MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL - AN MSF MANUAL - With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles - ADOT
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AN MSF MANUAL
MOTORCYCLE
O PERATOR
MANUAL
With Supplementary Information
for Three-Wheel Motorcycles
i
Dear Motorcycle Enthusiast: The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council, is pleased to provide this Motorcycle Operator Manual. When it comes to riding a motorcycle, training and safety gear are critical. Whether someone is new to riding or has years of experience, ADOT encourages all riders to take a state-authorized safety training course. A knowledgeable rider is a safer rider. By attending a state-authorized rider training course, motorcyclists of all skill levels not only have the chance to obtain professional instruction to become safer riders, they are also able to acquire their motorcycle endorsement easily and conveniently. By completing one of these authorized programs and receiving a card from the school, new riders can immediately apply for their motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement without further testing. For additional information, please visit our website at www.azdot.gov/DrivingSchools. Wishing you safe riding! Eric R. Jorgensen Director, Motor Vehicle Division Arizona Department of Transportation www.azdot.gov Funding for this manual is provided by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council through the Motorcycle Safety Fund, A.R.S. §28-2010(C). Information contained in this manual has been reprinted, with permission, from the Seventeenth Revision of the Motorcycle Operator Manual provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. ii
ARIZONA LICENSING INFORMATION
Operating a motorcycle requires Types of Licenses
special skills in addition to a thorough Licenses are issued by "class": M for
knowledge of traffic laws, registration motorcycle, G for graduated, D for operator,
and licensing requirements. This manual and A, B, C for commercial. If the class M
supplements information contained in license is combined with any other class of
the Arizona Driver License Manual and license, it will be added as an "endorsement"
Customer Service Guide and provides on the back of the current license.
useful information for all motorcyclists
regardless of riding experience. It Instruction Permits
presents safe driving practices and If you are at least 15 years and 6 months
techniques developed by the Motorcycle of age, you may be issued a motorcycle
Safety Foundation and provides instruction permit.
information to help you obtain an
Arizona motorcycle license or motorcycle With a permit you are prohibited from
endorsement. It is not intended as an carrying passengers or operating a
official reference. motorcycle on freeways or interstate
highways or between sunset and sunrise,
or at any time when there is not enough
The Arizona Driver License Manual and
light to clearly see persons or vehicles at a
Customer Service Guide is available online
distance of 500 feet. A motorcycle permit is
at www.azdot.gov or may be requested
valid for 7 months and can be renewed only
by phone:
one time within a 24-month period. You will
Phoenix: (602) 255-0072 be required to retake the written test when
Tucson: (520) 629-9808 renewing an expired motorcycle permit.
elsewhere in AZ: (800) 251-5866
TDD Hearing and Speech Impaired: Class M
(602) 712-3222. A motorcycle license or endorsement
is required to operate a motorcycle or
Changes may have been made to the motor-driven cycle. You must be at least
information contained in this publication 16 years of age to apply for a motorcycle
since it was last revised. Please check license or endorsement.
the Motor Vehicle Division's What's New
page at An applicant for a motorcycle license or
www.azdot.gov for updates. endorsement who is under 18 must have
held an Arizona instruction permit for at
least 6 months. The permit must be valid
Arizona's Driver License at the time of application. An applicant
Arizona issues a driver license that does
must also have satisfactorily completed a
not expire until age 65. However, your
motorcycle driver education program that is
photo and vision test will need to be approved by MVD, or the parent or guardian
updated every 12 years. Drivers 60 and must certify in writing that the applicant has
over will receive a 5-year license. completed at least 30 hours of motorcycle
driving practice.
Temporary residents such as out-of-state
students and their family members, An applicant who is 16 years old or older
or military personnel and their family and is holding an out-of-state motorcycle
members may apply for a 5-year license license or endorsement is exempt from
regardless of age. the driver education/driving practice and
instruction permit requirements.
iii
Class G with an Endorsement Restrictions
A graduated driver license with a If you test with a 100cc or less
motorcycle endorsement is issued to an motorcycle, you will receive a “J”
applicant who is at least 16, but less than restriction. You must test with a
18 years of age and is valid to operate motorcycle greater than 100cc to obtain
any vehicle that does not require a an unrestricted license.
commercial license.
Tests
The applicant must have held both an MVD is responsible for screening and
Arizona graduated instruction permit testing driver license applicants. This
and an Arizona motorcycle instruction helps the ensure that Arizona drivers
permit for at least 6 months. The permits have the necessary knowledge and
must be valid at the time of application. ability to safely handle the vehicles they
An applicant must also have satisfactorily will be driving.
completed both a graduated and a
motorcycle driver education program Medical Screening
approved by MVD or the parent or Assisted by the Arizona Medical Advisory
guardian must certify in writing that the Board, MVD has established medical
applicant has either completed at least standards for driver licensing. Several
30 hours of supervised driving practice, questions regarding your medical
or has successfully completed a certified condition are included on the driver
motorcycle safety course. license application.
Class D with an Endorsement You must report to MVD any medical
An operator license with a motorcycle conditions that develop or worsen that
endorsement allows you to drive may affect your ability to safely operate
any vehicle that does not require a a motor vehicle. This must be done
commercial license. You must be at least within five days of a change or as soon
18 years of age to apply for an operator as the condition allows. The written
license. report must include: full name, address,
date of birth, description of condition
Class A, B or C with an and signature. The report must be sent
Endorsement to: Mail Drop 818Z, Medical Review
A commercial license (CDL), with a Program, PO Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ
motorcycle endorsement allows you to 85001-2100;
drive heavy-weight vehicles, 26,001 lbs. phone: 602.771.2460
or more gross vehicle weight (GVW), fax: 623.925.9323
vehicles capable of carrying 16 or more
passengers (including the driver), or Vision Screening
vehicles required to be placarded for You will be given a vision exam. If you
hazardous material. The minimum age wear prescription glasses or contact
for a commercial driver license is 21. If lenses for distance vision, be sure to wear
you are at least 18, you may apply for an them. You must have uncorrected vision
intrastate commercial driver license that of 20/40 or better in at least one eye in
is valid only in Arizona. order to obtain an unrestricted license.
