MOTORCYCLE A N U A L - Department of Motor Vehicles

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

MOTORCYCLE
A
N
U
A
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL

In the District of Columbia, you must have a valid driver’s license with motorcycle (M)
endorsement to operate a motorcycle.

DC law refers to a motorcycle as a 2 or 3 wheeled motor vehicle that has one or more
of the following characteristics:

• Piston displacement of more than fifty (50) cubic centimeters
• Capable of traveling over 35 miles per hour on level ground
• More than one and one-half (1.5) brake horsepower (S.A.E. rating)
• Wheels under 16 inches in diameter
• Manual transmission

Note: If your 2 or 3 wheeled motor vehicle has none of the above 5 characteristics, it falls under the
definition of motorized bicycle and may be operated by a person holding a provisional operator's permit
or a driver's license (provided the vehicle passes inspection, is registered, and is insured).

You may obtain a motorcycle (M) endorsement on your DC driver’s license if you:

• Are at least 18 years of age
• Have a valid DC driver's license
• Pass the DC motorcycle knowledge test
• Pass the DC DMV motorcycle demonstration skills test or provide a motorcycle

demonstration course certificate of completion approved by Maryland or
Virginia.

Service Locations

To take the DC DMV motorcycle knowledge test, you may visit any DMV service center.
You must obtain a DC motorcycle learner’s permit after passing the motorcycle
knowledge test, if you are taking the DC DMV motorcycle demonstration skills test.

To submit MD or VA Motorcycle Certificate of Completion, you must visit the Brentwood
Road Test Facility to obtain your DC driver license with motorcycle (M) endorsement.

To schedule a motorcycle demonstration skills test, you may schedule online or call
(202) 727-5000.

Rev. 07/2007



PREFACE

Operating a motorcycle safely in These revisions reflect:
traffic requires special skills and • The latest finding of motorcycle-
knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety safety research.
Foundation (MSF) has made this manual • Comments and guidance provided
available to help novice motorcyclists by the motorcycling, licensing and
reduce their risk of having a crash. The traffic safety communities.
manual conveys essential safe riding • Expanded alcohol and drug
information and has been designed for information.
use in licensing programs. While In promoting improved licensing
designed for the novice, all motorcyclists
can benefit from the information this programs, the MSF works closely with
manual contains. state licensing agencies. The Foundation
has helped more than half the states in
The original Motorcycle Operator the nation adopt the Motorcycle Operator
Manual was developed by the National Manual for use in their licensing
Public Services Research Institute systems.
(NPSRI) under contract to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration Improved licensing, along with
(NHTSA) and within the terms of a high-quality motorcycle rider education
cooperative agreement between NHTSA and increased public awareness, has the
and the MSF. The manual and related potential to reduce crashes. Staff at the
tests were used in a multi-year study of Foundation are available to assist state,
improved motorcycle operator licensing private and governmental agencies in
procedures, conducted by the California efforts to improve motorcycle safety.
Department of Motor Vehicles under
contract to NHTSA. Tim Buche
President,
The purpose of this manual is to Motorcycle Safety Foundation
educate the reader to help avoid crashes
while safely operating a motorcycle. For
this edition, the MSF has updated and
expanded the content of the original
manual.

2 Jenner Street, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92618-3806
www.msf-usa.org

CONTENTS

PREPARING HANDLING DANGEROUS SURFACES ..27
TO RIDE Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles .......27
Slippery Surfaces ..............................28
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR ....................4 Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks
Helmet Use .........................................4 and Pavement Seams ....................29
Helmet Selection .................................4 Grooves and Gratings .......................29
Eye and Face Protection .....................5
Clothing ..............................................6 MECHANICAL PROBLEMS ..................30
Tire Failure .......................................30
KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE ...............6 Stuck Throttle ...................................30
The Right Motorcycle for You ...........6 Wobble ..............................................30
Borrowing and Lending ......................7 Chain Problems ................................31
Get Familiar with the Engine Seizure ..................................31
Motorcycle Controls ........................7
Check Your Motorcycle ......................8 ANIMALS .............................................31

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES .........9 FLYING OBJECTS ................................32

RIDE WITHIN GETTING OFF THE ROAD ..................32
YOUR ABILITIES
CARRYING PASSENGERS
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL ................10 AND CARGO .....................................32
Body Position ...................................10 Equipment .........................................32
Shifting Gears ...................................10 Instructing Passengers ......................33
Braking .............................................11 Riding With Passengers ....................33
Turning ..............................................11 Carrying Loads .................................33

KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE ................12 GROUP RIDING ...................................34
Lane Positions ...................................12 Keep the Group Small ......................34
Following Another Vehicle ...............13 Keep the Group Together .................34
Being Followed .................................14 Keep Your Distance ..........................34
Passing and Being Passed .................14
Lane Sharing .....................................16 BEING IN SHAPE
Merging Cars ....................................16 TO RIDE
Cars Alongside ..................................16
WHY THIS INFORMATION IS
SEE ......................................................17 IMPORTANT ......................................36

INTERSECTIONS ..................................18 ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN
Blind Intersections ............................19 MOTORCYCLE OPERATION ...............36
Passing Parked Cars .........................20
Parking at the Roadside ....................20 ALCOHOL IN THE BODY .....................37
Blood Alcohol
INCREASING CONSPICUITY ................21 Concentration .................................37
Clothing ............................................21
Headlight ..........................................21 ALCOHOL AND THE LAW ...................38
Signals ..............................................21 Consequences of
Brake Light ........................................22 Conviction ......................................38
Using Your Mirrors ...........................22
Head Checks .....................................23 MINIMIZE THE RISKS .........................38
Horn ..................................................23
Riding at Night .................................24 STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS .........39

CRASH AVOIDANCE ............................24 FATIGUE ..............................................39
Quick Stops .......................................24
Swerving or Turning Quickly ...........25 EARNING
Cornering ..........................................26 YOUR LICENSE

Knowledge Test ................................40

On-Motorcycle Skill Test ..................41

3

PREPARING TO RIDE

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 WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR • An approved helmet lets you see
as far to the sides as necessary. A
When you ride, your gear is study of more than 900 motorcycle
“right” if it protects you. In any crashes, where 40% of the riders
crash, you have a far better chance of wore helmets, did not find even
avoiding serious injury if you wear: one case in which a helmet kept a
rider from spotting danger.
• An approved helmet.
• Most crashes happen on short
• Face or eye protection. trips (less than five miles
long), just a few minutes after
• Protective clothing. starting out.

HELMET USE • Most riders are riding slower
than 30 mph when a crash
Crashes can occur — occurs. At these speeds, helmets
particularly among untrained, can cut both the number and the
beginning riders. And one out of severity of head injuries by half.
every five motorcycle crashes results
in head or neck injuries. Head No matter what the speed,
injuries are just as severe as neck helmeted riders are three times more
injuries — and far more common. likely to survive head injuries than
Crash analyses show that head and those not wearing helmets at the time
neck injuries account for a majority of the crash.
of serious and fatal injuries to
motorcyclists. Research also shows HELMET SELECTION
that, with few exceptions, head and
neck injuries are reduced by properly There are two primary types of
wearing an approved helmet. helmets, providing two different
levels of coverage: three-quarter and
Some riders don’t wear helmets full face.
because they think helmets will limit
their view to the sides. Others wear Whichever style you choose, you
helmets only on long trips or when can get the most protection by
riding at high speeds. Here are some making sure that the helmet:
facts to consider:

4

HELMETS HELMET USE

• Meets U.S. Department of Goggles protect your eyes, EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
Transportation (DOT) and state though they won’t protect the rest of
standards. Helmets with a label your face like a faceshield does. A
from the Snell Memorial windshield is not a substitute for a
Foundation give you an added faceshield or goggles. Most
assurance of quality. windshields will not protect your
eyes from the wind. Neither will
• Fits snugly, all the way around. eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses
won’t keep your eyes from watering,
• Has no obvious defects such and they might blow off when you
as cracks, loose padding or turn your head while riding.
frayed straps.
To be effective, eye or
Whatever helmet you decide faceshield protection must:
on, keep it securely fastened on your
head when you ride. Otherwise, if • Be free of scratches.
you are involved in a crash, it’s likely
to fly off your head before it gets a • Be resistant to penetration.
chance to protect you.
• Give a clear view to either side.
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
• Fasten securely, so it does not
A plastic shatter-resistant blow off.
faceshield can help protect your
whole face in a crash. It also • Permit air to pass through, to
protects you from wind, dust, dirt, reduce fogging.
rain, insects and pebbles thrown up
from cars ahead. These problems • Permit enough room for
are distracting and can be painful. eyeglasses or sunglasses, if
If you have to deal with them, you needed.
can’t devote your full attention to
the road. Tinted eye protection should
not be worn at night or any other
time when little light is available.

