California Motorcyclist Safety Program Motorcyclist ... · FOREWORD 4 It’s about the journey, not the destination. The Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) offered by the California

California Motorcyclist Safety Program

Motorcyclist Training Course

Student Handbook

First Edition: October 2014 Copyright © 2014 Total Control Training, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information and retrieval system, without permission from Total Control Training, Inc. Under no circumstances may the material be reproduced for resale. Please send requests in writing to: Total Control Training, Inc., 15329 Bonanza Road, Suite B, Victorville, CA 92392.

Visit the CMSP website for more information on courses and course locations: http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com

First Edition: October 2014

Produced by Total Control Training, Inc. (www.totalcontroltraining.net) for the California Motorcyclist Safety Program

Motorcyclist Training Course

4FOREWORD

It’s about the journey, not the destination.

The Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) offered by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program is designed to address the needs and interests of beginning rid-ers. Our goal is to help you build a strong foundation of awareness and safety in what may develop into a lifelong activity. Because motorcycling requires mental and physical skills, we will focus on both throughout the courses. You will learn techniques to help sharpen your judgment and perception as well as the physi-cal skills required for riding.

Learning is an ongoing process and doesn’t end when you finish a course. The MTC is intended as starting points from which to build lifelong skills. Becoming an experienced, skillful rider takes time and practice. That, of course, means rid-ing and practicing the techniques presented in this course. Once you’ve gained experience and confidence, we encourage you to continue your formal training. We also offer motorcycle courses designed for experienced riders (see www.cali-forniamotorcyclist.com for a list of other course offerings).In addition to helping riders step up to the next level, these courses are a great way to meet other riders and form lasting friendships.

So, welcome to the world of motorcycling! We’re glad to have you along.

Acknowledgments

The California Motorcyclist Safety Program would like to recognize the TEAM Oregon and Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Programs—and the 2014 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publication “Model National Standards for Entry-Level Motorcycle Rider Training”—for assistance in content creation and guiding the development of this Student Handbook.

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Unit 1 – Welcome to the World of Motorcycling.....6• CourseObjectives• CourseRequirements• CourseSchedule• RequiredMaterialsandEquipment• KeepingtheLearningSafeandFun• UnderstandingExpectations

Unit 2 – Introduction to Motorcycling...................9• What’sRightforYou?• AssessingtheRiskofRiding• RiskAcceptance• AcceptYourResponsibility

Unit 3 – Preparing to Ride..................................14• GettingInGear• HelmetsandOtherProtectiveGear• Jackets,Pants,RidingSuits• ComfortandVisibility• InspectionandMaintenance

Unit 4 – Wheels in Motion..................................23• Controls• MountingandDismounting• StartingtheMotorcycle• GettingUnderway• Turning• Shifting• Stopping

Unit 5 – Mental Motorcycling..............................34• Visibility• Scanning• TargetFixation• Line-of-Sight• FollowingDistance• LanePlacement• TheSIPDEProcess• IntersectionSituations• Non-IntersectionSituations

Unit 6 – Cornering with Confidence.....................46• SkillfulCornering• What’sYourLine?• PotentialProblems-Fear

Unit 7 – Maximum Braking and Swerving...........52• LinkedBrakingandABS• MaximumStraight-LineStops• HandlingSkids• StoppingQuicklyinCurves• Swerving

Unit 8 – Special Situations..................................56• ObstacleSurmounting• RoadwayConditions• Animals• Wind• Parking• TrafficActuatedSignalLights

Unit 9 – Impairments to Safety...........................63• AlcoholandMotorcycling—ALethalMix• MeasuresofImpairment• AddingDrugsMakesItWorse• ThereIsaCure• HelpYourFriends• OtherImpairments

Unit 10 – Carrying Passengers and Cargo.............70• CarryingPassengers• CarryingLoads• DifferencesinHandling

Unit 11 – Group Riding.......................................73

Unit 12 – Mechanical Problems...........................76

Unit 13 – Touring and Long-Distance Riding.........78

Unit 14 – Riding in the Cold; Riding in the Heat....80• RidingintheCold—TheImportanceofWarmth• RidingintheHeat—TheImportanceofStayingCool

(andHydrated!)

Appendices........................................................83A. CorneringWithConfidence—ExpandedContentB. GlossaryC. CaliforniaRulesandRegulationsD. SmartRiderCommitmentsE. RangeRulesandHandSignals

CONTENTS

6 Unit 1 | WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MOTORCYCLING

INTRODUCTION

Thereisathrillandasenseoffreedomthatcomeswithridingamotorcycle.Itistherhythmoftheride,theroadandsurroundings,yourmotorcycleandyou.Yoursensesdelightwitheverypassingsight,smellandsound.Toachievethislevelofmotorcyclingmagic,yoursensesneedtobesharp.Motorcyclingdemandsattentionandskill.Itchallengesyoutobephysicallyandmentallypreparedtohandleanythingthatcomesyourway.Thiscourseisyourdoorintotheworldofmotorcycling.Getreadyforthefirstfewmilesofyourmotorcyclingcareer.WelcometoTheRide.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Acquiretheknowledgeandskillsforsafeandresponsiblemotorcycleoperation.

•Learnthementalskillsforsafemotorcycling:•Understandtherisksassociatedwithmotorcycling.• Identifyanddevelopstrategiestomanagerisk.• Identifygoodqualityprotectivegearasastrategytolowerrisk.

•Gainthephysicalskillsforsafemotorcycling:•Developthebasicskillsneededtobalance,shift,turnandstopthemotorcycle.• Improveskillsandfinessetohandleemergencysituations.

Toputthisanotherway,thecourseaddressesthetwoprimaryaspectsofmotorcyclesafetyneededtoprepareyouforstreetriding:

1.Preventingthecrash2.Survivingthecrash

Yourinstructorsarehighlytrainedprofessionalswhowillpromoteyourlearningwithclassroominstructionandhands-onpracticeinasecurearea.Intheclassroom,you’lldiscusstherisksofmotorcyclingandidentifywaystomanagethoserisks.Youwilllearnidentifystrategiesforbecomingmorealertandperceptiveaswellasthebenefitsofridinggear.Thecoursealsoexploresthehandlingdynamicsofmotorcyclessothatyou’llhavetheknowledgetocontinuedevelopingyourskills.

Onthepracticerange,yourinstructorswillprovidecoachingtoincreaseyourskillsandconfidence.Thecourseisnotcompetitiveandallowsridersofvariedskilllevelstolearninasafeenvironment.Sorelaxandenjoytheexperience.Thegoalistohelpyoubesuccessfulandsafe.Asklotsofquestions.Theinstructorsareheretohelpyoudiscovertheanswers.Concentrateondevelopingyourskills,yourstrategiesandyourride—thefirststepstosafety!

Successful riding requires practiced skill and good judgment. You’ll develop critical skills and learn about the risks of motorcycling and ways to minimize them. That’s the challenge of The Ride!

7Course Requirements

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Tosuccessfullycompletethiscourse,youmust:

• Attend all sessions. Be on time! Classes start promptly. Late-arriving students risk losing their reserved place in the class and tuition.

• Participate in class discussions. Experience has shown that students who engage in the discussions in class learn and remember the material best.

• Successfully complete a multiple-choice knowledge test on the material covered in class and this workbook.

• Successfully complete a riding skills test. The skills test consists of exercises practiced in the course, including basic handling skills, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Noteyourcourseschedulehere:

Day Time Classroom Range

Materials and Equipment

THE FOLLOWING RIDING GEAR IS REQUIRED:

Three-quarter or full face DOT-compliant helmetSanitized loan helmets are usually available – check with your instructor. You may bring your own helmet but it is subject to inspection and approval by the instructor.

Eye protectionA helmet face shield, goggles or glasses.

Sturdy, over-the-ankle footwearThe ankle must be covered. Low heels are preferred.

Full-finger glovesMotorcycle gloves are preferred. Avoid bulky gloves.

PantsFull-length sturdy material such as denim free from rips/holes.

Long-sleeve shirt or jacket

Rain gear if weather is threateningCourses are not cancelled because of rain.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Come to class rested and ready to ride. Bring snacks and a drink if you want something other than water.

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KEEPING THE LEARNING SAFE AND FUN

Thiscourseisdesignedforbeginningridersandtheexercisesprogressfromeasytomorechallenging.Yourexpectationmaybetolearntoride,toimproveyourknowledgeandskilland/ortocomplywithstatelaworcourtorder.Ifyouhaveotherexpectations,discussthemwithyourinstructor.

UNDERSTANDING EXPECTATIONS

Experiencehasshownthatnoteveryonewhoenrollsinamotorcycleridercourseisreadytorideatthattime.Theproblemcouldbenervousness,lackofconcentrationorcoordination,balancedifficulties,orrepeatedfailuretorespondtocoaching.Youwillbegivenmanyopportunitiestodevelopessentialskillsandstrategiesinawaythatensuresyoursafetyandthesafetyofthosearoundyou.However,ifatanytimeduringthecourseyourinstructordeterminesyoursafetyandsecurity,and/orothers’safetyandsecuritytobeatrisk,theinstructormusttakeimmediateaction.Unsafeconditionsarenotpermittedandtheinstructorwilldismissanystudentwhofailstodemonstratetheabilitytopracticesafely,regardlessofthereason.

Whilethereisnoguaranteethatyou’llsuccessfullycompletethiscourse,moststudentsaresuccessfulandheadfortheopenroad.Butpleaserememberthatsuccessfulcompletionofthecoursedoesnotguaranteeyoursafety.Yourmotorcyclingjourneystartswiththesefirststepstogether,butitisuptoyoutousesoundjudgment,makewisedecisionsandkeepyournewlydevelopedskillssharp.Youaretheonlyoneresponsibleforyoursafety.

Unit 1 | WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MOTORCYCLING

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Motorcycleshavebeenaroundforoveracentury.Thepopularityofmotorcyclingincreasedinthe1960s,withthedramaticriseinimportsofsmalldisplacementmotorcycles.TodaymotorcyclingisenjoyedbymillionsofAmericans.

Whentravellingonpublicroadways,you’llbeexpectedtocomplywithstatelaws,rules,regulationsandequipmentrequirements.Thiswillprovideforasaferrideandhelpyouavoidpenaltiesfornon-compliance.

InformationregardingstatelawsandrulesfortheoperationofamotorcyclecanbefoundintheCaliforniaMotorcycleHandbookpublishedbytheDepartmentofMotorVehicles.Themanualmaybeprovidedtoyouatyourclass,youcanfinditonlineatdmv.ca.gov/oryoucanpickupacopyatyourlocaldriverlicensingoffice.

Smart Rider Commitment #1:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that part of being a responsible rider is knowing and following the ‘rules of the road.’ I accept this fact and commit to learning and complying with state laws, rules, regulations and equipment requirements.”

WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU?

Motorcyclescomeinallshapesandsizesandsomearedesignedforveryspecificuses.It’simportantforyoutoknowwhatyouwantyourmotorcycletodo.Doyouwanttotour,orareyoumoreinterestedincommuting?Doyourinterestslieinsportbikes,orareyoumoreinclinedtoexplorebackcountryforestroads?What’syourbudget?

Motorcycleridingismuchmorephysicallydemandingthandrivingacar.Youmustbeingoodphysicalconditiontohandletherigorsassociatedwithridingamotorcycle.Youwillneedbothupperandlowerbodystrengthtomoveyourmotorcyclearound—forroutineinspections,maintenanceandparking.Ifyouplanoncarryingpassengers,youwillneedthestrengthtoholdthebikeup(withapassenger)whenstoppedintrafficandeverytimeyourpassengermountsanddismounts.Youwillalsoneedtobeabletostandyourbikebackupifitshouldfallover.

Theeffectsofwind,sun,heat,cold,rainandexposureingeneralwillcauseyoutobecometiredmorequickly.Therefore,toridesafely,youneedtobuildupyourphysicalenduranceinadditiontoyourstrength.Allthesethingsshouldbeconsideredwhentryingtodecidewhetherornotyouarephysicallycapableofridingamotorcycle,andifso,whichmotorcycleisrightforyou.

Unit 2 | INTRODUCTION TO MOTORCYCLING

SMART RIDERCOMMITMENT

#1

10 Unit 2 | INTRODUCTION TO MOTORCYCLING

ASSESSING THE RISK OF RIDING

Auniversaltruthofmotorcyclingisthatridingamotorcycleismoredangerousthandrivinganautomobile.Motorcyclistsaremuchmorevulnerablethandriversbecausemotorcycleslacktheprotectivecocoonofsteelrollcages,crumplezones,safetybeltsandairbags.Maneuversthatareroutineinanautocanbehazardousonamotorcycle.Automobilesdon’thavetobebalancedatastoplikemotorcycles;driversdon’tworryaboutminorwheelspinsorskids;and,inacar,therainandwindstayoutside.Allofthesecanbesafetyhazardsformotorcyclists.

VULNERABILITY

Whenmotorcyclescollidewithothervehicles,theridersmaynotbeatfault,buttheyarealmostalwaysinjured,sometimesseriously.About80%ofmotorcyclecrashesresultininjury.Comparethattoabouta20%injuryrateforcarcrashesandyouseejusthowvulnerablemotorcyclistsare(www.sutliffstout.com/blog/free-infographic-how-dangerous-are-motorcycles-really/).

Thereisnobenefitinbeinglegallyrightbutcriticallyormortallyinjured.Asamotorcyclist,youarevulnerable.Thisiswhymotorcyclistsmustalwaysbemoreattentivethanothermotorists—moreawareoftheirsurroundingsandalwayspreparedtoreact.Vulnerabilityisalsothenumberonereasonforalwayswearingprotectivegear;youneverknowwhenyoumightneedit!

Motorcyclescomeinavarietyofshapesandsizesandsomewillfityoubetterthanothers.Chooseamotorcyclethatfitsyourphysicalcapabilitiesaswellasyourphysicaldimensions.Aproperfitinboththeseareaswillallowyoutosafelyreachandoperateallthecontrolsandalsoreachtheground,soyoucanholdthebikeupcomfortablyatastop.

Ifyou’reuncomfortablewiththemotorcyclebecauseyou’reafraidofdroppingitoryoudon’tthinkyoucanliftit,thenit’stoobig.Yourmotorcycledealercanhelpyouselectthemotorcycleandaccessoriesthatsuityoubest.

SETTING UP YOUR MOTORCYCLE

Whenyoufirstgetyournewmotorcycle,taketimetosetituptofityou.Manyofthecontrolsareadjustable,includingthehandlebars,brakes,shifterandclutch.Somemotorcyclesevenhaveadjustableseatheight.Adjustthecontrolssothattheyareanaturalextensionofyourhandsandfeet.Youshouldnothavetostraintoreachormaintaincomfortablecontactwithanyofthecontrols.

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Strive to achieve a constant state of Rider Readiness by understanding the challenges of motorcycling and riding within your ability.

Be completely prepared for riding. This includes being mentally prepared and attentive, physically rested and unimpaired, having your motorcycle in good condition, wearing appropriate riding gear and being aware of and prepared for upcoming weather, roadway and traffic conditions.

VISIBILITY—THE SIGHT TO SUCCESS

Visibilityisacriticalissueformotorcycles.Becausemotorcyclesaresomuchsmallerthanautostheyaremoredifficulttoseeintraffic.Motoristsoftenfailtonoticemotorcycles,andevenwhentheydo,theyoftenmisjudgetheapproachspeedanddistance.Allthesefactorsraisetheriskofmotorcycling.“Invisible”motorcyclistsarevulnerabletovehiclesviolatingtheirrightofwayandtheoddsofacollisionincreasewitheachpassingmile.It’suptoyoutotakeresponsibilityfortheselimitations.Makeyourselfvisible.Don’tletyourselfbehiddenintraffic!

JUDGMENT IS CRITICAL

Single-vehiclecrashesinvolvingmotorcyclesareover-representedincrashdata.Thecauseisalmostalwaysridererror,andtypicallytheseerrorsareinjudgmentfirst,thenskill.Goodskillalonewillnotkeepyoufromcrashing,butgoodjudgmentcan.It’suptoyoutomakegooddecisions.It’suptoyoutomanagerisk.Thisisyourride.Managetherisksbythinkingahead—wayahead.

RISK ACCEPTANCE

Recognizingandacceptingtheriskofmotorcyclingisthefirststepindevelopingstrategiestomanageit.Nosanemotorcyclistintendstocrash.Someresearchersestimatethatthedanger(riskofinjury)ofridingamotorcycleis20–50timesthedangerofdrivingapassengervehicle(www.nmcti.org).That’swhyyoumustbereadyatalltimes.

MENTAL READINESS

Yourmentalreadinessisveryimportant.Motorcyclingrequiresfocusedattentiontothemanyridingtasksandchallengesyou’llface.Yourmindmustbeattentivetothesetasksandnotconsumedwithotherissues.Itisespeciallyimportanttoavoidanythingthatdullsyourjudgmentandcoordination,includingalcoholandotherdrugs.

Rider Readiness:

Risk Acceptance

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PHYSICAL READINESS

Riderested.Avoidridingwhenexcessivelyfatigued,stressedorpreoccupied.Theseconditionscanimpairyourjudgmentandfocus—aninvitationtodisaster!

PROPER RIDING GEAR

Properridinggearisessentialforminimizinginjuriesshouldacrashoccur.Itprovidescomfortbysealingouttheelementsandhelpingyoustayfocusedontheride.

UNDERSTAND YOUR ABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS

Itisimportanttoknowyourabilitiesandnotexceedthoseabilities.Ridersgetintotroublewhentheythinktheycandosomethingthattheyreallycan’t.Improveyourskillsinsmallsteps.Bepatientandkeeppracticing.Noonebecomesanexpertriderovernight.

KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE

Notallmotorcyclesarecreatedequal.Off-roadanddual-purposebikesexcelwheretouringbikesflounder,butatouringbikeinitselementisadifferentstory.Sportbikestilttowardperformanceandcruisersaremorelaidback.Itisuptoyoutounderstandthedesignlimitationsofyourmotorcycleandkeepsafelywithinthatdesignedoperatingrange.

AWARENESS OF RIDING CONDITIONS

Awarenessofupcomingroadway,weatherandtrafficconditionsimprovesRiderReadinessandminimizessurprise.

ACCEPT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Onceyouareprepared,knowyourabilitiesandunderstandyourmachine’scapabilities,itisuptoyoutotakeresponsibilityforridingwithinthoselimitseverytime.Beingaresponsiblemotorcyclistreducestherisksassociatedwithridingandsetsanexampleforothersaroundyou.Demonstratingyouracceptanceofandcommitmenttomanagingtherisksofridingwillhelpreduceyourchancesofacrash,injury,ordeath.It’syourride!

Smart Rider Commitment #2:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that riding a motorcycle in a complex traffic and roadway environment is an activity involving risk and danger. I accept this fact and commit to managing those risks.”

Unit 2 | INTRODUCTION TO MOTORCYCLING


#2

Personal ability

Motorcycle’s capabilities

Environmental conditions

13Review Questions

1. Give three reasons why motorcycling is more risky than driving a car.

2. What is Rider Readiness? 3. What does it mean to “accept your responsibility”?

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CHOOSING YOUR RIDING GEAR

Ridinggearisamotorcyclist’sbestfriend.AsmentionedinUnit1,therearetwoaspectstomotorcyclesafety:preventingthecrashandsurvivingthecrash.Ifandwhenacrashdoesoccur,whattherideriswearingcanmakeadramaticdifferenceinthedegreeofinjury.Inaddition,byprotectingyoufromtheelements,goodridinggearkeepsyoumorecomfortable,morerelaxed,morefocusedonthetaskofriding.Appropriategearmakesallthedifferenceinyourcomfort,concentrationandsafety.

• Motorcycle riding gear should be brightly colored and have retro-reflective material to catch the attention of surrounding traffic.

• Riding gear should have protective pads or armor and resist abrasion to reduce the chance of injury in the event of a fall or collision.

• For comfort and to arrive in style your gear must be designed to stand up to all kinds of riding conditions, from rain and wind to flying debris.

Yourgearisdesignedtoprotectyou,providecomfortandcover,andimproveyourcontrol.Rememberthatyourpassengerneedsthesamelevelofprotectionandcomfort!

HELMETS

Protectyourhead!Themostimportantpieceofsafetyequipmentyoucanwearisagoodqualityhelmetthat,ataminimum,bearsDOTapproval.Thereisnosubstitute.Lookforlabelingontheoutsideofthehelmetandalsosewntotheinsideofthehelmet.WhileDOTdoesnotmakehelmets,theysetperformancestandardsthatthemanufacturersmustfollowbyfederallaw.AnothergoodindicatorisaSnellMemorialFoundationsticker,whichindicatesthehelmethaspassedSnell’ssafetytests.