If you cannot meet this requirement
For additional information, see the without glasses or contact lenses, you will
Commercial Driver License Manual, be given a license with an “A” restriction. An
available online at www.azdot.gov. “A” restriction means you must always wear
your glasses or contact lenses when driving.
iv
A test of visual field will also be given to
check how far you can see to the side while
keeping your eyes straight ahead. 3&4
2
1
In addition, drivers who visit an MVD
office for vehicle title and registration
services may be required to update this
vision exam.
Written Tests
When applying for your first Arizona
driver license or instruction permit with a
motorcycle endorsement, you must pass
a written motorcycle test based on the
information contained in this manual,
and a separate driver license test based
on the information in the Arizona Driver
License Manual and Customer Service
Guide.
The written motorcycle license
examination is available in English and
Spanish. If you cannot take a written
test, arrangements can be made for
an oral examination. If you need an
interpreter, you must provide one.
Exercises for Two Wheel
Motorcycles
The motorcycle skills test is a 10-15
minute demonstration of your riding
ability that consists of performing
maneuvers on an off-street, 30’ x 125’
closed track as described in the following Ride to the right of the first cone, to the
instructions. left of the second, and so on. Weave
past all five cones without touching or
If you have a current out-of-state skipping a cone or putting a foot down.
motorcycle license in your possession, Turn left and ride toward that side of the
and the state that issued the license course. Make a smooth, non-skidding
requires a motorcycle skills test similar stop with your front tire inside the box.
to that given by Arizona, then you When stopped your front tire must not
normally will not be required to take the touch the painted lines. Remain stopped.
test. However, you may be required to Cones are placed 12 feet apart.
take a test anytime that you apply for an
Arizona license.
Exercise 1
Cone Weave, Normal Stop:
v
Exercise 2 (Left front tire on vehicles with two front
Turn from a stop, U-Turn: tires.) When stopped, your front tire
Make a right turn between the boundary must not touch the painted lines.
lines. Do not touch either line or put
a foot down. Diagonally, cross to the Exercise 2
opposite side of the range and make a Cone Weave, Turn from a Stop:
left u-turn inside the painted box at the Ride to the left of the first cone, to the
far end of the range. Do not touch the right of the second, and to the left of the
solid line (motorcycles 600cc or more) or third. Weave past all three cones without
the dashed line (motorcycles less than touching or skipping any of the cones.
600cc) or put a foot down. Stop with Turn right at the end of the course and
your front tire inside that box and wait stop at the Start “T” facing the other
for further instructions. side of the course. Upon signal, make
a right hand turn between the outside
Exercise 3 boundary line and the cone. Do not
Quick Stop:
From a full stop, accelerate in a straight
line through the timing zone. Stabilize
your speed between 12-18 mph by the 3&4
time you reach the first line. Maintain
a steady speed. When your front tire
crosses the second line, stop as fast as
you safely can. You will not lose points
if you skid. Once stopped, do not
allow your motorcycle to roll in either
direction.
Exercise 4
Obstacle Swerve:
From a full stop, ride through the timing
zone at 12-18 mph. When your front tire
passes the second line, swerve right or
left, as instructed. Avoid the obstacle
line but stay inside the boundary line.
Do not touch either line. Stop smoothly
and wait for further instructions.
Exercises for Three-Wheel
Motorcycles:
Exercise 1
Left Turn, Normal Stop:
Accelerate straight ahead and make
a sharp left turn between the outside
boundary line and the cone marker. Do
not touch the outside line or the cone.
Ride toward the end of the course, as 2 1
instructed. Make a smooth, non-skidding
stop with your front tire inside the box.
vi
touch the outside boundary line or the • Inclement weather, including
cone. Make a smooth, non-skidding stop temperatures 105˚ and above.
with your front tire inside the box and
wait for further instructions. The motorcycle that you use for this test
must be in good mechanical condition,
Exercise 3 be properly registered and have all
Quick Stop: equipment required by Arizona law.
From a full stop, accelerate in a straight Protective Gear
line. Stabilize your speed between 12-18 Must be worn during testing:
mph by the time you reach the first line.
Maintain a steady speed. When your Helmet - U.S. Department of
front tire/overhang crosses the second Transportation (USDOT) approved
line, stop as fast as you safely can. You motorcycle helmet in good condition
will not lose points if you skid. properly fastened (may waive if 18 or
older.)
Exercise 4
Obstacle Swerve: Gloves - Designed for use when
From a full stop, accelerate in a straight operating a motorcycle or other gloves
line. Stabilize your speed between 12-18 that permit freedom to operate controls.
mph by the time you reach the first
line. Maintain a steady speed. When Clothing - Long pants and a jacket or
your front tire/overhang passes the long sleeve shirt.
second line swerve to the (right/left), as
instructed. Avoid the obstacle line and Footwear - Boots or shoes that cover
the ankle made of sturdy material
stay to the inside of the sideline. Do not
that do not interfere with operation of
touch either line. Stop smoothly.
motorcycle controls.
General Instructions Eye Protection - Face shield, goggles,
You have the right to stop the test at
safety glasses or protective windshield.
any time. Inform the examiner that you
do not want to continue the test. The
examiner will tell you the conditions for
taking the test at a later date.
Testing Locations & Hours
The examiner may stop the test if any of For the nearest testing location, visit
the following occurs: www.azdot.gov/mvd or call:
Phoenix: (602) 255-0072
• You fail to demonstrate basic control Tucson: (520) 629-9808
skills. elsewhere in AZ: (800) 251-5866
• You accumulate more than the TDD Hearing and Speech Impaired:
maximum number of points. (602) 712-3222
• You commit an unsafe act.
• You fail to understand or follow
directions.
• You fall or drop the motorcycle
while on the test track.