5

CLOTHING CLOTHING KNOW YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE The right clothing protects you
in a collision. It also provides There are plenty of things on the
comfort, as well as protection from highway that can cause you trouble.
heat, cold, debris and hot and moving Your motorcycle should not be one of
parts of the motorcycle. them. To make sure that your
motorcycle won’t let you down:
• Jacket and pants should cover • Read the owner’s manual first.
arms and legs completely. They • Start with the right motorcycle for
should fit snugly enough to keep
from flapping in the wind, yet you.
loosely enough to move freely. • Be familiar with the motorcycle
Leather offers the most protection.
Sturdy synthetic material provides controls.
a lot of protection as well. • Check the motorcycle before
Wear a jacket even in warm
weather to prevent dehydration. every ride.
Many are designed to protect • Keep it in safe riding condition
without getting you overheated,
even on summer days. between rides.
• Avoid add-ons and modifications
• Boots or shoes should be high and
sturdy enough to cover your ankles that make your motorcycle
and give them support. Soles harder to handle.
should be made of hard, durable,
slip-resistant material. Keep heels THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE
short so they do not catch on rough FOR YOU
surfaces. Tuck in laces so they
won’t catch on your motorcycle. First, make sure your motorcycle
is right for you. It should “fit” you.
• Gloves allow a better grip and Your feet should reach the ground
help protect your hands in a crash. while you are seated on the
Your gloves should be made of motorcycle.
leather or similar durable material.
1 Test Yourself
In cold or wet weather, your A plastic shatter-resistant face
clothes should keep you warm and shield:
dry, as well as protect you from A. Is not necessary if you have a
injury. You cannot control a
motorcycle well if you are numb. windshield.
Riding for long periods in cold B. Only protects your eyes.
weather can cause severe chill and C. Helps protect your whole face.
fatigue. A winter jacket should resist D. Does not protect your face as well
wind and fit snugly at the neck,
wrists and waist. Good-quality as goggles.
rainsuits designed for motorcycle
riding resist tearing apart or Answer - page 40
ballooning up at high speeds.

6

At minimum, your street-legal are licensed and know how to ride KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE
motorcycle should have: before allowing them out into traffic.

• Headlight, taillight and No matter how experienced you
brakelight. may be, ride extra carefully on any
motorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar
• Front and rear brakes. to you. More than half of all crashes
occur on motorcycles ridden by the
• Turn signals. operator for less than six months.

• Horn. GET FAMILIAR WITH THE
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
• Two mirrors.
Make sure you are completely
BORROWING AND LENDING familiar with the motorcycle before
you take it out on the street. Be sure
Borrowers and lenders of to review the owner’s manual. This is
motorcycles, beware. Crashes are particularly important if you are
fairly common among beginning riding a borrowed motorcycle.
riders — especially in the first
months of riding. Riding an If you are going to use an
unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the unfamiliar motorcycle:
problem. If you borrow a motorcycle,
get familiar with it in a controlled
area. And if you lend your
motorcycle to friends, make sure they

MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS

Light Switch (high/low) Engine Cut-Off

Choke (varies) Switch

Turn-Signal Electric
Switch Start
Button
Ignition Key

(varies)

Horn Button Throttle

Clutch Lever Front Brake Lever
Speedometer
& Odometer Tachometer
(if equipped)
Fuel Supply Valve
(if equipped) Rear Brake Pedal
Gear-Change Lever
Kick Starter
(if equipped)

7

CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE • Make all the checks you would • Brake Light — Try both brake
on your own motorcycle. controls, and make sure each one
turns on the brake light.
• Find out where everything is,
particularly the turn signals, horn, Once you have mounted the
headlight switch, fuel-supply motorcycle, complete the following
valve and engine cut-off switch. checks before starting out:
Find and operate these items
without having to look for them. • Clutch and Throttle — Make
sure they work smoothly. The
• Know the gear pattern. Work the throttle should snap back when
throttle, clutch and brakes a few you let go. The clutch should feel
times before you start riding. All tight and smooth.
controls react a little differently.
• Mirrors — Clean and adjust both
• Ride very cautiously and be mirrors before starting. It’s
aware of surroundings. Accelerate difficult to ride with one hand
gently, take turns more slowly and while you try to adjust a mirror.
leave extra room for stopping. Adjust each mirror so you can see
the lane behind and as much as
CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE possible of the lane next to you.
When properly adjusted, a mirror
A motorcycle needs more may show the edge of your arm or
frequent attention than a car. A minor shoulder—but it’s the road behind
technical failure in a car seldom leads and to the side that’s most
to anything more than an important.
inconvenience for the driver.
• Brakes — Try the front and rear
If something’s wrong with the brake levers one at a time. Make
motorcycle, you’ll want to find out sure each one feels firm and holds
about it before you get in traffic. the motorcycle when the brake is
Make a complete check of your fully applied.
motorcycle before every ride.
• Horn — Try the horn. Make sure
Before mounting the motorcycle, it works.
make the following checks:
In addition to the checks you
• Tires — Check the air pressure, should make before every trip, check
general wear and tread. the following items at least once a
week: Wheels, cables, fasteners and
• Fluids — Oil and fluid levels. At a fluid levels. Follow your owner’s
minimum, check hydraulic fluids manual to get recommendations.
and coolants weekly. Look under
the motorcycle for signs of an oil 2 Test Yourself
or gas leak.
More than half of all crashes:
• Headlights and Taillight — A. Occur at speeds greater than
Check them both. Test your switch
to make sure both high and low 35 mph.
beams are working.
B. Happen at night.
• Turn Signals — Turn on both
right and left turn signals. Make C. Are caused by worn tires.
sure all lights are working
properly. D. Involve riders who have ridden
their motorcycles less than six
months.

Answer - page 40

8

KNOW YOUR • Be visible — wear proper KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
RESPONSIBILITIES clothing, use your headlight, ride
in the best lane position to see and
“Accident” implies an be seen.
unforeseen event that occurs without
anyone’s fault or negligence. Most • Communicate your intentions —
often in traffic, that is not the case. In use the proper signals, brake light
fact, most people involved in a crash and lane position.
can usually claim some responsibility
for what takes place. • Maintain an adequate space
cushion — following, being
Consider a situation where followed, lane sharing, passing
someone decides to try to squeeze and being passed.
through an intersection on a yellow
light turning red. Your light turns • Scan your path of travel 12
green. You pull into the intersection seconds ahead.
without checking for possible
latecomers. That is all it takes for the • Identify and separate multiple
two of you to tangle. It was the hazards.
driver’s responsibility to stop. And it
was your responsibility to look • Be prepared to act — remain
before pulling out. Neither of you alert and know how to carry out
held up your end of the deal. Just proper crash-avoidance skills.
because someone else is the first to
start the chain of events leading to a Blame doesn’t matter when
crash, it doesn’t leave any of us free someone is injured in a crash. There
of responsibility. is rarely a single cause of any crash.
The ability to ride aware, make
As a rider you can’t be sure that critical decisions and carry them out
other operators will see you or yield separates responsible riders from all
the right of way. To lessen your the rest. Remember, it is up to you to
chances of a crash occurring: keep from being the cause of, or an
unprepared participant in, any crash.

9

RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.
That’s something you can learn only through practice. But control begins with
knowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and
obeying the rules of the road.

BODY POSITION BASIC VEHICLE too much throttle. Also, adjust the
CONTROL handlebars so your hands are even
SHIFTING GEARS with or below your elbows. This
BODY POSITION permits you to use the proper muscles
for precision steering.
To control a motorcycle well:
• Posture — Sit so you can use your • Knees — Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep your
arms to steer the motorcycle rather balance as the motorcycle turns.
than to hold yourself up.
• Seat — Sit far enough forward so • Feet — Keep your feet firmly on
that arms are slightly bent when the footrests to maintain balance.
you hold the handlegrips. Bending Don’t drag your feet. If your foot
your arms permits you to press on catches on something, you could
the handlebars without having to be injured and it could affect your
stretch. control of the motorcycle. Keep
• Hands — Hold the handlegrips your feet near the controls so you
firmly to keep your grip over can get to them fast if needed.
rough surfaces. Start with your Also, don’t let your toes point
right wrist flat. This will help you downward — they may get caught
keep from accidentally using between the road and the footrests.
HOLDING HANDLEGRIPS
SHIFTING GEARS
RIGHT
There is more to shifting gears
WRONG than simply getting the motorcycle to
pick up speed smoothly. Learning to
use the gears when downshifting,
turning or starting on hills is
important for safe motorcycle
operation.

Shift down through the gears
with the clutch as you slow or stop.
Remain in first gear while you are
stopped so that you can move out
quickly if you need to.

10

Make certain you are riding Also, using the front brake BRAKING
slowly enough when you shift into a incorrectly on a slippery surface
lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will may be hazardous. Use caution TURNING
lurch, and the rear wheel may skid. and squeeze the brake lever, never
When riding downhill or shifting into grab.
first gear you may need to use the
brakes to slow enough before • Some motorcycles have integrated
downshifting safely. Work toward a braking systems that activate the
smooth, even clutch release, front and rear brakes together
especially when downshifting. when applying the rear brake
pedal. (Consult the owner’s
It is best to change gears before manual for a detailed explanation
entering a turn. However, sometimes on the operation and effective use
shifting while in the turn is necessary. of these systems.)
If so, remember to do so smoothly. A
sudden change in power to the rear TURNING
wheel can cause a skid.
Riders often try to take curves or
BRAKING turns too fast. When they can’t hold
the turn, they end up crossing into
Your motorcycle has two brakes: another lane of traffic or going off the
one each for the front and rear wheel. road. Or, they overreact and brake too
Use both of them at the same time. hard, causing a skid and loss of
The front brake is more powerful and control. Approach turns and curves
can provide at least three-quarters with caution.
of your total stopping power. The
front brake is safe to use if you use Use four steps for better control:
it properly.
• SLOW
Remember:
• LOOK
• Use both brakes every time you
slow or stop. Using both brakes for • PRESS
even “normal” stops will permit
you to develop the proper habit or • ROLL
skill of using both brakes properly
in an emergency. Squeeze the front • SLOW — Reduce speed before
brake and press down on the rear. the turn by closing the throttle and,
Grabbing at the front brake or if necessary, applying both brakes.
jamming down on the rear can
cause the brakes to lock, resulting • LOOK — Look through the turn
in control problems. to where you want to go. Turn just
your head, not your shoulders, and
• If you know the technique, using keep your eyes level with the
both brakes in a turn is possible, horizon.
although it should be done very
carefully. When leaning the • PRESS — To turn, the motorcycle
motorcycle some of the traction is must lean. To lean the motor-
used for cornering. Less traction is cycle, press on the handlegrip in
available for stopping. A skid can the direction of the turn. Press
occur if you apply too much brake. left — lean left — go left. Press
right — lean right — go right.
Higher speeds and/or tighter
turns require the motorcycle to
lean more.