Eventhoughhelmetsareagreatwaytoenhanceridersafety,somemythsabouthelmetspersist.Youshouldknowthathelmetsdon’tblockvision,impairhearingorcauseheadorneckinjuries.NHTSAstudiesfromstatesrepealingorreinstatinghelmetlawsdemonstratethathelmetsprotectagainstheadandbraininjuries.Wearahigh-qualitymotorcyclehelmeteverytimeyouride.

CHOOSING A HELMET

Fit,price,colorandstyleareallimportantconsiderationswhenchoosingahelmet,butprotectionshouldbeyourfirstconsideration.

Unit 3 | PREPARING TO RIDE

Head protection is vital! Head injuries account for the majority of motorcycle fatalities.

Choose a helmet that at a minimum meets DOT standards and fits you comfortably. Wear and securely fasten the helmet every time you ride. You never know when you might need it.

California’sHelmetLaw:CVC27802.(a)Thedepartmentmayadoptreasonableregulationsestablishingspecificationsandstandardsforsafetyhelmetsofferedforsale,orsold,forusebydriversandpassengersofmotorcyclesandmotorizedbicyclesasitdeterminesarenecessaryforthesafetyofthosedriversandpassengers.

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PROTECTION

ResearchbyDietmarOtte1indicatesthatincrashesinvolvinganimpacttothehead,alargepercentageofthoseimpactsoccurinthejawandfacearea(seegraphic).Whenchoosingahelmettype,giveseriousconsiderationtowhatareasofyourheadandfaceareprotected.

FULL-FACE HELMETS

Whenchoosingahelmet,knowthatfull-facemodelsprovidethemostprotectionthroughtheircoverageofthefaceandjaw,andthegreatestcomfortfromtheelements.

MODULAR OR “FLIP-UP” HELMETS

Modularhelmets(oftencalled“flip-up”or“flip-face”helmets)areincreasinglypopular.Theyaredesignedtoallowtheridertoflipthechin-barupfortalking,eating,drinking,etc.whenstopped.NOTE:Themajorityofthesetypesofhelmetsarenotdesignedtobeusedinmotionwiththechin-barintheupposition.Ifyouchoosethistypeofhelmet,readyourowner’smanualcarefullyandremembertoridewithitinthedownandlatchedposition.

THREE-QUARTER HELMETSThisstyleofopen-facehelmetisthechoiceofsomeriderswhopreferthewindintheirfaces.Ofcoursethatwindcancarryrain,bugs,sandandroaddebristhatcanbepainfulanddistracting.Andthere’snoprotectionfromthecontinuedexposureofsunandwindonyourface.Athree-quarterhelmetaffordsridersgoodheadprotectionbutlacksthefaceprotectionofafull-facehelmet.

HALF HELMETS

Half-shellhelmetsprovidetheleastprotection.Ifthisisyourstyle,makesureyougetonethat’sdesignedformotorcyclingsothatyouhavethemostprotectionaffordedbythisminimalhelmet.LookfortheDOTlabelingandtheimpact-absorbingliner.Forahelmettoprotectyourhead,ithastostayonyourhead.Ifyouareconsideringahalf-shellhelmet,youshouldknowthatresearchhasshownthatpartialcoveragehelmetsareejected(comeoff)moreoftenthanfull-facehelmets.2

Some“beanie”stylehelmetsmaylooklikehalf-shellhelmets,buttheylacktheimpact-absorbinglinerandarenotdesignedformotorcycleuse.Theyprovidenoprotectionintheeventofacrash.

1DietmarOtte,MedizinischeHochschuleHannover,AbteilungVerkehrsunfallforschung,Germany2Hurt,Thom&Ouellet,1998

Helmets

Distribution of Impact Locations on Motorcycle Helmets; All Collisions based on a study by Dietmar Otte1.

Full-face helmet

Three-quarter helmet

Half helmet

16 Unit 3 | PREPARING TO RIDE

HELMET FIT

Ahelmetshouldfitsnuglybutcomfortably.Ahelmetthatistooloosecanliftinthewindorcomeoffyourheadinafall.Onethatistootightcancreatesoresorcauseheadaches.Whenchoosingahelmet,tryonseveralbrandsandsizestogetanideaoffitandcomfort.

Checkfortherightfitbydoingthe“roll-offtest.”Theroll-offtestappliestoallhelmets,butismorecriticalforthree-quarterandhalf-shellhelmets.Here’showtodothetest:

• Putthehelmetonandadjustthechinstrap.• Reachbothhandsbehindyourheadandtrytorotatethehelmetforwardanddownoveryourface.

• Ifthehelmetcomesofforevencomesclosetocomingoff,itdoesnotpasstheroll-offtest.Getadifferenthelmetsizeormodelthatdoespasstheroll-offtest.

HOW HELMETS WORK

Motorcyclehelmetsaredesignedtoprotectyourheadincaseofacollisionorfallandtoprovidecomfortfromtheelements.Afull-facehelmetwithashieldalsoincorporatesexcellentfaceandeyeprotection.

OUTER SHELL

Helmetshellsaretypicallymadefromfiberglass,polycarbonateorcompositematerials.Theyprotectwearersbydispersingenergyawayfromthehead.Theyalsoresistpenetrationbyanyobjectthatmightcomeincontactwiththehelmet.However,notallhelmetdamageisalwaysvisibletotheeye.Itisimportanttoreplaceanyhelmetthathastakenanimpact.

IMPACT-ABSORBING LINER

Theimpact-absorbinglinerisusuallymadeofexpandedpolystyrene.Thisisadenselayerthatcushionsandabsorbsshockbyspreadingtheimpactforcesthroughoutthehelmet.Thinkaboutit:themoreimpactenergythatisabsorbedbythehelmet,thelessthat’slefttoreachyourheadandbrain.

COMFORT PADDING

Thepaddingwithinthehelmethelpstoincreasehelmetcomfortandmaintainfit.Somehelmetpaddingmayevenberemovableforcleaningpurposes.

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17Helmets

RETENTION SYSTEM

TheretentionsystemisthechinstrapwithD-ringsorclipsthatsecuresthehelmetinplace.Thisisveryimportant!Ifproperlyused,thechinstrapkeepsthehelmetonyourheadintheeventofacollision.Helmetsthatcomeoffyourheadinacollisionorfallcan’tprotectyouatthetimewhentheyaremostneeded.

HELMET CARE

Helmetsaredesignedtoabsorbenergythatwouldotherwisebetransmitteddirectlytoyourhead.Treatyourhelmetwithcare.Don’tjamitonamirrororcarryaspareonabackrest,asthatcompressestheinnerliner,reducingitsprotectiveability.Likewise,usecautionwhenrestingthehelmetontheseatofyourmotorcycle.Asmallgustofwindcanknockittothegroundanddamageit.Followthemanufacturer’sdirectionsforcaringforandstoringyourhelmet.

Helmetswillshowsignsofwearovertime.Helmetswithobvioussignsofwearmayhavedefectsthatcancompromisethehelmet’sintegrityandjeopardizeyoursafety.Inspectyourhelmetperiodically.Lookforcracksordingsintheoutershell.Checkforlooseorwornoutcomfortpadding.Checkthechinstrap,lookingforanysignoffrayedmaterial.Ifyourhelmethasavisororafaceshield,checkforlooseorbrokenhinges.Inspectthefaceshielditselfforscratchesandanycracksorchipsandreplaceitwhennecessary.

WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH TELL US?

Outofevery100motorcyclefatalitiesinwhichriderswerenotwearinghelmets,37wouldhavesurvivedthosecrashesifall100hadbeenwearinghelmets.3

EARPLUGS

Protectyourhearing!Theroarofenginesandtherushingwindisexhilarating,butsustainedexposure,eveninagood-fittinghelmet,canresultinhearingloss.Earplugsarecheapanddisposable—keepasupplyhandyandusethem!

3DeutermannW.(2004)Motorcyclehelmeteffectivenessrevised.Washington,DC:USNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministration

Tests show that earplugs can prevent hearing loss by reducing sound levels by 30 decibels.

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EYE PROTECTION (FACE SHIELDS OR GOGGLES)

Protectyoureyes!Onceuponatimeyoucouldidentifyhappymotorcyclistsbythebugsintheirteeth.Whileamouthfullofdeadinsectsmayappealtosome,noonewantstolosetheirvisionduetoaflyintheeyeat50mph—nottomentionroaddust,pebbles,windandrain.Protectyourvision!Windshieldsandeyeglassesdonotprovideadequateeyeprotection.Helmetswithfull-facecoverageprovidethebestprotection,butsnap-onfaceshieldsandgogglesalsoprovidegoodprotection.Beawarethatgogglesandsomesafetyeyewearcanrestrictperipheralvision.

FACE SHIELDS

Helmetfaceshieldsareavailableinanincreasingrangeofstylesandtints.Forfull-facehelmets,faceshieldsflipupforaddedconvenience.Ridersshouldmakesurethattheirfaceshieldsaredesignedspecificallyforthehelmettheyareusing,areimpactresistantandarefastenedsecurelytotheirhelmets.Faceshieldsshouldaccommodateeyeglassesorsunglasseswornwhileridingandshouldbeopticallyclearandfreefromscratchesthatmightimpairvision.Useaclear(untinted)shieldatnightorinlow-lightconditions.

CARE

Cleanyourshieldorgoggleswithamildsolutionofsoapandwateranduseasoftclothforwashinganddrying.Don’tusepaperproductsbecausetheycanscratchtheplastic.Whenyourshieldbecomesscratched,replaceit.

Whetheryouchooseahelmetwithafaceshieldorgogglestoprotectyoureyes,itwillshowsignsofwearovertime.Youneedtowatchforpotentialdefectsthatmaycompromisetheeffectivenessofyoureyeandfaceprotection.Asitwears,itwillfitlesssnuglyandcanbecomeloose.Lookforanycracks,frayedstrapsandlooseorbrokenfaceshieldhinges.

GLOVES

Protectyourhands!Glovesprovidecomfortfromtheelements,improveyourgriponthecontrolsandreducehandfatigue.Theyalsoprotectyourhandsfromabrasionandinjuryinacrash.Glovesspecificallydesignedformotorcyclingarebest.Theyarecurledtoprovideanaturalgripandhaveseamsontheoutsidetopreventirritation.Gauntletglovesfitoverthecuffofyourjacketandkeepcoldairfromrushingupyoursleeves.Therearealsolighterglovesdesignedspecificallyforwarmerweather,aswellasheavier,insulatedglovesthatareidealforwinterriding.Adjustableretentionstrapshelpkeepglovessnug.


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Incrashes,riderswearinggloveswithbodyarmorwere45%lesslikelytohaveanyinjuriesontheirhandsand73%lesslikelytohaveanyopenwoundinjuries.4

BOOTS

Protectyouranklesandfeet!Sturdyover-the-anklebootsarerecommendedformotorcycling.Theyprotectyoufromtheelementsandfromhotorsharpmotorcycleparts.Bootswithrubbersolesandlowheelsarebest.Theyprovideasecuregriponthepavementwhenstoppedandprovideagoodgriponthefootrests.Intheeventofacollision,sturdybootsprotectyoufromfootandankleinjuries.Ifyourbootshavelaces,besuretotucktheminsotheydon’tgetcaughtinmovingpartsofthemotorcycle.


Incrashes,riderswearingmotorcyclebootswere45%lesslikelytohaveanyinjuriestotheirfeetorankles,andriderswearinganysortofover-the-anklebootwere53%lesslikelytohaveanyinjuriestotheirfeetoranklescomparedtopeoplewearingotherkindsofshoes.5

JACKETS, PANTS, RIDING SUITS

Protectyourbody!Motorcyclejackets,pantsandridingsuitsprovidecomfortinjustaboutallconditionsaswellasprotectionincaseofacollision.Thisgearisspecificallydesignedforriding.Ridingjackets,pantsandsuitsaremadetoallowacomfortableridingposition.Sleevesandlegsarecutlonger.Extramaterialandarmorareofteninstalledattheknees,back,shouldersandelbowstoprovidelastingcomfortandprotection.Zippersandflapsthatsealoutthewindcanbeopenedforventilation.

4DeRomeL.,etal(2011).Effectivenessofmotorcycleprotectiveclothing:Riders’healthoutcomesinthesixmonthsfollowingacrash.Injury,doi:10.1016/j.injury.2011.10.0255Ibid.

Gear

20

Normal reflective vs. retro-reflective

Goodqualitygearhelpsinsulateyoufrominclementconditions,allowingyoutoconcentrateonridingratherthanbattlingtheelements.Evenacollarthatflapsagainstyourhelmetoryourskincanbeirritatinganddistracting.Avoidthesedistractionsbychoosingqualityridinggear.

Leatherhasalwaysbeenapopularchoice,becauseitsdurabilityprovidesprotectionagainstinjuryandwindfatigue.Anotheroptionisdurable,abrasion-resistantouterweardesignedspecificallyformotorcycling(usingmaterialsuchascorduranylon,Kevlar,etc.).

One-ortwo-pieceridingsuitsmadeofwater-resistantmaterialsaregoodchoicesforyear-roundriders.Forwarmerclimates,considerhot-weatherridinggearmadewithmeshandventilationpanelswitharmor.Notethatdenim(jeans)isnotconsidered“abrasion-resistant”andwillofferverylittleprotectionagainstinjury.


Incrashes,riderswhowerewearingmotorcyclejacketswithbodyarmor(comparedtoriderswhowerenot)were23%lesslikelytohaveanyinjuriestothatpartofthebodyand63%lesslikelytohaveopenwounds(includingcuts,lacerationsorabrasions).Riderswhowerewearingpantswithprotectivearmoronthekneeswere39%lesslikelytohaveanyinjuriesand91%lesslikelytohaveanyopenwoundstotheirlegs.6

COMFORT AND VISIBILITY

Choosegearfordurability,comfort,protectionandvisibility.Blackishardtoseeindaytimeandinvisibleatnight.Selectgearwithretro-reflectivestripingorpatches.Retro-reflectivematerialreflectslightbacktothesourceandilluminatestherider.

Theremaybetimeswhenvisibilitybecomeslimitedduetonighttime,fog,heavyrainfallorwindinadustyarea.Rememberthatifyou’rehavingtroubleseeing,soarethedriversthatsharetheroadwithyou.Wearbrightandreflectivegeartomakeyourselfmorevisible.Retro-reflectivetape,pipingoraretro-reflectivevestprovideadditionalvisualcuestoothersandarefarmoreeffectivethanjustbrightclothingalone.Brightcolorsandretro-reflectivematerialsarethebestchoicesforkeepingyouvisibletosurroundingtrafficbothdayandnight.

6Ibid.

Select your riding gear with three things in mind: comfort, protection and visibility—safety in style and motion!


RETRO-REFLECTIVE MATERIAL

NORMAL REFLECTIVE MATERIAL

21

Protectyourselfinallkindsofweather.Constantexposuretotheelementsisbothphysicallyandmentallyhazardous.Dehydration,overheatingandhypothermiacancompromiseyourjudgmentandcausedecreasedvision,light-headednessandimpairedcoordination.Bepreparedbychoosingproperridinggear.Inhotweather,weargearwithadequateventilation.Properlyventilatedridinggearpromotescooling,whichresultsinlessdehydrationandoverheating.Also,ridinginhotweathercancauseyoutoloseasurprisingamountoffluidthroughperspiration—drinkplentyofwatertokeepyourselfhydrated.Whenridingincoolerweather,windchillcancoolthebodyquicklyandcancausehypothermia,adangerousloweringofbodytemperature.

Dressinlayerstostaycomfortableasconditionschange.Remember,properprotectivegearisessentialforsafety.Don’tallowyoursensestobecomesodulledthatyoufailtoregisterchangingtrafficconditions.MoreinformationonhotandcoldweatherridingcanbefoundinUnit14.

RAIN GEAR

Ridingintherainisnotaproblemifyouarepreparedforit.Awarmanddryriderismuchmoreattentiveandcomfortablethanacold,wetone.Choosearainsuitspecificallydesignedformotorcycling.Itwillkeepthewaterout,providecomfortandvisibility,andstanduptothewind.Don’tforgetwaterproofglovesandbootcovers.Beprepared—alwayscarryraingear!

Smart Rider Commitment #3: _____ (initial) “I acknowledge that when riding a motorcycle, the

only thing between me and the elements (hot, cold, rain, hail, bugs, the asphalt, other vehicles, etc.) is the gear I am wearing. I accept this fact and commit to getting and wearing riding gear that is right for me and my family.”

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

“Anounceofpreventionisworthapoundofcure.”Thisisespeciallytruewithmotorcycles.Itisalwaysbettertodealwithamechanicalproblembeforetheridethansufferabreakdownduringtheride.

Comfort and Visibility


#3

22

Foryouraddedsafety,takeafewmomentsbeforeeveryridetoinspectyourmotorcycle.

• Fluids — Check your fuel and oil levels. Always be on the lookout for weeps and leaks that indicate fluid loss.

• Tires — Check for wear and damage. Make sure tires are inflated to the proper pressure.

• Controls — Controls should operate smoothly and be properly adjusted.

• Electrics — Check your headlight, high beam, brake light, signals and horn.

• Final Drive — Chain drives should be properly adjusted and lubricated. Belt drives should be inspected for wear or damage. Shaft drives should be checked for leaks.

Yourmotorcycleowner’smanual(MOM)isthebestsourceofinformationforoperatingandmaintainingyourmotorcycle.Ifyoudon’thaveoneforyourmotorcycle,youcanpurchaseareplacementfromyourdealer.Somemanufacturersofferowner’smanualsasafreedownloadontheirwebsites.

FollowtherecommendedmaintenancescheduleprescribedintheMOM.Regularmaintenanceisthebestwaytoavoidexpensiveemergencyrepairs.Planahead—don’triskmechanicalfailures.AlwaysfollowtherecommendationsintheMOM.

Smart Rider Commitment #4:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that a motorcycle requires more frequent inspection and maintenance than a car. I accept this fact and commit to learning how and when to perform a pre-ride check on my motorcycle.”

1. What is the benefit of wearing apparel specifically designed for motorcycling?

2. How does riding gear make a rider more comfortable?

3. What is the difference between retro-reflective and reflective?

4. Why aren’t ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection?

5. What three things should you consider when shopping for riding gear?

6. Where do you find the recommended maintenance schedule for your motorcycle?


#4


23

Gettoknowthelocationandoperationofyourmotorcycle’scontrols.Usingthesecontrolsshouldbecomesecondnature,acomfortableextensionofyourhandsandfeet.

PRIMARY CONTROLS

Fiveprimarycontrolsmakethemotorcyclegoandstop.Youwillfindthatittakesbothhandsandbothfeettooperatethesefivecontrols.

THROTTLE

Thethrottleistherighthandgripandisoperatedbyrollingthehandgriptowardyoutoincreasespeedandawayfromyoutodecreasespeed.Whenreleased,thethrottlesnapsbacktoan“idle”position.Tousethethrottlesafelyandcomfortably,keepfourfingersaroundthethrottle/handgripandthewristinalowposition.

CLUTCH LEVER

Theclutchleverislocatedinfrontofthelefthandgrip.Operatetheclutchleverbysqueezingittowardthelefthandgrip,disconnectingpowerfromtherearwheel.Tore-engagepower,slowlyreleasetheclutchleverwhilegentlyapplyingthrottle.

GEARSHIFT LEVER

Thegearshiftlever,locatedontheleftsideofthemotorcycleinfrontofthefootrest,isoperatedbytheleftfoot.Toshifttoahighergear(upshift),squeezetheclutchandthenliftthegearshiftlever.Toshifttoalowergear(downshift),squeezetheclutchandthenpressthegearshiftlever.Rememberthatmotorcycletransmissionsshiftonlyonegearpereachliftorpress—theshiftlevermustbereleasedbeforeyoucanshiftagain.

Theshiftpatternis1-N-2-3-4-5-(6).Neutral(N)istypicallyahalf-shiftupfromfirstorahalf-shiftdownfromsecond;afullupshiftordownshiftwillbypassneutral.Thegreeninstrumentlightindicatesneutral.

FRONT BRAKE LEVER

Thefrontbrakeleverislocatedinfrontoftherighthandgripandcontrolsbrakingonthefrontwheel.Tooperate,useallfourfingersandsqueezesmoothly.

REAR BRAKE PEDAL

Therearbrakepedalcontrolsbrakingontherearwheelandislocatedinfrontoftherightfootrest.Pressdownwithyourrightfoottooperate.

