level weekly
bull Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out With the fuelvalve closed your motorcycle maystart with only the fuel that is still inthe lines but will stall once the linesare empty
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10 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak
C mdash Chassisbull Check the front suspension Ensure
there is no binding The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly
bull Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturerrsquosspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged
S mdash Stands
bull Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position Ifequipped the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving
Additionally regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for youWear and tear is normal with useroutine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcyclersquos ownerrsquos manual
KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
ldquoAccidentrdquo implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence In traffic that is not the
case In fact most people involved in acrash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place
Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red Your
light turns green You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash It was the driverrsquosresponsibility 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 doesnrsquotleave any of us free of responsibility
As a rider you canrsquot be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring
bull Be visible mdash wear proper clothing
use your headlight ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen
bull Communicate your intentions mdash
use the proper signals brake lightand lane position
bull Maintain an adequate spacecushion mdash when following beingfollowed lane sharing passing andbeing passed
bull Search your path of travel 12
seconds aheadbull Identify and separate hazards
bull Be prepared to act mdash remain alertand know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills
Blame doesnrsquot matter when someoneis injured in a crash The ability to ride
aware make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders
from the rest Remember it is up to youto keep from being the cause of or an
unprepared 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 47
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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9
bull Know the controls Work thethrottle clutch brakes and shifter afew times before you start riding
bull Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings Accelerate gentlytake turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping
Check Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle needs more frequent
attention than a car A minor technicalfailure on a car is seldom more than an
inconvenience for the driver The samefailure on a motorcycle may result in a
crash or having to leave your motorcycleparked on the side of the road Ifanythingrsquos wrong with your motorcycleyoursquoll want to find out about it before
you get in traffic
The primary source of informationabout how a motorcycle should be
inspected and maintained is its ownerrsquosmanual Be sure to absorb all of itsimportant information A motorcycle willcontinue to ride like new if it is properly
maintained and routine inspectionsbecome part of its maintenance cycle
A pre-ride inspection only takesa few minutes and should be donebefore every ride to prevent problemsItrsquos quick and easy to check the critical
components and should be as routineand automatic as checking the weatherforecast before heading out for the dayA convenient reminder developed byMSF is T-CLOCSSM There is a T-CLOCSldquotear-outrdquo sheet at the back of thismanual for you to keep with you when
you ride A T-CLOCS inspection shouldbe conducted before every ride andincludes checks of
T mdash Tires and Wheels
bull Check tire inflation pressuretreadwear and general condition ofsidewalls and tread surface
bull Try the front and rear brake leversone at a time Make sure each feelsfirm and holds the motorcycle whenfully applied
C mdash Controls
bull Make sure the clutch and throttleoperate smoothly The throttleshould snap back to fully closedwhen released The clutch shouldfeel tight and should operatesmoothly
bull Try the horn Make sure it worksbull Clean and adjust your mirrors
before starting Itrsquos difficult to ridewith one hand while you try toadjust a mirror Adjust each mirrorso you can see the lane behind andas much as possible of the lane nextto you When properly adjusted amirror may show the edge of yourarm or shoulder ndash but itrsquos the road
behind you and to the side that aremost important
L mdash Lights and Electrics
bull Check both headlight and taillightTest your switch to make sure bothhigh and low beams work
bull Turn on both right and left handturn signals Make sure all lights areworking properly
bull Try both brakes and make sure eachone turns on the brake light
O mdash Oil and Other Fluids
bull Check engine oil and transmissionfluid levels
bull Check the brake hydraulic fluid andcoolant level weekly
bull Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out With the fuelvalve closed your motorcycle maystart with only the fuel that is still inthe lines but will stall once the linesare empty
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10 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak
C mdash Chassisbull Check the front suspension Ensure
there is no binding The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly
bull Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturerrsquosspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged
S mdash Stands
bull Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position Ifequipped the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving
Additionally regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for youWear and tear is normal with useroutine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcyclersquos ownerrsquos manual
KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
ldquoAccidentrdquo implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence In traffic that is not the
case In fact most people involved in acrash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place
Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red Your
light turns green You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash It was the driverrsquosresponsibility 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 doesnrsquotleave any of us free of responsibility
As a rider you canrsquot be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring
bull Be visible mdash wear proper clothing
use your headlight ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen
bull Communicate your intentions mdash
use the proper signals brake lightand lane position
bull Maintain an adequate spacecushion mdash when following beingfollowed lane sharing passing andbeing passed
bull Search your path of travel 12
seconds aheadbull Identify and separate hazards
bull Be prepared to act mdash remain alertand know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills
Blame doesnrsquot matter when someoneis injured in a crash The ability to ride
aware make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders
from the rest Remember it is up to youto keep from being the cause of or an
unprepared 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 47
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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10 PREPARING TO RIDE
bull Look underneath the motorcycle forsigns of an oil or fuel leak
C mdash Chassisbull Check the front suspension Ensure
there is no binding The rear shocksand springs should move smoothly
bull Be sure the chain is adjustedaccording to the manufacturerrsquosspecifications and that the sprocketsare not worn or damaged
S mdash Stands
bull Ensure the side stand operatessmoothly and that the spring holdsit tightly in the up position Ifequipped the center stand shouldalso be held firmly against the framewhenever the motorcycle is moving
Additionally regular maintenancesuch as tune-ups and oil changes are asimportant for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for youWear and tear is normal with useroutine maintenance will help preventcostly breakdowns The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle partsand controls is contained in yourmotorcyclersquos ownerrsquos manual
KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
ldquoAccidentrdquo implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without fault ornegligence In traffic that is not the
case In fact most people involved in acrash can claim some responsibility forwhat takes place
Consider a situation where someonedecides to drive through an intersectionon a yellow light turning red Your
light turns green You pull into theintersection without checking forpossible traffic That is all it takes for thetwo of you to crash It was the driverrsquosresponsibility 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 doesnrsquotleave any of us free of responsibility
As a rider you canrsquot be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring
bull Be visible mdash wear proper clothing
use your headlight ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen
bull Communicate your intentions mdash
use the proper signals brake lightand lane position
bull Maintain an adequate spacecushion mdash when following beingfollowed lane sharing passing andbeing passed
bull Search your path of travel 12
seconds aheadbull Identify and separate hazards
bull Be prepared to act mdash remain alertand know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills
Blame doesnrsquot matter when someoneis injured in a crash The ability to ride
aware make critical decisions and carrythem out separates responsible riders
from the rest Remember it is up to youto keep from being the cause of or an
unprepared 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 47
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction speed or balanceThatrsquos something you can learn only through practice preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse But control begins with knowingyour abilities and riding within them along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well
bull Posture mdash Position yourself
comfortably so you are able tooperate all the controls and can use
your arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself upThis helps you bond with yourmotorcycle and allows you to react
quickly to hazards
bull Seat mdash Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent when
you hold the handgrips Bending
your arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch
bull Hands mdash Hold the handgripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces Start with your right
wrist flat This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too much
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
throttle Also adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows This permits
you to use the proper muscles forprecision steering
bull Knees mdash Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns
bull Feet mdash Keep your feet firmly on the
footrests to maintain balance Donrsquotdrag your feet If your foot catcheson something you could be injuredand it could affect your control of
the motorcycle Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to them
fast if needed Also donrsquot let yourtoes point downward mdash they may
get caught between the road andthe footrests
Shifting Gears
There is more to shifting gears thansimply getting the motorcycle to pick
up 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 ldquouprdquo to a higher
gear position your foot under theshift lever and lift To downshift pressthe shift lever down The shift leverchanges one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down Whenever the leveris released spring loading returns it tocenter where the mechanism resetsfor the next shift up or down A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5 The N is
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral which is selected by eithera ldquohalf liftrdquo from 1st gear or a ldquohalfpressrdquo from 2nd gear Most motorcycleshave five gears but some have four or
six gears
As your motorcycle increasesspeed you will need to shift up to ahigher gear Shift up well before the
engine RPM reaches its maximumrecommended speed As a general ruleshift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine but not so soon to
cause the engine to lug
When upshifting use a 3-stepprocess 1) Roll off the throttle as you
squeeze 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 toreset 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 slow
enough 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 the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttleOnce the shift is completed releasethe shift lever to permit it to reset forthe next shift Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out theclutch can help the engine come upto speed more quickly and make the
downshift 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 out
the 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 next
downshift 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 out
quickly if you need to
Work toward a smooth even clutchrelease especially when downshifting It
is best to change gears before enteringa turn However sometimes shiftingwhile in the turn is necessary If soremember to do so smoothly A sudden
change in power to the rear wheel cancause a skid
Braking
Improper braking technique remainsa significant contributing factor in many
motorcycle crashes Your motorcyclehas two brake controls one for thefront wheel and one for the rear wheelAlways use both brakes every time you
SHIFTING GEARS
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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13