11

• ROLL — Roll on the throttle 3 Test Yourself
through the turn to stabilize the
suspension. Maintain steady speed When riding, you should:
or accelerate gradually through the
turn. This will help keep the A. Turn your head and shoulders to
motorcycle stable. look through turns.

In normal turns, the rider and the B. Keep your arms straight.
motorcycle should lean together at
the same angle. C. Keep your knees away from the
gas tank.

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

Answer - page 40

NORMAL TURNS KEEPING YOUR
DISTANCE
LANE POSITIONS
The best protection you can have
is distance — a “cushion of space” —
all around your motorcycle. If
someone else makes a mistake,
distance permits you:
• Time to react.

• Space to maneuver.

In slow tight turns, counterbalance LANE POSITIONS
by leaning the motorcycle only and
keeping your body straight. In some ways the size of the
motorcycle can work to your
SLOW, TIGHT TURNS advantage. Each traffic lane gives a
motorcycle three paths of travel, as
indicated in the illustration.

Your lane position should:

• Increase your ability to see and be
seen.

• Avoid others’ blind spots.

• Avoid surface hazards.

• Protect your lane from other
drivers.

• Communicate your intentions.

• Avoid wind blast from other
vehicles.

• Provide an escape route.

Select the appropriate path to
maximize your space cushion and
make yourself more easily seen by
others on the road.

12

LANE POSITIONS

In general, there is no single FOLLOWING ANOTHER FOLLOWING
best position for riders to be seen VEHICLE
and to maintain a space cushion
around the motorcycle. No portion “Following too closely” could
of the lane need be avoided — be a factor in crashes involving
including the center. motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles
need as much distance to stop as
Position yourself in the portion cars. Normally, a minimum of two
of the lane where you are most likely seconds distance should be
to be seen and you can maintain a maintained behind the vehicle ahead.
space cushion around you. Change
position as traffic situations change. To gauge your following
Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and distance:
other potential problems are on your
left only. Remain in path 1 or 2 if • Pick out a marker, such as a
hazards are on your right only. If pavement marking or lamppost, on
vehicles are being operated on both or near the road ahead.
sides of you, the center of the lane,
path 2, is usually your best option. • When the rear bumper of the
vehicle ahead passes the marker,
The oily strip in the center count off the seconds: “one-
portion that collects drippings from thousand-one, one-thousand-two.”
cars is usually no more than two feet
wide. Unless the road is wet, the • If you reach the marker before
average center strip permits adequate you reach “two,” you are
traction to ride on safely. You can following too closely.
operate to the left or right of the
grease strip and still be within the A two-second following distance
center portion of the traffic lane. leaves a minimum amount of space to
Avoid riding on big buildups of oil stop or swerve if the driver ahead
and grease usually found at busy stops suddenly. It also permits a
intersections or toll booths. better view of potholes and other
hazards in the road.

A larger cushion of space is
needed if your motorcycle will take
longer than normal to stop. If the

13

FOLLOWING

BEING FOLLOWED pavement is slippery, if you cannot drivers ahead and to prevent lane
see through the vehicle ahead, or if sharing by others.
traffic is heavy and someone may
squeeze in front of you, open up a BEING FOLLOWED
three-second or more following
distance. Speeding up to lose someone
following too closely only ends up
Keep well behind the vehicle with someone tailgating you at a
ahead even when you are stopped. higher speed.
This will make it easier to get out
of the way if someone bears down on A better way to handle tailgaters
you from behind. It will also give you is to get them in front of you. When
a cushion of space if the vehicle someone is following too closely,
ahead starts to back up for some change lanes and let them pass. If
reason. you can’t do this, slow down and
open up extra space ahead of you to
When behind a car, ride where allow room for both you and the
the driver can see you in the rearview tailgater to stop. This will also
mirror. Riding in the center portion encourage them to pass. If they don’t
of the lane should put your image pass, you will have given yourself
in the middle of the rearview mirror and the tailgater more time and space
— where a driver is most likely to to react in case an emergency does
see you. develop ahead.

Riding at the far side of a lane PASSING AND BEING PASSED
may permit a driver to see you in a
sideview mirror. But remember that Passing and being passed by
most drivers don’t look at their another vehicle is not much different
sideview mirrors nearly as often as than with a car. However, visibility is
they check the rearview mirror. If the more critical. Be sure other drivers
traffic situation allows, the center see you, and that you see potential
portion of the lane is usually the best hazards.
place for you to be seen by the

14

PASSING stay in the center portion of your PASSING
lane. Riding any closer to them could
1. Ride in the left portion of the put you in a hazardous situation. BEING PASSED
lane at a safe following distance
to increase your line of sight and Avoid being hit by:
make you more visible. Signal
and check for oncoming traffic. • The other vehicle — A slight
Use your mirrors and turn your mistake by you or the passing
head to look for traffic behind. driver could cause a sideswipe.

2. When safe, move into the left lane • Extended mirrors — Some
and accelerate. Select a lane drivers forget that their mirrors
position that doesn’t crowd the hang out farther than their fenders.
car you are passing and pro-
vides space to avoid hazards in • Objects thrown from windows
your lane. — Even if the driver knows you’re
there, a passenger may not see you
3. Ride through the blind spot as and might toss something on you
quickly as possible. or the road ahead of you.

4. Signal again, and complete mirror • Blasts of wind from larger
and headchecks before returning vehicles — They can affect your
to your original lane and then control. You have more room for
cancel the signal. error if you are in the middle
portion when hit by this blast
Remember, passes must be than if you are on either side of
completed within posted speed limits, the lane.
and only where permitted. Know your
signs and road markings! Do not move into the portion
of the lane farthest from the
BEING PASSED passing vehicle. It might invite the
other driver to cut back into your lane
When you are being passed from too early.
behind or by an oncoming vehicle,

PASSING BEING PASSED

15

LANE SHARING LANE SHARING another lane if one is open. If there is
no room for a lane change, adjust
Cars and motorcycles need a full speed to open up space for the
lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is merging driver.
usually prohibited.
CARS ALONGSIDE
Riding between rows of stopped
or moving cars in the same lane can Do not ride next to cars or trucks
leave you vulnerable to the in other lanes if you do not have to.
unexpected. A hand could come out You might be in the blind spot of a
of a window; a door could open; a car car in the next lane, which could
could turn suddenly. Discourage lane switch into your lane without
sharing by others. Keep a center- warning. Cars in the next lane also
portion position whenever drivers block your escape if you come upon
might be tempted to squeeze by you. danger in your own lane. Speed up or
Drivers are most tempted to do this: drop back to find a place clear of
traffic on both sides.
• In heavy, bumper-to-bumper
traffic. BLIND SPOTS

• When they want to pass you.

• When you are preparing to turn at
an intersection.

• When you are moving into an exit
lane or leaving a highway.

MERGING CARS

Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway. Give
them plenty of room. Change to

MERGING

4 Test Yourself
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 40

16

SEE • Road and surface characteristics SEE
— Potholes, guardrails, bridges,
Good experienced riders remain telephone poles and trees won’t
aware of what is going on around move into your path but may
them. They improve their riding influence your riding strategy.
strategy by using SEE, a three-step
process used to make appropriate • Traffic control devices — Look
judgments, and apply them correctly for traffic signals, including
in different traffic situations: regulatory signs, warning signs,
and pavement markings, to help
• Search you evaluate circumstances
ahead.
• Evaluate
• Vehicles and other traffic —
• Execute May move into your path and
increase the likelihood of a crash.
Let’s examine each of these steps.
Think about your time and space
SEARCH requirements in order to maintain a
margin of safety. You must leave
Search aggressively ahead, to the yourself time to react if an
sides and behind to avoid potential emergency arises.
hazards even before they arise. How
assertively you search, and how EXECUTE
much time and space you have, can
eliminate or reduce harm. Focus even Carry out your decision.
more on finding potential escape
routes in or around intersections, To create more space and
shopping areas and school and minimize harm from any hazard:
construction zones.
• Communicate your presence with
Search for factors such as: lights and/or horn.

• Oncoming traffic that may turn • Adjust your speed by
left in front of you. accelerating, stopping or slowing.

• Traffic coming from the left and • Adjust your position and/or
right. direction.

• Traffic approaching from behind. Apply the old adage “one step
at a time” to handle two or more
• Hazardous road conditions. hazards. Adjust speed to permit two
hazards to separate. Then deal with
Be especially alert in areas with them one at a time as single hazards.
limited visibility. Visually “busy” Decision-making becomes more
surroundings could hide you and complex with three or more hazards.
your motorcycle from others. Weigh the consequences of each and
give equal distance to the hazards.
EVALUATE

Think about how hazards can
interact to create risks for you.
Anticipate potential problems and
have a plan to reduce risks.