Unit 4 | WHEELS IN MOTION

Gearshift lever operation

24

OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

Thelocationandoperationofsomeofthesecontrolsvaryfrommodeltomodel.Consultyourmotorcycleowner’smanual.

ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCH

Locatedontherighthandgripandoperatedbytherightthumb.Itallowsyoutoshutofftheenginewithoutremovingyourhandsfromthecontrols.

FUEL SUPPLY VALVE

Mostnewermotorcyclesdonothaveafuelsupplyvalve.Ifyourbikedoeshaveone,itismostlikelylocatedunderthetankontheleftsideofthemotorcycle.Thefuelsupplyvalvecontrolsfuelsupplytotheengine.TurnfromOFFtoONtorun.ItalsomayincludeRESERVEandPRIMEpositions.

IGNITION

Usuallylocatedneartheinstrumentclusterandactivatedwithakey.PostionsincludeON,OFF,LOCKandPARK.TheLOCKpositionallowsthekeytoberemovedandengagesasteering-lockmechanism.PARKactivatesthetaillightforincreasedvisibilityifyouparkalongsidearoadwayatnight.

CHOKE

Mostnewermotorcyclesdonothaveachoke.Ifyourbikedoeshaveone,yourchokemaybelocatednearthelefthandgripandoperatedwiththeleftthumb,oritmightbenearthefuel-supplyvalve(locationsvary).Thechokeprovidesanenrichedfuelmixturetoassistincoldenginestarts.Turnthechokeoffwhenengineiswarmedandbeforeriding.

TURN SIGNAL SWITCH

Usuallylocatedonthelefthandgripandoperatedbytheleftthumb.Mostmodelsdonotself-cancel.Checkyourowner’smanual.

HIGH/LOW BEAM

Locatedonthelefthandgrip.Onmostmotorcycles,theheadlightactivateswhentheignitionison.

HORN

Locatedonthelefthandgrip.Presswithyourthumb.

STARTER

Locatedontherighthandgrip.Presswithyourthumb.


25

SPEEDOMETER

Locatedintheinstrumentcluster.Indicatesmotorcycleroadspeed.Anodometershowsmilesridden,andare-settabletripmetercanbeusedtoshowtripmilesormilessincethelastgasstop.

TACHOMETER

Locatedintheinstrumentcluster.Indicatesmotorcycleenginespeedinrevolutionsperminute(RPM).NeverexceedredlineRPM.

INDICATOR LIGHTS

Locatedintheinstrumentcluster.Includeslightsforneutral,turnsignals,oilpressure,highbeam,side-standdownandpossiblyotheractionsorwarnings.

MIRRORS

Everymotorcycleshouldhavealeftandrightmirror.Mostmirrorsareconvex.Convexmirrorsprovideawiderviewthanflatmirrorsbutmakevehiclesseemfurtherawaythantheyreallyare.Getfamiliarwithyourmotorcycle’smirrors.Adjustthemsothatyourshoulderandupperarmarejustvisible.Thisgivesyouthemaximumviewtotherearandtheside.

SIDE AND CENTER STANDS

Supportthemotorcyclewhenparked.Notallmodelshavecenterstands.Moststandshavereturnspringsthatsnapthemupandholdtheminplace.Alwaysraisethestandbeforeriding.

1. What are the five primary controls and where is each located?

2. What is the purpose of the engine cut-off switch and where is it located?

3. What must you remember when using your motorcycle turn signal?

Other Controls and Equipment

26

IDENTIFYING THE MOTORCYCLE’S CONTROLS

Usetheillustrationbelowtoidentifythemotorcycle’scontrols.

Horn


27

MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING

Let’sgetreadytoride!Afteraquickcheckoftraffic,standontheleftsideofthemotorcycle.(Youmightnoticelawenforcementpreferstomountfromtherightsideto“avoidtrafficorkickstandfailure”soitispossibleforexperiencedriderstogetonfromeitherside).Graspthehandgrips,squeezethefrontbraketokeepthemotorcyclefromrolling,keepyourheadandeyesupandswingyourlegovertheseat.Sitandstraightenthebike;raisethesidestandwithyourfoot.Nowisagoodtimetoadjustthemirrorssothatyoucanjustseetheedgeofyourshouldersinthemirrors.

Todismount,putthesidestanddown.Leanthemotorcycleontothesidestand,squeezethefrontbrakeandswingyourlegover.Turnthehandlebarsfullytowardthesidestandforstability.

STARTING THE MOTORCYCLE

Tostartthemotorcycle,usetheONE-Cpre-startroutine:

TurnthefuelvalvefromOFFtoON.TurntheignitionswitchON.

ShiftthetransmissiontoNEUTRAL.Don’trelyontheindicatorlight.Rockthemotorcyclebackandforthwiththeclutchoutbeforestartingtheengine.Ifitrollsfreelyandtheneutrallightison,it’sinneutral.

Movetheenginecut-offswitchtoRUNorON. Manymotorcyclesrequiresqueezingtheclutchbeforethestarterwilloperate.Evenifthisisnotrequired,itisagoodprecautionagainstaccidentallystartingthebikeingear.Usethechokeasneeded.TurnthechokeONforcoldstarts.

START IT UP!

Pressthestarterbutton.Avoidusingthethrottle;themotorcycleshouldstartwithoutit.Manymotorcycleshaveasafetymechanismthatcutspowertothemotorifthebikeisplacedingearwiththesidestanddown;ifyouhaven’tbroughtthesidestandup,doitnow.Ifthemotordoesn’tstartinthefirst5to8seconds,stopandrepeatONE-C.Afterstartingtheengine,remembertoturnoffthechokeaftertheengineiswarmedup.

TO STOP THE ENGINE

Turntheenginecut-offswitchtoOFF.Dothiseverytimesothatyouwillautomaticallyreachfortheswitchquicklyinanemergency.TurntheignitionOFF.TurnthefuelvalveOFFifyourmotorcyclehasone.

Mounting and Dismounting

ONE-COn

Neutral

Engine Cut-off Switch

Clutch/Choke

28

GETTING UNDERWAY

Withthemotorcyclestartedandyourheadandeyesuplookingwhereyouwanttogo,youarenowreadytostartmoving.Followtheseprocedurestosmoothlygetunderway.

USE THE FRICTION ZONE

Squeezetheclutchandshiftintofirstgear.Becauseamotorcyclehasamanualtransmission,ittakesalittle“clutchslip”togetunderway.Usethefrictionzone—theareaofclutchtravelwheretheengine’spowerbeginstotransmittotherearwheel.Thispartialengagementallowsyoutosmoothlyandpreciselycontrolenginepowertotherearwheel.Don’tbeinahurry.Takeyourtimeeasingouttheclutch.Letthemotorcyclegetunderwaybeforefullyreleasingtheclutch.

ASSUME GOOD RIDING POSTURE

Goodridingpostureenhancesyourcomfortandcontrol,andmakesyoulookgood,too!Straightenyourback,keepyourheadandeyesupandlookwhereyouwanttogo.Placeyourfeetonthefootrestsnearthecontrols,kneesagainstthetank.Relaxyourarmsandbendyourelbowsslightly.Handsshouldcomfortablyreachthecontrolswithoutstraining.

Duringthiscourseyouwillbecoachedtocovertheclutchwithallfourfingersandkeepyourrightwristlowonthethrottle.Keepallfingerscurledaroundthethrottle—donotcoverthefrontbrakewhenyouarelearningtoride.Learntorolloffthethrottleasyoureachforthefrontbrakeleverwithallfourfingers(someexperiencedriderswillonlyusetwoorthreefingers).Reachandsqueeze,andthenreturnyourhandtothethrottle.


Proper riding posture

29

Rider countersteers. Front wheel momentarily out-tracks away from turn, causing motorcycle to begin leaning in turn direction.

Motorcycle stabilizes in turn, front wheel re-centers.

Push to Lean

TURNING

Oneofthekeystosmoothandsuccessfulcorneringliesinproperheadturnsandkeepingyoureyesup.Youtendtogowhereyoulook.Asyou’lldiscoverontherange,ifyoulookthroughtheturnyou’llridethroughtheturn.Ifyoulookoutoftheturn,you’llrideoutoftheturn.Remindyourselftolookahead.Turnyourheadtofaceallthewaythroughcorners.Thisgivesyoutheessentialinformationtonegotiateturnssafelyandskillfully.Usethefourstepprocessbelowtoturnanymotorcycleonanycorner.

SPEED

Adjustspeedineitherdirectionbeforetheturn.Closethethrottleand/orapplythebrakesasnecessary.Downshiftingcanalsohelpreducespeed.Slowenoughbeforebeginningtheturntoallowsmoothandconstantthrottleapplicationthroughtheturn.

POSITION

Selectanoutsidelanepositionpriortotheturn.For15+mphturns,moveyourupperbodytotheinsideofthebike.Forslowspeedturns,moveyourupperbodytotheoutside.Alsooptimizeyourpositionwithintraffic.

AIM

Priortostartingtheturn,yourheadandeyesshouldvisuallyaimthroughthecurve.Planyourpathoftravelthroughthecurveby“connectingthedots”ofyourturning,apex(thepointwhereyouareclosesttotheinsideoftheturn)andexitpoints.

TURN

Leanthemotorcycleintotheturnbyapplyinggentle,forwardpressuretothehandgripinthedirectionoftheturn.Toturnright,pushontherighthandgrip.Toturnleft,pushonthelefthandgrip.Whilethismaysoundbackward,thetechnique—knownascountersteering—reallyworks.Amotorcyclemustleaninordertoturn.Thepressureonthehandgrip(countersteering)causesittoleaninthedirectionoftheturn.

Turning

Speed

Position

Aim

Turn

AccelerateDecelerate

Maintenance

BodyLane

Traffic

LookPlan

Connect the dots

SteeringLeaning

30

Proper Turning Posture

POSTURE IN TURNS

Inmostturnsyouandyourmotorcycleleantogether.However,forslow,tightturnsyoumayfinditusefultocounterweight,puttingyourweightontheoutsidefootpeg,orevenshiftingyourbodytowardtheoutside.Thisallowsthemotorcycletoleanwhileyouremainuprighttobalancethemotorcycle.Remembertoturnyourheadandlookwhereyouwanttogo.


LEAN WITH REMAIN UPRIGHT

TIGHT TURNS

Fortightturns,thecorneringprocedureisnormallythesame—speed,position,aim,turn.However,atslowspeeds,youmustturnthehandlebarstosteerthemotorcycleafterithasstartedtolean.Dependingonthesharpnessoftheturn,youmaywanttousethefrictionzonetohelpcontrolyourspeedandpath.Tohelpmaintainbalanceinslow-speedturns,counterweightbyplacingyourweightontheoutsidepegandkeepingyourbodyupright.Lookbackoveryourshouldertocontrolyourpath.

Slow-speed tight turn

STRATEGY COUNTERWEIGHT AND TURN YOUR HEAD TO LOOK BACK OVER YOUR SHOULDER

Normal-speed turns Slow, tight turns

31

SHIFTING

Youmustchangegearstokeeptheenginewithinitsbestoperatingrangeatallspeeds.

SHIFTING TO A HIGHER GEAR

Yourgoalistomatchenginespeedtoroadspeedandavoidover-revvingorluggingtheengine.Asenginespeedincreases,upshifttoahighergear.You’llsoonfindshiftingroutineandenjoyable.Usethisfive-stepprocesstoupshifttoahighergear:

1. Roll off, or close, the throttle.

2. Squeeze the clutch.

3. Lift the shift lever. Use firm pressure. Release the shift lever after each shift is completed.

4. Ease the clutch out.

5. Roll on the throttle.

SHIFTING TO A LOWER GEAR

Downshifttomatchenginespeedwithroadspeed,providemoreacceleration,ortouseenginecompressiontoslowthemotorcycle.Tousethisfour-stepprocesswhendownshifting:

1. Roll off the throttle.2. Squeeze the clutch.3. Pressdownfirmly(butdon’tstomp)ontheshiftlever.4. Ease. Engine braking is at work here, and that can have the effect of stepping hard

on the rear brake—eeeease out the clutch to avoid skidding the rear tire.

Itispossibletodownshiftseveralgearsinsuccession.Holdtheclutchinandpressonceforeachgear.Whenyoucan’tdownshiftanymore,you’reinfirst.Remembertoreleasetheshiftleversoitcanreturntothecenterpositionaftereachshift.

Shifting

32

STOPPING

Yourhandsandfeetmustworktogethertobringthemotorcycletoasmoothandcoordinatedstop.Allthebrakingcontrolsareontherightside—righthandandrightfoot—andallshiftingcontrolsareontheleftside.Whenstopping,keepyourheadandeyesup,lookingahead.Alwaysbeginbrakingfirst,thensqueezetheclutchtotakepowerawayfromtherearwheelandwhiledownshifting.Withpracticetheactionbecomesnearlysimultaneous:IN(brake,clutch)andDOWN(rearbrakeandshiftlever).Keeptheclutchsqueezedasyoucompleteyourdownshiftstofirstgear.

Tomaintainbalanceandcontrol,keepyourheadandeyesupandthehandlebarssquare(straight)asyoustop.Asyoucometoastop,placeyourleftfootdownfirst.Therightfootcontinuestoapplytherearbrake.Oncestopped,placetherightfootdownifnecessary.

Thefrontbrakeprovidesatleast70%ofthemotorcycle’stotalstoppingpower.Alwaysusebothbrakes,evenforroutinestops.Habitsformednowwillbecomeautomaticactionslater.

Therewillbetimeswhenyouwillneedtoslowandcometoastopinacurve.Itisimportanttorememberthatwhenbrakinginaturn,traction(yourtire’sgripontheroad)isbeingshared.Tractionisbeingusedforcorneringandforbrakingatthesametime.Thismeanstheamountoftractionavailableforeachislimited.

Toslowandstopsafelyinacurve,brakesmoothlyandgently.You’llalsoneedtobeabletoidentifyimportantroadwayinformationthatcouldaffectyouravailabletraction.Lookthroughtheturntogatherthisimportantinformation.Lookingwellaheadwilltellyouhowtighttheturnis.Itwillallowyoutodetermineyourstoppingpoint.Whilelookingthroughtheturn,youcanalsocheckforanyslopeintheroadandseewhetherornottheroadsurfaceisfreeofanyhazardsanddebris.Asstatedabove,makesureyoukeepyoureyesupandhandlebarssquareasyoucometoastop.


Using both front and rear brakes shortens stopping distance.

33

1. What is ONE-C?

2. How do you use the friction zone?

3. Describe good riding posture.

4. What are the four steps to turning?

5. Why is the “aim” step important?

6. What does lifting or pressing on the shift lever accomplish?

7. Which brake provides more stopping power? How much does it provide?

8. How should you release the clutch when downshifting?

Review Questions

34

STRATEGY SEE AND BE SEEN IN TRAFFIC

Motorcycling is mostly mental. Responsible riders always think ahead to chart a safe path through traffic. This is mental motorcycling—the art of The Ride.

Onceyoudevelopthephysicalskillsofmotorcycling,you’rereadytohitthestreets,right?Wrong.Handlingamotorcycleisonlyonepartofsafeandsuccessfulriding.Nowyouneedtotakethenextstepanddevelopasetofstreetridingstrategiesthatarethecoreofwhatiscalled“mentalmotorcycling.”Thisisaconstantgameof“whatif?”Whatifthatcarturnsleft?Whatifthebicyclistcrossesinfrontofme?Whatifthat’soilonthestreet,notwater?Asastreetrider,yoursuccessandsurvivaldependonhowwellyoudevelopthefundamentalskillsofmentalmotorcycling.

VISIBILITY

Oneofthemostimportantstrategiesmotorcyclistsmustdevelopistoseeandbeseenintraffic.Inmulti-vehiclecrashesinvolvingmotorcycles,thedriveroftendoesn’tseetherideruntilit’stoolatetoavoidacollision.Thesefactorscontributetothatscenario:

• Drivers fail to actively scan for traffic or confirm that it is safe to enter an intersection.

• Riders fail to command attention and communicate their presence and intentions. Often a rider is hidden from view by other traffic.

• Riders fail to detect motorists or fail to anticipate that a motorist will violate their right-of-way.

Visibilityisacrucialcomponentofmentalmotorcycling.Trytoalwayscommunicateyourpresenceandintentionstootherhighwayusers.Ridewithyourheadlightonduringdaytimeforvisibility.Whenchanginglanesandpassing,signalwellinadvanceandusehandsignalswheneverpossibletohelpattractattention.Beingseencanreducetheriskofacrash.Eventhen,youmustbereadytotakeevasiveactionatanytime,especiallyifyoudoubtthatyou’vebeenseen.

BEING SEEN

Youhaveseveralwaystocommunicateyourpresencetoothermotorists:

CLOTHING

Brightlycoloredclothingandalight-coloredhelmetwillhelpmakeyoumorevisibletootherroadusers.Also,retro-reflectivematerialonyourhelmet,clothingandmotorcyclewillhelpyoustandoutintraffic.

Unit 5 | MENTAL MOTORCYCLING

35

HEADLIGHT

Ridewithyourheadlightonatalltimes.InCalifornia,thesamerulesapplytohighbeamuseduringtheday.Usehighbeamwheneveryouarenotfollowingorapproachinganothervehicleatnight.Useyourhighbeamwhenitislegalandsafetodoso.Whenitisfoggy,usethelowbeam.Beawarethatflashingyourhighbeamcanbemisinterpretedbyotherdriversasyourgivingupyourrightofway.

SIGNALS

Communicateyourintentions.Useyourturnsignalstoletothersknowyourintentions.Don’tforgettocancelyourturnsignal.Usehandsignalsalongwithelectricsignalstohelpalerttrafficaroundyou.Neverassumethatdriversseeyouoranticipateyourmoves.Clearcommunicationisyourresponsibility.

BRAKE LIGHT

Whenstoppingintraffic,flashyourbrakelighttoalerttrafficapproachingfromtherear.Themotorcycle’sbrakelightcanblendinwithotherlights,especiallyatnight.Aflashinglightattractsmoreattention.

HORN

Driversaccustomedtorelyingonhornstoalertothersshouldbeaware:motorcyclehornsarenotloudenoughtodothejobreliably,sodon’tcountonthemtomakeothersawareofyourpresence.

SEEING OTHERS

TheUniversityofSouthernCalifornia’sHurtStudyfoundthatmostmotorcyclecrashesdevelopfromhazardsinfrontofus.Onekeytosuccessfulstreetridingisinsearchingoutthesepotentialhazardsandanticipatingtheiractionsandconsequences.Findingothersbeforetheyfindyourequiresalertnessandaccurateperception.

SCANNING

Thefirststepofmentalmotorcyclingisassessment—findingthecriticalinformationneededforsuccessandsafety.Thatsearchisprimarilyaccomplishedthroughwhatyousee.Therefore,youmustdevelopscanningskillsthatprovideaccurateinformation.

Being Seen

COMMUNICATE YOUR PRESENCE AND INTENTIONS STRATEGY

STRATEGYFIND HAZARDS BEFORE THEY FIND YOU

36

STRATEGY LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!

Scanningforpotentialhazardsincludesmorethanjustlookinginfrontofyou.Alwaysbeawareofwhatistoeithersideandbehind.Scanningisanaggressive,purposefulsearchforinformation.Payattentiontotrafficsignsandsignalsaswellasroadwaymarkings.Theywarnyouofspeedadjustmentsorintersections.Theymaywarnofconstructionortrafficproblemsahead.Periodicallyglanceatyourmotorcycle’sinstrumentstomonitoryourspeedandcheckforwarninglights,butremember:yourpriorityisoutinfrontofyou.Don’tletyoureyesfixonanyoneobjectformorethanasplitsecond.

TARGET FIXATION

Targetfixationhappenswhentheeyesandbrainarefocusedsointentlyonaparticularobjectthatawarenessofotherobstaclesorhazardscandiminish,andthevehicleyouareattemptingtocontroltendstoveertowardthatobject.Thisisacommonissueformotorcyclistsbecauseamotorcycletendstogowheretheriderislooking.

Ifyoubecomefixatedonatarget,youcouldcollidewiththeobjectyouarefixatedon—inspiteofyourbestintentionstoavoidit.Itcanalsocauseyoutomissearlydetectionofotherhazards.Thebestsolutiontoavoidtargetfixationistokeepyoureyesmoving,anddirectyoureyestolookwhereyouwanttogo(notatobstacles).