slow or stop The front brake is morepowerful and can provide at least 70of 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 locking
either wheel
To do this
bull Squeeze the front brakesmoothly firmly and with
progressively more force Do notgrab the brake lever or use abruptpressure
bull As the motorcyclersquos weighttransfers forward more tractionbecomes available at the front
wheel so the front brake can beapplied harder after braking begins
bull Keep your knees against thetank and your eyes up looking
well ahead This helps you stop themotorcycle in a straight line
bull Apply light-to-lighter pressureto the rear brake pedal to prevent arear wheel skid As weight transfers
forward less traction is availableat the rear Use less rear brakepressure
Using both brakes for even ldquonormalrdquo
stops will permit you to develop theproper habit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency Squeeze the
front brake and press down on the rearGrabbing 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 lean
angle the more the possibility of thetires losing traction
To stop as quickly and as safely aspossible in a curve and depending onroad and traffic conditions try to get themotorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible then brake If conditions donot allow brake smoothly and graduallybut do not apply as much braking forceas you would if the motorcycle were
straight up As you slow you can reduceyour lean angle and as more tractionbecomes available for braking you canmore firmly apply the brakes so that
by the time the motorcycle is stoppedthe motorcycle is straight up and thehandlebars are squared
Linked and IntegratedBraking Systems
Some motorcycles have linked brakingwhich connects the front and rear
brakes on the motorcycle and appliesbraking pressure to both brakes when
either 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 activatedConsult your ownerrsquos manual for a
detailed explanation on the operationand effective use of these systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
(ABS)ABS is designed to prevent wheel
lock-up and avoid skids when stoppingin straight-line panic situations ABS
operates when maximum pressure onboth the front and rear brake controlsis applied If electronic sensors detectthe possibility of a wheel lock brake
hydraulic pressure is released thenreapplied to maintain maximum braking
effectiveness
The system is capable of releasing andreapplying pressure more than 15 timesper second
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning
Approach turns and curves with
caution Riders often try to take curvesor turns too fast When they canrsquot holdthe turn they end up crossing into
another 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
bull SLOW mdash Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and if
necessary applying both brakes
bull LOOK mdash Look through the turn
to where you want to go Turn just your head not your shouldersand keep your eyes level with thehorizon
bull PRESS mdash To turn the motorcyclemust lean To lean the motor-cycle press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn Press lefthandgrip mdash lean left mdash go leftPress right handgrip mdash lean right mdashgo right The higher the speed in a
turn the greater the lean angle
bull ROLL mdash 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 the
same angle
In slow tight turns counterbalance by
leaning 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 from
the gas tank
D Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 47
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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15
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is
distance mdash a ldquocushion of spacerdquo mdashseparating 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
bull More time to respond
bull More space to maneuver includingan escape route if necessary
Lane PositionsSuccessful motorcyclists know that
they are safer when clearly seen Insome ways the size of the motorcyclecan work to your advantage Each trafficlane gives a motorcycle three paths oftravel as indicated in the illustration
Your lane position should help you
bull Increase your ability to see and be
seenbull Avoid othersrsquo blind spots
bull Avoid surface hazards
bull Protect your lane from other drivers
bull Communicate your intentions
bull Avoid windblast from othervehicles
bull Provide an escape routebull Set up for turns
Many motorcyclists consider the leftthird of the lane ndash the left tire track ofautomobiles ndash to be their default laneposition You should then considervarying your lane position as conditionswarrant keeping mind that no portionof the lane need be avoided mdashincluding the center
You should position yourself in theportion of the lane where you are mostlikely to be seen and you can maintaina space cushion around you Changeposition as traffic situations changeRide 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 youthe 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 arelocated Unless the road is wet the
LANE POSITIONS
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
average center strip permits adequate
traction 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 ownbest judgment and instincts Oneabsolute however is to avoid riding inanother vehiclersquos blind spot
Following Another VehicleldquoFollowing too closelyrdquo is a factor in
crashes involving motorcyclists In trafficmotorcycles need as much distanceto stop as cars Normally a minimumof two seconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead
To gauge your following distance
bull Pick out a marker such as a
pavement marking or lamppost onor near the road ahead
bull When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker
count off the seconds ldquoone-
thousand-one one-thousand-twordquobull If you reach the marker before
you reach ldquotwordquo you are followingtoo closely
A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road
A larger cushion of space is needed
if 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 three-second or morefollowing distance
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped This willmake it easier to get out of the way
if someone bears down on you frombehind It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to backup for some reason
FOLLOWING
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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17
When behind a car ride where thedriver can see you in the rearview mirrorRiding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror mdash 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 driversdonrsquot look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror If the traffic situationallows the center portion of the lane is
usually 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 tailgatersis to get them in front of you When
someone is following too closelychange lanes and let them pass If youcanrsquot do this slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stopThis will also encourage them to passIf they donrsquot 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 you
see potential hazards
Passing
1 Ride in the left portion of the
lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible Signaland check for oncoming trafficUse your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind
2 When safe move into the leftlane and accelerate Select a laneposition that doesnrsquot crowd thecar and provides space to avoidhazards in your lane
3 Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible
4 Signal again and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal
Remember passes must becompleted within posted speedlimits and only where permitted
Know your signs and road markings
PASSING
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed
When you are being passed from
behind stay in the center portion ofyour lane Riding close to the passingvehicle could put you in a hazardoussituation
Avoid being hit by
bull The other vehicle mdash A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe
bull Extended mirrors mdash Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders
bull Objects thrown from windowsmdash Even if the driver knows yoursquorethere a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you
bull Blasts of wind from largervehicles mdash They can affect yourcontrol You have more room forerror if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane
Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle Itmight invite the other driver to cut back
into 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 A
hand could come out of a windowa door could open a car could turnsuddenly Discourage lane sharing byothers Keep a center-portion position
whenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you Drivers are mosttempted to do this
bull In heavy bumper-to-bumpertraffic
bull When they want to pass you
bull When you are preparing to turn atan intersection
bull When you are moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway
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 47
BEING PASSED
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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19
MERGING BLIND SPOTS
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway Give themplenty of room Change to another lane
if one is open If there is no room for alane change adjust speed to open upspace for the merging driver
Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
other lanes if you do not have to Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in the
next lane which could switch into yourlane without warning Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
considered enough time and space toswerve andor brake for fixed hazards or
for someone or something entering yourpath of travel
Finally experienced riders search for
hazards that are further out lookingahead to an area it would take about12 seconds to reach This provides
time to prepare for a situation before itbecomes immediate
Using the SEE strategy will help you to
Search for a variety of factors such as
bull Oncoming traffic that may turn leftin front of you
bull Traffic coming from the left andfrom the right
bull Traffic approaching from behind
SEE
Good experienced
riders are always aware ofwhat is going on aroundthem They reduce theirrisk by using MSFrsquos three-
step SEESM strategy
bull Search
bull Evaluate
bull Execute
SEE will help youassess what is going on
in traffic so you can planand implement the safestcourse of action as trafficsituations change Letrsquos
look 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 routesespecially in or around intersections
shopping areas and school andconstruction zones
One way to search is to use your
ldquoRiderRadarrdquo to aggressively scan theenvironment ahead of you to the sidesand behind you to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise There
are three ldquolead timesrdquo experiencedriders consider First be alert and scanfor hazards that are about 2 secondsahead of you or within your following
distance Scanning your 4-secondimmediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something shouldgo wrong Anything that is within 4
seconds of your path is consideredimmediate because 4 seconds is
RIDER RADAR
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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21
To reduce your reaction time you should
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 47
bull Hazardous road conditions thatrequire you to be alert especially inareas with limited visibility Visuallyldquobusyrdquo surroundings could hide youand your motorcycle from others
Evaluate
Evaluate means to think about how
hazards can interact to create risks foryou Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risks particularlywhen faced with
bull Road and surface characteristics such as potholes guardrailsbridges telephone poles and trees
that wonrsquot move into your path butmay influence your riding strategy
bull Traffic control devices including
traffic signals warning signs andpavement markings which willrequire you to carefully evaluatecircumstances ahead
bull Vehicles and other traffic thatmay 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
Execute
Finally Execute your decision Tocreate more space and minimize harmfrom any hazard
bull Communicate your presence withlights andor horn
bull Adjust your speed by acceleratingstopping or slowing
bull Adjust your position andor
direction by swerving changing
lanes or moving to another positionwithin your lane
Apply the old adage ldquoone step at a
timerdquo 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 clutch
and 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 at
a driveway on a residential street mdashanywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel Over one-half of motorcyclecarcrashes are caused by drivers entering a
riderrsquos 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 are
the biggest dangers Your use of SEEat intersections is critical
When entering a traffic circle the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
There are no guarantees thatothers see you Never count on ldquoeyecontactrdquo as a sign that a driver willyield Too often a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to ldquoseerdquo himor her The only eyes that you can counton are your own If a car can enter yourpath assume that it will Good ridersare always ldquolooking for troublerdquo mdash not
to get into it but to stay out of it
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action When approachingan intersection where a vehicle driveris preparing to cross your path slow
down and select a lane position toincrease your visibility to that driverCover the clutch lever and both brakesto reduce reaction time As you enter
Making eye contact with otherdrivers
A Is a good sign they see you