17

INTERSECTIONS In potential high-risk areas, such INTERSECTIONS
as intersections, shopping areas and
school and construction zones, cover The greatest potential for
the clutch and both brakes to reduce conflict between you and other traffic
the time you need to react. is at intersections. An intersection
can be in the middle of an urban area
5 Test Yourself or at a driveway on a residential
To reduce your reaction time, you street — anywhere traffic may cross
should: your path of travel. Over one-half of
A. Ride slower than the speed limit. motorcycle/car crashes are caused by
B. Cover the clutch and the brakes. drivers entering a rider’s right-of-
C. Shift into neutral when slowing. way. Cars that turn left in front of
D. Pull in the clutch when turning. you, including cars turning left from
the lane to your right, and cars on
Answer - page 40 side streets that pull into your lane,
are the biggest dangers. Your use
of SEE [p. 17] at intersections
is critical.

There are no guarantees that
others see you. Never count on “eye
contact” as a sign that a driver will
yield. Too often, a driver looks right
at a motorcyclist and still fails to
“see” him or her. The only eyes that
you can count on are your own. If a
car can enter your path, assume that it
will. Good riders are always “looking
for trouble” — not to get into it, but
to stay out of it.

Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections. Ride with your
headlight on in a lane position that
provides the best view of oncoming
traffic. Provide a space cushion
around the motorcycle that permits
you to take evasive action.

SMALL INTERSECTIONS

18

LARGE INTERSECTIONS

As you approach the intersec- cross street can see him as soon as
tion, select a lane position that possible.
increases your visibility to the driver. BLIND INTERSECTIONS
Cover the clutch and both brakes to
reduce reaction time. Remember, the key is to see as
much as possible and remain visible
Reduce your speed as you to others while protecting your space.
approach an intersection. After
entering the intersection, move away
from vehicles preparing to turn. Do
not change speed or position
radically. The driver might think that
you are preparing to turn.

BLIND INTERSECTIONS

If you approach a blind
intersection, move to the portion of
the lane that will bring you into
another driver’s field of vision at the
earliest possible moment. In this
picture, the rider has moved to the
left portion of the lane — away from
the parked car — so the driver on the

19

PARKED CARS STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS

If you have a stop sign or stop In either event, the driver might
line, stop there first. Then edge cut into your path. Slow down or
forward and stop again, just short of change lanes to make room for
where the cross-traffic lane meets someone cutting in.
your lane. From that position, lean
your body forward and look around Cars making a sudden U-turn are
buildings, parked cars or bushes to the most dangerous. They may cut
see if anything is coming. Just make you off entirely, blocking the whole
sure your front wheel stays out of the roadway and leaving you with no
cross lane of travel while you’re place to go. Since you can’t tell what
looking. a driver will do, slow down and get
the driver’s attention. Sound your
PASSING PARKED CARS horn and continue with caution.

When passing parked cars, stay PARKING AT THE ROADSIDE
toward the left of your lane. You can
avoid problems caused by doors Park at a 90˚ angle to the curb with
opening, drivers getting out of cars or your rear wheel touching the curb.
people stepping from between cars. If
oncoming traffic is present, it is PARKING AT CURBS
usually best to remain in the center-
lane position to maximize your space
cushion.

A bigger problem can occur if
the driver pulls away from the curb
without checking for traffic behind.
Even if he does look, he may fail to
see you.

6 Test Yourself

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 40

20

INCREASING Reflective material on a vest and CLOTHING
CONSPICUITY on the sides of the helmet will help
drivers coming from the side to spot LIGHTS
In crashes with motorcyclists, you. Reflective material can also be a
drivers often say that they never saw big help for drivers coming toward
the motorcycle. From ahead or you or from behind.
behind, a motorcycle’s outline is
much smaller than a car’s. Also, it’s HEADLIGHT
hard to see something you are not
looking for, and most drivers are not The best way to help others see
looking for motorcycles. More likely, your motorcycle is to keep the
they are looking through the skinny, headlight on — at all times
two-wheeled silhouette in search of (although new motorcycles sold in
cars that may pose a problem to the USA since 1978 automatically
them. have the headlights on when run-
ning). Studies show that, during the
Even if a driver does see you day, a motorcycle with its light on is
coming, you aren’t necessarily safe. twice as likely to be noticed. Use low
Smaller vehicles appear farther away beam at night and in fog.
and seem to be traveling slower than
they actually are. It is common for SIGNALS
drivers to pull out in front of
motorcyclists, thinking they have The signals on a motorcycle are
plenty of time. Too often, they similar to those on a car. They tell
are wrong. others what you plan to do.

However, you can do many SIGNALING
things to make it easier for others to
recognize you and your motorcycle.

CLOTHING SIGNALS

Most crashes occur in broad
daylight. Wear bright-colored
clothing to increase your chances of
being seen. Remember, your body is
half of the visible surface area of the
rider/motorcycle unit.

Bright orange, red, yellow or
green jackets or vests are your best
bets for being seen. Your helmet can
do more than protect you in a crash.
Brightly colored helmets can also
help others see you.

Any bright color is better than
drab or dark colors. Reflective,
bright-colored clothing (helmet and
jacket or vest) is best.

21

USING YOUR MIRRORS However, due to a rider’s added • You slow where others may not
vulnerability, signals are even more expect it (in the middle of a
important. Use them anytime you block or at an alley).
plan to change lanes or turn. Use
them even when you think no one If you are being followed
else is around. It’s the car you don’t closely, it’s a good idea to flash your
see that’s going to give you the brake light before you slow. The
most trouble. Your signal lights also tailgater may be watching you and
make you easier to spot. That’s why not see something ahead that will
it’s a good idea to use your turn make you slow down. This will
signals even when what you plan to hopefully discourage them from
do is obvious. tailgating and warn them of hazards
ahead they may not see.
When you enter onto a
freeway, drivers approaching USING YOUR MIRRORS
from behind are more likely to see
your signal blinking and make room While it’s most important to
for you. keep track of what’s happening
ahead, you can’t afford to ignore
Turning your signal light on situations behind. Traffic conditions
before each turn reduces confusion change quickly. Knowing what’s
and frustration for the traffic around going on behind is essential for you
you. Once you turn, make sure your to make a safe decision about how to
signal is off or a driver may pull handle trouble ahead.
directly into your path, thinking you
plan to turn again. Use your signals Frequent mirror checks should
at every turn so drivers can react be part of your normal searching
accordingly. Don’t make them routine. Make a special point of using
guess what you intend to do. your mirrors:

BRAKE LIGHT • When you are stopped at an
intersection. Watch cars coming up
Your motorcycle’s brake light is from behind. If the drivers aren’t
usually not as noticeable as the brake paying attention, they could be on
lights on a car — particularly when top of you before they see you.
your taillight is on. (It goes on with
the headlight.) If the situation will • Before you change lanes. Make
permit, help others notice you by sure no one is about to pass you.
flashing your brake light before you
slow down. It is especially important • Before you slow down. The driver
to flash your brake light before: behind may not expect you to
slow, or may be unsure about
• You slow more quickly than where you will slow. For example,
others might expect (turning off a you signal a turn and the driver
high-speed highway). thinks you plan to turn at a distant
intersection, rather than at a nearer
driveway.

22

USING MIRRORS HEAD CHECKS HEAD CHECKS

Checking your mirrors is not HORN
enough. Motorcycles have “blind
spots” like cars. Before you change
lanes, turn your head, and look to the
side for other vehicles.

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

Frequent head checks should
be your normal scanning routine,
also. Only by knowing what is
happening all around you are you
fully prepared to deal with it.

Some motorcycles have rounded HORN
(convex) mirrors. These provide a
wider view of the road behind than Be ready to use your horn to
do flat mirrors. They also make cars get someone’s attention quickly.
seem farther away than they really
are. If you are not used to convex It is a good idea to give a quick
mirrors, get familiar with them. beep before passing anyone that
(While you are stopped, pick out a may move into your lane.
parked car in your mirror. Form a
mental image of how far away it is. Here are some situations:
Then, turn around and look at it to
see how close you came.) Practice • A driver in the lane next to you is
with your mirrors until you become a driving too closely to the vehicle
good judge of distance. Even then, ahead and may want to pass.
allow extra distance before you
change lanes. • A parked car has someone in the
driver’s seat.

• Someone is in the street, riding a
bicycle or walking.

In an emergency, press the horn
button loud and long. Be ready to
stop or swerve away from the danger.

Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s
horn isn’t as loud as a car’s —
therefore, use it, but don’t rely on it.
Other strategies may be appropriate
along with the horn.