• Mechanical failure.
vii
Safety Equipment Motorcycle Safety Courses
As an alternative to the motorcycle
• Arizona law requires operators and
skills test, you may take a Motorcycle
passengers under 18 to wear a
Rider Course offered by MVD authorized
®
helmet that is safely secured.
schools at several locations throughout
• You are encouraged to use your Arizona. The Certificate of Completion
headlight, on high beams, during you will receive when you successfully
the daylight hours to maximize your complete the course eliminates the
visibility. You may use a modulating requirement to take the knowledge and
headlight during the day, if the light skills tests at MVD.
modulates at least 200 cycles per
minute. Beginning Riders
• You must have at least one horn Motorcycle Rider Course® - Riding and
capable of emitting sound for at Street Skills: For beginning riders of
least 200 feet. all ages. This is a “hands on” training
program in a controlled, off-street
• A minimum of one rearview mirror environment. Each instructor is certified
is required. by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
• Riders are encouraged to equip the and MVD. The course is approximately 20
motorcycle with both hand and foot hours long and most often scheduled on
brakes, but Arizona law requires at weekends. The course fee includes the
least one brake. costs of motorcycle rental, helmet rental,
insurance and classroom materials.
• Fuel tanks must be properly closed
by a cap or cover.
Experienced Riders
• Motorcycle operators are required Experienced Rider Course® - This course
to wear protective glasses, goggles gives participants an opportunity to
or a transparent face shield, unless increase their riding skills on their own
the motorcycle is equipped with a motorcycle while examining defensive
protective windshield. Windscreens driving strategies. Advanced riding
on sport-style motorcycles are not techniques in cornering, braking and
considered protective windshields. swerving are presented and practiced.
• Seat and footrests are required Emphasis is placed on accident
for motorcycle operators. Seat, avoidance techniques.
footrests and handrails are required
for the passenger. Passengers must Locate a Course
be able to rest their feet on the foot Locate the motorcycle safety course
pegs. nearest you online at
www.azdot.gov/mvd, click on Driver
• Handlebars must be positioned so Services
that the hands of the operator are
not above the operator’s shoulder
height, when the operator is sitting ________________________________
astride the seat and the operator’s Funding for this manual provided by
hands are on the handlebar grip. the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
and Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory
Council Fund, A.R.S. 28-2010(C).
viii
CONTENTS
CONTENTS 3
THE RIDER AND BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
THE MOTORCYCLE ���������������������������4 Why This Information Is
Important ���������������������������������������42
PREPARING TO RIDE Alcohol and Other Drugs in
Wear the Right Gear ����������������������������5 Motorcycle Operation �������������������42
Know Your Motorcycle ������������������������7 Alcohol in the Body ����������������������������42
Know Your Responsibilities ���������������10 Alcohol and the Law ��������������������������44
Minimize the Risks �����������������������������44
RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Step in to Protect Friends ������������������45
Basic Vehicle Control ��������������������������11
Marijuana and
Keeping Your Distance �����������������������15 Motorcycle Operation �������������������45
SEE �������������������������������������������������������20 Fatigue ������������������������������������������������46
Intersections ���������������������������������������21
Increasing Conspicuity �����������������������24
EARNING YOUR LICENSE��������������47
Crash Avoidance ���������������������������������27 THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Handling Dangerous Surfaces �����������30 Supplementary Information
Mechanical Problems �������������������������33 for Three-Wheel Motorcycles���������49
Animals �����������������������������������������������34 Know Your Vehicle������������������������������49
Flying Objects �������������������������������������35 Basic Vehicle Control���������������������������51
Getting Off the Road �������������������������35 Carrying Passengers and Cargo����������54
Carrying Passengers
and Cargo ���������������������������������������35
HAND SIGNALS........................... 55
Group Riding ���������������������������������������38 T-CLOCS PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST����57
4 THE RIDER AND THE MOTORCYCLE
Motorcycling is a
unique experience.
RIDING ENVIRONMENT
Compared to a car,
you don’t sit in a
motorcycle, you
become part of it.
Not as a passive
driver, but as an
active rider arcing
into a string of
smooth corners,
playing along with
the rhythm of the
road; shifting,
accelerating,
and braking
with precision.
Whether you
ride to and from
work or prefer you, and supports the concept that,
the camaraderie of a group ride on the as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
weekend, motorcycling engages all your says, “Safe riding depends as much
senses and creates an invigorating sense on the mental skills of awareness and
of freedom. judgment as it does on a physical skill of
Along with that freedom comes maneuvering the machine.”
responsibility. All states require Successfully piloting a motorcycle is a
some form of license endorsement much more involved task than driving a
demonstrating you possess a minimum car. Motorcycling requires a fine sense
level of skill and knowledge. This of balance and a heightened sense of
booklet and other motorcycle awareness and position amidst other
publications can help prepare you to roadway users. A motorcycle responds
be successful. You might also consider more quickly to rider inputs than a car,
taking a formal hands-on training but is also more sensitive to outside
course, even if your state doesn’t require forces, like irregular road surfaces or
that you complete one. You’ll learn how crosswinds. A motorcycle is also less
to improve your riding skills and mental visible than a car due to its narrower
strategies, so you can be a safer, more profile, and offers far less protection by
alert rider. exposing its rider to other traffic and
The diagram above illustrates the the elements. All these risks can be
complex environment that awaits managed through study, training, and
practice.PREPARING TO RIDE 5
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining
whether or not you’ll 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 a helmet kept a rider from spotting
danger.
When you ride, your gear is “right”
if it protects you. In any crash, you have • Most crashes happenon short
trips (less than five miles long), just
a far better chance of avoiding serious
a few minutes after starting out.
injury if you wear:
• Most ridersare riding slower than
• A DOT-compliant helmet. 30 mph when a crash occurs. At
• Face or eye protection. these speeds, helmets can cut both
the number and the severity of head
• Protective clothing.
injuries by half.