B Is not worth the effort it takesC Doesnrsquot mean that the driver will
yield
D Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you
TEST YOURSELF 6
Answer - page 47
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
SMALL INTERSECTION
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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23
STOP SIGNS
PARKED CARS
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 youespecially if there is other traffic aroundyou This strategy should also be used
whenever a vehicle in the oncominglane of traffic is signaling for a left turnwhether at an intersection or not
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersectionmove to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driverrsquos field ofvision at the earliest possible momentIn this picture the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane mdash away
from the parked car mdash 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 linestop there first Then edge forwardand stop again just short of where the
cross-traffic lane meets your lane Fromthat position lean your body forwardand look around buildings parked carsor bushes to see if anything is comingJust make sure your front wheel stays
out of the cross lane of travel whileyoursquore looking
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars stay
toward the left of your lane Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening drivers getting out of cars
or people stepping from betweencars If oncoming traffic is present it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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24 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
A 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 cutinto your path Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone
cutting in
Cars making a sudden U-turn are
the most dangerous They may cutyou off entirely blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go Since you canrsquot tell what a
driver will do slow down and get thedriverrsquos attention Sound your horn andcontinue with caution
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb position the motorcycle
at an angle with the rear wheel to thecurb (Note Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb)
Increasing Conspicuity
In crashes with motorcyclists drivers
often say that they never saw themotorcycle From ahead or behind amotorcyclersquos outline is much smallerthan a carrsquos Also itrsquos hard to see
something you are not looking forand most drivers are not looking formotorcycles More likely they arelooking through the skinny two-
wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them
Even if a driver does see you coming
you arenrsquot necessarily safe Smallervehicles appear farther away andseem to be traveling slower than they
actually are It is common for driversto pull out in front of motorcycliststhinking they have plenty of time Toooften they are wrong
However you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylightWear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen Rememberyour body is half of the visible surface
area of the ridermotorcycle unit
Bright orange red yellow or green
jacketsvests 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
or dark colors Reflective bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacketvest) 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 bighelp for drivers coming toward you orfrom behind
Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight onmdash at all times (new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automatically
PARKING AT CURBS
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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25
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 what
you plan to do
However due to a riderrsquos added
vulnerability signals are even moreimportant Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around
Itrsquos the car you donrsquot see thatrsquos going togive you the most trouble Your signallights also make you easier to spotThatrsquos why itrsquos a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you plan
to do is obvious
When you enter a freeway drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and make
room for youTurning your signal light on before
each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you
Once you turn make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into your
path thinking you plan to turn againUse your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly Donrsquot make themguess what you intend to do
Brake Light
Your motorcyclersquos brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car mdash particularly when your taillight
is on (It goes on with the headlight)
If the situation will permit help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down It is especially
important to flash your brake lightbefore
bull You slow more quickly than
others might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway)
bull You slow where others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley)
If you are being followed closely itrsquosa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down
This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see
Using Your Mirrors
While itrsquos most important to keeptrack of whatrsquos happening ahead youcanrsquot afford to ignore situations behindTraffic conditions change quickly
Knowing whatrsquos 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
bull When you are stopped at anintersection Watch cars coming up
SIGNALING
Signal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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26 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
from behind If the drivers arenrsquotpaying attention they could be ontop of you before they see you
bull Before you change lanes Makesure no one is about to pass you
bull Before you slow down The driverbehind may not expect you to slowor may be unsure about where youwill slow For example you signal a
turn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersectionrather than at a nearer driveway
Most motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors They also make cars
seem farther away than they really areIf you are not used to convex mirrorsget familiar with them (While youare stopped pick out a parked car in
your mirror Form a mental image of
how far away it is Then turn aroundand look at it to see how close youcame) Practice with your mirrors until
you become a good judge of distanceEven then allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough
Motorcycles have ldquoblind spotsrdquo like cars
Before you change lanes turn your headand look to the side for other vehicles
On a road with several lanes checkthe far lane and the one next to you Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine also
Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someonersquos attention quickly
It is a good idea to give a quick beepbefore passing anyone that may move
into your lane
Here are some situations
bull A driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass
bull A parked car has someone in thedriverrsquos seat
bull Someone is in the street riding abicycle or walking
In an emergency sound your horn
loud and long Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger
Reflective clothing should
A Be worn at nightB Be worn during the day
C Not be worn
D Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 47
USING MIRRORS
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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27
Keep in mind that a motorcyclersquos hornisnrsquot as loud as a carrsquos mdash therefore use itbut donrsquot rely on it Other strategies likehaving time and space to maneuver may
be appropriate along with the horn
Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers To
compensate you should
bull Reduce Your Speed mdash Ride evenslower than you would during theday mdash particularly on roads youdonrsquot know well This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard
bull Increase Distance mdash 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 nightOpen up a three-second followingdistance or more And allow moredistance to pass and be passed
bull Use the Car Ahead mdash Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can Taillightsbouncing up and down can alert
you to bumps or rough pavementbull Use Your High Beam mdash Get all the
light you can Use your high beamwhenever you are not followingor meeting a car Be visible Wearreflective materials when riding atnight
bull Be Flexible About Lane PositionChange to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see be
seen and keep an adequate spacecushion
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are there
will be times when you find yourself in atight spot Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly Often a crash
occurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers
Know when and how to stop or
swerve two skills critical in avoidinga crash It is not always desirable or
possible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle Riders must also be able to
swerve around an obstacle Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well
Studies show that most crash-involved riders
bull Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear
bull Did not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate
The following information offerssome good advice
Quick Stops
To stop quickly apply both brakesat the same time Donrsquot be shy aboutusing the front brake but donrsquot ldquograbrdquo
it either Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively If the frontwheel locks release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly Atthe same time press down on the
rear brake If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surfaceyou can keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped but even with a
locked rear wheel you can control the
motorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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28 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Stopping Quicklyin a Curve
If you know thetechnique using bothbrakes in a turn is possiblealthough it should be done
very carefully When leaningthe motorcycle some ofthe traction is used forcornering Less traction is
available for stopping Askid can occur if you apply
too much brake Also usingthe front brake incorrectly on a slippery
surface may be hazardous Use cautionand squeeze the brake lever never grab
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve first straighten and squarethe handlebars then stop If you findyourself in a situation that does notallow straightening first such as when
there is a danger of running off theroad in a left-hand curve or whenfacing oncoming traffic in a right-hand curve apply the brakes smoothly
and gradually As you slow you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressure
can be applied Always straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping to maintain your balance andremain upright
Maximum Straight-LineBraking
Maximum straight-line braking isaccomplished by fully applying front
and rear brakes without locking eitherwheel Keep your body centered overthe motorcycle and look well aheadnot down This will help you keep
the motorcycle in as straight a line aspossible minimizing lean angle and thelikelihood of the wheels losing traction
SWERVE THEN BRAKE BRAKE THEN SWERVE
STOPPING DISTANCE
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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29
Front-Wheel Skids
If the front wheel locks release the
front 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 immediately
will result in a crash
Rear-Wheel Skids
A skidding rear tire is a dangerous
condition 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
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 there
is 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 upright
and tumble throwing the rider into theair ahead of the motorcyclersquos path Evenslight misalignment can result in a high-side crash
CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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30 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object
Every curve is different Be alert towhether a curve remains constantgradually 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 lane
position 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 Asyou 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 mdash and stay there until you exit
This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible You can alsoadjust for traffic ldquocrowdingrdquo the centerline or debris blocking part of your lane
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across
bull Uneven surfaces or obstaclesbull Slippery surfaces
bull Railroad tracks
bull Grooves and gratings
Uneven Surfacesand Obstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps broken pavement potholes or
small pieces of highway trashTry to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them If you must goover the obstacle first determine if it is
possible Approach it at as close to a 90˚angle as possible Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel If youhave to ride over the obstacle you should
bull Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact
bull Make sure the motorcycle isstraight
bull Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows and avoid being thrown off
the motorcyclebull Just before contact roll on the
throttle slightly to lighten the frontend
If you ride over an object on thestreet pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction Surfaces that provide poortraction include
bull Wet pavement particularly just afterit starts to rain and before surface oilwashes to the side of the road
bull Gravel roads or where sand andgravel collect
bull Mud leaves snow and ice