23

NIGHT RIDING RIDING AT NIGHT CRASH AVOIDANCE

CRASH AVOIDANCE At night it is harder for you to No matter how careful you are,
see and be seen. Picking your there will be times when you find
QUICK STOPS headlight or taillight out of the car yourself in a tight spot. Your chances
lights around you is not easy for other of getting out safely depend on your
drivers. To compensate, you should: ability to react quickly and properly.
Often, a crash occurs because a rider
• Reduce Your Speed — Ride even is not prepared or skilled in crash-
slower than you would during the avoidance maneuvers.
day — particularly on roads you
don’t know well. This will increase Know when and how to stop or
your chances of avoiding a hazard. swerve, two skills critical in avoiding
a crash. It is not always desirable or
• Increase Distance — Distances possible to stop quickly to avoid an
are harder to judge at night than obstacle. Riders must also be able to
during the day. Your eyes rely swerve around an obstacle. Deter-
upon shadows and light contrasts mining which skill is necessary for
to determine how far away an the situation is important as well.
object is and how fast it is coming.
These contrasts are missing or dis- Studies show that most crash-
torted under artificial lights at involved riders:
night. Open up a three-second fol-
lowing distance or more. And • Underbrake the front tire and
allow more distance to pass and overbrake the rear.
be passed.
• Did not separate braking from
• Use the Car Ahead — The swerving or did not choose
headlights of the car ahead can swerving when it was appropriate.
give you a better view of the road
than even your high beam can. The following information offers
Taillights bouncing up and down some good advice.
can alert you to bumps or rough
pavement. QUICK STOPS

• Use Your High Beam — Get all To stop quickly, apply both
the light you can. Use your high brakes at the same time. Don’t be shy
beam whenever you are not about using the front brake, but don’t
following or meeting a car. Be “grab” it, either. Squeeze the brake
visible: Wear reflective materials lever firmly and progressively. If the
when riding at night. front wheel locks, release the front
brake immediately then reapply it
• Be Flexible About Lane Position. firmly. At the same time, press down
Change to whatever portion of the on the rear brake. If you accidentally
lane is best able to help you see, be lock the rear brake on a good traction
seen and keep an adequate space surface, you can keep it locked until
cushion. you have completely stopped; but,
even with a locked rear wheel, you
7 Test Yourself can control the motorcycle on a
straightaway if it is upright and going
Reflective clothing should: in a straight line.
A. Be worn at night.

B. Be worn during the day.

C. Not be worn.

D. Be worn day and night

Answer - page 40

24

STOPPING DISTANCE in the last few feet of stopping. The SWERVING
motorcycle should then be straight up
and in balance.

Always use both brakes at the SWERVING OR TURNING
same time to stop. The front brake QUICKLY
can provide 70% or more of the
potential stopping power. Sometimes you may not have
enough room to stop, even if you use
If you must stop quickly while both brakes properly. An object
turning or riding a curve, the best might appear suddenly in your path.
technique is to straighten the bike Or the car ahead might squeal to a
upright first and then brake. stop. The only way to avoid a crash
However, it may not always be may be to turn quickly, or swerve
possible to straighten the motorcycle around it.
and then stop. If you must brake
while leaning, apply light brakes and A swerve is any sudden change
reduce the throttle. As you slow, you in direction. It can be two quick
can reduce your lean angle and apply turns, or a rapid shift to the side.
more brake pressure until the Apply a small amount of hand
motorcycle is straight and maximum pressure to the handlegrip located on
brake pressure is possible. You the side of your intended direction of
should “straighten” the handlebars escape. This will cause the
motorcycle to lean quickly. The
sharper the turn(s), the more the
motorcycle must lean.

Keep your body upright and
allow the motorcycle to lean in the
direction of the turn while keeping
your knees against the tank and your

SWERVE, THEN BRAKE BRAKE, THEN SWERVE

25

CORNERING feet solidly on the footrests. Let the CORNERING
motorcycle move underneath you.
Make your escape route the target of A primary cause of single-
your vision. Press on the opposite vehicle crashes is motorcyclists
handlegrip once you clear the running wide in a curve or turn and
obstacle to return you to your original colliding with the roadway or a fixed
direction of travel. To swerve to the object.
left, press the left handlegrip, then
press the right to recover. To swerve Every curve is different. Be alert
to the right, press right, then left. to whether a curve remains constant,
gradually widens, gets tighter or
IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED, involves multiple turns.
SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING.
Brake before or after — never while Ride within your skill level and
swerving. posted speed limits.

Your best path may not always
follow the curve of the road.

CONSTANT CURVES MULTIPLE CURVES

DECREASING CURVES (TIGHTER TURNS) WIDENING CURVES

26

Change lane position depending on HANDLING DANGEROUS DANGEROUS SURFACES
traffic, road conditions and curve of SURFACES
the road. If no traffic is present, start
at the outside of a curve to increase Your chance of falling or being
your line of sight and the effective involved in a crash increases
radius of the turn. As you turn, move whenever you ride across:
toward the inside of the curve, and as
you pass the center, move to the • Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
outside to exit.
• Slippery surfaces.
Another alternative is to move to
the center of your lane before • Railroad tracks.
entering a curve — and stay there
until you exit. This permits you to • Grooves and gratings.
spot approaching traffic as soon as
possible. You can also adjust for UNEVEN SURFACES AND
traffic “crowding” the center line, or OBSTACLES
debris blocking part of your lane.
Watch for uneven surfaces such
8 Test Yourself as bumps, broken pavement, potholes
The best way to stop quickly is to: or small pieces of highway trash.
A. Use the front brake only.
B. Use the rear brake first. Try to avoid obstacles by
C. Throttle down and use the front slowing or going around them. If you
must go over the obstacle, first
brake. determine if it is possible. Approach
D. Use both brakes at the same time. it at as close to a 90˚ angle as
possible. Look where you want to go
Answer - page 40 to control your path of travel. If you
have to ride over the obstacle, you
should:

• Slow down as much as possible
before contact.

• Make sure the motorcycle is
straight.

OBSTACLES

27

• Rise slightly off the seat with your brake lever gradually to avoid
weight on the footrests to absorb locking the front wheel.
the shock with your knees and Remember, gentle pressure on the
elbows, and avoid being thrown off rear brake.
the motorcycle.
• The center of a lane can be
• Just before contact, roll on the hazardous when wet. When it
throttle slightly to lighten the front starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks
end. left by cars. Often, the left tire
track will be the best position,
If you ride over an object on the depending on traffic and other
street, pull off the road and check road conditions as well.
your tires and rims for damage before
riding any farther. • Watch for oil spots when you put
your foot down to stop or park.
SLIPPERY SURFACES You may slip and fall.

Motorcycles handle better when • Dirt and gravel collect along the
ridden on surfaces that permit good sides of the road — especially on
traction. Surfaces that provide poor curves and ramps leading to and
traction include: from highways. Be aware of what’s
on the edge of the road,
• Wet pavement, particularly just particularly when making sharp
after it starts to rain and before turns and getting on or off
surface oil washes to the side of freeways at high speeds.
the road.
• Rain dries and snow melts faster
• Gravel roads, or where sand and on some sections of a road than
gravel collect. on others. Patches of ice tend to
develop in low or shaded areas
• Mud, snow, and ice. and on bridges and overpasses.
Wet surfaces or wet leaves are just
• Lane markings (painted lines), as slippery. Ride on the least
steel plates and manhole covers, slippery portion of the lane and
especially when wet. reduce speed.

To ride safely on slippery Cautious riders steer clear of
surfaces: roads covered with ice or snow. If you
can’t avoid a slippery surface, keep
• Reduce Speed — Slow down your motorcycle straight up and
before you get to a slippery proceed as slowly as possible. If you
surface to lessen your chances of encounter a large surface so slippery
skidding. Your motorcycle needs that you must coast, or travel at a
more distance to stop. And it is walking pace, consider letting your
particularly important to reduce feet skim along the surface. If the
speed before entering wet curves. motorcycle starts to fall, you can
catch yourself. Be sure to keep off the
• Avoid Sudden Moves — Any brakes. If possible, squeeze the clutch
sudden change in speed or and coast. Attempting this maneuver
direction can cause a skid. Be as at anything other than the slowest of
smooth as possible when you speeds could prove hazardous.
speed up, shift gears, turn or brake.

• Use Both Brakes — The front
brake is still effective, even on a
slippery surface. Squeeze the

28

CROSSTRACKS-RIGHT enough away from tracks, ruts, or TRACKING GRATINGS
pavement seams to cross at an angle
CROSSTRACKS-WRONG of at least 45˚. Then, make a quick,
sharp turn. Edging across could catch
RAILROAD TRACKS, TROLLEY your tires and throw you off balance.
TRACKS AND PAVEMENT SEAMS
GROOVES AND GRATINGS
Usually it is safer to ride straight
within your lane to cross tracks. Riding over rain grooves or
Turning to take tracks head-on (at a bridge gratings may cause a
90˚ angle) can be more dangerous — motorcycle to weave. The uneasy,
your path may carry you into another wandering feeling is generally not
lane of traffic. hazardous. Relax, maintain a steady
speed and ride straight across.
For track and road seams that run Crossing at an angle forces riders to
parallel to your course, move far zigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzag
PARALLEL TRACKS-RIGHT is far more hazardous than the
wandering feeling.

GRATE CROSSINGS-RIGHT

GRATE CROSSINGS-WRONG

PARALLEL TRACKS-WRONG 9 Test Yourself
When it starts to rain it is usually
best to:
A. Ride in the center of the lane.
B. Pull off to the side until the rain

stops.
C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars.
D. Increase your speed.

Answer - page 40

29

MECHANICAL PROBLEMS MECHANICAL STUCK THROTTLE
PROBLEMS
Twist the throttle back and forth
You can find yourself in an several times. If the throttle cable is
emergency the moment something stuck, this may free it. If the throttle
goes wrong with your motorcycle. In stays stuck, immediately operate the
dealing with any mechanical engine cut-off switch and pull in the
problem, take into account the road clutch at the same time. This will
and traffic conditions you face. Here remove power from the rear wheel,
are some guidelines that can help you though engine sound may not
handle mechanical problems safely. immediately decline. Once the
motorcycle is “under control,” pull
TIRE FAILURE off and stop.