Helmet Use No matter what the speed, helmeted
Crashes can occur — particularly riders are three times more likely to
among untrained, beginning riders. survive head injuries than those not
And one out of every five motorcycle wearing helmets at the time of the
crashes results in head or neck injuries. crash. The single most important thing
Head injuries are just as severe as neck you can do to improve your chances of
injuries — and far more common. Crash surviving a crash is to wear a securely-
analyses show that head and neck fastened, quality helmet.
injuries account for a majority of serious
Helmet Selection
and fatal injuries to motorcyclists.
Research also shows that, with few There are two primary types of
exceptions, head and neck injuries are helmets, providing two different levels
reduced by properly wearing a quality of coverage: three-quarter and full face.
helmet. Whichever style you choose, you can
Some riders don’t wear helmets get the most protection by making sure
because they think helmets will limit that the helmet:
their view to the sides. Others wear • Is designed to meet U.S.
helmets only on long trips or when Department of Transportation
riding at high speeds. But, here are (DOT) and state standards. Helmets
some facts to consider: with a label from the Snell Memorial
Foundation also give you an
• A DOT-compliant helmetlets assurance of quality.
you see as far to the sides as
necessary. A study of more than • Fits snugly,all the way around.
900 motorcycle crashes, where • Has no obvious defectssuch as
40% of the riders wore helmets, cracks, loose padding or frayed
did not find even one case in which straps.6 PREPARING TO RIDE
Whatever helmet you
decide on, keep it securely HELMETS
fastened on your head
when you ride. Otherwise,
if you are involved in a
crash, it’s likely to fly off
your head before it gets a
chance to protect you.
Eye and Face
Protection
A plastic impact-resistant
faceshield can help protect
your whole face in a
crash. It also protects you Clothing
from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and
pebbles thrown up from cars ahead. The right clothing protects you in
These problems are distracting and a collision. It also provides comfort,
can be painful. If you have to deal as well as protection from heat, cold,
with them, you can’t devote your full debris and hot and moving parts of the
attention to the road. motorcycle. It can also make you more
visible to others.
Goggles protect your eyes, though
they won’t protect the rest of your face • Jacket and pantsshould cover
like a faceshield does. A windshield arms and legs completely. They
is not a substitute for a faceshield or should fit snugly enough to keep
goggles. Most windshields will not from flapping in the wind, yet
protect your eyes from the wind. Neither loosely enough to move freely.
will eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses Leather offers the most protection.
won’t keep your eyes from watering, Sturdy synthetic material provides
and they might blow off when you turn a lot of protection as well. Wear
your head while riding. a jacket even in warm weather to
prevent dehydration. Many are
To be effective, eye or faceshield designed to protect without getting
protection must: you overheated, even on summer
• Be freeof scratches. days. Some riders choose jackets
• Be resistantto penetration. and pants with rigid “body armor”
inserts in critical areas for additional
• Give a clear viewto either side. protection.
• Fasten securely,so it does not
• Boots or shoesshould be high
blow off.
and sturdy enough to cover your
• Permit airto pass through, to ankles and give them support. Soles
reduce fogging. should be made of hard, durable,
• Permit enough roomfor slip-resistant material. Keep heels
eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed. short so they do not catch on rough
Tinted eye protection should not be surfaces. Tuck in laces so they won’t
worn when little light is available. catch on your motorcycle.7
• Glovesallow a better grip and help KNOW YOUR
protect your hands in a crash. Your
gloves should be made of leather or
MOTORCYCLE
similar durable material. There are plenty of things on the
highway that can cause you trouble.
• Hearing protection reduces
Your motorcycle should not be one
noise while allowing you to hear
of them. To make sure that your
important sounds such as car horns
motorcycle won’t let you down:
or sirens. Long term exposure to
engine and wind noise can cause • Startwith the right motorcycle
permanent hearing damage even for you.
if you wear a full face helmet. • Readthe owner’s manual.
Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custom • Be familiarwith the motorcycle
molded devices, be sure you adhere controls.
to state laws regarding hearing • Checkthe motorcycle before
protection. every ride.
In cold or wet weather, your clothes • Keepit in safe riding condition
should keep you warm and dry, as between rides.
well as protect you from injury. You
• Avoidadd-ons and modifications
cannot control a motorcycle well if
that make your motorcycle harder
you are numb. Riding for long periods
to handle.
in cold weather can cause severe chill
and fatigue. A winter jacket should The Right Motorcycle For You
resist wind and fit snugly at the neck,
First, make sure your motorcycle is
wrists and waist. Good-quality rainsuits
right for you. It should “fit” you. Your
designed for motorcycle riding resist
feet should reach the ground while
tearing apart or ballooning up at high
you are seated on the motorcycle, and
speeds.
the controls should be easy to operate.
Smaller motorcycles are usually easier
for beginners to operate.
CLOTHING At a minimum, your street-legal
motorcycle should have:
• Headlight, taillight and
brakelight.
TEST YOURSELF 1
A plastic shatter-resistant face
shield:
A. Is not necessary if you have a
windshield.
B. Only protects your eyes.
C. Helps protect your whole face.
D. Does not protect your face as well
as goggles.
Answer - page 488 PREPARING TO RIDE
• Front and rear brakes. involve riders with less than five months
of experience on their motorcycle.
• Turn signals.
• Horn. Get Familiar with the
• Two mirrors.
Motorcycle Controls
Make sure you are completely familiar
Borrowing and Lending with the motorcycle before you take
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles, it out on the street. Be sure to review
beware. Crashes are more likely to occur the owner’s manual. This is particularly
among beginning riders — especially important if you are riding a borrowed
in the first months of riding. Riding motorcycle.
an unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the If you are going to use an unfamiliar
problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, motorcycle:
get familiar with it in a controlled area.
And if you lend your motorcycle to • Make all the checksyou would on
friends, make sure they are licensed and your own motorcycle.
know how to ride before allowing them • Find out where everything is,
out into traffic. particularly the turn signals, horn,
No matter how experienced you headlight switch, fuel-supply valve
may be, ride extra carefully on any and engine cut-off switch. Find and
motorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar operate these items without having
to you. More than half of all crashes to look for them.