bull Lane markings (painted lines) steel plates and manhole coversespecially when wet
To ride safely on slippery surfaces
bull Reduce Speed mdash Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves
bull Avoid Sudden Moves mdash Anysudden change in speed or direction
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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31
The best way to stop quickly is to
A Use the front brake only
B Use the rear brake firstC Throttle down and use the front
brake
D Use both brakes at the same time
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 47
OBSTACLES
can cause a skid Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up shiftgears turn or brake
bull Use Both Brakes mdash 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
bull The center of a lane can behazardous when wet When it startsto rain ride in the tire tracks left bycars Often the left tire track willbe the best position depending ontraffic and other road conditions
bull Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park Youmay slip and fall
bull Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road mdash especially oncurves and ramps leading to and fromhighways Be aware of whatrsquos on theedge of the road particularly whenmaking sharp turns and getting on oroff freeways at high speeds
bull Rain dries and snow melts faster on some sections of a road than onothers Patches of ice tend to developin low or shaded areas and on bridges
and overpasses Wet surfaces or wetleaves 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 canrsquot
avoid a slippery surface keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedas slowly as possible If you encountera large surface so slippery that you
must coast or travel at a walking paceconsider letting your feet skim alongthe surface If the motorcycle starts tofall you can catch yourself Be sure to
keep off the brakes If possible squeezethe clutch and coast Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could prove hazardous
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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32 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
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 mdash your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic
CROSSTRACKSmdashRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSmdashWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSmdashWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSmdashWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course move far enoughaway from tracks ruts or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least45˚ Then make a deliberate turnEdging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave The uneasy wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous Relax maintaina steady speed and ride straight across
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling
When it starts to rain it is usuallybest to
A Ride in the center of the lane
B Pull off to the side until the rainstops
C Ride in the tire tracks left by cars
D Increase your speed
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 47
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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33
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergency
the moment something goes wrongwith your motorcycle In dealing withany mechanical problem take intoaccount the road and traffic conditions
you face Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently it may be a tire failure Thiscan be dangerous You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reactsIf one of your tires suddenly loses air
react quickly to keep your balance Pulloff and check the tires
If the front tire goes flat the steering
will feel ldquoheavyrdquo A front-wheel flat is
particularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering You have to steer well tokeep your balance
If the rear tire goes flat the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side
If either tire goes flat while riding
bull Hold handgrips firmly ease off thethrottle and keep a straight course
bull If braking is required gradually
apply the brake of the tire that isnrsquotflat if you are sure which one it is
bull When the motorcycle slows edge to the side of the roadsqueeze the clutch and stop
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forth
several times If the throttle cable isstuck this may free it If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in the
clutch at the same time This will remove
power from the rear wheel thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline Once the motorcycle is ldquoundercontrolrdquo pull off and stop
After you have stopped check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble Make certain the throttle
works freely before you start to ride again
Wobble
A ldquowobblerdquo occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start
to 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 youcanrsquot shift it Center the weight lower
and farther forward on the motorcycleMake sure tire pressure spring pre-load air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly
Check for poorly adjusted steering
worn steering parts a front wheel thatis bent misaligned or out of balanceloose wheel bearings or spokes andworn swingarm bearings If none of
these is determined to be the causehave the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional
Trying to ldquoaccelerate out of awobblerdquo will only make the motorcyclemore unstable Instead
bull Grip the handlebars firmly butdonrsquot fight the wobble
bull Close the throttle gradually to slow down Do not apply thebrakes braking could make thewobble worse
bull Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible
bull Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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34 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
either 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 yoursquore ridingcould lock the rear wheel and cause
your motorcycle to skid
If the chain or belt breaks yoursquollnotice an instant loss of power to the
rear wheel Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area
On a motorcycle with a drive shaftloss of oil in the rear differential cancause the rear wheel to lock and youmay not be able to prevent a skid
Engine Seizure
When the engine ldquolocksrdquo or
ldquofreezesrdquo it is usually low on oil Theenginersquos moving parts canrsquot movesmoothly against each other and theengine overheats The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change inthe enginersquos sound Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel Pull off the road and stop
Check the oil If needed oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize When this happens the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel Let
the engine cool before restarting
ANIMALS
Naturally you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting an
animal If you are in traffic howeverremain in your lane Hitting somethingsmall is less dangerous to you than
hitting something big mdash like a car
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs Ifyou are being chased downshift andapproach the animal slowly As you
approach it accelerate and leave theanimal behind Donrsquot kick at the animalKeep control of your motorcycle andlook to where you want to go
For larger animals (deer elk cattle)brake and prepare to stop mdash they areunpredictable
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects cigarettes thrown from carsor pebbles kicked up by the tires of
the vehicle ahead If you are wearingface protection it might get smearedor cracked making it difficult to seeWithout face protection an object
could hit you in the eye face or mouthWhatever happens keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars When safe pull off the roadand repair the damage
GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to check
the motorcycle (or just to rest) be sure to
bull Check the roadside mdash Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on If it is soft grassloose sand or if yoursquore just not sureabout it slow way down before youturn onto it
bull Signal mdash Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing directionCheck your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action
If your motorcycle starts to wobble
A Accelerate out of the wobble
B Use the brakes gradually
C Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually
D Downshift
TEST YOURSELF 10
Answer - page 47
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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35
bull Pull off the road mdash Get as far offthe road as you can It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road You donrsquot wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are
bull Park carefully mdash Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center 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 or
large loads Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street prepareyourself and your motorcycle for safeoperation in traffic
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Tire Pressure ndash Check the air
pressure of both tires Refer to theownerrsquos manual or the label affixedto the motorcycle for the correctinflation specifications Though most
of the added weight will typically beon the rear wheel donrsquot forget to alsocheck the pressure on the front tire
Correct inflation pressures will maintainmaximum stability steering precisionand braking capability
Suspension ndash With a heavy load
the riding characteristics and balance ofthe motorcycle will change On somemotorcycles it will be necessary toadjust the suspension settings (spring
preload compressiondamping settingsetc) to compensate for the lowered rear
of the motorcycle Refer to the ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedures and
specifications
Headlight ndash Prior to loading position
the motorcycle about 10 feet from awall in an unlighted garage and mark
the headlight beam location on thewall with chalk With a full load andpassenger recheck the headlight beamlocation Use the adjusting screws on
the headlight to lower the beam tothe same height Check your ownerrsquosmanual for adjustment procedure
Equipment forCarrying a Passenger
bull Be sure your passenger is properlyattired wearing the same level ofpersonal protective gear as you
bull Be sure your motorcycle is equippedwith passenger footrests
bull 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
bull Check that there is a strap or solidhandholds for your passenger tohold onto
Preparing YourPassenger to Ride
Ensure your passenger is able to reachthe passenger footrests and is able tohold on to your waist hips belt or the
bikersquos passenger handholds Childrenshould be placed immediately behindthe rider A child sitting in front of therider will not be able to properly balance
himherself and may interfere with theriderrsquos control of the motorcycle
Passenger safety begins with
proper instruction Riders should notassume that passengers are familiar
with motorcycle handling control orbalance As a routine practice always
instruct your passenger on cycling basicsprior to starting the trip even if yourpassenger is a motorcycle rider
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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36 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
If you are chased by a dog
A Kick it away
B Stop until the animal loses interest
C Swerve around the animal
D Approach the animal slowly thenspeed up
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 47
As you prepare for your ride tell yourpassenger to
bull Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine andhave the transmission in neutral Asthe passenger mounts keep bothyour feet on the ground and thebrakes applied
bull Sit as far forward as possiblewithout hindering your control ofthe motorcycle
bull Hold firmly onto your waist hipsbelt or passenger handholds forbalance and security
bull Keep both feet firmly on the cyclersquosfootrests even when stopped Firmfooting will prevent your passengerfrom falling off and pulling you off
bull Keep legs away from the muffler(s)chains or moving parts
bull Stay directly behind you and leanwith you through turns and curvesIt is helpful for the passenger tolook over the riderrsquos shoulder in thedirection of turns and curves
bull Avoid unnecessary conversation andavoid leaning or turning aroundMake no sudden moves that mightaffect the stability of the motorcyclewhen it is in operation
bull Rise slightly off the seat whencrossing an obstacle
Also remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you
bull Approach surface hazards such asbumps or uneven road surfaces
bull Are about to start from a stop orbegin moving into traffic
bull Are about to turn sharply or make asudden move
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger Theheavier your passenger the longer it willtake to speed up slow down or turn
When riding with passengers
bull Ride a little slower especially whentaking curves corners or bumps Ifany part of the motorcycle scrapesthe ground at lean angle steeringcontrol can be lost
bull Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop and maintain alarger space cushion wheneverslowing or stopping
bull Wait for larger gaps to cross enteror merge in traffic
Carrying Loads
Everything you are likely to need fora riding holiday or weekend trip canbe packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways There are complete
luggage systems saddlebags that arepermanently attached to the motorcyclesoft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seatand a tank bag for other small itemsYou can also travel simply with only abackpack Whatever you decide do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating whentraveling with cargo and a passengerand always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for theadded weight