You will seldom hear a tire go After you have stopped, check
flat. If the motorcycle starts handling the throttle cable carefully to find the
differently, it may be a tire failure. source of the trouble. Make certain
This can be dangerous. You must be the throttle works freely before you
able to tell from the way the start to ride again.
motorcycle reacts. If one of your tires
suddenly loses air, react quickly to WOBBLE
keep your balance. Pull off and check
the tires. A “wobble” occurs when the
front wheel and handlebars suddenly
If the front tire goes flat, the start to shake from side to side at any
steering will feel “heavy.” A speed. Most wobbles can be traced to
front-wheel flat is particularly improper loading, unsuitable
hazardous because it affects your accessories or incorrect tire pressure.
steering. You have to steer well to If you are carrying a heavy load,
keep your balance. lighten it. If you can’t, shift it. Center
the weight lower and farther forward
If the rear tire goes flat, the back on the motorcycle. Make sure tire
of the motorcycle may jerk or sway pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks
from side to side. and dampers are at the settings
recommended for that much weight.
If either tire goes flat Make sure windshields and fairings
while riding: are mounted properly.

• Hold handlegrips firmly, ease off Check for poorly adjusted
the throttle, and keep a straight steering; worn steering parts; a front
course. wheel that is bent, misaligned, or out
of balance; loose wheel bearings or
• If braking is required, however, spokes; and worn swingarm bearings.
gradually apply the brake of the If none of these is determined to be
tire that isn’t flat, if you are sure the cause, have the motorcycle
which one it is. checked out thoroughly by a qualified
professional.
• When the motorcycle slows, edge
to the side of the road, squeeze the
clutch and stop.

30

Trying to “accelerate out of a ENGINE SEIZURE
wobble” will only make the
motorcycle more unstable. Instead: When the engine “locks” or
“freezes” it is usually low on oil. The
• Grip the handlebars firmly, but engine’s moving parts can’t move
don’t fight the wobble. smoothly against each other, and the
engine overheats. The first sign may
• Close the throttle gradually to be a loss of engine power or a change
slow down. Do not apply the in the engine’s sound. Squeeze the
brakes; braking could make the clutch lever to disengage the engine
wobble worse. from the rear wheel. Pull off the road
and stop. Check the oil. If needed, oil
• Move your weight as far forward should be added as soon as possible
and down as possible. or the engine will seize. When this
happens, the effect is the same as a
• Pull off the road as soon as you locked rear wheel. Let the engine
can to fix the problem. cool before restarting.

10 Test Yourself ANIMALS

If your motorcycle starts to wobble: Naturally, you should do
A. Accelerate out of the wobble. everything you safely can to avoid
hitting an animal. If you are in traffic,
B. Use the brakes gradually. however, remain in your lane. Hitting
something small is less dangerous to
C. Grip the handlebars firmly and you than hitting something big —
close the throttle gradually. like a car.

D. Downshift. Motorcycles seem to attract
dogs. If you are chased, downshift
Answer - page 40 and approach the animal slowly. As
you approach it, accelerate away and
CHAIN PROBLEMS leave the animal behind. Don’t kick
at an animal. Keep control of your
A chain that slips or breaks while motorcycle and look to where you
you’re riding could lock the rear want to go.
wheel and cause your cycle to skid.
Chain slippage or breakage can be For larger animals (deer, elk,
avoided by proper maintenance. cattle) brake and prepare to stop —
they are unpredictable.
• Slippage — If the chain slips
when you try to speed up quickly 11 Test Yourself
or ride uphill, pull off the road. If you are chased by a dog:
Check the chain and sprockets. A. Kick it away.
Tightening the chain may help. If B. Stop until the animal loses interest.
the problem is a worn or stretched C. Swerve around the animal.
chain or worn or bent sprockets, D. Approach the animal slowly, then
replace the chain, the sprockets or
both before riding again. speed up.

• Breakage — You’ll notice an Answer - page 40
instant loss of power to the rear
wheel. Close the throttle and brake
to a stop.

31

FLYING OBJECTS FLYING OBJECTS CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
GETTING OFF THE ROAD From time to time riders are
struck by insects, cigarettes thrown Only experienced riders should
CARRYING LOADS from cars or pebbles kicked up by the carry passengers or large loads. The
tires of the vehicle ahead. If you are extra weight changes the way the
wearing face protection, it might get motorcycle handles, balances, speeds
smeared or cracked, making it up and slows down. Before taking a
difficult to see. Without face passenger or a heavy load on the
protection, an object could hit you in street, practice away from traffic.
the eye, face or mouth. Whatever
happens, keep your eyes on the road EQUIPMENT
and your hands on the handlebars.
When safe, pull off the road and To carry passengers safely:
repair the damage.
• Equip and adjust your
GETTING OFF THE ROAD motorcycle to carry passengers.

If you need to leave the road to • Instruct the passenger before you
check the motorcycle (or just to rest start.
for a while), be sure you:
• Adjust your riding technique for
• Check the roadside — Make sure the added weight.
the surface of the roadside is firm
enough to ride on. If it is soft Equipment should include:
grass, loose sand or if you’re just
not sure about it, slow way down • A proper seat — large enough
before you turn onto it. to hold both of you without
crowding. You should not sit
• Signal — Drivers behind might any farther forward than you
not expect you to slow down. Give usually do.
a clear signal that you will be
slowing down and changing • Footrests — for the passenger.
direction. Check your mirror and Firm footing prevents your
make a head check before you take passenger from falling off and
any action. pulling you off, too.

• Pull off the road — Get as far off • Protective equipment — the
the road as you can. It can be very same protective gear
hard to spot a motorcycle by the recommended for operators.
side of the road. You don’t want
someone else pulling off at the Adjust the suspension to handle
same place you are. the additional weight. You will
probably need to add a few pounds of
• Park carefully — Loose and pressure to the tires if you carry a
sloped shoulders can make setting passenger. (Check your owner’s
the side or center stand difficult. manual for appropriate settings.)
While your passenger sits on the seat
with you, adjust the mirror and
headlight according to the change in
the motorcycle’s angle.

32

INSTRUCTING PASSENGERS • Ride a little slower, especially CARRYING PASSENGERS
when taking curves, corners or
Even if your passenger is a bumps.
motorcycle rider, provide complete
instructions before you start. Tell • Start slowing earlier as you
your passenger to: approach a stop.

• Get on the motorcycle only after • Open up a larger cushion of
you have started the engine. space ahead and to the sides.

• Sit as far forward as possible • Wait for larger gaps to cross,
without crowding you. enter or merge in traffic.

• Hold firmly to your waist, hips, Warn your passenger of special
belt, or to the bike’s passenger conditions — when you will pull out,
handholds. stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over
a bump. Turn your head slightly to
• Keep both feet on the footrests, make yourself understood, but keep
even when stopped. your eyes on the road ahead.

• Keep legs away from the CARRYING LOADS
muffler(s), chains or moving parts.
Most motorcycles are not
• Stay directly behind you, leaning designed to carry much cargo. Small
as you lean. loads can be carried safely if
positioned and fastened properly.
• Avoid unnecessary talk or
motion. • Keep the Load Low — Fasten
loads securely, or put them in
Also, tell your passenger to saddlebags. Piling loads against a
tighten his or her hold when you: sissybar or frame on the back of
the seat raises the motorcycle’s
• Approach surface problems. center of gravity and disturbs its
balance.
• Are about to start from a stop.
• Keep the Load Forward — Place
• Warn that you will make a the load over, or in front of, the
sudden move. rear axle. Tankbags keep loads
forward, but use caution when
RIDING WITH PASSENGERS loading hard or sharp objects.
Make sure the tankbag does not
Your motorcycle will respond interfere with handlebars or
more slowly with a passenger on controls. Mounting loads behind
board. The heavier your passenger, the rear axle can affect how the
the longer it will take to slow down motorcycle turns and brakes. It can
and speed up — especially on a light also cause a wobble.
motorcycle.
• Distribute the Load Evenly —
12 Test Yourself Load saddlebags with about the
Passengers should: same weight. An uneven load can
A. Lean as you lean. cause the motorcycle to drift to
B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat. one side.
C. Sit as far back as possible.
D. Never hold onto you.

Answer - page 40

33

GROUP RIDING • Secure the Load — Fasten the down a little to stay with the
load securely with elastic cords tailender.
(bungee cords or nets). Elastic
cords with more than one • Know the Route — Make sure
attachment point per side are more everyone knows the route. Then,
secure. A tight load won’t catch in if someone is separated they won’t
the wheel or chain, causing it to have to hurry to keep from getting
lock up and skid. Rope tends to lost or taking a wrong turn. Plan
stretch and knots come loose, frequent stops on long rides.
permitting the load to shift or fall.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
• Check the Load — Stop and
check the load every so often to Maintain close ranks but at the
make sure it has not worked loose same time keep a safe distance to
or moved. allow each rider in the group time
and space to react to hazards. A close
GROUP RIDING group takes up less space on the
highway, is easier to see and is less
If you ride with others, do it in a likely to be separated. However, it
way that promotes safety and doesn’t must be done properly.
interfere with the flow of traffic.
Don’t Pair Up — Never operate
KEEP THE GROUP SMALL directly alongside another rider.
There is no place to go if you have
Small groups make it easier and to avoid a car or something on the
safer for car drivers who need to get road. To talk, wait until you are both
around them. A small number isn’t stopped.
separated as easily by traffic or red
lights. Riders won’t always be Staggered Formation — This is the
hurrying to catch up. If your group is best way to keep ranks close yet
larger than four or five riders, divide maintain an adequate space
it up into two or more smaller groups.
STAGGERED FORMATION
KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER

• Plan — The leader should look
ahead for changes and signal early
so “the word gets back” in plenty
of time. Start lane changes early to
permit everyone to complete the
change.