LINE-OF-SIGHT

Selectapathoftravelthatwillgiveyouthebestline-of-sight.Thisstrategykeepsyouontarget,alertandawareofchangingconditions.Italsohelpspreventoverridingyoursightdistance.Thisoccurswhenyourideataspeedthatdoesnotallowtimeordistancetostoporswerveshouldahazardenteryourpathorwhentheroadtakesanunexpectedbend.

CHART A COURSE AS FAR AS YOU CAN SEE

Lookaheadtoscana15–20-secondpathoftravel.Thatmeanslookingaheadtoanareaitwilltakeyou15–20secondstoreach.Thisgivesyousituationalawareness—timetoprepareforahazardbeforeitisinyourimmediatepath.


37

Check your blind spots

STRATEGYMAINTAIN A MINIMUM 2-SECOND FOLLOWING DISTANCE

AGGRESSIVELY SCAN A 10-SECOND IMMEDIATE PATH OF TRAVEL

Thearea10secondsaheadisyourimmediatepathoftravel.Situationsdevelopingwithinthisarearequireyourimmediateresponse.Scanahead,totheroadsidesandtoyourmirrors.Lookformovement—anymovementthatcouldpotentiallyintersectyourpathorcreaterisk.Whetherit’savehicle,apedestrianorananimal,thingsthatmovecanbehazardous.Beespeciallycarefulasyouapproachintersections.Thisiswheremostmulti-vehiclecollisionsoccur.

CHECK TRAFFIC TO YOUR SIDES

Avoidlingeringinanothervehicle’sblindspot.Ifyoucan’tseethedriverintheirmirror,thedrivercan’tseeyou.Andifthedrivercan’tseeyou,expectthatvehicletomoveintoyourlaneatanytime.

CHECK MIRRORS BUT RELY ON HEAD CHECKS

Mirrorsareanimportantsafetytool,butridersareencouragednottorelyonthemexclusivelytoknowwhat’stakingplacebehindthem.Aswithautomobilemirrors,motorcyclemirrorshave“blindspots,”whichrequiresriderstoturntheirheadstoseewhatthemirrorsmayhavemissed.Useofmirrorsandheadchecksisessentialwhenchanginglanes,merging,turningandstopping.

FOLLOWING DISTANCE

Twosecondsistheminimumfollowingdistanceatlowspeedswhenconditionsareideal.Anythinglessthanideal—suchashigherspeeds,heavytraffic,reducedvisibility,badweather,unfamiliarenvironments,fatigueorreducedRiderReadiness—demandsaminimumoffourormoresecondsoffollowingdistance.Here’showit’sdone:

1. Pick out a fixed object ahead, like a sign, pavement marking or shadow.

2. As the vehicle ahead passes the object, count off: “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand.”

3. If you reach the fixed object before reaching three seconds, you are following too closely. Give yourself more space and try again.

Remember,two seconds is the minimum room to maneuver.Itisnotenoughdistancetostop.Thegreaterthefollowingdistance,thegreaterthemarginofsafety,especiallywhenconditionsarelessthanideal.

Line-of-Sight

Two-second rule

TWO SECONDS

38

Maintain a space cushion from oncoming traffic

BEING SEEN IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITYSTRATEGY

ALWAYS MAINTAIN A SPACE CUSHION AND AN ESCAPE ROUTESTRATEGY

LANE PLACEMENT

Itisimportanttochoosealanepositionappropriatefortheconditions.Yourlanepositioncanhelpyoutocommunicatewithothertraffic,seeandavoidroadwayhazards,createspacebetweenyourselfandothervehiclesandprovideanescaperoute.Positionyourselfwhereothermotoristsareexpectingtoseetrafficandwhereyouhavethegreatestmarginofsafety.Bevisible!Considerthefollowingstrategieswhenselectingalaneposition.

SEE AND BE SEEN

Yourlanepositionshouldprovideyouwiththebestpositiontoseeandbeseenandforyoutocommunicateyourintentionstotrafficahead,behindandtothesides.Ifyouarehiddenbehindalargervehicle,traffictothefrontcan’tseeyou—soexpectanoncomingcartoturnleftinfrontofyoujustasthevehicleyouarefollowingclearstheintersection.Don’thideintraffic.Ifyoucan’tseethedriversaroundyou,theycan’tseeyou.

SPACE CUSHION

Aspacecushionistheareasurroundingyouinthetrafficflow.Allowadequatedistancetothefront,rearandsides.Thisprincipleholdstruewhetheryouaremovingoratastopintraffic.


CHOOSE A LANE POSITION THAT PROVIDES OPTIMUM VISIBILITY, LINE-OF-SIGHT, A SPACE CUSHION AND ESCAPE ROUTE

STRATEGY

39

ESCAPE ROUTE

Anescaperouteisanalternatepathoftravelthatyoucantakeifahazarddevelopsinyourpath.Nomattertheconditions,alwaysmaintainanescaperoute—yourwayout.

PROTECT YOUR LANE

Avoidsharingyourlanewithothervehicles.Lanesharingviolatestheprinciplesofspacecushioningandcompromisesyourabilitytomaintainanescaperoute.Commandattentionandprotectyourspacewithinthelane.

AVOID SURFACE HAZARDS

Surfacehazardssuchaspotholes,gravelandrutscanbeavoidedbyemployingtheline-of-sightstrategiesaddressedearlier.Byprotectingyourlane,youmaintainthenecessaryspacecushionandescaperouteforavoidingsurfacehazards.

1. How can you improve your visibility to other traffic?

2. What is the 20-second visual lead?

3. What two words best describe scanning?

4. What is the recommended minimum following distance?

5. What should you consider when choosing a lane position?

Bumper-to-bumpertraffic:Cushionpreserved.Threeescaperoutesopen.

Truckaheadstops:Vehiclebehindstillapproaching.Allescaperoutesclosed.

Truckaheadstops:Vehiclebehindstillapproaching.Left-sideescaperoutestillopen.

Maintain an escape route!

Lane Placement

YES NO YES

40

SCAN

Searchaggressivelyahead,behindandtothesidesforpotentialhazards.Whatyoudon’tdetectcanhurtyou!Scanaggressivelytorecognizeproblemsbeforetheybecomecritical.Otherroadwayuserssuchasothervehicles,bicyclists,pedestriansandanimalscanposehazardstomotorcyclists.Theymayviolateyourrightofway,limitsightdistance,crashintoyouorsimplybeadistraction.

Keepyoureyesmovinginapurposefulsearchforinformation.

IDENTIFY

Anaggressivesearchwillallowyoutoidentifyhazardsandpotentialconflictsearly.Hazardsfallintothefollowingthreecategories:

1. Othervehicles—trafficsharingtheroadwithyou.Yourreactionstoothervehiclesare critical.

2. Pedestrians and animals—they move unpredictably and, depending upon their size, can create an imposing hazard.

3. Fixed hazards—stationary objects near and alongside the roadway, surface hazards,signsandsignals,guardrails,bridges,etc.Theydon’tmove,butfailingto recognize them can be hazardous.

PREDICT

Onceyou’veidentifiedthehazard,thenextstepistoquicklypredictwhatitwilldo.Howcriticalisthesituation?Whatareyouroptions?Whataretheconsequences?Willthehazardsseparateorisactionrequired?Iscollisionlikely?Thisisthe“whatif”phaseofSIPDEthatdependsuponyourknowledge,experienceandskill.Anaggressivesearchhaspresentedyouwithcriticalinformation—bepreparedtoactonit!

DECIDE

Thenextstepcallsfordecisionsbaseduponyourprediction.Completethe“whatif”phasetoestimateresults.Whatareyougoingtodo,andhowareyougoingtodoit?

THE SIPDE PROCESS

Expertridersknowwhat’sgoingonaroundthemandactearly,respondingtopotentialproblemsbeforetheybecomelifethreatening.Becomeanexpertriderbydevelopingexpertjudgment.SIPDEistheacronymforamentalstrategyusedtomakesoundjudgmentsandreducerisksintraffic.Itstandsfor:


Expert Motorcyclists:

41

Inanysituationyouhavethreeoptions:

1. Adjust speed—speed up, slow down or stop.2. Adjust position—move left or right.3.Communicate—soundyourhorn,flashyourbrakelightorheadlights,signal,etc.

Adjustingyourspeedasnecessarygivesyourselftimeandspacetoreact.Never hurry into danger. Slowingdownisoftenthebestwaytodecreaserisk,buttherewillbetimeswhenaccelerationisabetterchoice.Adjustingyourlaneposition,changinglanesoreventurningawayfromahazardarealsovaluabletactics.Slowingdownandmovingawayfromdangergivesyoutimeandspacetomaneuverwhilethesituationunfolds.ScanningwellaheadandusingtheSIPDEprocesswillhelpyouchoosethebestoption.

EXECUTE

Actonyourdecision.ThisisthephysicalpartoftheSIPDEprocess.Nowisthetimetoapplyyourskills:

• Adjust speed—roll on or off throttle, brake or downshift for greater acceleration.

• Adjust position—press left or right.

• Communicate—press the horn button, flash the lights, etc.

YoursafetyandsuccessonthestreetrequireseffectiveuseofSIPDE.RiderswithexcellentphysicalskillsandpoorSIPDEskillsrideintotroublemuchmoreoftenthanriderswithpoorphysicalskillsandexcellentSIPDEskills.Becomeanexpertriderbyapplyinggoodjudgmentandridingresponsibly.

INTERSECTION SITUATIONS

Mostmulti-vehiclecollisionsoccuratintersections.Often,thedriverviolatesthemotorcyclist’srightofway.Thedriver’smostcommonresponseis“Ididn’tseethemotorcyclist.”ActiveuseofSIPDEandproperlanepositioningwillmakeyoumorevisibleandbetterpreparedtodealwithhazardsatintersections.

Anywhereanothervehiclecanentertrafficisconsideredanintersection.Thisincludesdriveways,mergelanes,alleysandparkinglots.Planaheadbeforereachinganintersection.Beespeciallycarefulwhenyourvisibilityisblocked.Ifyoucan’tseeanintersection,thedriverswaitingatthatintersectioncan’tseeyou.

BE ALERT AND READY

Bealertandreadywhenapproachingintersections.Maintainaspacecushionandalwayshaveanescaperoute.Covertheclutchandbrakesforaquickerresponse.Downshiftifnecessarysothatyouarereadytoaccelerateawayfromahazard.Adjustyourlanepositiontocreatespaceandincreasevisibility.

The SIPDE Process

42

HAZARDS TO THE FRONT AND FROM THE LEFT

Firstpriorityisthetrafficahead,wheremostcollisionsoccur.Manyhazardsapproachfromtheleft.Bereadytotakeevasiveactionifanoncomingcarwaitingtoturnleftdoesn’twaitforyou.YourSIPDEprocesswillhaveidentifiedthishazardandpredictedthatthemotoristmightturn,sobereadywhenyourpredictioncomestrue.

TRAFFIC TO THE REAR

Don’tforgettocheckbehindyou.Whenstopped,waitingtoturnorwaitingforalighttochange,checkbehindyouandflashyourbrakelighttocommandattention.Alwayskeepyourbikeinfirstgearatstops.Setuptoonesideofthelaneandgiveyourselfatleasttwobikelengthsfromthevehicleinfront,soyouhaveroomtomaneuverinanemergency.Bereadytoescapeifthevehiclebehindyoufailstostoporyield.

“BUT THE DRIVER LOOKED RIGHT AT ME…”

Evenafteryouapplyallknownstreetstrategies,thereisnoguaranteethatotherswillseeyou.Nevercountoneyecontacttoensurethatyouhavebeenseen.Toooften,driverslookrightatmotorcyclistsandstillfailtoseethem.Theonlyeyesthatcountareyourown.Ifacarcanenteryourpath,predictthatitwill.It’sthatsimple!

NON-INTERSECTION SITUATIONS

Inurbansettings,theareabetweenintersectionsholdsplentyofhazards.Carsparkedalongtheroadsidecanmovewithoutnotice.Doorsmayopenunexpectedlyintotraffic.Pedestrianscanenteryourpath.Maintainyourspacecushionandexpectthesesituationstooccur.

Whenturning,changinglanes,passingormerging,signalinadvance,haveenoughspaceforthemaneuver,positionyourselfcarefullyandmanageyourspeedwisely.

CHANGING LANES

Theriskassociatedwithchanginglanesgenerallycomesfromfailuretocheckyourmirrorsandblindspots.Hereisthebestwaytochangelanes:

• Planyourmove.• Movetothesideofyourlanetoincreaseyourline-of-sight.• Signalfirst,andthencheckyourmirrortothesideyouaremoving.• Makeaquickover-the-shoulderheadchecktoseewhatisinyourblindspot.• Whenyouarecertainitissafe,changelanes.• Cancelyoursignalaftercompletingthemaneuver.


First priority is the traffic ahead, where most collisions occur. Many hazards approach from the left. Be ready to take evasive action if the driver waiting to turn left doesn’t wait for you.

43

SMOG-C for Passing or Changing Lanes

Proper Passing Technique

ApplytheSMOG-Cprocesswhenpassingorchanginglanes.Itisagoodhabittodevelopandshouldbecomesecondnaturewithtime.

PASSINGPassingothervehiclesislikechanginglanes,withonemajorexception:Foraperiodoftimeyouwillberidingintheopposinglane.ApplySIPDEhere.Askyourselfwhythevehicleyouarefollowingisdrivingsoslowly.Isthedriversearchingforahouseaddress?Willtheymakeasuddenleftturn?Checkfordrivewaysorintersections.Checkthoroughlyforapproachingtraffic.Determineifyouhavethespacetosafelypass.Ifyouaren’tsure,wait.

Checkforoncomingtraffic.Signalandcheckyourmirrorsandblindspot.Makenomoveunlessitislegalandsafetodoso.Whenitissafetopass,moveintotheleftlaneandaccelerate.Don’tlingeroutthere.Avoidcrowdingthevehicleyou’repassing.Thisminimizesthetimethatyou’llbeinthedriver’sblindspotandprovidesspacetoavoidpossiblehazardsinyourlane.CompleteSMOG-Cbysignalingandcompletingareturntoyourlane.Don’tforgettocancelyoursignal.

Rememberthatpassesmustbecompletedwithinpostedspeedlimitsandonlywherepermitted.

Non-Intersection Situations

STRATEGYCHECK YOUR BLIND SPOT BEFORE PASSING OR CHANGING LANES

44

BLIND SPOTS

Avoidothervehicles’blindspots.Somedriverswillturntheirheadstocheckmirrorsbeforechanginglanes—that’syourclue.Remember,ifyoucan’tseethedriverintheirmirror,thedrivercan’tseeyou.Communicate!

TAILGATING

Driversthattailgatemaynotbeabletostopasquicklyasyouandtheirpresenceisdistracting.Don’tbecomeemotionallyengagedwithatailgatingdriver.Thedistractioncanaffectyoursafety(remembermosthazardsapproachfromthefront).Someoptionsfordealingwithtailgatersinclude:

• Increasethespacecushioninfrontofyouincaseyouhavetostopquickly.• Makeyourtrafficstopssmoothandgradual.Nosurprises.• Communicatewiththetailgaterbyflashingyourbrakelight.• Holdyourpositionanddon’tallowlanesharing.• Turnoryieldatthefirstopportunitytoletthetailgaterpass.• DoNOTspeedup—thisoftenresultsinbeingtailgatedatahigherspeed.• DoNOTthrowanythingatthevehicleto“teachthemalesson.”Thedriverismost

likelynottailgatingyouonpurposeandthrowingobjectsmaystartafightthatyouareunlikelytowin.

• Allowthemtopasswhensafe.

NIGHT RIDING

Nightridingcarriesspecialchallenges;visibilityisreducedandsightdistanceismuchmorelimitedthanduringdaytime.Youcangreatlyenhanceyourvisibilityandsafetythroughuseofbright,reflectiveandretro-reflectivematerials,includinguseofretro-reflectivevests.Wearuntintedeyeprotectionthatisfreeofscratchesandsmudges,reducespeedandincreasethedistanceatwhichyoufollowothervehicles,signalyourintentionsearlyandflashthebrakelightwhenstoppingorwaitingatintersections—thishelpskeepyoufromblendinginwithothervehicles.

Remember:Yourheadlightonlyshinesacertainnumberoffeetinfrontofyou.Thismeansthatathigherspeedsyouhavelesstimetorespondtowhatyousee.Inconditionsofdarkness,slowdowntoavoid“overriding”yourheadlight.Usetheheadlightsofothervehiclestoseefartheraheadandtheirtaillightsforcluesaboutcurves,bumpsormaneuvers.

STRATEGYAVOID RIDING IN THE BLIND SPOTS OF OTHER VEHICLES


45

STRATEGY

U-Turn Hazard

1. How does SIPDE help make you an expert rider?

2. Where do most multi-vehicle collisions occur?

3. What is a head check?

4. What can you do to reduce reaction time in hazardous situations?

5. How do you know if you are overriding your headlight?

Makeyourselfevenmorevisibletoothersbyusingyourhigh-beamheadlightswhenallowed.Highbeamsshouldbeusedwisely,takingcarenottoblindotherroadusers.

U-TURNS

CarsmakingU-turnsareextremelydangerous.Theycancutyouoffbyblockingtheentireroadway,leavingyouwithnoescaperoute.Sinceyoucan’ttellwhatthedriverwilldo,slowdownandgetthedriver’sattention.Soundyourhornandflashyourhighbeam,ifneeded.Proceedwithcaution.Don’tassumethedriversawyouorisawareofyourpresence.Alwaysbepreparedtoact.

Non-Intersection Situations

Smart Rider Commitment #5:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that an expert rider is one who uses expert judgment to avoid having to use expert skills. I accept this fact and commit to becoming an expert rider by practicing SIPDE skills, keeping my eyes up and scanning 20 seconds ahead.”


#5

46

SPEED

POSITION

AIM

TURN

Whenaskedtodescribeaperfectmotorcycleroad,mostridersdescribeonewithlotsofcurves.Unfortunately,theenjoymentofcorneringsnaresmanyriders.Everyyearcountlessriderssufferself-inflictedinjuryfromfailuretonegotiatecurves—singlevehiclecrashesinwhichtheriderisclearlyatfault.Intypicalscenarios,riderseitherrunofftheroadwhilecorneringordriftintotheopposinglaneandcollidehead-onwithapproachingvehicles.Neitherscenarioisappealingandbotharecompletelyavoidable.

SKILLFUL CORNERING

Thebasicturningprocedure—SPAT—appliestoallcurves.Thekeytothisprocessisslowingbeforetheturn.Entertheturnataspeedthatpermitssafecorneringandallowsconstantthrottleapplicationthroughthecurve.Completeallbrakinganddownshiftingbeforetheturn.Beginyourthrottleroll-onasearlyaspossible.Thisstabilizesthesuspension,maximizestractionandmakestheturnmoreconfidence-inspiring.

Manycrashesinvolveriderswhoenterturnstoofastandareunabletocompletethecurve.Thiserrorappliestoridersofallagesandridingstyles.Whileexcessivespeedisusuallylistedonthecrashreport,therealcauseofthesecrashesisfailuretolookfarenoughthroughtheturn.Essentially,theseridersoverridetheirsightdistanceandrollonthethrottlebeforetheyknowwheretheroadleadsorwhathazardsitmaycontain.Anothermajorfactorinridersrunningwideinturnsisthefailuretoeffectivelycountersteer(pushforwardonthehandgrip).AneffectivestrategyisSpeed,Position,Aim,Turn

SPEED

Scanaheadtogatherasmuchinformationaboutacurvebeforeyougetthere.Evaluatethetightnessoftheturn,slopeoftheroad,surfaceconditionsandwhetherornotyoucanseeallthewaythroughtotheexitofthecurve.Asyouapproach,applybothbrakestoslow(anddownshift,ifappropriate)toanentryspeedthatallowsyoutosmoothlyapplythethrottlethroughouttheturn.Ifyoucannotdeterminethetightnessoftheturn,orseetheexitbeforeyouenter,reduceyourentryspeedmoreandbepreparedfortheturntotighten.

POSITION

Selectanoutsidelanepositionpriortoreachingtheturn.Thelanepositionmaybemodifiedbyyourpositionintraffic.Then,determinethebodypositionneeded.Ifit’sasharpturnorafastturnmoveyourbody’scenterlinetotheinsideofthebike’scenterline.Ifit’sastandardturnaneutralbodypositionwillbeappropriate.Forslow,tightturnsanoutsidebodypositionisbest.

AIMTurnyourheadandtargetyourpathoftravel.Lookingthroughtheturnprovidesinformationsuchashowsharptheturnis,wheretheexitis,theslope(ifany)and

Unit 6 | CORNERING WITH CONFIDENCE

47

Outside

Outside

Inside/apex

anysurfacehazards.Thisisallimportantinformationforsafeturning.Yourmindwillcalculatetherequiredleanangle,speedandlaneposition,butONLYifyoufeeditallthecriticaldatafirst.Turnyourheadtofaceyourtarget!