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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37
Passengers should
A Lean as you lean
B Hold on to the motorcycle seat
C Sit as far back as possible
D Never hold onto you
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 47
Tips for Traveling withPassengers and Cargo
bull Keep the load forward Pack heavieritems in the front of the tank bagLighter items such as your sleepingbag ground pad or tent should bepacked on a luggage rack behindyou Try to place the load over orin front of the rear axle Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes It can also cause a wobble
bull Plan your route and length of eachdayrsquos riding segment and allowplenty of time for breaks Poorweather breakdowns and fatigueare always possible
bull Consider selecting some interestingsecondary roads to occasionallyreduce the monotony of thehighway
bull Start as early in the morning aspossible When you are fresh youride at peak performance For mostriders this is usually between 6 amand 11 am ndash then take a goodhourrsquos break for lunch Your energywill pick up again in the afternoon
bull Donrsquot forget sun protection in thesummer Some combinations of
riding gear can leave your neckexposed risking sunburn
bull If you wear a backpack be sure itis securely attached to you Try toadjust the shoulder straps so thatthe backpack rests lightly on theseat This will reduce the tension inyour neck and shoulders
bull If you have a tank bag be sure itis securely mounted and does not
obstruct your view of the controlsor instruments If necessary pack itonly partially full When strappingthe tank bag in place make sure
it does not catch any of the brakelines or cables in the area of thesteering head
bull Secure loads low or put them insaddlebags Attaching a load toa sissy bar raises the motorcyclersquoscenter of gravity and can upset itsbalance
bull If you use saddlebags load eachwith about the same weightAn uneven load can cause themotorcycle to pull to one side
Overloading may also cause thebags to catch in the wheel or chainlocking the rear wheel and causingthe motorcycle to skid
bull Fasten the load securely withelastic cords (bungee cords ornets) Elastic cords with more thanone attachment point per side arerecommended A loose load couldcatch in the wheel or chain causing
it to lock up resulting in a skidRope can stretch and knots cancome loose permitting the load toshift or fall You should stop andcheck the load often to make sure ithas not shifted or loosened
bull Include a small tool kit and somecommon spare parts that you mightneed Water and some energy bars
or other food should also be part ofyour preparation and donrsquot forgeta first aid kit especially if you areriding in a group
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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38 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcyclethrough some familiar neighborhoodroads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle Be sure the suspensionsettings are correct and that the sidestand footrests and exhaust pipes donrsquotscrape over bumps and in turns Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way ofthe handlebars or restrict the steeringAlso check the security of the load so
that your luggage does not hit you inthe back under maximum braking
You will also find that the perfor-mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used toTest the power when accelerating andbe aware that it will be lower increas-ing passing times and distances Braking
will also feel different and stopping
distances may increaseGROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group rideis as important as making sure yourmotorcycle is ready Riding with a grouprequires an alert mind that is free fromworries distractions and stress It alsomeans riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs For some even toomuch caffeine or prescription drugs canadversely affect concentration
Prior to a long trip itrsquos a good idea tohave your motorcycle serviced at yourlocal dealership if you arenrsquot able to dothe work yourself A thorough pre-ride check is a must Use the T-CLOCSchecklist as a reminder of the importantcomponents to check before you leaveRemember to consider such variables
as passengers and extra weight fromcargo that might require a change in tirepressure or suspension adjustment
Plan
Before starting out hold a riderrsquos
meeting to discuss the route length ofriding segments rest stops and locationsfor fuel meals and lodging Make sureeveryone knows the route That wayif someone becomes separated he orshe wonrsquot have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or making the wrong turnChoose a lead rider and a sweep riderThese should be the most experiencedriders of the group The lead ridershould look ahead for changes in road
traffic or weather conditions and signalearly so the word gets back in plentyof time to the other riders The sweeprider is the last rider in the group andsets the pace for the group Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader That ensures that they wonrsquothave to chase after the group and themore experienced riders can watchthem from the back
The most important rules for groupriding are no competition no passingof other riders and no tailgating If arider insists on riding faster than thegroup allow him or her to go ahead toan agreed meeting point
Hand signals
During the riderrsquos meeting reviewthe hand signals so all riders cancommunicate during the ride A
diagram of the most common handsignals is at the end of this manual
Follow those behind
During the ride use your mirrorsto keep an eye on the person behindand confirm that the group is stayingtogether If a rider falls behind everyoneshould slow down to keep the grouptogether
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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39
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the
same time maintain an adequate spacecushion to allow each rider in the grouptime and distance to react to hazardsA close group takes up less space onthe highway is easier to see and is lesslikely to become separated This musthowever be done properly
Donrsquot Pair Up
Never ride directly alongside anotherrider in the same lane There is no place
to go if you have to maneuver to avoida car or hazard in the roadway Waituntil you are both stopped to talk
Staggered Formation
This is the best way to keep the ranksclose yet maintain an adequate spacecushion The group leader rides in theleft side of the lane and the secondrider stays at least one second back andrides in the right side of the lane Thethird maintains the left position of thelane at least two seconds behind thefirst rider The fourth rider should keepat least a two second distance fromthe second rider in the right side of thelane and so on This formation keepsthe group close and permits each riderto maintain a safe distance from othersahead behind and to the sides
It is best to move to single file forma-
tion when riding in curves turning andentering or leaving freeways or highways
Intersections
Intersections present the highestrisk for motorcyclists in a group Whenmaking a left turn at an intersectionwith a left turn signal arrow tightenthe formation to allow as many ridersthrough the intersection as possibleMake the turn single file ndash do not ride
side-by-side If not all riders get throughthe light stop at a safe point ahead andwait This will prevent riders from feelingpressured to speed up or run a red light
Interstate Highways andFreeways
A staggered formation is essentialwhen riding on freeways and interstatesHowever enter in single file and form uponly after all riders have safely mergedin traffic The lead rider should move thegroup over at least one lane to preventvehicles that are entering and exitingfrom disrupting your formation In heavytraffic resist the temptation to ride tooclose together Maintain your minimumone-second two-second staggered
formation space cushion When exitinguse a single file formation for betterspace cushion and time to react toconditions at the end of the off-ramp
Parking
When possible park as a group soeveryone can get off their motorcyclesmore quickly Avoid parking downhill orhead-in and if possible park where you
can pull through making the arrival anddeparture smoother Whenever possiblepark so that the group can depart as aunit in single file
STAGGERED FORMATION
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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40 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
When riding in a groupinexperienced riders should positionthemselves
A Just behind the leader
B In front of the group
C At the tail end of the group
D Beside the leader
TEST YOURSELF 13
Answer - page 47
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1)
GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)
Passing in Formation
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate thegroup may pass as a unit On a two-lanehighway riders in a staggered formationshould pass one at a time
bull First the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe Afterpassing the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider
bull Next the second rider should moveup to the left position in the laneand wait for a chance to safely passWhen passing be sure you havea clear view of oncoming trafficJust because the lead rider passedthat does not mean that conditionshavenrsquot changed and that it is stillsafe for other riders to pass Afterpassing the rider should return to
the right position and open uproom for the next rider
Some people suggest that the leadrider should move to the right sideof the lane after passing the vehicleThis is not a good idea since it mightencourage the second rider to pass andcut back in before there is enough spacecushion in front of the passed vehicleItrsquos simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to move intothe same position held before the pass
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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41
Ten Rules of Group Riding
bull Base the length of the route and
segments on ability of the leastexperienced rider
bull Take timely breaks to prevent loss ofconcentration and reduce fatigue
bull Adjust the pace through curves tothe ability of the least experiencedrider If necessary form two groupswith different speeds
bull Donrsquot tailgate or encourage the
rider in front to speed If you wantto ride faster ride ahead of thegroup
bull Keep adequate following distanceand maintain a staggeredformation
bull Do not pass in the group except inthe case of emergency
bull Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader so they can keeppace without riding faster than it issafe
bull When passing be conscious of thetraffic conditions and oncomingtraffic Even though the previousriders passed safely it may not besafe for you
bull Maintain adequate time distancebetween riders especially atintersections This allows you toavoid hard braking
bull Check your mirrors frequently toensure the group stays together
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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42 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDEBEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE 42
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task Skilled riderspay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle
identifying potential hazards making good judgments and executing decisionsquickly and skillfully Your ability to perform and respond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are Alcohol and drugsmore than any other factor degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance
Letrsquos look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs What todo to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined
WHY THIS INFORMATION
IS IMPORTANTAlcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes particularly fatalcrashes Studies show that nearly 40of all riders killed in motorcycle crasheshad been drinking The rest had only afew drinks in their systems mdash enoughto impair riding skills In the past druglevels have been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records Butriding ldquounder the influencerdquo of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical and legalhazards for every rider
Drinking and drug use is as biga problem among motorcyclistsas it is among automobile driversMotorcyclists however are more likelyto be killed or severely injured in a crashInjuries occur in 90 of motorcyclecrashes and 33 of automobile crashes
that involve abuse of substances Ona yearly basis 2000 motorcyclistsare killed and about 50000 seriouslyinjured in this same type of crash Thesestatistics are too overwhelming toignore
By becoming knowledgeable aboutthe effects of alcohol and drugs youwill see that riding and substanceabuse donrsquot mix Take positive steps to
protect yourself and prevent others frominjuring themselves
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION
No one is immune to the effects ofalcohol or drugs Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs but alcoholor drugs make them less able to thinkclearly and perform physical tasksskillfully Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle
operation are affected long before legallimitations are reached
Many over-the-counter prescriptionand illegal drugs have side effects thatincrease the risk of riding It is difficult toaccurately measure the involvement ofparticular drugs in motorcycle crashesBut we do know what effects variousdrugs have on the processes involved inriding a motorcycle We also know that
the combined effects of alcohol anddrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly Unlike most foods andbeverages it does not need to bedigested Within minutes after beingconsumed it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker The major