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS9
• Know the controls.Work the • Try the front and rear brake levers
throttle, clutch, brakes, and shifter a one at a time. Make sure each feels
few times before you start riding. firm and holds the motorcycle when
fully applied.
• Ride very cautiouslyand be aware
of surroundings. Accelerate gently, C — Controls
take turns more slowly and leave • Make sure the clutch and throttle
extra room for stopping. operate smoothly. The throttle
Check Your Motorcycle should snap back to fully closed
when released. The clutch should
A motorcycle needs more frequent feel tight and should operate
attention than a car. A minor technical smoothly.
failure on a car is seldom more than an
• Try the horn. Make sure it works.
inconvenience for the driver. The same
failure on a motorcycle may result in a L — Lights and Electrics
crash or having to leave your motorcycle • Check both headlight and taillight.
parked on the side of the road. If Test your switch to make sure both
anything’s wrong with your motorcycle, high and low beams work.
you’ll want to find out about it before
you get in traffic. • Turn on both right and left hand
turn signals. Make sure all lights are
The primary source of information working properly.
about how a motorcycle should be
• Try both brakes and make sure each
inspected and maintained is its owner’s
one turns on the brake light.
manual. Be sure to absorb all of its
important information. A motorcycle will • Clean and adjust your mirrors
continue to ride like new if it is properly before starting. It’s difficult to ride
maintained and routine inspections with one hand while you try to
become part of its maintenance cycle. adjust a mirror. Adjust each mirror
so you can see the lane behind and
A pre-ride inspection only takes
as much as possible of the lane next
a few minutes and should be done
to you. When properly adjusted, a
before every ride to prevent problems. mirror may show the edge of your
It’s quick and easy to check the critical arm or shoulder – but it’s the road
components and should be as routine behind you and to the side that are
and automatic as checking the weather most important.
forecast before heading out for the day.
A convenient reminder developed by O — Oil and Other Fluids
MSF is T-CLOCSSM. There is a T-CLOCS • Check engine oil and transmission
“tear-out” sheet at the back of this fluid levels.
manual for you to keep with you when
• Check the brake hydraulic fluid and
you ride. A T-CLOCS inspection should coolant level weekly.
be conducted before every ride, and
includes checks of: • Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out. With the fuel
T — Tires and Wheels
valve closed, your motorcycle may
• Check tire inflation pressure, start with only the fuel that is still in
treadwear and general condition of the lines, but will stall once the lines
sidewalls and tread surface. are empty.10 PREPARING TO RIDE
• Look underneath the motorcycle for responsibility to look before pulling out.
signs of an oil or fuel leak. Both of you are at fault. Someone else
C — Chassis might be the first to start the chain of
events leading to a crash, but it doesn’t
• Check the front suspension. Ensure leave any of us free of responsibility.
there is no binding. The rear shocks
and springs should move smoothly. As a rider you can’t be sure that other
operators will see you or yield the right
• Be sure the chain or belt is adjusted of way. To lessen your chances of a
according to the manufacturer’s crash occurring:
specifications and that the sprockets
are not worn or damaged. • Be visible— wear proper clothing,
use your headlight, ride in the best
S — Stands
lane position to see and be seen.
• Ensure the side stand operates
• Communicate your intentions—
smoothly and that the spring holds
use the proper signals, brake light
it tightly in the up position. If
and lane position.
equipped, the center stand should
also be held firmly against the frame • Maintain an adequate space
whenever the motorcycle is moving. cushion — when following, being
followed, lane sharing, passing and
Additionally, regular maintenance
being passed.
such as tune-ups and oil changes are as
important for a motorcycle as routine • Search your pathof travel 12
checkups by your doctor are for you. seconds ahead.
Wear and tear is normal with use; • Identify and separatehazards.
routine maintenance will help prevent
costly breakdowns. The schedule for • Be prepared to act— remain alert
regular upkeep for motorcycle parts and know how to carry out proper
and controls is contained in your crash-avoidance skills.
motorcycle’s owner’s manual. Blame doesn’t matter when someone
is injured in a crash. The ability to ride
KNOW YOUR aware, make critical decisions and carry
RESPONSIBILITIES them out separates responsible riders
“Accident” implies an unforeseen from the rest. Remember, it is up to you
event that occurs without fault or to keep from being the cause of, or an
negligence. In traffic, that is not the unprepared participant in, any crash.
case. In fact, most people involved in a
crash can claim some responsibility for
TEST YOURSELF 2
what takes place.
More than half of all crashes:
Consider a situation where someone
decides to drive through an intersection A. Occur at speeds greater than
35mph.
on a yellow light turning red. Your
B. Happen at night.
light turns green. You pull into the
intersection without checking for C. Are caused by worn tires.
possible traffic. That is all it takes for the D. Involve riders who have less than
five months of experience on their
two of you to crash. It was the driver’s motorcycles.
responsibility to stop, and it was your Answer - page 48RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.
That’s something you can learn only through practice, preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse. But control begins with knowing
your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road.
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL throttle. Also, adjust the handlebars
so your hands are even with or
Body Position below your elbows. This permits
To control a motorcycle well: you to use the proper muscles for
precision steering.
• Posture— Position yourself
comfortably so you are able to • Knees— Keep your knees against
operate all the controls and can use the gas tank to help you keep your
your arms to steer the motorcycle, balance as the motorcycle turns.
rather than to hold yourself up. • Feet— Keep your feet firmly on the
This helps you bond with your footrests to maintain balance. Don’t
motorcycle and allows you to react drag your feet. If your foot catches
quickly to hazards. on something, you could be injured
• Seat— Sit far enough forward so and it could affect your control of
that arms are slightly bent when the motorcycle. Keep your feet near
you hold the handgrips. Bending the controls so you can get to them
your arms permits you to press on fast if needed. Also, don’t let your
the handlebars without having to toes point downward — they may
stretch. get caught between the road and
the footrests.