• Put Beginners Up Front — Place
inexperienced riders just behind
the leader. That way the more
experienced riders can watch them
from the back.

• Follow Those Behind — Let the
tailender set the pace. Use your
mirrors to keep an eye on the
person behind. If a rider falls
behind, everyone should slow

34

cushion. The leader rides in the left the next rider.
side of the lane, while the second
rider stays one second behind in Some people suggest that the
the right side of the lane. leader should move to the right side
after passing a vehicle. This is not a
A third rider maintains in the left good idea. It encourages the second
position, two seconds behind the first rider to pass and cut back in before
rider. The fourth rider would keep a there is a large enough space cushion
two-second distance behind the in front of the passed vehicle. It’s
second rider. This formation keeps simpler and safer to wait until there
the group close and permits each is enough room ahead of the passed
rider a safe distance from others vehicle to allow each rider to move
ahead, behind and to the sides. into the same position held before
the pass.
• Passing in Formation — Riders
in a staggered formation should Single-File Formation — It is best
pass one at a time. to move into a single-file formation
when riding curves, turning,
• First, the lead rider should pull entering or leaving a highway.
out and pass when it is safe. After
passing, the leader should return to 13 Test Yourself
the left position and continue
riding at passing speed to open When riding in a group,
room for the next rider. inexperienced riders should
position themselves:
• After the first rider passes safely, A. Just behind the leader.
the second rider should move up to
the left position and watch for a B. In front of the group.
safe chance to pass. After passing,
this rider should return to the right C. At the tail end of the group.
position and open up room for
D. Beside the leader.

Answer - page 40

GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1) GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)

35

BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE

Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders pay
attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle, identifying
potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisions quickly and
skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road and traffic
conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and other drugs,
more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly and to ride
safely. As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance.

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

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WHY THIS INFORMATION substance abuse don’t mix. Take
positive steps to protect yourself and
IS IMPORTANT prevent others from injuring
themselves.
Alcohol is a major contributor to
motorcycle crashes, particularly fatal ALCOHOL AND OTHER
crashes. Studies show that 40% to DRUGS IN MOTORCYCLE
45% of all riders killed in motorcycle OPERATION
crashes had been drinking. Only one-
third of those riders had a blood No one is immune to the effects
alcohol concentration above legal of alcohol or drugs. Friends may brag
limits. The rest had only a few drinks about their ability to hold their liquor
in their systems — enough to impair or perform better on drugs, but
riding skills. In the past, drug levels alcohol or drugs make them less able
have been harder to distinguish or to think clearly and perform physical
have not been separated from tasks skillfully. Judgment and the
drinking violations for the traffic decision-making processes needed
records. But riding “under the for vehicle operation are affected long
influence” of either alcohol or drugs before legal limitations are reached.
poses physical and legal hazards for
every rider. Many over-the-counter,
prescription and illegal drugs have
Drinking and drug use is as big a side effects that increase the risk of
problem among motorcyclists as it is riding. It is difficult to accurately
among automobile drivers. measure the involvement of
Motorcyclists, however, are more particular drugs in motorcycle
likely to be killed or severely injured crashes. But we do know what effects
in a crash. Injuries occur in 90% of various drugs have on the process
motorcycle crashes and 33% of involved in riding a motorcycle. We
automobile crashes that involve abuse also know that the combined effects
of substances. On a yearly basis, of alcohol and other drugs are more
2,100 motorcyclists are killed and dangerous than either is alone.
about 50,000 seriously injured in this
same type of crash. These statistics ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
are too overwhelming to ignore.
Alcohol enters the bloodstream
By becoming knowledgeable quickly. Unlike most foods and
about the effects of alcohol and other
drugs you will see that riding and

36

beverages, it does not need to be Your sex, physical condition and food BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION
digested. Within minutes after being intake are just a few that may cause
consumed, it reaches the brain and your BAC level to be even higher.
begins to affect the drinker. The But the full effects of these are not
major effect alcohol has is to slow completely known. Alcohol may still
down and impair bodily functions — accumulate in your body even if
both mental and physical. Whatever you are drinking at a rate of one
you do, you do less well after drink per hour. Abilities and
consuming alcohol. judgment can be affected by that
one drink.
BLOOD ALCOHOL
CONCENTRATION A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed
drink with one shot of liquor and a 5-
Blood Alcohol Concentration or ounce glass of wine all contain the
BAC is the amount of alcohol in same amount of alcohol.
relation to blood in the body.
Generally, alcohol can be eliminated The faster you drink, the more
in the body at the rate of almost one alcohol accumulates in your body. If
drink per hour. But a variety of other you drink two drinks in an hour, at
factors may also influence the level of the end of that hour, at least one drink
alcohol retained. The more alcohol in will remain in your bloodstream.
your blood, the greater the degree of
impairment. Without taking into account any
other factors, these examples
Three factors play a major part illustrates why time is a critical factor
in determining BAC: when a rider decides to drink.

• The amount of alcohol you A person drinking:
consume.
– Seven drinks over the span of three
• How fast you drink. hours would have at least four (7 – 3
= 4) drinks remaining in their system
• Your body weight. at the end of the three hours. They
would need at least another four
Other factors also contribute to hours to eliminate the four remaining
the way alcohol affects your system. drinks before they consider riding.

ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION

37

ALCOHOL AND THE LAW – Four drinks over the span of two that judges must impose them.
hours would have at least two (4 – 2
MINIMIZE RISKS = 2) drinks remaining in their system If you are convicted of riding
at the end of the two hours. They under the influence of alcohol or
would need at least another two hours drugs, you may receive any of the
to eliminate the two remaining drinks following penalties:
before they consider riding.
• License Suspension —
There are times when a larger Mandatory suspension for
person may not accumulate as high a conviction, arrest or refusal to
concentration of alcohol for each drink submit to a breath test.
consumed. They have more blood
and other bodily fluids. But because • Fines — Severe fines are another
of individual differences it is better aspect of a conviction, usually
not to take the chance that abilities levied with a license suspension.
and judgment have not been affected.
Whether or not you are legally • Community Service — Performing
intoxicated is not the real issue. tasks such as picking up litter
Impairment of judgment and skills along the highway, washing cars in
begins well below the legal limit. the motor-vehicle pool or working
at an emergency ward.
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
• Costs — Additional lawyer’s fees
In most states, a person with a to pay, lost work time spent in
BAC of .08% or above is considered court or alcohol-education
intoxicated; in others the legal limit is programs, public transportation
.10%. It doesn’t matter how sober costs (while your license is
you may look or act. The breath or suspended) and the added
urine test is what usually determines psychological costs of being
whether you are riding legally or tagged a “drunk driver.”
illegally.
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your chances of being stopped
for riding under the influence of Your ability to judge how well
alcohol are increasing. Law you are riding is affected first.
enforcement is being stepped up Although you may be performing
across the country in response to the more and more poorly, you think you
senseless deaths and injuries caused are doing better and better. The result
by drinking drivers and riders. is that you ride confidently, taking
greater and greater risks. Minimize
CONSEQUENCES OF the risks of drinking and riding by
CONVICTION taking steps before you drink.
Control your drinking or control
Years ago, first offenders had a your riding.
good chance of getting off with a
small fine and participation in DON’T DRINK
alcohol-abuse classes. Today the laws
of most states impose stiff penalties Don’t Drink — Once you start,
on drinking operators. And those your resistance becomes weaker.
penalties are mandatory, meaning
Setting a limit or pacing yourself
are poor alternatives at best. Your
ability to exercise good judgment is

38

one of the first things affected by It helps to enlist support from FATIGUE
alcohol. Even if you have tried to others when you decide to step in.
drink in moderation, you may not The more people on your side, the
realize to what extent your skills have easier it is to be firm and the harder
suffered from alcohol’s fatiguing it is for the rider to resist. While
effects. you may not be thanked at the
time, you will never have to say,
Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’t “If only I had ...”
controlled your drinking, you must
control your riding. FATIGUE

• Leave the motorcycle — Riding a motorcycle is more
so you won’t be tempted to ride. tiring than driving a car. On a long
Arrange another way to get home. trip, you’ll tire sooner than you would
in a car. Avoid riding when tired.
• Wait — If you exceed your Fatigue can affect your control of the
limit, wait until your system motorcycle.
eliminates the alcohol and its
fatiguing effects. • Protect yourself from the
elements — Wind, cold, and rain
STEP IN TO make you tire quickly. Dress
PROTECT FRIENDS warmly. A windshield is worth its
cost if you plan to ride long
People who have had too much to distances.
drink are unable to make a responsible
decision. It is up to others to step in • Limit your distance — Experi-
and keep them from taking too great a enced riders seldom try to ride
risk. No one wants to do this — it’s more than about six hours a day.
uncomfortable, embarrassing and
thankless. You are rarely thanked for • Take frequent rest breaks —
your efforts at the time. But the Stop and get off the motorcycle at
alternatives are often worse. least every two hours.