TURN

Beginrollingonthethrottlesmoothlyandpreciselybeforeyouleanintothecurve,orjustafteryouenterit.Asteady(orslightlyincreasing)throttleapplicationmaintainedthroughoutthecurvewillhelpyourturnsbesmoothandcomfortable,andkeepyourmotorcycle’ssuspensionstabilized.

WHAT’S YOUR LINE?

Smoothandskillfulcorneringrequiresselectingthebestlineorpaththroughcorners.Thebestlineoftendoesnotmatchthecurveoftheroad.Agoodlineallowsyouto:

• Maximizevisibilitybypositioningyourselfinclearviewoftrafficaheadandbehind.• Maximize your line-of-sight by positioning toward the outside of the curve where

you can see the farthest.• Selectasafepathtoavoidapproachingtrafficandroadwaydebris.• Minimize traction required and maximize cornering clearance.• Do all of the above safely and skillfully, while remaining in your lane at all times.

CORNERING LINES—THE BASICS

Formostturns,anoutside-inside-outsidelineisrecommended.Thisincreasesyourline-of-sightandcreatesaturnthatislesssharp,therebylimitingcorneringforcesandpreservingyourgroundclearance.Here’showtodothat:

• Outside—Enter the turn with your motorcycle in the “outside” portion of your lane (ifit’saright-handturn,you’llbeintheleftpartofthelane;ifit’saleft-handturn,you’llbeintherightpartofthelane).Stayinthislanepositionuntiltheturnstarts.

• Inside—As you lean into the turn, move from the outside part of your lane toward theinsidepartofthelane(towardthecenterlineinaleft-handturn;towardthefoglineinaright-handturn).Pushmoreonthehandgriptoincreaseyourleanandmove toward the inside.

Note:Youwanttomaintainaspacecushionandescaperoute,sodon’trideONthecenterlineorfogline—leaveyourselfsomespace.Rememberthatyouwillbeleaning,soifyourtiresareONthecenterline,yourheadandbodyarehangingintothelaneofoncomingtraffic!Avoidthissituationbymovingtowardtheinside,butleaveyourselfsomespacebetweenyourtiresandthecenterline.

Skillful Cornering

48

STRATEGY USE AN OUTSIDE LINE AND HOLD YOUR SPEED UNTIL THE EXIT IS VISIBLE

STRATEGY USE A LATE APEX TO SET UP FOR THE NEXT TURN

• Outside—Afterreachingtheapexofyourturn(thepointatwhichyouaretheclosesttotheinside),allowthemotorcycletomovebacktowardtheoutsideportion of the lane. Press less on the handgrip to decrease your lean and move back toward the outside. This completes the outside-inside-outside path of travel.

CORNERING LINES—BEYOND THE BASICS

Onceyou’vegottensomeexperiencewithoutside-inside-outsideandarecomfortableadjustingyourlineincurves,youcanstarttogo“beyondthebasics.”Thefollowingcorneringtacticswillnotbedoneinclass,butmakeanotetoreaduponthemlater.ThereisadditionalinformationabouttheminAppendixA(CorneringwithConfidence—ExpandedContent).

DECREASING RADIUS CURVES

Forturnsthatgettighterorwhenyoucan’tseethroughtotheexit,maintainamodestentryspeedandstayintheoutsidepartofyourlaneuntilyoucanseeallthewaythroughtheturntotheexit.Onceyoucanseetheexitandknowexactlyhowtighttheturnis,youcanmovetowardtheinside.Thisisknownasalateapexline.

LINKED CURVES

Forcurvesthatflowfromonerightintoanother,usethelateapexlineasdescribedabove.Strivetomaketheexitlineofthefirstcurvematchtheentrylineforthenextcurve.Thistechniquehelpsyouminimizemidturncorrectionsinspeedorpath.


USE AN OUTSIDE-INSIDE-OUTSIDE LINESTRATEGY

Decreasing radius curve

49

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS—FEAR

CrashdatafromHurt’sStudyindicatesthatinsinglevehicleaccidentsrunningofftheroadinacornerisacommonscenarioforfatalmotorcyclecrashesinCalifornia.ThisHandbookhasalreadycoveredtheimportanceofheadturnsandlookingallthewaytotheexit,butthereisanotherfactoratworkhere—FEAR.Whenthingsstarttogowronginacorner,humannatureistoexperiencefear.Whenriderslacktheknowledgeandskillsforcorneringandhowtoincreaseleanwhenneeded,fearcantakehold.Mostridershaveexperiencedsomeleveloffearinacorneratonetimeoranother.Thisfearcanshowupinyourarms,yourbodyandyourbrain.

FEAR IN CORNERS—ARMS

Properridingpostureincludesarmsrelaxedandelbowsbent.Pressingforwardonthehandgripiswhatcausesthemotorcycletoleanandstayintheturn.Fearcanleadtotensioninthearmsandshoulderscausingthearmstolockstraightandevenpressonbothhandgripsatthesametime.Whenthearmslockstraight,theshouldersoftenpullback.Allofthishastheeffectofnoteffectivelypressingonthehandgrip.Asaresult,themotorcycleleanslessandislikelytorunwideinthecornerorofftheroad.Strategy: Keep your arms and shoulders relaxed and your elbows bent. Practice pressing and leaning to increase your comfort level in corners.

FEAR IN CORNERS—BODY

Humannatureistomoveawayfromperceiveddanger—sometimesit’sanautomaticresponse.Whenleanedoverinacorner,thatperceiveddangerisoftentheground.Inaturn,movingawayfromthedangerisleaningthebodyup.Asaresultofthisimproperbodyposition,themotorcycleleanslessandislikelytorunwideinthecornerorofftheroad.Strategy: Practice pressing and leaning to increase your comfort level in corners. Keepyourmotorcycleandyourbodywellwithinyourlanewhencornering(seeingyourselfclosetooncomingtrafficcantriggerafearresponse).

FEAR IN CORNERS—BRAIN

Haveyoueverheardsomeonesay“IwassoscaredIcouldn’tthink!”Thereissometruththere.Fearcaninducepanic,andwhenthebodyexperiencespanic,itgoesinto“fightorflight”mode.Whenthishappens,thepartofthebrainthatdoesthethinkingandplanningdoesn’tworkaswell.Asaresult,ridersmightreactinappropriately(suchasgrabbingthebrakesorleaningoutoftheturn)ornotatall(doingnothingandrunningofftheroad).Strategy: Keep your mind thinking about what you CAN do to keep the motorcycle in the turn and on the road—you know what to do, so focus on doing it. Keep pressing on the handgrip and keep your head turned and your eyes looking where you wanttogo.Thinking“I’mgoingtocrash!”orlookingatthecurboratreecanleadyoutoward trouble.

Potential Problems—Fear

50

STRATEGIES FOR HANDLING OTHER POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

SIPDEiscriticalforsafecornering.Aggressivescanning—lookingasfaraspossiblethroughthecurve—helpsyouassesshowtightthecurveisandatwhatspeeditcanberiddensafely.Herearesomeothersuggestions:

Limit your speed in turns. If you cannot see the exit, slow more before the turn.

Ridewithinyourpersonalabilityandthelimitsofyourmotorcycle.Don’tattempttokeepupwithother,moreexperienced(ormorefoolish)riders.

Discipline yourself to look as far through the turn as possible. Ride at a speed that gives you sight distance to stop or swerve.

Always leave yourself an out if something unexpected obstructs your path, like gravel spills or debris.

Listen to your body. If your heart is racing because you are scaring yourself, slow down!

Don’tstareattheroadsideoratapproachingvehicles.Remember,yougowhereyou look! Turn your head to face through the turn.

Avoid excessive lean angles. All motorcycles have ground clearance and traction limits. Dragging parts of your motorcycle can reduce traction and cause a crash.

Anticipate surface hazards—reduce your speed and lean angle on slippery, loose surfaces.

Avoidlanepositionsclosetooncomingtrafficandbeawareofyourleanangle.Don’tcornerwiththemotorcycleinyourlaneandyourheadintheopposinglane.Keep your entire body and motorcycle in your lane.


51Review Questions

Smart Rider Commitment #6:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that motorcyclists running wide in turns is the most common fatal crash situation. I accept this fact and commit to practicing the SPEED POSITION AIM TURN process for cornering, and in particular AIMING through the turn and PUSHING forward on the handgrip to cause the bike to lean/turn.”


#6

1. What are the leading causes of single-vehicle crashes?

2. At what point should you turn toward the apex?

3. How do you link turns smoothly?

4. When should you turn your head for cornering?

52

Stoppingamotorcyclequicklyandsafelyisaskillthattakestimetodevelopandcontinualpracticetokeepsharp.Failuretoapplythebrakesproperlyisaleadingcauseofmotorcyclecrashes.

Researchshowsthatriderstypicallyunder-brakeatthefrontandover-brakeattherear,orpanicatthecontrols,crashingtothepavementbeforeeverreachingthehazard.Thiserrantmaneuveriscommonlyknownas“layingthebikedown.”Thisisnotabrakingorobstacleavoidancemaneuver—it’sacrash.Oncethemotorcycleisdown,allcontrolislostandtheriderisjustanotherflyingobject.Brakingandcontrolareavailableonlywhenthemotorcycleisonitswheels,notwhenit’sonitssideortumbling.

LINKED BRAKING AND ABS

Modernmotorcyclesareequippedwithexcellentbrakingsystemsandcanstopveryquicklywithaskilledrideratthecontrols.Somebikesareequippedwith“linkedbrakes,”whichmeansthebrakesarelinkedtogetherinsomeway.Forexample,whenyouapplytherearbrake,thesystemautomaticallyappliesthefrontbrake.Thereareavarietyoftypes,sofindoutwhatisonyourmotorcycleandhowitworks.

Otherbikesareequippedwithanantilockbrakesystem(ABS),whichpreventswheellock-upinamaximumstraight-linestop.SomemodelsprovideacombinationoflinkedbrakingandABS.Checkyourowner’smanualortalktoyourdealerforinformationaboutyourmotorcycle’sbrakingsystem.

MAXIMUM STRAIGHT-LINE STOPS

Maximumstraight-linebrakingisaccomplishedbyfullyapplyingfrontandrearbrakeswithoutlockingeitherwheel.Todothis:

Squeeze the front brake smoothly, firmly and with increasing pressure. Do not grab the brake lever or use abrupt pressure.

Asthemotorcycle’sweighttransfersforward,moretractionbecomesavailableatthe front wheel, so the front brake can be applied harder after braking begins.

Keep your knees against the tank and your eyes up, looking well ahead. This helps you stop the motorcycle in a straight line.

Apply light-to-lighter pressure to the rear brake pedal to prevent a rear wheel skid. As weight transfers forward less traction is available at the rear. Use less rear brake pressure.

Maximum

Straight-

Line

Stops

Unit 7 | MAXIMUM BRAKING AND SWERVING

53

ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

ThebenefitofABScannotbeoverstated.Thistechnologypreventswheellock-upinstraight-linestops.Touseit,applymaximumpressureonboththefrontandrearbrake.RememberthatABSisonlydesignedtoapplyfullbrakingforceinastraightline.Itmaynotbeeffectivewhenthemotorcycleisleaning.

HANDLING SKIDS

Thebestwaytohandleaskidistoavoidcausingoneinthefirstplace.Butbecauseeveryonemakesmistakes,here’showtocorrecttheproblem:

FRONT-WHEEL SKIDS

Underbrakingforce,amotorcycle’sweighttransfersforward.Moreweightforwardequalsmoretractionavailableforbraking.However,toomuchbrakingforceappliedtooquickly(beforethisweighttransferoccurs)canresultinfront-wheellock-up.Thisisknownas“grabbing”thefrontbrake.Front-wheelskidsresultinimmediatelossofsteeringcontrolandbalance.Failuretofullyreleasethebrakeleverimmediatelycanresultinacrash.Lossofcontrolcanoccurfromapplyingthefrontbraketoomuchortoofast.

Ifthefrontwheellocks,releasethefrontbrakeimmediatelyandcompletely.Reapplythebrakesmoothlyandproperly.Note:ABSisdesignedtopreventfront-wheelskids.

REAR-WHEEL SKIDS

Toooftenwhenridersarefacedwithanemergencysituation,theyover-brakeandlocktherearwheel.Askiddingreartireisadangerousconditionthatcanresultinaviolentcrashandseriousinjuryordeath.

Arear-wheellock-upiscausedbytoomuchrearbrakepressure.Assoonastherearwheellocks,yourabilitytochangedirectionislost.Toregainthatcontrol,thebrakemustbereleased.However,iftherearwheelhasfishtailedoutofalignmentwiththefront,thereisariskofahigh-sidecrash.Thisoccurswhenthewheelsareoutofalignmentandalockedrearwheelisreleased.Themotorcyclecanviolentlyandabruptlysnapuprightandtumble,throwingtheriderintotheairaheadofthemotorcycle’spath.Evenslightmisalignmentcanresultinahigh-sidecrash.Thefartheroutofalignmenttherearwheelbecomes,thegreatertheriskofahigh-side.

Iftherearwheellocks,slowlyandgentlyreleasetherearbrake.Thiswillallowthereartiretograduallyslidebackinline.Note:ABSisdesignedtopreventrear-wheelskids.

Practicequickstopsoftenanddon’tlockeitherbrake.Keepyourskillssharpfortheunexpected.

Maximum Straight-Line Stops

Proper braking. Neither wheel is locked and motorcycle is in

alignment.

Excessive rear brake pressure locks rear wheel. Motorcycle is out of alignment and control.

54

Two ways to stopquickly

and safely in a curve

STOPPING QUICKLY IN CURVES

Tractionisthefrictionbetweenthetiresandtheroadsurface.Likemoney,tractionisalimitedresourceandyoualwaysneedsomeinreserve.Duringstraight-linebraking,mostofyourmotorcycle’stractionisavailableforbraking.Incorners,someoftheavailabletractionholdsthebikeintheturnandisnotavailableforbraking.Thegreaterthelean,themoretractionisusedforcornering.Whenstoppingquicklyinaturn,rememberthattheamountoftractionavailableforbrakingislimitedbythetractionthatisbeingusedtogripthecorner.Usethefollowingtechniquestostopquicklyandsafelyinacorner:

Straighten the motorcycle first by pressing the “outside” handgrip.

Once the motorcycle is upright, apply maximum straight-line braking force.

Square the handlebars before coming to a stop. This centers the steering and helps you achieve a balanced stop. Leaning motorcycles become very heavy at stops. Square the bars!

Note: Circumstances may not permit you to straighten first and then brake. Using this method in right-hand turns with oncoming traffic or left-hand

turns on roads with minimal or obstructed run-out (such as a guardrail or drop-off shoulder) could be dangerous. In these situations, the braking-in-

a-lean technique is more appropriate.

If road or traffic conditions do not allow you to straighten your path of travel, use your brakes smoothly and gradually.

As you straighten the motorcycle, more traction is available for braking. This is a delicate balance—the more upright the bike is, the

more braking force is available. Gradually square the handle-bars and increase brake pressure until the motorcycle stops. This method

may require more stopping distance but allows you to remain in your lane.

Keep your eyes on your intended path, not on the obstacle.

Unit 7 | MAXIMUM BRAKING AND SWERVING

BRAKING IN A LEAN

STRAIGHTEN THEN BRAKE

55

SWERVING

Skilledmotorcyclistscanswerveawayfromdangerinlessspacethanittakestostop.Itiscriticaltodevelopgoodswervingskillsandpracticetheseskillstokeepthemsharp.

Aswerveistwoconsecutivecountersteers—oneforwardpressonthegriptoavoidtheobstacle,heldlongenoughtocleartheobstacle,followedbyaforwardpressontheoppositegriptoregainastraightpathaftertheobstacleiscleared.Smooth,firmandconstantpressureisrequiredtomakethemotorcycleleanquicklyandprecisely.Here’showaswerveisaccomplished:

1. Looktoyourescapepathandpressforwardfirmlyonthehandgriptoinitiatetheswerve.Remember:pressright,goright;pressleft,goleft.

2. Holdthepressuntilthemotorcyclehasclearedthehazard.3. Pressfirmlyontheoppositegriptostraightenthemotorcycle.4. Keep your body upright and allow the motorcycle to move independently. The

motorcycle will react more quickly that way. 5. Keepyoureyesonyourescapepath(nottheobstacle!)andyourkneesagainst

the tank.

Caution:Swervingconsumesalotoftraction,leavinglittleinreserveforbraking.Therefore,neverattempttobrakeduringaswerve.Evenslightbrakingforcecaninduceanimmediateandforcefulcrash.Holdasteadythrottlewhileswerving.Ifbrakingisrequired,brakebeforeorafterswerving,neverduring!

Practiceswervingoftenwhereitissafetodoso.Honethisskilluntilyoumakethecorrectmovesautomatically—everytime.

1. How is the front brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line?

2. How is the rear brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line?

3. What is the quickest way to stop in a curve?

4. When braking in a lean, what is important to remember?

5. What is countersteering?

6. What should you always avoid while swerving?

Swerving

Smart Rider Commitment #7:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that braking errors are very common in crash situations. I accept this fact and commit to regularly practicing quick stops, with an emphasis on smooth increasing pressure on the front brake and a light to lighter application of the rear brake.”


#7

Always separate braking

and swerving.

56

Will Rogers Once Said:

Thissectionexaminesthespecialsituationsthatmotorcyclistsfaceandprovidesknowledgebywhichtomakegoodjudgments.

OBSTACLE SURMOUNTING

AgoodSIPDEprocesswilldomoretoavoidobstaclesthananythingelse.However,therearethoseoccasionswhenobstaclessuchaspotholes,speedbumpsorhighwaydebriscannotbeavoidedandmustbesurmounted.Byfollowingthestepsbelowyoucansafelysurmountmanyobstacles.

1. Considerwhetherit’spossibletosurmounttheobject,andforecastyourpathoftravel.Willcrossingoravoidingtheobstacleplaceyouingreaterdanger?

2. Approach the object as close to a 90-degree angle as possible.

3. Slow down as you approach, and rise off the seat, keeping your knees bent inward against the fuel tank.

4. Gripthehandlebarsfirmlyandlookahead.

5. Just prior to contact, slightly roll on the throttle. This extends the front suspension and shifts your weight back.

6. After contact, immediately roll off the throttle. This prevents the rear tire from spinning on the obstacle.

7. Remain standing throughout the maneuver.

Unit 8 | SPECIAL SITUATIONS

57

PREDICT CHANGES IN TRACTION BY SCANNING FOR CHANGES IN ROADWAY COLOR AND TEXTURE STRATEGY

ROADWAY CONDITIONS

Changesinroadwayconditionsarepartofthechallengeofmotorcycling.Youhavetobereadyforanything.UseSIPDEtoidentifyroadwayproblemsearly,givingyoutimetoplanforsuccess.Beespeciallyvigilantforchangesincolorandtexture—yourcluesthattractionmaychange.

RAIN-SOAKED SURFACES

Ifconditionsareunsafe,findasafeplacetostopawayfromtheroadway.Roadwaysaremostslipperyatthebeginningofarainstorm,especiallyinthecenterofthelanewhereoilyresiduestendtobuildupmost.Iftherainisjustbeginning,considerwaitingawhilebeforestartingyourride.

Oil,dirtandotherdebrisaccumulateinandupontheroadsurface.Rainmixeswiththatcompositionandcreatesaslipperyfilm,butwithtimethisfilmwashesawayandtractionimproves.Avoidridingduringthefirstpartofarainstormwhenconditionsarethemostslippery.Whenridingintherainoronwetsurfaces,you’llneedmoredistancetoproperlystopthemotorcyclewithoutlosingtraction.Toaccomplishthis,slowdownandbesuretomakeyourspacecushionlargerbyallowingmorespacebetweenyouandothervehiclesbothinfrontofandbehindyou.Herearesomeothertipsforridingonrain-soakedsurfaces:

1. Ride in the tracks of other vehicles, if conditions permit, to help avoid hydroplaning.

2. Reduce speed and lean angle in corners and on especially slippery surfaces. Conserve your traction.

3. Increase your following distance.

4. Avoid pooled water and highway ruts caused by excessive pavement wear. Motorcyclescanlosetractionduetohydroplaning(waterbuild-upunderthetread).Ridewheretractionisbest.