• Hands— Hold the handgrips
firmly to keep your grip over rough Shifting Gears
surfaces. Start with your right There is more to shifting gears than
wrist flat. This will help you keep simply getting the motorcycle to pick
from accidentally using too much up speed smoothly. Learning to use the
gears when downshifting, turning or
HOLDING HANDGRIPS starting on hills is equally important for
safe motorcycle operation.
The gearshift lever is located in front
of the left footrest and is operated by
the left foot. To shift “up” to a higher
gear, position your foot under the
shift lever and lift. To downshift, press
the shift lever down. The shift lever
changes one gear each time it is lifted
or pressed down. Whenever the lever
is released, spring loading returns it to
center, where the mechanism resets
for the next shift up or down. A typical
gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5. The N is12 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
for neutral, which is selected by either enough before downshifting safely.
a “half lift” from 1st gear or a “half When downshifting, use a 3-step
press” from 2nd gear. Most motorcycles process: 1) Roll off the throttle as you
have five gears, but some have four or squeeze the clutch lever, 2) press the
six gears. shift lever down firmly, 3) ease out the
clutch lever as you roll on the throttle.
SHIFTING GEARS Once the shift is completed, release
the shift lever to permit it to reset for
the next shift. Rolling on the throttle
slightly while smoothly easing out the
clutch can help the engine come up
to speed more quickly and make the
downshift smoother. Shifting to a lower
gear causes an effect similar to using
the brakes. This is known as engine
braking. To use engine braking, shift
down one gear at a time and ease out
the clutch through the friction zone
between each downshift. Keep the
As your motorcycle increases clutch in the friction zone until the
speed, you will need to shift up to a engine speed stabilizes. Then ease out
higher gear. Shift up well before the the lever fully until ready for the next
engine RPM reaches its maximum downshift. Usually you shift gears one at
recommended speed. As a general rule, a time, but it is possible to shift through
shift up soon enough to avoid over- more than one gear while the clutch is
revving the engine, but not so soon to squeezed.
cause the engine to lug. Remain in first gear while you are
When upshifting, use a 3-step stopped so that you can move out
process: 1) Roll off the throttle as you quickly if you need to.
squeeze the clutch lever, 2) lift the Work toward a smooth, even clutch
shift lever firmly as far as it will go, 3) release, especially when downshifting. It
smoothly ease out the clutch and adjust is best to change gears before entering
the throttle. Once the shift is completed, a turn. However, sometimes shifting
release the shift lever to permit it to while in the turn is necessary. If so,
reset for the next shift. remember to do so smoothly. A sudden
You should shift down through the change in power to the rear wheel can
gears with the clutch as you slow or cause a skid.
stop, and can also shift down when you
need more power to accelerate. Braking
Make certain you are riding slowly Improper braking technique remains
enough when you shift into a lower a significant contributing factor in many
gear. If not, the motorcycle will lurch, motorcycle crashes. Your motorcycle
and the rear wheel may skid. When has two brake controls: one for the
riding downhill or shifting into first gear front wheel and one for the rear wheel.
you may need to use the brakes to slow Always use both brakes every time you13
slow or stop. The front brake is more To stop as quickly and as safely as
powerful and can provide at least 70% possible in a curve, and depending on
of your total stopping power. The front road and traffic conditions, try to get the
brake is safe to use if you use it properly. motorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible, then brake. If conditions do
Maximum straight-line braking is
not allow, brake smoothly and gradually,
accomplished by fully applying both
but do not apply as much braking force
front and rear brakes without locking
as you would if the motorcycle were
either wheel.
straight up. As you slow, you can reduce
To do this: your lean angle, and as more traction
• Squeeze the front brake becomes available for braking, you can
smoothly, firmly and with more firmly apply the brakes, so that
progressively more force. Do not by the time the motorcycle is stopped,
grab the brake lever or use abrupt the motorcycle is straight up, and the
pressure. handlebars are squared.
• As the motorcycle’s weight
Linked and Integrated
transfers forward, more traction
becomes available at the front Braking Systems
wheel, so the front brake can be Some motorcycles have linked braking
applied harder after braking begins. which connects the front and rear
• Keep your knees against the brakes on the motorcycle and applies
tank and your eyes up, looking braking pressure to both brakes when
well ahead. This helps you stop the either the front lever or rear pedal is
motorcycle in a straight line. applied. An integrated braking system
is a variation of the linked system in
• Apply light-to-lighter pressure which partial front braking is applied
to the rear brake pedal to prevent a whenever the rear brake is activated.
rear wheel skid. As weight transfers Consult your owner’s manual for a
forward less traction is available detailed explanation on the operation
at the rear. Use less rear brake and effective use of these systems.
pressure.
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
Using both brakes for even “normal”
stops will permit you to develop the (ABS)
proper habit or skill of using both brakes ABS is designed to prevent wheel
properly in an emergency. Squeeze the lock-up and avoid skids when stopping
front brake and press down on the rear. in straight-line, panic situations. ABS
Grabbing at the front brake or jamming operates when maximum pressure on
down on the rear can cause the brakes both the front and rear brake controls
to lock, resulting in control problems. is applied. If electronic sensors detect
the possibility of a wheel lock, brake
Braking in a Corner hydraulic pressure is released then
Any time a motorcycle is leaned over, reapplied to maintain maximum braking
the amount of traction available for effectiveness.
braking is reduced. The greater the lean
The system is capable of releasing and
angle, the more the possibility of the
reapplying pressure more than 15 times
tires losing traction.
per second.14 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Turning In normal turns, the rider and the
motorcycle should lean together at the
Approach turns and curves with
same angle.
caution. Riders often try to take curves
or turns too fast. When they can’t hold
NORMAL TURNS
the turn, they end up crossing into
another lane of traffic or going off the
road. Or, they overreact and brake too
hard, causing a skid and loss of control.
Use four steps for better control:
• SLOW — Reduce speed before the
turn by closing the throttle and, if
necessary, applying both brakes.
• LOOK— Look through the turn
to where you want to go. Turn
just your head, not your shoulders,
and keep your eyes level with the
horizon.