There are several ways to keep • Don’t drink or use drugs —
friends from hurting themselves: Artificial stimulants often result in
extreme fatigue or depression
• Arrange a safe ride — Provide when they start to wear off. Riders
alternative ways for them to are unable to concentrate on the
get home. task at hand.

• Slow the pace of drinking — 14 Test Yourself
Involve them in other activities.
If you wait one hour per drink for the
• Keep them there — Use any alcohol to be eliminated from your
excuse to keep them from getting body before riding:
on their motorcycle. Serve them A. You cannot be arrested for drinking
food and coffee to pass the time.
Explain your concerns for their and riding.
risks of getting arrested or hurt B. Your riding skills will not be
or hurting someone else. Take their
key, if you can. affected.
C. Side effects from the drinking may
• Get friends involved — Use peer
pressure from a group of friends still remain.
to intervene. D. You will be okay as long as you ride

slowly.

Answer - page 40

39

EARNING YOUR LICENSE EARNING YOUR LICENSE

Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best
measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your
own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s even
harder 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 skill
test. Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices and ideas
from this manual. They require that you know and understand road rules and
safe riding practices. An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actual
traffic environment or in a controlled, off-street area.

KNOWLEDGE TEST KNOWLEDGE TEST 4. If a tire goes flat while riding and
you must stop, it is usually best to:
(Sample Questions)
A. Relax on the handlegrips.
1. It is MOST important to flash B. Shift your weight toward the good
your brake light when:
tire.
A. Someone is following too closely. C. Brake on the good tire and steer to
B. You will be slowing suddenly.
C. There is a stop sign ahead. the side of the road.
D. Your signals are not working. D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.

2. The FRONT brake supplies how 5. The car below is waiting to enter
much of the potential stopping the intersection. It is best to:
power?
A. Make eye contact with the driver.
A. About one-quarter. B. Reduce speed and be ready to
B. About one-half.
C. About three-quarters. react.
D. All of the stopping power. C. Maintain speed and position.
D. Maintain speed and move right.
3. To swerve correctly:

A. Shift your weight quickly.
B. Turn the handlebars quickly.
C. Press the handlegrip in the

direction of the turn.
D. Press the handlegrip in the

opposite direction of the turn.

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages) Answers to above Knowledge Test:

1-C, 2-D, 3-D, 4-A, 5-B, 1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-C, 5-B
6-C, 7-D 8-D, 9-C, 10-C,
11-D, 12-A, 13-A, 14-C

40

ON-MOTORCYCLE • Adjust speed and position to the
SKILL TEST traffic situation.

Basic vehicle control and • Stop, turn and swerve quickly.
crash-avoidance skills are included in
on-motorcycle tests to determine • Make critical decisions and carry
your ability to handle normal and them out.
hazardous traffic situations.
Examiners may score on
You may be tested for your factors related to safety such as:
ability to:
• Selecting safe speeds to perform
• Know your motorcycle and your maneuvers.
riding limits.
• Choosing the correct path and
• Accelerate, brake and turn staying within boundaries.
safely.
• Completing normal and quick
• See, be seen and communicate stops.
with others.
• Completing normal and quick
turns or swerves.

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

On-motorcycle skill tests are not designed for sidecars or three-wheeled
vehicles. Those vehicles maneuver differently than a two-wheeled
motorcycle. Depending on the state, an examiner may follow you on a car
test-route. Restrictions (sidecar, three-wheeled vehicle) may be added
until completion of a two-wheeled motorcycle test.

Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only
and are not to correct scale for size of vehicles and distances.

41



MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE –
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 safely.

Professional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations. Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach
and improve such skills as:

• Effective turning • Braking maneuvers • Protective apparel selection

• Obstacle avoidance • Traffic strategies • Maintenance

For the basic or experienced
RiderCourse nearest you,
call toll free: 800.446.9227

The Motorcycle motorcycles. The infor-
Safety Foundation’s mation has been com-
(MSF) purpose is to piled from publications,
improve the safety of interviews and observa-
motorcyclists on the tions of individuals and
nation’s streets and highways. In an organizations familiar with the use of
attempt to reduce motorcycle crashes motorcycles, accessories, and training.
and injuries, the Foundation has pro- Because there are many differences in
grams in rider education, licensing product design, riding styles, federal,
improvement, public information and state and local laws, there may be orga-
statistics. These programs are designed nizations and individuals who hold dif-
for both motorcyclists and motorists. A fering opinions. Consult your local
national not-for-profit organization, the regulatory agencies for information
MSF is sponsored by BMW, Ducati, concerning the operation of motor-
Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, cycles in your area. Although the MSF
KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, will continue to research, field test and
Victory and Yamaha. publish responsible viewpoints on the
subject, it disclaims any liability for
The information contained in this the views expressed herein.
publication is offered for the benefit of
those who have an interest in riding

Printing and distribution courtesy of
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Street, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92618-3806

www.msf-usa.org

Second Revision....................December 1978 Seventh Revision ..................September 1992

Third Revision........................February 1981 Eighth Revision........................January 1999

Fourth Revision .......................January 1983 Ninth Revision ............................March 2000

Fifth Revision...........................October 1987 Tenth Revision..........................January 2002

Sixth Revision ...............................April 1991 Eleventh Revision...........................July 2002

....................................................................... Twelfth Revision.............................May 2004

Printed in USA 000254





PREFACE

Operating a motorcycle safely in These revisions reflect:
traffic requires special skills and • The latest finding of motorcycle-
knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety safety research.
Foundation (MSF) has made this manual • Comments and guidance provided
available to help novice motorcyclists by the motorcycling, licensing and
reduce their risk of having a crash. The traffic safety communities.
manual conveys essential safe riding • Expanded alcohol and drug
information and has been designed for information.
use in licensing programs. While In promoting improved licensing
designed for the novice, all motorcyclists
can benefit from the information this programs, the MSF works closely with
manual contains. state licensing agencies. The Foundation
has helped more than half the states in
The original Motorcycle Operator the nation adopt the Motorcycle Operator
Manual was developed by the National Manual for use in their licensing
Public Services Research Institute systems.
(NPSRI) under contract to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration Improved licensing, along with
(NHTSA) and within the terms of a high-quality motorcycle rider education
cooperative agreement between NHTSA and increased public awareness, has the
and the MSF. The manual and related potential to reduce crashes. Staff at the
tests were used in a multi-year study of Foundation are available to assist state,
improved motorcycle operator licensing private and governmental agencies in
procedures, conducted by the California efforts to improve motorcycle safety.
Department of Motor Vehicles under
contract to NHTSA. Tim Buche
President,
The purpose of this manual is to Motorcycle Safety Foundation
educate the reader to help avoid crashes
while safely operating a motorcycle. For
this edition, the MSF has updated and
expanded the content of the original
manual.

2 Jenner Street, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92618-3806
www.msf-usa.org

CONTENTS

PREPARING HANDLING DANGEROUS SURFACES ..27
TO RIDE Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles .......27
Slippery Surfaces ..............................28
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR ....................4 Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks
Helmet Use .........................................4 and Pavement Seams ....................29
Helmet Selection .................................4 Grooves and Gratings .......................29
Eye and Face Protection .....................5
Clothing ..............................................6 MECHANICAL PROBLEMS ..................30
Tire Failure .......................................30
KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE ...............6 Stuck Throttle ...................................30
The Right Motorcycle for You ...........6 Wobble ..............................................30
Borrowing and Lending ......................7 Chain Problems ................................31
Get Familiar with the Engine Seizure ..................................31
Motorcycle Controls ........................7
Check Your Motorcycle ......................8 ANIMALS .............................................31

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES .........9 FLYING OBJECTS ................................32

RIDE WITHIN GETTING OFF THE ROAD ..................32
YOUR ABILITIES
CARRYING PASSENGERS
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL ................10 AND CARGO .....................................32
Body Position ...................................10 Equipment .........................................32
Shifting Gears ...................................10 Instructing Passengers ......................33
Braking .............................................11 Riding With Passengers ....................33
Turning ..............................................11 Carrying Loads .................................33

KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE ................12 GROUP RIDING ...................................34
Lane Positions ...................................12 Keep the Group Small ......................34
Following Another Vehicle ...............13 Keep the Group Together .................34
Being Followed .................................14 Keep Your Distance ..........................34
Passing and Being Passed .................14
Lane Sharing .....................................16 BEING IN SHAPE
Merging Cars ....................................16 TO RIDE
Cars Alongside ..................................16
WHY THIS INFORMATION IS
SEE ......................................................17 IMPORTANT ......................................36

INTERSECTIONS ..................................18 ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN
Blind Intersections ............................19 MOTORCYCLE OPERATION ...............36
Passing Parked Cars .........................20
Parking at the Roadside ....................20 ALCOHOL IN THE BODY .....................37
Blood Alcohol
INCREASING CONSPICUITY ................21 Concentration .................................37
Clothing ............................................21
Headlight ..........................................21 ALCOHOL AND THE LAW ...................38
Signals ..............................................21 Consequences of
Brake Light ........................................22 Conviction ......................................38
Using Your Mirrors ...........................22
Head Checks .....................................23 MINIMIZE THE RISKS .........................38
Horn ..................................................23
Riding at Night .................................24 STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS .........39

CRASH AVOIDANCE ............................24 FATIGUE ..............................................39
Quick Stops .......................................24
Swerving or Turning Quickly ...........25 EARNING
Cornering ..........................................26 YOUR LICENSE

Knowledge Test ................................40

On-Motorcycle Skill Test ..................41

3