5. Avoidridingduringanelectricalstorm.Whytakethechance?

6. Watchforshinysurfaces.Theycanbeveryslick.Examplesare: •Metalcoversandplates •Paintedorplasticroadwaymarkings •Bridgegratings •Railroadtracksandrubberizedcrossings •Wetleaves

Metal covers and plates

Painted or plastic roadway markings

Bridge gratings

Railroad tracks and rubberized crossings

Wet leaves

Shiny surfaces can be slick. Some examples are:

Roadway Conditions

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Limit your lean

angle when turning left on

crowned roads!

RAIN GROOVES

Raingroovesarecutintothepavementparalleltothepathoftravel.Theychannelwaterawayfromthesurfacebutdonotaffecttraction.However,raingroovescancausethemotorcycletowiggle.Donotfightthewiggle;instead,keepafirmbutrelaxedgriponthehandgrips.Maintainasteadyspeedandkeepyoureyesup.

BRIDGE GRATINGS

Bridgegratingsareslipperysteelgridsurfacesthatcausethemotorcycletoweaveorwander.Thissituationisnotahazardwhenhandledproperly.Slowdownbeforereachingthegrating,thenmaintainasteadyspeed.Keepyoureyesup,lookingwhereyouwanttogo.Again,keepafirmbutrelaxedgriponthehandgripsandavoidabruptmaneuvers.Rideevenlyandsmoothly.

LOOSE SURFACES AND DEBRIS

Pavedsurfacesmaybelitteredwithsand,gravel,cinders,rocksandleaves,aswellasfuel,oilandcoolant.Watchfortelltalechangesinroadsurfacecolorortexture.Tractioniscompromisedinthesesituations,soavoidabruptaccelerationorbraking,andminimizelean.Ridestraightacross,keepingasteadythrottle.

GRAVEL ROADS

Gravelroadsdecreasetraction.Ridewherethetractionisbest,usuallyintherutscreatedbyothervehicles.Don’tchangeyourdirectionorspeedabruptly,andlimityourleanangle.Keepyoureyesup,lookingwhereyouwanttogo.Roadsthathavebeen“chipsealed”oftenhaveloosegravelandcanbemuchlikeagravelroad.

CRACK SEALANT

Cracksinhighwayroadsurfacesareusuallysealedwithablack,tar-likesubstance.Inwarmweather,thismaterialbecomesgummyandslick,causingmotorcyclestoslipandwigglewhenleaning.Recognizethischangeinpavementcolorandavoiditifpossible.Ifyoucan’tavoid,reducespeedandminimizelean.

STEEL PLATES

Steelplatesareoftenusedtocoverexcavations.Theseplatesareveryslippery,especiallywhenwet.Ridestraightacrossthem,avoidingabruptmaneuversandleanangle.

CROWNED ROADS

Roadsurfacesareoftencrownedtoimprovewaterrun-off.UseSIPDEforearlywarningthatcorneringclearanceisreduced.Limityourleananglewhenturningleft.


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Crossing pavement seams and tracks

POTHOLES, BUMPS AND CRACKS

Treatpotholes,bumpsandcracksasyouwouldanyotherobstacle.Ifyoucan’tgoaroundthem,crossata90-degreeangle,maintainasteadyspeedandriseofftheseatasyoucross.

EXTREMELY SLIPPERY SURFACES

Ice,snow,mudandmosscanmakeroadsurfacesextremelyslippery.Evenroadmarkingscanbeslippery.Bealerttothepossibilityofthesehazards,suchastheonsetofbadweatherathigherelevations,areaspronetomudslides,anddamp,shadypatchesofroadthatcanhaveblackice,mossoralgae.

TheSIPDEprocesswillkeepyoufrombeingsurprisedbysuchhazards.Ifyoumustridethroughthem,usethethrottlesmoothlyandcarefully.Squeezetheclutchtoeliminatethepossibilityofenginebraking.Makenosuddenorabruptmoves.Ridestraightupandinthetracksofothervehicles.Beespeciallycarefularoundothervehicles.Theroadsareslickforthem,too.Remember,thekeytohandlingpoortractionsituationsissmoothcontrolinputs.

RAILROAD AND TROLLEY TRACKS, PAVEMENT SEAMS, CATTLE GUARDS

Railroadtracksusuallyposenoproblemifyouridestraightacrossthem.Ifthetrackscrossyourpathatadiagonal,trytoapproachthemata45-degreeangle,butbecarefultostayinyourlane.Tocrosstrolleytracks,pavementseamsandcattleguardsthatrunparalleltoyourpathoftravel,swingawayfromthetracksorseamstosquareyourapproachtoatleast45degrees.Donotcrossatashallowangle.Otherwisethetracksorseamscancatchyourfronttireandcauseacrash.

Roadway Conditions

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SLOW DOWN

DOWNSHIFT

THEN ACCELERATE OUT OF DOG’S REACH

Chasing Dogs

ANIMALS

Animalsonandalongsidetheroadwaycanposeaserioushazardtomotorcyclists.Howyoudealwiththemdependsonroadconditionsandtheanimal’ssize.

SMALL ANIMALS

Animalslikesquirrelsandrabbitsmaydartintoyourpath.Don’tincreaseyourriskbyattemptingtoavoidacollision.Ifit’sunsafeforyoutoswerveorbrake,preparetosurmounttheobstacle.

ANIMALS THAT CHASE

Somedogschasevehicles,andmotorcyclesarenoexception.DogsuseSIPDEtopickapointofinterception.Defeatthatstrategybyslowing,downshiftingandthenacceleratingoutofthedog’sreach.Don’tkickatthedog.Keepyoureyesup.

ANIMALS THAT ROAM

Largeranimalslikedeerandelkcreatearealhazard.Theyareunpredictableandhittingoneislikecollidingwithatruck.UseSIPDEaggressivelyinareaswheredeerorelkmaybepresent.Remember,theseareherdanimals.Ifyouseeone,expectmore.Ifyoucomeupononeoftheseanimals,slowdownasmuchasyoucan.Thesafestpassingspeediswalkingspeed.Expectsuchanimalstodartintoyourpath.Beprepared!


61

WIND

Anunexpectedblastofwindcanpushamotorcyclerightofftheroad.It’simportanttounderstandwheregustscanoccurandbepreparedtocounteractthewindwithproperridingtechnique.

Trucks,motorhomesandotherlargevehiclespushalotofairaheadandtothesides.Avoidthewindblastofthesevehiclesbymovingawayfromthemastheyapproach.Whenpassingalargevehicle,stayfarfromitssidetoavoidthedrafteffectthatmaypullyoutowardit.

Whileriding,youmightencountersteadywindsorstrongandirregulargusts.Thestrategyisthesame:Leanintothewindbyapplyingforwardpressureonthehandgrip.Thestrongerthesidewind,themoreforwardpressuremustbeapplied.UseSIPDEtoidentifyplaceswherethewindmaybeblocked,suchasroadcutsandfreewayunderpasses.Asthewindisblocked,you’llneedtolightenthepressureonthehandgrip.AlsouseSIPDEtoidentifybridgesandoverpasseswhereyou’llbeexposedtothefullforceofthewind—inotherwords,beprepared.Adjustyourlanepositiontoallowforspacetomoveside-to-sidewithinyourlanetocompensateforwindgusts.

Forstrongandirregularblasts,beready!Maximizethespacecushionaroundyou.Bepreparedtotakeimmediateactiontocountertheblast.Ifthewindbecomestooerraticanddangerous,findasafeplacetoparkuntilconditionsimprove.

PARKING

PARALLEL PARKING SPACES

Backintothespaceatanadequateangletokeepthemotorcycleoutofthetrafficflow.Placethereartireagainstthecurb.Ensurethismaneuverislegalwhereyoupark.

PULL-IN SPACES

Thespaceisyours.Centeryourmotorcycleinthespacetodiscouragespacesharing.

SECURITY

Securethemotorcyclewiththehandlebarsturnedtowardthesidestand.Forgreaterstabilityandsecurity,locktheforks.Leavethemotorcycleinfirstgeartopreventrolling.Caution:Whenasphaltishot,amotorcyclesidestandcansinkintoit.Topreventsinking,placearigidobjectlikeaflattenedsodacanunderthesidestand.

Parallel parking

Wind

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TRAFFIC-ACTUATED SIGNAL LIGHTS

Mosttraffic-actuatedsignalsaretriggeredbyvehiclemagneticmass,andbecausemotorcycleslackmassthesesensorsdon’talwaysdetectthem.Positionyourmotorcycledirectlyoverasensorstrip.Manytrafficsignalshaveyellowsquaresonthepavementtohelpyouknowwherethesensorsarelocated.Ifthatdoesn’twork,contacttheagencyresponsiblefortheintersection.Explainthesituationandaskforthesensortobeadjusted.

1. Where should you look when crossing obstacles?

2. What approach angle is recommended when crossing obstacles?

3. What indicates a potential change in roadway traction?

4. How should you ride across low-traction surfaces?

5. What should you do if you come upon deer alongside the roadway?

6. What should you do if you suspect your sidestand will sink into the parking surface?


63

RECOGNIZE WHEN YOU ARE IMPAIRED. HOW MUCH IMPAIRMENT ARE YOU WILLING TO ACCEPT?

STRATEGY

Responsibleridersarealert,aware,skilledandsavvybecausetheyknowthatmotorcyclingrequireskeenattentionandconstantreadiness.Anyphysicalormentalconditionthatreducesyourattentiveness,fogsyourjudgmentorinterfereswithyourridingabilitiesconstitutesasafetyimpairment.Foramotorcyclist,ridingwhenphysicallyand/ormentallyimpaired,foranyreason,iscourtingdisaster.

Whilemostridersunderstandthatalcoholanddruguseishazardous,it’simportanttorecognizethatfatigue,hunger,exposuretotheelementsandeverydayworriescanalsocrowdyourthinkinganddistractyourattentionfromtheride.Evaluatingyourpersonalstateofreadinessisthefirststepinreducingtheriskofriding.

ALCOHOL AND MOTORCYCLING—A LETHAL MIX

Alcoholisaleadingcauseofdeathamongmotorcyclists.AccordingtoNHTSATrafficSafetyFacts,2012data,52%oftheCaliforniariderskilledinmotorcyclecrasheshavebeendrinking.Manyoftheseriders’bloodalcoholconcentration(BAC)levelsarebelowlegallimits,butobviouslytheirjudgmentandabilitieswereimpaired.Impairmentbeginswiththefirstdrink.Thequestionis,howmuchimpairmentareyouwillingtoaccept?

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

Alcoholisadepressant—itslowsyourbodilyfunctions.Becauseitisabsorbedintothebloodstreamquickly,effectsbegintoappearalmostimmediatelyintheformoferrorsinjudgment,impairedvision,slowedreactionsandreducedcoordination.

The alcoholic contents of a can of beer, a glass of wine and a shot of whiskey are about the same.

Unit 9 | IMPAIRMENTS TO SAFETY

64

MEASURES OF IMPAIRMENT

Becauseitisillegaltooperateanyvehiclewhileundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcohol,theconsequencesofdoingsocanleadtoseriousfines,lossofyourlicenseandevenjailtime.Ifyou’renotfamiliarwiththelaws,penaltiesandfinesassociatedwithdrivingwhileintoxicated,takesometimetofamiliarizeyourselfwiththem.Mostcity,countyandstatelawscanbeviewedonline.Alsotakeamomenttomakeyourselffamiliarwiththelawof“impliedconsent,”whichcanprovideformandatorysuspensionofadriver’slicenseshouldyourefusetotakeasobrietytest.

Ifyouareintoxicated,novehicleissafertodrivethananyother.Inadditiontotheriskofcausinginjury(ordeath)toyourselforothers,considertheprobableeconomicimpacttoyou,yourmotorcycleandothersaroundyouifyouattempttooperateyourmotorcycle(oranyothervehicle)whileundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcohol.Hereareafewindicatorsofalcoholimpairmentthatlawenforcementofficerslookforduringstandardized field sobriety tests:

Impaired JudgmentImpairedjudgmentisevidencedbyawillingnesstotakerisks.Impairedriderstypicallyfailtorecognizethisbehavior.Theymaythinktheyridebetterafterafewdrinks.

Divided AttentionFieldsobrietytestsmeasurearider’sabilitytoattendtoseveralmentalandphysicaltasksatthesametime.Theabilitytodivideattentionisimpairedinridersundertheinfluenceofalcoholand/orotherdrugs.Asaresult,theytendtofocusononlyafewaspectsofridinganddisregardothers.Forexample,theymayignoreatrafficsignalandfocusinsteadonspeedcontrol.

Impaired VisionNystagmus,orinvoluntaryjerkingofthesmallmusclesoftheeyes,isareadilynoticeablesignofpossiblealcoholordrugimpairment.Theeffectofnystagmusonamotorcyclistiscritical,astheseimpairedmusclesaretheonesthatcontroltherider’sabilitytofocusandadjusttochanginglightconditions.Individualsexperiencingnystagmusareunawarethattheireyesarejerkingandareunabletocontrolit.

Blood Alcohol ConcentrationManyfactorsmustbeconsideredwhendeterminingBAC,includingphysicalsize,gender,theamountofalcoholconsumedandthenumberofhoursspentdrinking.Inmoststates,apersonwithaBACof.08%isconsideredlegallyintoxicated.Breath,bloodand/orurinetestsconfirmBAC.UnderCalifornialawyouareconsideredtobedrivingundertheinfluenceifyourBACis.01%ormoreifyouareunder21yearsofage;.08%ormoreifyouare21orolder.


Some indicators of alcohol

impairment that law enforcement

officers look for during

standardized field sobriety tests

65

Clearvisionisimpaired.Yourabilitytodetectmovingobjectsandtoseeclearlyatnightisimpaired.Criticalinformationmaybemissed.Yourabilitytodivideattentionbetweenscanningandoperatingthemotorcycleisaffected.

Asimpairmentincreases,moreattentionisdivertedtooperatingthecontrols.Keyvisualcluesaremissed.Hazardsaren’tidentified.

NOTICE WHAT ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUG INFLUENCE DOES TO THE SIPDE PROCESS:

Scan

Identify

Predict Judgmentandtheabilitytoprocessinformationareimpaired.Short-termmemoryisimpaired.

Theabilitytodivideattention,analyzeriskandmakedecisionsisflawed.Decide

Theabilitytoreactproperlyandpreciselyisaffected.Yourreactiontime,coordinationandbalancearecompromised.

Execute

ADDING DRUGS MAKES IT WORSE

It’simportanttorememberthatmanyover-the-counterdrugslikecoughandallergymedicinescanalsoimpairyourridingskills.Theycanbejustasdangerousasalcoholandotherdrugsinreducingyourabilitytoperceiveandreacttohazards.Evenworse,combiningalcoholwithotherdrugscanoftendrasticallyincreasetheeffectthattheyhaveonyourmentalandphysicalabilities.

Ridingimpairedhastheeffectofloweringashadebetweenyoureyesandyourbrain.Criticalinformationismissed,skillsandjudgmentaredulled,butyourconfidenceishigh.Mixingotherdrugs,controlledsubstancesorinhalantsmakesitworse—adeadlycombination!

Measures of Impairment

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THERE IS A CURE

Impairmentbeginswiththefirstdrink,soexercisegoodjudgmentbeforeyoudrink.Learnfromthemistakesofothersandplanahead:

• Separate drinking and riding. If you intend to drink alcohol or even suspect that it willbeserved,don’tride.Makeityourstandardproceduretoseparatetheuseofdrugs and alcohol from operating a motorcycle and stick with it every time you ride. Ifyou’reusingdrugsoralcohol,theonlyreasonablestrategyisnottorideatall.

• Haveanalternateplanforgettinghomeincaseyouexceedyourpersonallimits.

• Time is the major factor that will cleanse your system of drugs and alcohol. If you are impaired, do not ride your motorcycle again until you have allowed enough time for the drugs or alcohol to leave your system and you have regained your ability to ride safely. This may mean waiting overnight. Time will vary for the removal of other drugs from your system.

Smart Rider Commitment #8:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that many fatal motorcycle crashes involve riders who had been drinking. I accept this fact and commit to separate the use of alcohol (and other drugs) from riding a motorcycle. I commit to riding sober.”

HELP YOUR FRIENDS

Thelastthinganyonewantsistoseeafriendcrash.Intervenewhenyoususpectoneofyourfriendsistooimpairedtoridebuthastheintentionofdoingsoanyway.

• Arrange a safe ride home.

• Secure the motorcycle. Riders are often unwilling to leave their motorcycle. Find a securelocationforyourfriend’sbike.

• Get others to help. The more support you have, the better your chances of success.

• Stop serving if you are the host.

• Use any excuse to keep your friend from getting on the motorcycle. Serve food or non-alcoholic drinks to pass the time. Let your friend sleep over at your place.

• If all else fails, hide the keys.

Dosomething!Justdon’tletyourfriendrideaway!


SEPARATE DRINKING AND RIDINGSTRATEGY


#8

67Help Your Friends

IMPAIRED RIDER IN YOUR GROUP

Ifanotherriderorpassengerinyourgroupappearsimpairedorintoxicated,it’simportantthatyouandothersinyourpartyinterveneandconvincethemtorefrainfromridingfortheirownsafetyandthesafetyoftherestofthegroup.Ridingwithotherswhoareimpairedisriskybusiness.Sincethechancesofacrashgreatlyincreasewhenariderisimpaired,therisktoothersaroundanimpairedriderwillgreatlyincreaseaswell.Evenforthosewhoarenotimpaired,theymaywindupaspartofaserious—orevenfatal—crashsituation.

Ifothersinyourgrouparedeterminedtorideimpaired,itisinthebestinterestofyourownsafetynottoridewiththem.Groupridingcanbealotoffunonasociallevel,butoncedrugsandalcoholenterthepicturethefunisoverifthere’sstillridingtobedone.Youmayfindyourselfinasituationwherethebestthingtodoisleavethegroupandcontinueonalone.Ifthathappens,you’vemadethebestchoice.

Smart Rider Commitment #9:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that an impaired rider in the group puts me at risk. I accept this fact and commit to avoiding riding with others who are impaired.”


#9

68

Riding a motorcycle requires your complete attention. Anger, stress, trouble and/or pain are just a few disturbing distractions. While you can’t avoid these troubles in day-to-day activities, you must put them aside when you swing your leg over a motorcycle. Motorcycling is a wonderful antidote for the common day. Leave your troubles behind!

DISTURBING DISTRACTIONS


OTHER IMPAIRMENTS

Alcoholanddrugsarenottheonlythingsthatimpairyourmentalandphysicalabilities.Therearenumerousfactorsthatcanleadtofatigueanddrowsinessorotherwiseaffectyourabilitytoridesafely.

Weatherisacommonone.Wind,rain,cold,heat,duststormsandotherweatherconditionscanallproducefatigueandcausearidertobecometiredandlosefocus.Longmilesonthebikeinasingledaycancausefatigueanddrowsinessaswell.Ridingwhiletiredorsleepycanalsoimpairyourabilitytoridesafely.

Aharddayofwork,orevenaheavymeal,canaffectyourabilitytostayfocused.Ifyou’refeelingfatiguedordrowsy,it’stimetopulloverandtakeabreakuntilyouregainyourabilitytoridesafely.Incold,rainyorhotweather,itmaybenecessarytotakebreaksmoreoftenthanusualtomaintainyourfocusandmanageyourbody’scoretemperaturesafely.

Fatigue/DrowsinessRecognizeyourstateofRiderReadiness.Whenyouaretired,orifbattlingtheelementshasdiminishedyourenergyreservesandattention,takeabreakorstopfortheday.Don’tridewhenyourbodyandmindaresodulledthatitisdifficulttoprocessinformationandrespondtohazards.

Temperature Extremes Exposuretoprolongedand/orextremeheatorcoldsapsyourenergyanddullsyourattention.Rain,gustingwindsandotheradverseconditionsalsoincreasestressandfatigue.Ridingsafelymeansenjoyingthejourney.Don’tletpursuitofyourdestinationpreventyoufromstoppingwheneveryouneedtorestandrecover.

Overriding Your AbilitiesDon’tletegoandemotionimpairyourjudgmentandsafety.Thestreetisnoplaceforcompetition,showingofforaggressiveriding.Ifthattypeofridinginterestsyou,headfortheracetrack.

Aggression and EmotionHavingabadday?Ifyouremotionsarehighlychargedinanegativewayfromarecentargument,it’snotagoodtimetoridebecauseyourfocusisn’twhereitneedstobetosafelyoperateavehicle.Waituntilyou’vegivenyourselfsometimetocalmdownandregainyourcomposurebeforeyouridethebikeagain.