• PRESS — To turn, the motorcycle
must lean. To lean the motor-
cycle, press on the handgrip in In slow, tight turns, counterbalance by
the direction of the turn. Press left leaning the motorcycle only and keeping
handgrip — lean left — go left. your body straight.
Press right handgrip — lean right
— go right. The higher the speed in SLOW, TIGHT TURNS
a turn, or the sharper the turn, the
greater the lean angle needs to be.
• ROLL — Roll on the throttle to
maintain or slightly increase speed.
This helps stabilize the motorcycle.
TEST YOURSELF 3
When riding, you should:
A. Turn your head and shoulders
to look through turns.
B. Keep your arms straight.
C. Keep your knees away from
the gas tank.
D. Turn just your head and eyes
to look where you are going.
Answer - page 4815
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE • Avoid windblast from other
vehicles.
The best protection you can have is
distance — a “cushion of space” — • Provide an escape route.
separating yourself from other vehicles
• Set up for turns.
on the roadway. This will provide you
with a clear view of emerging traffic Many motorcyclists consider the left
situations, so that if someone else third of the lane – the left tire track of
makes a mistake, you will have: automobiles – to be their default lane
position. You should then consider
• More time to respond. varying your lane position as conditions
• More space to maneuver, including warrant, keeping in mind that no
an escape route if necessary. portion of the lane need be avoided —
including the center.
Lane Positions You should position yourself in the
Successful motorcyclists know that portion of the lane where you are most
they are safer when clearly seen. In likely to be seen and you can maintain
some ways the size of the motorcycle a space cushion around you. Change
can work to your advantage. Each traffic position as traffic situations change.
lane gives a motorcycle three paths of Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and other
travel, as indicated in the illustration. potential problems are on your left
Your lane position should help you: only. Remain in path 1 or 2 if hazards
are on your right only. If vehicles are
• Increase your ability to see and be being operated on both sides of you,
seen. the center of the lane, path 2, is usually
your best option.
• Avoid others’ blind spots.
Remember, the center third of the
• Avoid surface hazards. lane is the place where debris and oil
• Protect your lane from other drivers. drippings from cars collect and where
hazards such as manhole covers are
• Communicate your intentions. located. Unless the road is wet, the
LANE POSITIONS16 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
FOLLOWING
average center strip permits adequate count off the seconds: “one-
traction to ride on safely. You can thousand-one, one-thousand-two.”
operate to the left or right of the grease • If you reach the markerbefore
strip and still be within the center third you reach “two,” you are following
of the traffic lane. Avoid riding on big too closely.
buildups of oil and grease usually found
at busy intersections or tollbooths. A two-second following distance
leaves a minimum amount of space to
Experienced riders rely on their own stop or swerve if the driver ahead stops
best judgment and instincts. One suddenly. It also permits a better view of
absolute, however, is to avoid riding in potholes and other hazards in the road.
another vehicle’s blind spot.
A larger cushion of space is needed
Following Another Vehicle if your motorcycle will take longer
“Following too closely” is a factor in than normal to stop. If the pavement
crashes involving motorcyclists. In traffic, is slippery, if you cannot see through
motorcycles need as much distance the vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy
to stop as cars. Normally, a minimum and someone may squeeze in front of
of two seconds distance should be you, open up a three-second or more
maintained behind the vehicle ahead. following distance.
To gauge your following distance: Keep well behind the vehicle ahead
even when you are stopped. This will
• Pick out a marker,such as a make it easier to get out of the way
pavement marking or lamppost, on if someone bears down on you from
or near the road ahead. behind. It will also give you a cushion of
• When the rear bumperof the space if the vehicle ahead starts to back
vehicle ahead passes the marker, up for some reason.17
When behind a car, ride where the Passing
driver can see you in the rearview mirror.
Riding in the center portion of the lane 1. Ride in the left portionof the
should put your image in the middle of lane at a safe following distance
the rearview mirror — where a driver is to increase your line of sight and
most likely to see you. make you more visible. Signal
and check for oncoming traffic.
Riding at the far side of a lane may Use your mirrors and turn your
permit a driver to see you in a sideview head to look for traffic behind.
mirror. But remember that most drivers
don’t look at their sideview mirrors 2. When safe,move into the left
nearly as often as they check the lane and accelerate. Select a lane
rearview mirror. If the traffic situation position that doesn’t crowd the
allows, the center portion of the lane is car and provides space to avoid
usually the best place for you to be seen hazards in your lane.
by the drivers ahead and to prevent lane 3. Ride through the blind spotas
sharing by others. quickly as possible.
Being Followed 4. Signal again,and complete
mirror and headchecks before
Speeding up to lose someone following returning to your original lane
too closely only ends up with someone and then cancel the signal.
tailgating you at a higher speed.
Remember, passes must be
A better way to handle tailgaters completed within posted speed
is to get them in front of you. When limits, and only where permitted.
someone is following too closely, Know your signs and road markings!
change lanes and let them pass. If you
can’t do this, slow down and open up
extra space ahead of you to allow room
for both you and the tailgater to stop. PASSING
This will also encourage them to pass.
If they don’t pass, you will have given
yourself and the tailgater more time and
space to react in case an emergency
does develop ahead.
Passing and Being Passed
Passing and being passed by another
vehicle is not much different than with a
car. However, visibility is more critical. Be
sure other drivers see you, and that you
see potential hazards.18 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Being Passed Do not move into the portion of the
lane farthest from the passing vehicle. It
When you are being passed from might invite the other driver to cut back
behind, stay in the center portion of
into your lane too early.
your lane. Riding close to the passing
vehicle could put you in a hazardous Lane Sharing
situation.