effect alcohol has is to slow down andimpair bodily functions mdash both mentaland physical Whatever you do you doless well after consuming alcohol
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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4343
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC
is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body Generally alcohol canbe eliminated in the body at the rate ofalmost one drink per hour But a varietyof other factors may also influencethe level of alcohol retained The morealcohol in your blood the greater thedegree of impairment
Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC
bull The amount of alcohol youconsume
bull How fast you drink
bull Your body weight
Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system
Your sex physical condition andfood intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be even higher
But the full effects of these are notcompletely known Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even if youare drinking at a rate of one drinkper hour Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink
A 12-ounce can of beer a mixed drinkwith one shot (15 ounces) of liquorand a 5-ounce glass of wine all containthe same amount of alcohol
The faster you drink the more alcoholaccumulates in your body If you drinktwo drinks in an hour at the end of thathour at least one drink will remain inyour bloodstream
Without taking into account anyother factors these examples illustratewhy time is a critical factor when a riderdecides to drink
If you drink
ndash Seven drinks over the span of threehours you would have at least four (7 ndash3 = 4) drinks remaining in your systemat the end of the three hours Youwould need at least another four hoursto eliminate the four remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
ALCOHOL CONTENT
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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44 BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ndash Four drinks over the span of twohours you would have at least two(4 ndash 2 = 2) drinks remaining in yoursystem at the end of the two hours You
would need at least another two hoursto eliminate the two remaining drinksbefore you consider riding
There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as higha concentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed They have more
blood and other bodily fluids But
because of individual differences itis better not to take the chance thatabilities and judgment have not been
affected Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issueImpairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In all states an adult with a BAC
of 008 or above is consideredintoxicated For operators under the age
of 21 lower BAC limits (000 to 002depending on state) apply It doesnrsquotmatter how sober you may look or actThe breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol areincreasing Law enforcement is beingstepped up across the country in responseto the senseless deaths and injuries caused
by drinking drivers and riders
Consequences of Conviction
Years ago first offenders had a goodchance of getting off with a small fineand participation in alcohol-abuse
classes Today the laws of most statesimpose stiff penalties on drinkingoperators And those penalties aremandatory meaning that judges must
impose them
If you are convicted of riding underthe influence of alcohol or drugsyou may receive any of the followingpenalties
bull License Suspension mdash Mandatorysuspension for conviction arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test
bull Fines mdash Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usually leviedwith a license suspension
bull Community Service mdash Performingtasks such as picking up litter along
the highway washing cars in themotor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward
bull Costs mdash Additional lawyerrsquos feeslost work time spent in court oralcohol-education programs publictransportation costs (while yourlicense is suspended) and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda ldquodrunk driverrdquo
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you
are riding is affected first Althoughyou may be performing more and morepoorly you think you are doing betterand better The result is that you ride
confidently taking greater and greaterrisks Minimize the risks of drinking andriding by taking steps before you drink
Control your drinking or control yourriding
Make an Intelligent Choice
Donrsquot Drink mdash Once you start yourresistance becomes weaker
Setting a limit or pacing yourself arepoor alternatives at best Your ability toexercise good judgment is one of thefirst things affected by alcohol Even if
you have tried to drink in moderationyou may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcoholrsquosfatiguing effects
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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45
Or Donrsquot Ride mdash If you havenrsquotcontrolled your drinking you mustcontrol your riding
bull Leave the motorcycle mdash so youwonrsquot be tempted to ride Arrangeanother way to get home
bull Wait mdash If you exceed your limitwait until your system eliminates thealcohol and its fatiguing effects
STEP IN TO PROTECT
FRIENDS
People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsible
decision It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too greata risk No one wants to do this mdash itrsquosuncomfortable embarrassing and
thankless You are rarely thankedfor your efforts at the time But thealternatives are often worse
There are several ways to keep friendsfrom hurting themselves
bull Arrange a safe ride mdash Providealternative ways for them to gethome
bull Slow the pace of drinking mdashInvolve them in other activities
bull Keep them there mdash Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle Serve them
food and coffee to pass the timeExplain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt orhurting someone else Take theirkey if you can
bull Get friends involved mdash Use peerpressure from a group of friends tointervene
It helps to enlist support from others
when you decide to step in The morepeople on your side the easier it is to befirm and the harder it is for the rider toresist While you may not be thanked at
the time you will never have to say ldquoIfonly I had rdquo
FATIGUE
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
than driving a car On a long trip yoursquolltire sooner than you would in a car
Avoid riding when tired Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle
bull Protect yourself from the elementsmdash Wind cold and rain makeyou tire quickly Dress warmly Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances
bull Limit your distance mdash Experi-enced riders seldom try to ride morethan about six hours a day
bull Take frequent rest breaks mdash Stopand get off the motorcycle at leastevery two hours
bull Donrsquot drink or use drugs mdashArtificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand
If you wait one hour per drink forthe alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding
A You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding
B Your riding skills will not be affected
C Side effects from the drinking maystill remain
D You will be okay as long as you rideslowly
TEST YOURSELF 14
Answer - page 47
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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46 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic Assessing yourown skills is not enough People often overestimate their own abilities Itrsquos evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively
To earn your license you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skilltest Knowledge test questions are based on information practices and ideas
from this manual They require that you know and understand road rules andsafe riding practices An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actualtraffic environment or in a controlled off-street area
Knowledge Test
(Sample Questions)
1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when
A Someone is following too closely
B You will be slowing suddenly
C There is a stop sign aheadD Your signals are not working
2 The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stopping
power
A About 25
B About 50
C About 70
D All of the stopping power3 To swerve correctly
A Shift your weight quickly
B Turn the handlebars quickly
C Press the handgrip in the directionof the turn
D Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn
4 If a tire goes flat while riding and you must stop it is usually bestto
A Relax on the handgrips
B Shift your weight toward thegood tire
C Brake on the good tire and steer
to the side of the roadD Use both brakes and stop quickly
5 The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection It is best to
A Make eye contact with the driver
B Reduce speed and be ready toreact
C Maintain speed and position
D Maintain speed and move right
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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47
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B
6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C
11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C
Answers to Knowledge Test (left)
1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B
On-Motorcycle Skill Test
Basic vehicle control and crash-
avoidance skills are included in on-motorcycle tests to determine yourability to handle normal and hazardous
traffic situations
You may be tested for your ability to
bull Know your motorcycle and yourriding limits
bull Accelerate brake and turnsafely
bull See be seen and communicatewith others
bull Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation
bull Stop turn and swerve quickly
bull Make critical decisions and carry
them outExaminers may score on factors
related to safety such as
bull Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers
bull Choosing the correct path andstaying within boundaries
bull Completing normal and quickstops
bull Completing normal and quickturns or swerves
Diagrams and drawings used in thismanual are for reference only and are
not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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48 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION
FOR THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLES
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheelmotorcycle This requires the rider topass both a written and a skills test Thepurpose of this supplement is to helpprepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement This informationis provided in addition to that offered inthe first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM) so when preparingto take the written test begin byreading the information on two-wheelmotorcycles thoroughly It provides
information on safe operation of yourmotorcycle in traffic This supplementcontains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycleincluding both three-track motorcyclesand motorcycles with sidecars
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are many types of three-wheelmotorcycles available on the markettoday Requirements for licensingthree-wheel motorcycles vary by stateIn general three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics
1 Three wheels leaving two orthree separate tracks duringstraight line operation
2 Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with
bull Handlebar steering
bull Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layoutConvenience alterations likea single brake pedal or levercontrol automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull Saddle seating
ndash Seating in which the rider
passenger straddles thevehicle
ndash If designed for a passengerthe passenger must beseated behind the operator(or in a separate passengercompartment in the case of amotorcycle with sidecar)
3 Turning diameter of the vehicleat its widest point must be less
than 40rsquo4 The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards
The following vehicles are notincluded in this definition andtherefore testing requirements may
not be applicable Always refer to yourstate Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Licensing or otherappropriate state regulatory agency forexact regulations regarding testing for
bull Automotive hybrids orautomotive conversions
bull Vehicles with automotive controls or seating
bull Vehicles with front or rearmounted engines (engines mustbe mounted mid-frame below therider to be considered motorcycle-
based)bull Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
bull Motorcycles or scooters with twoclose-set wheels in front (contactpatches less than 181 inchesapart) that lean and maneuver likestandard single-track two-wheelmotorcycles
or
bull Vehicles with any other departurefrom the above standards
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
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centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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49
Three-WheelMotorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designsvary among manufacturers Unliketraditional motorcycles which areconsidered single-track motorcycles
three-wheel motorcycles could be eitherdual or triple track design Dual trackvehicles are motorcycles with sidecarswhile triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheelsor dual rear wheels
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equippedmotorcycle is right for you You shouldbe able to comfortably reach andoperate all of the controls and beable to complete full turns using the
MOTORCYCLE
AND THREE-WHEEL
MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS
handlebars without excessive upperbody movements that could jeopardizestability and control