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Overconfidence and “Underconfidence”Havingagreatday?Whenyouarefeelingboldoroverconfident,youmayfindyourselfridingfasterandmoreaggressivelythanyounormallywould.Itmaybetimetore-adjustyourspeedsoyoucanallowmoretimetoreacttotheroadahead.Similarly,ifyounervous,orfeelingespecially“un-confident,”youmayneedtoslowdowntoaspeedthatallowsyoutorelax.

Communication DevicesTheuseofcellphones,intercoms,CBradios,GPSandothercommunicationsdevices,groupridingorevencarryingapassengerwhileridingcanleadtoinattentionandimpairyourabilitytostayfocusedontheride.Ridersneedtorecognizethateachofthesefactorscanaddtoriderdistraction,andmakechoicesaccordingly.

Aging and Health ProblemsAspeoplegetoldertheirreactiontimesgetslower.Itwilltakelongertoidentifywhenit’stimetobrake,avoidanobstacleorslow.Certainhealthproblemssuchasarthritis,impairedvisionandslowermotorskillscanalsoenterthepictureasdriversage.

Temporaryhealthproblemscanalsoaffectriderperformance.Approachridingthemotorcycleonlyafteryou’veevaluatedyourcurrentstateofreadiness.Youmayneedtorideslowertoallowformorereactiontime.Anagginginjury,achesorpainscanmakeyourconcentrationsuffer.Ifyou’reusingintoxicatingprescriptiondrugstotreatyourcondition,refrainfromridingalltogether.

Smart Rider Commitment #10:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that there are a wide variety of factors that can impair my ability to ride safely. I accept this fact and commit to minimizing factors that can negatively affect my riding ability and performance.”

1. How do daily events affect Rider Readiness?

2. What are three examples of impairment?

3. What percentage of rider fatalities are alcohol related?

4. How does riding under the influence affect the SIPDE process?

5. What are some ways of intervening to prevent a friend from driving under the influence?

Other Impairments


#10

Ultimately, it’s up to you, the rider, to make choices

that will help you minimize factors that affect your

performance and safety.

70

CARRYING PASSENGERS

Addingpassengersandcargoopensupawholenewdimensionofyourmotorcyclingexperience,butrememberthatthiswillaffectthemotorcycle’shandling.Thebikewillfeelheavieratallspeeds.Accelerationwillbereducedandstoppingdistanceswilllengthen.Stabilityandcorneringclearancemaybeaffectedinturns.

Herearesometipstomakethetripsafeandenjoyablewhencarryingpassengers:

1. It’sagoodideanottotakepassengersonyourmotorcycleuntilyouhavesignificantexperienceandareverycomfortablemanagingthebikewithjustyou.The added weight of a passenger will create an entirely new sense of balance that will have to be learned. And remember that the added weight of a passenger willrequirefirmerbrakingthanwhenridingalone.

2. Adjustthesuspensionandtirepressureaccordingtothemanufacturer’srecommendationsfoundinyourowner’smanual.

3. Never carry a passenger in front of you. This is dangerous and is illegal in many jurisdictions.

4. Yourpassengermustbeabletoreachthefootrestsandshouldbeabletolook

over your shoulder.

5. Be sure your passenger is wearing proper protective gear and that shoe laces are tucked in.

6. Show your passenger how to mount so that he or she can avoid the hot exhaust pipes.Havethebikestartedandreadytogobeforethepassengermounts. Place both feet on the ground and grip the front brake. This stabilizes the motorcycle for the passenger to mount and dismount.

Smart Rider Commitment #11: ______ (initial) “I acknowledge that when I carry a passenger, I am responsible for their safety and comfort. I accept this fact and commit to waiting to carry passengers until I have well-developed skills and significant experience as a solo rider.”


#11

Unit 10 | CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO

71

Notify the operator when you are ready to mount or dismount and wait for approval. This prevents surprise shifts of balance.

Hold the operator’s waist or hips. This braces the passenger for acceleration or braking. Keep both feet on the footrests at all times.

Keep hands and feet away from moving and hot parts.

Look over the rider’s shoulder in the direction of the turn.

Avoid sudden moves that might affect stability.

If the rider rises off the seat, you should, too.

Enjoy the ride!

Brief your passenger before the first ride. Ask your passenger to follow these rules for safety and security:

CARRYING LOADS

Whencarryingcargo,considertheweight,locationandsecurity.

WEIGHT

Checkyourowner’smanualforthemaximumloadlimitsforyourmotorcycle.Donotexceedthetotalweightlimitation.Saddlebags,tankbags,tailbagsandluggagerackshaveindividualweightlimitations,too.Checkforthoseweightlimitsintheowner’smanual,theaccessoryliteratureorinsidetheaccessoryitselfanddon’texceedthoselimits.Checkyourowner’smanualforrecommendationsonadjustingthesuspensionandtirepressuretoaccommodatetheaddedweight.

LOCATION

Balanceisimportantinriding,andequallyimportantinloadingamotorcycle.Keeptheloadlowandconcentrateittowardthecenterofthemotorcycle.Ifyouareusingsaddlebags,keeptheweightequallydistributedside-to-side.Trytoplaceheavieritemsaheadoftherearaxle.Usetheluggagerack,tailbagortrunkforlightweightbaggage.Toomuchweightmountedhighandbehindtherearaxlecandrasticallyaffectsteeringandstability.Neverusethefrontforks,fendersorhandlebarsforcarryingloadsasitcanobstructsteeringandcauseinstability.Makesurethattankbagsdon’tinterferewiththemovementofthehandlebarsoraccesstothecontrols.

Passenger Rules for Safety and Security

PASSENGER RULES FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY

72

SECURITY

Makesuretheloadcan’tshiftwhileyou’reriding.Purchaseaccessoryracksandluggagethataredesignedforyourmotorcycle.Whenattachingloads,usemotorcyclecargonetsorwebstrapswithmultiplemountingpoints.Makesureeachstrapissecuredacrosstheload.Takecarethatnothingblocksthelightsorinterfereswiththesteeringorsuspensionorrestrictsyourviewinthemirrors.Tuckinalllooseendsandanythingthatcouldgetcaughtinthewheels.Keepcargoawayfromthemufflers.Checktheloadeverytimeyoustoptomakesureithasn’tcomelooseorshifted.

DIFFERENCES IN HANDLINGWhetherit’scargoorpassengers(orboth),addingadditionalweighttoyourmotorcyclewillchangethewayyourmotorcyclehandlesinseveralways.

Thefirstisbalance.Youwillrequireadditionalstaminatobalanceyourbikeduringtheride,mostparticularlyduringtimesofslowingdown,stoppingandgettingbackuptospeed.

Becauseoftheaddedweight,you’llneedmoredistancetosloworstopthemotorcycle.Andthisdemandsalargerspacecushionbehindandaheadofyouforbrakingsoyoucansafelysloworbringthemotorcycletoastopwithoutlosingtraction.

Additionalweightonthemotorcyclewillcausethesteeringtofeel“heavier.”Thismeansitwillrequiremoreforcetomakethebikegowhereyouwantittogo,particularlyatslowspeedsandwhencomingtoastop.

Adjustingyourtirepressureandsuspensionforaddedweightwillallowyourbiketohandlebetteronalltypesofsurfaces.Yourbikewillgripcornersbetterandhandlebumpsmoresmoothly.Checkyourowner’smanualformoreinformationonmakingtheseadjustments.

1. When should you consider carrying a passenger?

2. How should the passenger be dressed?

3. What instructions do you give to your passenger and when?

4. Where do you find the maximum load capacity for your motorcycle?

5. What should you adjust if you are carrying loads?

6. Where should you carry heavier items?

Unit 10 | CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO

73

Ridingwithfriendsisanenjoyablewaytosharethejourney.Ifyouchoosetoridewithothers,dosoinawaythatissafeforeveryone.Followthesesimplerules:

WAIT TO RIDE WITH THE GROUP

Newridersoftenfeelitwillbebestiftheybeginbyridingwithagroup.Butinreality,it’sbesttostartouttakingsoloridesorjustridingwithoneotherriderwhoismoreexperienced.Groupridingrequiresadditionalskillsandittakesmorementalenergytokeeptrackofyourplacementinthegroup,spacingandlocationofothersaroundyou.Waituntilyou’vebuiltupyourskillsandconfidencetosafelyoperateyourbikeonsoloridesbeforebuildingtheadditionalskillsyou’llneedtoridesafelywithinagroup.

KEEP THE GROUP SMALL

Limityourgrouptofourtosixriders.Ifyouhavemoreriders,splitintosmallergroups.Ridersattherearoflargegroupscangetseparatedfromthemaingroupbytrafficorlightsandfeelanurgencytocatchup.Eliminatethispotentialbylimitingyourgroupsize.

SIGNAL EARLY AND OFTEN

Communicationandplanningareimportantfactorsinkeepingagrouptogether.Therearemorethanadozenhandsignalsyoucanusetocommunicateduringagroupride.Forthesafetyofeveryone,thegroupshouldknowandusethesesignals.Beforestartingout,theleadershouldshowthegroupthesignalstheywillusetocommunicate.Theleadershouldscanaheadforchangesandsignalearlysothateveryonehasadvancewarning.Everyoneshouldfollowsuitbysignalingtothefollowingriders.Considerthesafetyoftheentiregroupwhenmakinglanechangesorpassing.

PUT BEGINNERS UP FRONT

Putnewerridersrightbehindtheleader.Ifyouputnewridersintherear,theymayfeelpressuredtoexceedtheirabilitiesandcomfortlevelinanefforttokeepup.Encourageeveryonetoridewithintheirlimits.

KNOW THE ROUTE

Everyoneshouldknowtheroute.Makemultiplemapsorroutesheetsincasethegroupgetsseparated.

DON’T LOSE THE TAIL

Beresponsiblefortheriderdirectlybehindyou.Whenmakingaturn,passingthroughasignalorchanginglanes,checktomakesurethatridersfollowingarestillwithyou.Ifnot,slowdownandwait.Also,therideraheadshouldnoticethatyouaremissingandwait.Thisstrategyhelpskeepthegrouptogether.

Unit 11 | GROUP RIDING

74

Passing in formationRiders in staggered formation should pass one at a time. Pass only when it is safe to do so.

The lead passes when a safe opening exists. The lead pulls back into correct formation position to open up space for rider number two.

The second rider moves from the right position to the left (lead) position and completes their pass, pulling into staggered formation behind the lead.

The rest of the group follows this routine. Pass from the left position and return to the proper formation.

The lead rider returns to cruising speed when the last rider has completed the pass.

Always preserve a safe following distance. Never compromise safety by passing from a position that doesn’t afford the best line-of-sight. Take your time.

Unit 11 | GROUP RIDING

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

Whenridinginagroup,it’sbesttorideinastaggeredformationwithatleast1.5to2secondsofspacebetweeneachrider.Thefirstridershouldrideintheleftportionofthelane,withtheriderbehindthemridingintherightportionandsoon.Largegroupsshouldbreakintosmallergroupsofnomorethanfourtosixriderswithsixtoeightsecondsbetweenthesmallergroups.Thisallowsfastertraffictopassmoresafely.

WHEN TO BREAK STAGGERED FORMATION

Theleadridershouldtakeresponsibilityforsignalingchangesinformation.Rideinsinglefileandkeepasafe3-4secondfollowingdistancewheneveryou:

• Pass other vehicles

• Enter or exit a highway

• Approach a corner

• Encounter limited visibility

PASSING IN FORMATION

1.5-2 Seconds

3-4 Seconds

Staggered formation and following distance

75Group Riding

Avoidridingside-by-side.Ridingside-by-sideleavesbothriderswithpoorspacecushionsandverylimitedescaperoutes.

Continuallychecktobesureyou’remaintainingasafemarginofspacebetweenyouandtheriderinfrontofyou.Alsocheckyourmirrorsoftentobesuretheriderbehindyouisleavingplentyofroombetweenyouandthem.Ifnot,signalthemtobackoff.

TARGET FIXATION AND GROUP-RIDING

Let’sconsidertargetfixationinthegroupridingscenario.Inagrouprideitiscommonforriderstotarget-fixateontheriderorridersdirectlyinfrontofthem.Ifyounoticethishappeningtoyou,it’sasignyou’renotscanningenoughelsewhereandyouneedtore-focusyourattentionandgetbacktoscanningtheentireareaofyourrideand20secondsahead.

Scanningiscriticalfordeterminingeverythingoccurringaroundyou(notjustyourfellowriders)duringyourgroupride.Manygroupridingcrashesoccurbecauseofinattention.Byplacingalargerspacecushionbetweenyouandotherridersinyourgroup,everyonewillbeabletoscantheroadbetterandwillbelesslikelytogetcaughtupintargetfixation.

PEER PRESSURE AND GROUP RIDING

Theremaybetimesduringagroupridewhenmembersofthegroupmaymakechoicesaboutspeed,ridinggear,alcohol,etc.thatyouarenotcomfortablewith.Historytellsusthatthesechoicescanresultinseriousinjuriesandsometimesdeath.Whenyouseesuchbehaviorandchoicesbeingmadebyothers,resistthetemptationtojoinin—makethechoicesthatarerightforYOU.

Smart Rider Commitment #12: ______ (initial) “I acknowledge that group riding demands more skill and attention than riding solo. I accept this fact and commit to waiting to ride with a group until I have well developed skills and significant experience riding by myself or with just one other (and more experienced) rider.”

1. How do you calculate the following distance in a staggered formation?

2. When should you move to single file?

3. Where in the formation should the least experienced rider be?


#12

76

Mechanicalfailuresoftenresultinemergencies.Quicklyassessingtheproblemwillhelpyourespondproperly.

TIRE FAILURE

Moderntubelesstiresrarelyblowout,butitdoeshappen.Assoonasyoudetectanunfamiliarhandlingcharacteristic,slowdown.Thebikewillwobbleand/orwander.Iftheflatisonthefront,thesteeringwillfeelheavy.Ifontheback,theentirebikewillweaveandfeelunstable.Atypicalriderresponseistolookdownatthemotorcycleasiftosay,“What’sup?”Instead,keepyoureyesontheroadandusethesetechniques:

1. Holdthegripsfirmlyandeaseoffthethrottle.Don’tfightthewobble.

2. Avoid applying the brakes unless you have to. If you have to brake, use the brakes on the wheel with the good tire. Remember that linked or integrated braking systems may not allow this.

3. Avoid downshifting.

4. Squeeze the clutch and keep it in.

5. Shiftyourweightawayfromtheaffectedarea.Ifthefronttireisflat,moveback.Iftherearisflat,moveforward.

6. Keepyoureyesupandfindasafeplacetopullover.

Acommoncauseoftirefailureisunder-inflation.Checkyourtiresfrequentlyandkeeptheminflatedtothemanufacturer’sspecifications.

BROKEN CLUTCH CABLE

Somebikeshavecableslinkingtheclutchlevertotheclutchandoccasionallythesecablesbreak.Hydraulicclutchescanalsofail.Ifthisoccurs,theclutchwillremaincompletelyengaged.Itispossibletoshiftwithouttheclutch.Justmatchenginespeedtoroadspeedandcompletetheshiftquickly.Ridetoaplacewhereassistanceisavailable.Rememberthatonceyoustop,itisverydifficulttogetgoingagain.Whencomingtoastop,trytofindneutral.Shutoffthemotorcyclewiththeenginecut-offswitch.

Unit 12 | MECHANICAL PROBLEMS

77

WOBBLE/WEAVE

Aweaveorwobbleisyourmotorcycle’swayoftellingyousomething’swrong.Awobbleisfeltinthehandlebarsasapossiblystrongandrapidshaking.Aweave,ontheotherhand,isaslowoscillationintherearofthemotorcycle.Ineithercase,youmayhaveaseriousproblem.Slowdownimmediatelyandfollowthesetips:

Keepafirmgriponthehandlebarsanddon’tfightthewobble.

Eeeease off the throttle.

Move your weight forward and as low as possible over the tank.

Avoid applying the brakes unless you have to. Braking can amplify the wobble or weave.

Do not accelerate to try and stop the wobble. This will only makes it worse.

Wornorimproperlyinflatedtires,looseorwornbearingsand/ortoomuchweightin the wrong location can cause a wobble or weave. Identify the problem and take yourmotorcycletoaqualifiedtechnicianforrepairs.

Onceyouexperienceawobble/weave,itcanoccuragainatanytimeuntilyoumakethenecessaryrepairs.

1. What is a primary cause of tire failure?

2. Where do you find information about proper tire pressure?

3. How can you shift without using the clutch?

4. If you experience a wobble, what should you do?

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE AND IT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU STRATEGY

Mechanical Problems

78

Thetime-honoredtraditionoflong-distancetouringbymotorcycleisalmostasoldastheinventionofthemotorcycleitself.Whatbetterwaytomovefromplacetoplacethanontwowheels?Butlong-distanceridesrequireadditionalmentalandphysicalstamina,aswellasadditionalpreparation.Physicalfatigue,mentalfatigueand“highwayhypnosis”cansetinonalongride—andtheconsequencescanbeverysevere.

BUILD UP SLOWLY

Ridinglongdistancesisadreamformanynewriders.Butdon’tjustjumprightintoriding500or600miledays.Beginwithshortertripsandbuildyourselfuptolongerdistancesoverthecourseofnumerousrides.Itjustliketrainingforamarathon—youneedtobuildupyourstrength,skills,experienceandendurancetodoitsafely.

WEATHER CONDITIONS, COMFORT AND FATIGUE

Themoreyouride,thegreaterthechancethatyouwillencounterbadweather.Thatmaycomeintheformofrain,hailorpossiblysnow.Oritmaycomeintheformofhighwindsorsevereheat.Besureyoucarrylayersofclothingtokeepwarmwhenit’scold,drywhenit’swetandcoolwhenit’shot.

Ridinglongdistancesorthroughinclementconditionswillcauseyoutotiresooner,sobesuretotakebreaksoften.AccordingtotheAAAFoundation(www.AAAfoundation.org),stayingawakeformorethan20hourscanimpairyourdrivingskillsasmuchashavinga.08bloodalcoholconcentration—andthatisfordrivingacar.Wedonotencouragesuchlongperiodsofriding—evenforexperiencedriders.Thousand-miledays,24hourridesor“IronButt”ridesareallactivitiesthatcaneasilyleadtoridingimpaired.

BE PREPARED

Whenridingintoremoteareas,keepinmindtheremaybelittleornocellphonecoverage.Addtothatthelackofemergencymedicalservicesandroadsideassistance.Whenridingwithagroup,createabuddyplaninadvancethatensuresoneortworidersarepreparedtoseekouthelpwhiletheothermembersofthepartystaybehind.It’sadvisablethateachmemberofthegroupcarryseveralsnacksincasethere’snootherfoodavailableforaperiodoftimeduringanunplannedsituation.

Alwayshavesomeoneinthegroupcarryamedium-sizefirstaidkit.

Mostmotorcycleshaveashorterfuelrangethanacar.Sofillupfrequentlyanddon’twaittillyouhitthereservetostartlookingforthenextgasstation.Theremaynotbeoneforawhile.

Unit 13 | TOURING AND LONG-DISTANCE RIDING

79

Beforeleavingforalongtrip,inspectyourtiresforwear.Ifyoususpectyoumayneednewtiresduringthetrip,callaheadtoashoptoarrangereplacement,orsimplyreplacethembeforeyouleave.Besureyoutakecareofallmajorserviceneedsbeforethelongride,orplaninadvancetohavethemdoneatsuitableshopsalongtheway.

Inadditiontobringinglayersofclothing,alwaysbesuretopackraingear.Whileit’sgoodforkeepingyoudryduringrainytimes,itcanalsoaddalayerofwarmthandhelpyoumaintainyourbody’scoretemperaturewhentheweatherturnscold.

Whenconsideringtoolstocarryforalongride,choosetoolsyouwouldneedtoperformmaintenanceandrepair.Yourowner’smanualcanadviseyouofwhatthosetoolsareoryoucanconsultyourlocaldealer.Youshouldalsocarrysparepartssuchasaheadlightandtaillightbulbandanypartsthatareknowntofailoftenforyourmakeandmodelofbike.

Inaddition,it’sagoodideatohaveatirerepairkitandinflationdeviceonboardintheeventthatyouorsomeoneelseinyourpartygetsaflattire.Theinflationkitshouldbeabletorepairbothtubeandtubelesstiresandyourinflationdeviceshouldbeabletoprovideasteadyflowofairlongenoughtobringthetirebacktothemanufacturer’sspecifiedairpressurelevels.