Cars and motorcycles need a full lane
Avoid being hit by: to operate safely. Lane sharing is usually
• The other vehicle — A slight prohibited.
mistake by you or the passing driver
could cause a sideswipe. Riding between rows of stopped or
moving cars in the same lane can leave
• Extended mirrors — Some drivers you vulnerable to the unexpected. A
forget that their mirrors hang out hand could come out of a window;
farther than their fenders.
a door could open; a car could turn
• Objects thrown from windows suddenly. Discourage lane sharing by
— Even if the driver knows you’re others. Keep a center-portion position
there, a passenger may not see you whenever drivers might be tempted
and might toss something on you or
to squeeze by you. Drivers are most
the road ahead of you.
tempted to do this:
• Blasts of wind from larger
vehicles— They can affect your • In heavy,bumper-to-bumper
control. You have more room for traffic.
error if you are in the middle portion • When theywant to pass you.
when hit by this blast than if you
• When youare preparing to turn at
are on either side of the lane.
an intersection.
• When youare moving into an exit
BEING PASSED lane or leaving a highway.
TEST YOURSELF 4
Usually, a good way to handle
tailgaters is to:
A. Change lanes and let them pass.
B. Use your horn and make
obscene gestures.
C. Speed up to put distance
between you and the tailgater.
D. Ignore them.
Answer - page 4819
Merging Cars Cars Alongside
Drivers on an entrance ramp may Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
not see you on the highway. Give them other lanes if you do not have to. You
plenty of room. Change to another lane might be in the blind spot of a car in the
if one is open. If there is no room for a next lane, which could switch into your
lane change, adjust speed to open up lane without warning. Cars in the next
space for the merging driver. lane also block your escape if you come
upon danger in your own lane. Speed
up or drop back to find a place clear of
traffic on both sides.
MERGING BLIND SPOTS20 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
SEE
Good, experienced
RIDER RADAR
riders are always aware of
what is going on around
them. They reduce their
risk by using MSF’s three-
step SEE strategy:
• Search
• Evaluate
• Execute
SEE will help you
assess what is going on
in traffic so you can plan
and implement the safest
course of action as traffic
situations change. Let’s
look at each of these
steps.
Search
How assertively you
search, and how much
time and space you have,
can eliminate or minimize
risk. As you search, focus
considered enough time and space to
on finding potential escape routes,
swerve and/or brake for fixed hazards or
especially in or around intersections,
for someone or something entering your
shopping areas and school and
path of travel.
construction zones.
Finally, experienced riders search for
One way to search is to use your
hazards that are further out, looking
“RiderRadar” to aggressively scan the
ahead to an area it would take about
environment ahead of you, to the sides,
12 seconds to reach. This provides
and behind you to avoid potential
time to prepare for a situation before it
hazards even before they arise. There
becomes immediate.
are three “lead times” experienced
riders consider. First, be alert and scan Using the SEE strategy will help you to
for hazards that are about 2 seconds Search for a variety of factors such as:
ahead of you, or within your following • Oncoming traffic that may turn left
distance. Scanning your 4-second in front of you.
immediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something should • Traffic coming from the left and
go wrong. Anything that is within 4 from the right.
seconds of your path is considered • Traffic approaching from behind.
immediate because 4 seconds is21
• Hazardous road conditions that Apply the old adage “one step at a
require you to be alert, especially in time” to handle two or more hazards.
areas with limited visibility. Visually Adjust speed to permit two hazards
“busy” surroundings could hide you to separate. Then deal with them one
and your motorcycle from others. at a time as single hazards. Decision-
making becomes more complex with
Evaluate three or more hazards. Evaluate the
Evaluate means to think about how consequences of each and give equal
hazards can interact to create risks for distance to the hazards.
you. Anticipate potential problems and
In potential high-risk areas, such as
have a plan to reduce risks, particularly
intersections, shopping areas and school
when faced with:
and construction zones, cover the clutch
• Road and surface characteristics and both brakes to reduce the time you
such as potholes, guardrails, need to react.
bridges, telephone poles and trees
that won’t move into your path, but INTERSECTIONS
may influence your riding strategy. The greatest potential for conflict
• Traffic control devices including between you and other traffic is at
traffic signals, warning signs, and intersections. An intersection can be
pavement markings, which will in the middle of an urban area or at
require you to carefully evaluate a driveway on a residential street —
circumstances ahead. anywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel. Over one-half of motorcycle/car
• Vehicles and other trafficthat crashes are caused by drivers entering a
may move into your path and rider’s right-of-way. Cars that turn left in
increase the likelihood of a crash. front of you, including cars turning left
Think about your time and space from the lane on your right, and cars on
requirements in order to maintain a side streets that pull into your lane, are
margin of safety, and give yourself the biggest dangers. Your use of SEE
time to react if an emergency arises. at intersections is critical.
Execute
Finally, Execute your decision. To
create more space and minimize harm TEST YOURSELF 5
from any hazard:
To reduce your reaction time, you
• Communicateyour presence with should:
lights and/or horn. A. Ride slower than the speed
• Adjust your speedby accelerating, limit.
stopping or slowing. B. Cover the clutch and the brakes.
• Adjust your positionand/or C. Shift into neutral when slowing.
direction by swerving, changing
D. Pull in the clutch when turning.
lanes, or moving to another position
Answer - page 48
within your lane.22 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
There are no guarantees that Increase your chances of being
others see you. Never count on “eye seen at intersections. Ride with your
contact” as a sign that a driver will headlight on and in a lane position that
yield. Too often, a driver looks right at a provides the best view of oncoming
motorcyclist and still fails to “see” him traffic. Provide a space cushion around
or her. The only eyes that you can count the motorcycle that permits you to
on are your own. If a car can enter your take evasive action. When approaching
path, assume that it will. Good riders an intersection where a vehicle driver
are always “looking for trouble” — not is preparing to cross your path, slow
to get into it, but to stay out of it. down and select a lane position to
increase your visibility to that driver.
Cover the clutch lever and both brakes
SMALL INTERSECTION to reduce reaction time. As you enter
TEST YOURSELF 6
Making eye contact with other
drivers:
A. Is a good sign they see you.
B. Is not worth the effort it takes.
C. Doesn’t mean that the driver will
yield.
D. Guarantees that the other driver will
yield to you. Answer - page 48You can also read