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders beware
Crashes are fairly common amongbeginning operators especially inthe first months of riding Operatingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem If you borrow a three-wheelmotorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
get familiar with it in a controlled areafirst If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecarto friends make sure they are licensedand know how to ride before youallow them to operate in traffic Such
motorcycles operate very differentlythan two-wheel motorcycles
No matter how experienced you may
be be extra careful on any vehicle thatis unfamiliar or new to you
Get Familiar withMotorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with thecontrols of the three-wheel motorcycleor motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on anyhighway since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcyclesThis is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle Beforebeginning the ride
bull Make all the checks you would onyour own motorcycle
bull Familiarize yourself with all
controls such as the turn signalshorn headlight switch fuel control
valve and cut-off switch Locateand operate these items without
having to search for them
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5463
54
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HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
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personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
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Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
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50 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
bull Operate all the controls beforeyou start riding Know thegearshift pattern and operate thethrottle clutch and brakes a few
times Controls react differentlyon different motorcycles andexact locations of controls mayvary slightly Additionally some
motorcycle conversions may beequipped with a single brake pedalor lever control automatic clutch orautomatic transmission
bull As you begin to ride start outslowly and carefully and be aware ofyour surroundings Accelerate gently
take turns a little more slowly andleave extra room for stopping
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Steering amp Tip
Three-wheel motorcycles handle
differently than two-wheel motorcyclesWith three wheels on the groundthey are naturally more stable than a
two-wheel motorcycle They also steerdifferently Because conventional three-wheel motorcycles cannot lean theycannot countersteer Instead the front
wheel is pointed in the direction therider wants the motorcycle to go
Under some conditions during theoperation of a three-wheel motorcycleit is possible to have only two wheelsin contact with the road surface This
could occur during turning or tightmaneuvers whenever enough weight istransferred outside of what are calledtip-over lines This tendency requirescareful load and passenger positioning
inside the tip-over lines to help maintainmaximum stability
Body Position
As with any motor vehicle operatorposition is important for control and
for reducing or preventing fatigue Theoperator should be able to reach bothhandgrips comfortably since morehandlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycleWhile it is not necessary for the riderof a three-wheel motorcycle to move
drastically during operation shiftingweight in the direction of the turn canimprove control
Braking
On a motorcycle with a sidecarduring braking in a sharp turn thesidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limitedtraction or grip on the road surface and
traction is greater when the motorcycleis rolling not skidding or slipping
During turning some of the availabletire traction is used for cornering so lessis available for stopping Thus a skidcan occur if you brake too hard
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curveradii During a turn inertia causes thecenter of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
TIP-OVER LINES
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51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
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52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
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53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5463
54
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5563
HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5763
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
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Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5163
51
tip-over line The reduced weight overthe opposite side wheel can cause it tolift slightly
The weight of a three-trackmotorcycle is distributed almost equallybetween the two front or two rearwheels These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns
When turning a three-trackmotorcycle
bull Approach a turn at speed with
your head up and look through theturn
bull Concentrate on pointing the frontwheelwheels in the direction youwant the motorcycle to go
bull Roll off the throttle before enteringthe turn
bull Apply the brakes enough to slowthe motorcycle to a speed at whichyou can ride safely through the
turn then release the brakes beforethe turn
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Steer the front wheelwheelstoward the turn
bull Roll on the throttle to pull themotorcycle through the turn
On the other hand because thecenter of gravity of a motorcycle withsidecar is close to the motorcycle itselfthe behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left isquite different
During a right turn a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravitycreates a greater tendency for thesidecar wheel to lift The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightlyloaded
When turning right on amotorcycle with sidecar
bull Anticipate the degree of turnrequired
bull Reduce speed before entering thecurve by downshifting or braking
bull Slightly lean your upper body inthe direction you intend to turn
bull Maintain speed as you enter thecurve
bull Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curveDuring a left hand turn the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground However if theturn is taken too sharply or at too higha rate of speed there is a tendencyfor the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend and this may cause the rearwheel of the motorcycle to lift off theground
When turning left on a motorcyclewith sidecar
bull Reduce speed prior to entering theturn
bull Apply more pressure on the rearbrake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecarsome weight will shift to the rearcausing the front of the motorcycleto become lighter This weight shiftreduces the traction on the front tire
tires for steering and tire grip
When riding downhill gravity
increases the amount of braking forcerequired to slow or stop the motorcycle
It is important therefore to beginslowing earlier for cornering and
stopping
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5263
52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5363
53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5463
54
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5563
HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
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HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5763
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5863
Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
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Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5263
52 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Lane Position
The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar is almost the samewidth as some automobiles Unlike a
motorcycle you are limited therefore inlane positioning Keep toward the centerof the lane to be sure the track of thedual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic Riding too farto the right could cause loss of traction ifthe tire leaves the pavement
Lane positioning when ridingin groups is also an importantconsideration You will not be ableto use a staggered formation such
as you would when riding two-wheelmotorcycles Ride single file and alwaysmaintain a safe margin two secondsminimum between vehicles
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobilityand motorcycle length it is not practicalto park your motorcycle at a 90 degreeangle with your rear wheel touching
the curb as you would with a two-whelmotorcycle Position your motorcycle in aparking space so you are parked parallelto the curb and set the parking brake
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse so you can more easily maneuverinto a parking space designed for anautomobile Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curband entering the lanes of traffic
Acceleration and Deceleration
A three-wheel motorcycle with twodrive wheels tends to be much morestable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecarAttaching a sidecar to your motorcycleadds a non-powered off-centered massof weight So during acceleration
the sidecar will feel as though it islagging behind you causing the vehicleto feel as though it is being steeredto the right During deceleration or
braking the momentum of the sidecarcontinues to carry it forward givingthe feeling that the sidecar is trying topass you making the motorcycle feel asthough it is being steered left
bull On acceleration compensate forthis tendency by steering slightlyin the opposite direction from the
sidecarbull On deceleration compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly inthe direction of the sidecar You canalso pull in the clutch when braking
Swerving
A quick stop may not always besufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path even if you properly apply both
brakes Sometimes the only way toavoid a collision is to swerve A swerveis any sudden change of direction It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to theside when maneuvering the motorcycleOften there is not much time to adjustyour body position
A three-wheel motorcycle ormotorcycle with sidecar is not asmaneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle so plan well ahead toavoid the need for any sudden turns orswerving If braking is required brakeeither before or after the swerve never
while swerving
Cornering amp Curves
The cornering characteristics of athree-wheel motorcycle or motorcyclewith a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle Even with three wheels onthe ground a sidecar can tip over if it isbeing turned too sharply or is going toofast for a corner Therefore it is best to
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5363
53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5463
54
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5563
HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5663
HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5763
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5863
Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6063
Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5363
53
always slow before entering a corner
The best path to follow in the curvemay not be the one that follows the
curve of the road Following the centerof the lane may actually increase thetip over forces Check opposing trafficcarefully and if safe enter the curvetoward the outside of your lane This
increases your line of sight through thecurve and reduces the effective radiusof the curve As you turn move towardthe inside of the curve and as you pass
the center move to the outside to exitalways remembering to stay in your lane
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Three-wheel motorcycles are designedto carry passengers and cargo butalways be sure not to exceed the tireor motorcycle loading capacity The
extra weight could change the handlingcharacteristics of the vehicle slightly soyou must give some thought to wherethe loads are positioned
Many three-track motorcycles will havebuilt-in storage compartments for cargoeither in front of or behind the riderOn these motorcycles center the load
and keep it low in the storage areas soit is positioned within the tip-over linesand balanced side-to-side If a passengeris being carried the passenger will sitdirectly behind the rider
On a motorcycle with a sidecar thebest place for a passenger is in the
sidecar Never put a single passenger
on the saddle the added weight on thetip-over-line will increase the instabilityof the motorcycle While a second
passenger can be carried on the seatbehind the rider the heavier passengershould always be in the sidecar
The passenger sitting behind the ridershould sit upright at all times It is notnecessary for the passenger to lean intocurves with the rider
When carrying loads in a sidecarsecure the load firmly in place sinceif the load shifts handling will be
affected Loads should be distributedtoward the rear of the sidecar to reducetipping of the nose of the sidecar in theevent of a sudden left turn
When loaded you may findperformance is reduced and that stopping
distances are longer so allow a littleextra distance The addition of a sidecarpassenger will greatly improve stabilityand right hand turns can be made ata slightly higher speed Turning left
however will require more turning force
PATH THROUGH A CURVE
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5463
54
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5563
HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5663
HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5763
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5863
Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6063
Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5463
54
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5563
HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5663
HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5763
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5863
Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6063
Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5563
HAND SIGNALS
983091
Stopndash arm extended
straight down
palm facing
back
983095
You LeadComendasharm extended upward 45 degrees
palm forward pointing with index
finger swing in arc from back to front
983094
Follow Mendash arm extended
straight up
from shoulder
palm forward
983093 Slow Downndash arm extended
straight out palm
facing down swing
down to your side
983092
Speed Upndash arm extended
straight out
palm facing up
swing upward
983090
Double Filendash
arm with index
and middle finger
extended straight up
983089
Single Filendasharm and index
finger extended
straight up
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5663
HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5763
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5863
Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6063
Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5663
HAND SIGNALS
983137983140Turn Signal Onndash
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended
983137983137Comfort Stopndash forearm extended
fist clenched with
short up and down
motion
983097 Highbeamndash tap on top of
helmet with open
palm down
983096 Hazard in Roadwayndash
on the left point
with left hand on the
right point with right foot
983137983142Pull Offndash
arm positioned as for
right turn forearm
swung toward shoulder
983137983155 RefreshmentStopndash
fingers closed
thumb to mouth
983137983152 Fuelndash arm out to side
pointing to tank with
finger extended
Y o u c a n t e a r t h i s p a g e o u t a n d k e e p i t w i t h y o u w h e n y o u r i d e
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5763
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5863
Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6063
Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5763
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5863
Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6063
Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5863
Appendix
Defining a Motorcycle or Moped_________________
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for
the use of the rider and is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor
with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts Anyclass of operatorrsquos license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid
instruction permit is required
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and
that may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder
capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an
electric motor with a capacity under 1500 watts and is equipped
with a power drive system that functions only directly orautomatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the
operator after the drive system is engaged Moped does not include
an electric personal assistive mobility device Any class ofoperatorrsquos license valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is
required
Operating a MopedAlthough a license or special permit is required to operate a
moped it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle A moped may
only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the rightside of the road at all times except when making a left turn In
preparing for a left turn look over your left shoulder to make sure
the way is clear signal and move carefully into position just to theright of the centerline of the road The turn should be completed in
this same position on the roadway entered Once the turn is
completed look over the right shoulder to make sure the way isclear signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side ofthe road
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less thanten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor
having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6063
Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 5963
centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750
watts Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal
assistive mobility device Any class of operatorrsquos license or validinstruction permit is required
Motorcycle Requirements_______________________
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or MopedAny resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid
Maine motorcycle license Any nonresident possessing a valid
motorcycle license from the state or country of their legalresidence
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License
Be at least 16 years of age Completion of basic drivereducation is required if under age 18 Completion of a
prescribed motorcycle driver education program consisting
of an 8-hour block of instructions is also required for allapplicants
Applications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle BranchOffice
Written and road tests specifically for motorcycles are
required
After passing the written test a Learnerrsquos Permit will beissued which is valid for two years
The Secretary of State is authorized to waive therequirement of a road examination for a motorcycleendorsement on receipt of a certificate demonstrating that
the person successfully completed the Basic Rider Course
(BRC) If the road examination is waived the motorcycleendorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger
for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the
endorsement
Note The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle
hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver
of the motorcycle road test
Other Motorcycle Requirements
LightsAll motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in
operation (Type approval provided by the Department of
Transportation) In addition
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6063
Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6063
Your dimmer switch (high-low) beam should be positionedso that your thumb can exercise control without removing
your hand from the handlebars
Always check your lighting system if there is a chance that
you will be riding in dusk or evening hours If you have been on rough terrain your headlights may
have been jarred out of focus adjustments may be
necessary to maintain proper alignment
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror whichaffords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a
distance of at least 200 feet
Helmets
Every person under the age of 18 years who operates orrides as a passenger must wear protective headgear
Every person who operates on a Learnerrsquos Permit mustwear protective headgear
For one year following successful completion of the drivingtest every operator must wear protective headgear
A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear
KNOW THE LAW THE FOLLOWING IS A
SUMMARY OF MAINErsquoS OPERATING UNDER
THE INFLUENCE (OUI) LAW
Immediate Suspension by Secretary of StateIf you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with
an alcohol level of 008 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210
liters of breath you are guilty of a criminal offense of operatingunder the influence (see description below) You will in most
instances be promptly arrested and taken off to jail Following
your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohollevel test result the Secretary of State will immediately suspend
your license This suspension takes place prior to any court
appearance so while you are waiting for your appearance before a
judge you wonrsquot be driving
Breath Alcohol Concentration
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
concentration It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical
analysis BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumedthe time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol and the
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6163
personrsquos weight The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that
cannot be changed
Note Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving
ability
Alcohol Level TestingThere are two types of tests which can be used to measurealcohol level the Breath and Blood test These tests are designed
to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood The results of such
testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted inall courts as accurate Under current Maine law the police officer
will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer)
unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test
to be administered If the breath test is not administered the driverwill be required to submit to a blood test which may be
administered by a physician of the driverrsquos choice if the physician
is reasonably available
ldquoImplied Consentrdquo ndash What is it All About
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driverrsquoslicense is not a basic ldquorightrdquo guaranteed under our Constitution It
is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion
of the StateStated briefly when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you
automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to
administer it You will not be forced to take such a test but your
driverrsquos license will be immediately suspended if you refuse Thesuspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary
of State It is administrative ndash that means no court action is
necessary In addition testimony of the arresting police officer
regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI
conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to
submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there
is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle
while under the influence of a drug other than alcoholThe administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State
remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI And
if you are found guilty based on the police officerrsquos testimony
your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravatingfactor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on
so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the
test
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6263
Remember a test can also protect you If you are not legally
intoxicated the test will show it
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decisioncovering all phases of the road testDuring the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate
your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient
skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on thehighways of the State of Maine whether it be driving forward or
backward maintaining your proper lane position turning left or
right or driving straight ahead You will also be evaluated on how
well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians aswell as traffic signs signals and conditions You will not be asked
to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending onroad conditions traffic and the applicantrsquos judgment and ability to
cope with situations that arise as well as driving habits
Road Test Instructions ndash CyclesThe examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on
low beam Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed
through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices orsounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers
One (1) short blast ndash left turn
Two (2) short blasts ndash right turn Three (3) short blasts ndash pull to the right curb or edge of
roadway and stop
The signal to proceed after a stop will be by theexaminer switching headlights to high beam then to low
beam (This procedure applies only if you have beenrequired to pull to right and stop)
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002
822019 Maine Motorcycle Manual | Maine Motorcycle Handbook
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullmaine-motorcycle-manual-maine-motorcycle-handbook 6363
MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE ndash
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate fun to ride and easy to park
Unfortunately many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safelyProfessional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach andimprove such skills as
bull Effective turning bull Braking maneuvers bull Protective apparel selection
bull Obstacle avoidance bull Traffic strategies bull Maintenance
The Motorcycle Safety Foundationrsquos (MSF) purpose is to improve the safetyof motorcyclists on the nationrsquos streets and highways In an attempt to reducemotorcycle crashes and injuries the Foundation has programs in rider educationlicensing improvement public information and statistics These programsare designed for both motorcyclists and motorists A national not-for-profitorganization the MSF is sponsored by BMW BRP Ducati Harley-Davidson HondaKawasaki KTM PiaggioVespa Suzuki Triumph Victory and Yamaha
The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those
who have an interest in riding motorcycles The information has been compiledfrom publications interviews and observations of individuals and organizationsfamiliar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there aremany differences in product design riding styles federal state and local lawsthere may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consultyour local regulatory agencies for information concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area Although the MSF will continue to research field test andpublish responsible viewpoints on the subject it disclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein
For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you
call toll free 8004469227
or visit wwwmsf-usaorg
Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618-3806wwwmsf-usaorg
Second Revision December 1978 Tenth Revision January 2002
Third Revision February 1981 Eleventh Revision July 2002