YOU DESERVE A BREAK TODAY (OR SEVERAL)

Ridingcanbealotoffunbutitdoesdrainyourmentalandphysicalenergy(reducingyourRiderReadiness).Takingfrequentbreakswillallowyourmindandbodytorestbetweenstretches,makingyourridemoreenjoyable.Duringbreaks,besuretoeatanddrink.Youcanalsostretchanddolightexercisetokeepyourjointsfluidandfunctioningcomfortably.

Ifyou’rethekindofriderwholikestoputtheirbikeawayinthecoldermonths,makethefirstridesofthenewseasonshort,andgraduallybuilduptolongerdistances.

Smart Rider Commitment #13:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that touring and long-distance riding demand physical endurance, mental stamina and preparation. I accept this fact and commit to building up slowlyto longer distances and to being prepared for the challenges of long- distance riding.”

1. What are some ways that long-distance riding can lead to

riding impaired?

2. How can you be prepared for long-distance riding?

Touring and Long-Distance Riding


#13

80

RIDING IN THE COLD—THE IMPORTANCE OF WARMTH*

Asyou’velearned,beingawareandalertforothervehiclesandroadconditionsisimportanttohelpingyourideassafelyaspossible.Anotherimportantaspectofmaintainingahighlevelofalertnessistobecomfortable.

COLD = BAD

Incoldweather,thatmeansstayingwarm.Acoldbodyisadistractiontoyouralertness,anditlowersyourabilitytorespond.Coldslowsyourmentalprocesses,andyourmusclesdon’treactasquickly,either.Stayingwarmhelpskeepyoupreparedtoreact,bothmentallyandphysically.

WARMTH = GOOD

Muchoftoday’smotorcyclegeariswelldesignedandwillhelpkeepyouwarmoncooldays.Theinsulationandwind-blockingmaterialsusedinmostmotorcycle-specificgearwillserveyouwellwhenthingscooloff.Don’tforgetthatyou’llbetravelingthroughtheair,soit’snotjustthetemperature;thewindchillfactordetermineshowmuchwarmthyou’llneed.

HEAT = BETTER

Whenthewindchillgetsbelow55degrees,youmaywanttoaddtheadvantageofheatedclothing.Severalmanufacturersofferheatedjacketandpantlinersthataredesignedtofitunderyourmotorcyclegear.Poweredbyasinglewirefromthemotorcycle’sbattery,theseinterconnectedsystemsdeliverwarm,soothingheattoyourbody.Withheatedgloves,socksandinsolesalsoavailable,youcanstaywarmallthewaydowntoyourtoes.

OUTERWEAR, TOO

Forthosewhorideinthecoldfrequently,orwhoperhapscommutetoandfromworkinthechill,thereisactualridinggearavailable(outerjacketsandpants)thathastheheatbuiltin.Thisgearisdesignedtogooveryourstreetclothes,whichmakesitidealforcommutersorthosewhowillbesocializingwithfriendsuponarrival.

BE WARM AND WISE

Don’tletshiveringshakeyourconfidence.Enjoyyourmotorcycleevenondaysyouthoughtyouwouldn’t.Gearup.Heatup.Andridebetterpreparedtomeetthedemandsoftheroad.

Unit 14 | RIDING IN THE COLD; RIDING IN THE HEAT

81

RIDING IN THE HEAT—THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING COOL(AND HYDRATED!)Whenthetemperaturegoesup,riderstakegearoffinanattempttostaycool.Perhapstheybelievethatmoreairflowandlessclothingisthebestwaytodealwiththeheat.It’snotthatsimple—readon!

HOW DOES THE BODY COOL ITSELF?Let’sgetbacktobasicshere:thehumanbodycoolsbysweating.Whenthemoistureontheskinevaporates,ittakessomeofthebody’sheatwithit,thuscoolingthebody.Someairflowcanhelpwiththisevaporation(anditfeelscooler,too).

BUT WHAT ABOUT PROTECTION?Inanefforttomaximizeairflow,manyridersgiveupprotection.Ahigh-quality,armoredjacketwon’tdotherideranygoodinacrashifitisfoldedupinthesaddlebag.Tank-topsandt-shirtsoffernoprotectionagainsttheasphalt.

BUT WHAT ABOUT OVERHEATING?Inanefforttomaximizeprotection,someridersmightweargearthatgivesthemthecrashprotectiontheyneed,butisnot“weatherappropriate.”Therisksofoverheatingandheat-relatedemergenciescanrangefromheatcrampstoheatexhaustiontoheatstroke.Heat-relatedemergencies7canresultin:

• Fatigue

• Muscle cramps

• Headache

• Dizziness/lightheadedness

• Weakness

• Nausea

• And eventually seizures or even loss of consciousness

BUT WHAT ABOUT DEHYDRATION?

Whenridingwithlittleornogear,thewindisblowingacrosstheskinandinstantlydriesupthesweatasittriestocoolyou.Thebodytriestosweatmore,thewinddriesitupmore—yougettheidea.Youbecomedehydratedmuchfasterthiswaythanifyouhadsomeprotectionbetweenyourskinandthewind.Ifyouhaveeverexperienceddehydrationwhileexercisingorplayingsports,youknowhowdevastatingitcanbetoyourperformance.

7AccordingtoMedlinePlus,aserviceoftheUSNationalLibraryofMedicine,NationalInstitutesofHealth;www.nlm.nih.gov

Riding in the Cold; Riding in the Heat

82

Dehydration8slowsyourmentalandphysicalabilities,impairsyoursmoothandcoordinatedoperationofthemotorcycle,andcanresultin:

• Extreme fatigue

• Muscle cramps

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Tingling of the limbs

• Dim vision

• Confusion

• And eventually seizures or even loss of consciousness

PROTECTION FROM THE HEAT AND FROM THE ASPHALTSo,howdoyoustaycoolANDstayprotected?Hereareafewsimpleoptions.“Coolingvests”aredesignedtobewornunderyourridingjacket.Thereareavarietyofmakes,models,stylesandpriceranges.Justsearchonlinefor“motorcyclecoolingvest”andyou’llfindmanytochoosefrom.

Anotherwaytogoistomakeyourown“motorcycleswamp-cooler.”Takealongsleevet-shirt,soakitinwater,thenputiton(orputitonandthensoakit—eitherwayisgood).Putyourventedormeshridingjacketonoverthet-shirt.Asyouride,thewett-shirtandthemovingairworktogethertokeepyoucool.Whenthet-shirtdriesout,pulloverandre-wetit.Youcangetagoodqualityventedormeshridingjacketinthe$75–$200range.Tryit—you’llbeamazedathowstayingcoveredcankeepyoucoolerthanridingwithoutprotection.

BE COOL AND WISEDon’tletheatanddehydrationimpairyourridingability.RideprotectedfromtheheatANDtheasphaltevenintemperaturesthatyouthoughtwouldmakeyouchooseoneovertheother.Gearup.Staycool.

1. How does cold/hypothermia impair you?

2. How does heat/dehydration impair you?

3. How can you stay cool, hydrated and protected?

8Accordingtowww.symptomsofdehydration.com

Unit 14 | RIDING IN THE COLD; RIDING IN THE HEAT

83 Appendix A | CORNERING WITH CONFIDENCE—EXPANDED CONTENT

Anoutside-inside-outsidestrategyisagoodplacetostartandwillserveyouwellinmostsituations.Inreality,acenter-center-centerlinecangetyouthroughacurvejustfineaslongasyoumanageyourspeed.Therearemanyridingschoolsandmanybooksthatspendalotoftimeoncorneringlinesandgointogreatdetail.ThisRider’sGuidewillexploreafewfairlycommonscenarios(decreasingradiuscurvesandlinkedcurves)andsuggestastrategyformanagingthem.

DECREASING RADIUS CURVES AND LINKED CURVES

Adecreasingradiusturnissimplyaturnthatgetstighter.Theseturnscanbechallengingforriderswhoareunpreparedbecause,tostayontheroad,theriderhastoincreasetheirleaninthemiddleoftheturn.Iftheriderbeginstheturnatthemaximumleanangletheycanhandle,theyrunintotroublewhenthecurveoftheroadwaydemandsmorelean.Linkedcurvesarethosewhereonecurveleadsdirectlyintoanothercurve(andperhapsseveralinarow).Thestrategyisthesameforboth.

ON THE APPROACH

Ifyoucan’tseethroughtotheexitoftheturn,enterasifitwasadecreasingradiusturn,linkedturn,orthereissomeobstacleintheroadjustoutofsight.Thisway,youwillbepreparedtorespond.Putyourmotorcycleinthe“outside”partofthelane.Thishelpsyouseetheexitoftheturnsoonerratherthanlater.

WAIT FOR IT

Holdyourlanepositionasyouentertheturn.Manyridershaveatendencyto“divein”towardtheinsidetooearly.Thiscancauseproblemslaterintheturn,sodisciplineyourselftoholdyourlanepositionuntilyoucanseeallthewaythroughtotheexit.Onceyoucanseetheexit,thenmovetowardtheinside.AsmentionedinUnit6,thisisknownasalateapexline.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Fromtheapexoftheturn(theinside),youhavetheexitoftheturnandtheroadaheadinsight.Whatlanepositiondoyouwanttobeinfortheroadahead?Aretherepotholestoavoid?Isthereanotherturnahead?Ifso,isitaright-handturnoraleft-handturn?Considertheroadaheadanddeterminewhatlanepositionyouwant.Now,gofromtheapextothatlanepositionasyouexittheturn.Thismightresultinanoutside-inside-outsideline,oritmightresultinanoutside-inside-insideline,oritmightevenresultinanoutside-inside-middleline.Ineachofthosecases,whatyouhaveisanoutside-inside-what’snext?line.

84 Appendix A | CORNERING WITH CONFIDENCE—EXPANDED CONTENT

BODY POSITION

Ourgeneralrecommendationregardingbodypositioninacurveforstreetridingistoleanwiththemotorcycle.Bodypositionhasadirectimpactonmotorcycleleanangleandgroundclearance.Thiscanbecomeveryimportantincorners—especiallyforridersonmotorcycleswithlimitedgroundclearance(primarilycruisersandtouringbikes).Hereishowitworks:

LEANING WITH THE MOTORCYCLE

Thiskeepsyouinthebestpositiontoremainrelaxed,operateallofthemotorcycle’scontrols,anddoesn’trequireunnecessarymotorcyclelean.

LEANING OUT

Thistechniqueisfrequentlyusedforlow-speed,tightturns(seeUnit4,page30).Movingyourbodyweighttowardtheoutsideofaturn(leaningleftforatightrightturn;leaningrightfortightleftturn)helpswithbalanceandallowsthemotorcycletoleanmorewithoutbecomingunstable.Byleaningmore,groundclearanceisreduced.Inaslow-speed,tightturn,thisgroundclearanceissueisnotaproblem.However,inanormalspeedturnontheroad,itcanbeaseriousproblem.Whencorneringatspeedorwhentheygetnervous,manyridersunintentionallyleanoutandendupdraggingpartsorevenrunningwideorofftheroad.

Payattentiontoyourbodyposition,stayrelaxedandavoidleaningoutwhencornering.

LEANING IN

Whenyouseepicturesorvideosofmotorcycleracershangingofftheirbikeswiththeirkneesontheground,thatisanexampleofthe“leaningin”techniquetakentotheextreme.Whydotheydoit?Itprovidesincreasedgroundclearanceandtractionsotheycangofaster(theyareracing,afterall).

Evenriderswhoaren’tracingcanlearnathingortwofromtheconcept.Theonlytimetheleaningintechniqueisrecommendedisifyoufindyourselfdraggingfootpegsorfloorboardsinacornerorotherwiserunningoutofgroundclearance.Leaningyourupperbodyslightlytotheinsidecangiveyoutheextragroundclearanceandtractionyouneedtogetthroughtheturn.(Nexttimeenterthatturnslower!)

LEAN WITH

85

Antilock Brakes: Brakingsystemsthatpreventskidsduringstraight-linebraking.

Apex: Pointinarider’spathoftravelclosesttotheinsideedgeofacurve.

BAC:Bloodalcoholconcentration.Percentageofalcoholinaperson’sblood.

Blind Spot:Areasbehindandbesideavehiclenotvisibleinthemirrors.

Conspicuity: Thequalityofbeingconspicuous;highlyvisible,easilyseen.

Convex Mirror: Mirrorhavingasurfacethatcurvesoutward.Theyshowmoreareabutobjectsappearfartherawaythantheyactuallyare.

Collision:Acrashorconflict.

Crash: Tofallorcollidewithsomething;toundergosuddendamageordestructiononimpact.

Counterweight:Shiftingweighttotheoutsideoftheturn.Usedtoprovidebetterbalanceinlow-speedturns.Countersteer: Initiateleanbyapplyingforwardpressuretothehandgripinthedirectionoftheturn:pressright,goright;pressleft,goleft.Thefrontwheelout-tracksinitiallyasleanisinitiated,thenre-centersandpointsintotheturn.

Crowned Road: Aroadthatishigherinthemiddletopromotedrainage.

Divided Attention:Concentrationonbothmentalandphysicaltasksatthesametimeoranysimultaneousmultipletasks.

DOT:DepartmentofTransportation.

DWI/DUI:Drivingwhileimpaired(DWI);drivingundertheinfluence(DUI).Thesetermsrefertoanyandalloffensesinvolvingtheoperationofvehicleswhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholand/orotherdrugs.

Engine Braking:Slowingbyusingenginecompression;shiftingdownandeasingouttheclutchorrollingoffthethrottle.

Entry Speed: Speedattheentrytoaturn.Aproperentryspeedallowsyoutomaintainasteadyspeedoraccelerategentlythroughouttheentireturn.

Escape Route:Analternativeroutetoavoidhazardsinyourimmediatepathoftravel.

Appendix B | GLOSSARY

86

Exceeding Sight Distance:Ridingataspeedthatdoesnotallowtimetorecognizeandavoidhazardsinyourpath.

Field Sobriety Tests:Roadsidetestsusedbylawenforcementtodetermineimpairment.

Friction Zone:Areaofclutchlevertravelwheretheclutchbeginstoengageandtransferpowerfromtheenginetotherearwheel.Usedingettingunderway,downshiftingandinslow-speedmaneuvers.

Gauntlet:Theflaredcuffofaglovethatisdesignedtopreventwindfromgoingupthesleeve.

Heat Exhaustion:Aconditioncausedbyexposuretoheat,resultinginthedepletionofbodyfluidsthatcausesweakness,dizziness,nauseaandoftencollapse.

High-Side Crash:Crashinwhichthemotorcyclesnapsviolentlyuprightandthrowstheriderinfrontofthetumblingmotorcycle.Oftentheresultofreleasingtherearbrakewhenaskiddingreartireisnotinalignmentwiththefront.

Hydroplane:Waterbuildupundertread.Hydroplaningcausestirestoliftfromtheroadwaysurface.Cancauselossofcontrol.

Hypothermia:Aclinicalstateofsub-normalbodytemperaturewhenthebodyisunabletogeneratesufficientheattoefficientlymaintainfunctions.Warningsignsincludeuncontrollableshivering,memoryloss,disorientation,incoherence,slurredspeech,drowsinessandexhaustion.

Integrated Braking System:Brakingsystemthatappliespartialfrontbrakingwhenrearbrakeisapplied.

Impairment:Diminishedjudgmentandability.

Lay It Down:Seelow-sidecrash.

Linked Braking System:Systemthatengagesbothfrontandrearbrakeswheneitherisapplied.

Low-Side Crash:Crashwheretheridermakescontactwiththegroundbehindtheslidingmotorcycle.

Nystagmus:Involuntaryjerkingoftheeyes.

ONE-C:Pre-startroutine—Fuelvalve/keyON,TransmissioninNEUTRAL,SwitchENGINEtorunoron,engageCLUTCHanduseCHOKEasneeded.

Appendix B | GLOSSARY

87

Overriding the Headlight:Ridingataspeedthatdoesnotallowyoutoavoidhazardsorstopwithinthepathilluminatedbytheheadlight.

Overriding Sight Distance:Ridingataspeedthatdoesnotallowtimeordistancetostoporswerveifsomethingunexpectedentersyourpathortheroadwaytakesanunexpectedbend.

Retro-reflective:Materialthatreflectslightbacktothelightsource.

Rider Readiness:Beingcompletelypreparedforriding.Thisincludesbeingmentallypreparedandattentive,physicallyrestedandunimpaired,havingyourmotorcycleingoodcondition,wearingappropriateridinggearandbeingawareofandpreparedforupcomingweather,roadwayandtrafficconditions.

Sight Distance:Howfaraheadaridercanseeatanygivenmoment.

SIPDE:Acronymtodescribedefensiveridingstrategy:Scan,Identify,Predict,Decide,Execute.

Space Cushion:Zoneofspacesurroundingrider.Maintainedtoprovidespaceandtimetoreacttohazards.

Square the Handlebars:Gettingthesteeringcenteredandthemotorcycleuprightandtravelinginastraightpath.Helpstopreservebalanceatstops.

Target Fixation:Whentheeyesandbrainarefocusedsointentlyonaparticularobjectthatawarenessofotherobstaclesorhazardsisdiminishedandtheridertendstoveertowardthatobject.

Tailgating:Followingtooclosely.

Traction:Frictionbetweenthetiresandtheroadway.

Visual Directional Control:Guidingyourmotorcyclebyturningyourheadandfocusingyoureyesonthedesiredpath.It’sthepriniciplethatyoutendtogowhereyoulook.

Visual Lead:Spaceallowedtoidentifyandmanagerisks.Scanning20secondsaheadprovidesthevisuallead.

Wind Chill:Theapparenttemperaturefeltbythebodyduetothecombinationoftemperatureandwindspeed.

Glossary

88

Youdonotneedamotorcycleendorsement.

If it’s a MOPED

Youneedamotorcycleendorsement.

If it’s a MOTORCYCLE

Appendix C | CALIFORNIA RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR MOTORCYCLES AND SCOOTERS

DO YOU NEED A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT?

Ifyouoperateanymotorizedvehicleonpublicroadways,Californialawrequiresyoutohaveavaliddriver’slicenseandacceptableproofofliabilityinsurance.Ifyouoperateamotorcycleonpublicroadways,youwillalsoneedtoaddamotorcycleendorsementtoyourCaliforniadriver’slicense.

DEFINITIONS

Itisimportanttounderstandifthevehicleyouoperateisamotorcycleormotor-drivencyclethatrequiresyoutohaveamotorcycleendorsementonyourdriver’slicense.

MOTORCYCLE/SCOOTERS: Anymotorvehiclehavingaseatorsaddlefortheuseoftherideranddesignedtotravelonnotmorethanthree(3)wheelsincontactwiththeground.

MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE

Amotor-drivencycleisamotorcyclewitha149ccorlessenginesize.NOTE: Youmaynotoperateamotor-drivencycleonafreewayifsignsarepostedtoprohibitmotor-drivencycleoperation.

MOTORIZED BICYCLES (MOPEDS):

Alimited-speedmotor-drivencyclehavingbothmotorizedandpedalpropulsionthatisnotcapableofpropellingthevehicleataspeedinexcessofthirty(30)milesperhouronlevelground,whethertwo(2)orthree(3)wheelsareincontactwiththegroundduringoperation.Ifaninternalcombustionengineisused,thedisplacementshallnotexceedfifty(50)cubiccentimetersandthemopedshallhaveapowerdrivesystemthatfunctionsdirectlyorautomaticallywithoutclutchingorshiftingbytheoperatorafterthedrivesystemisengaged.

Orifpoweredsolelybyelectricalenergy,ithastwo(2)wheelsorthree(3)wheelswithnopedals,anautomatictransmission,andamotorthatproduceslessthantwo(2)grossbrakehorsepower,andisnotcapableofpropellingthevehicleataspeedinexcessofthirty(30)milesperhouronlevelground.

89

HOW DO YOU GET A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT?

• YoumustpassawrittenknowledgetestandamotorcycleskillstestorobtainaCertificateofCompletionofMotorcycleTraining(DL389)

• Ifyouareunder21,youmustalsosuccessfullycompleteamotorcycleridertrainingcourse.

• SeetheCaliforniaMotorcycleHandbookformoreinformation.

OPERATOR ENDORSEMENTS

Californiaissuesthefollowinglicenseclassesfortwo-wheelvehicleoperation:ClassM1—Youmayoperateanytwo-wheelmotorcycle,motor-drivencycleormotorizedscooterandallvehicleslistedunderClassM2.ClassM2—Youmayoperateanymotorizedbicycle,mopedorabicyclewithanattachedmotorormotorizedscooter.NOTE:ClassClicenseesmayoperateamotorcyclewithasidecarattachedorathree-wheelmotorcycle.

Youmustpassawrittenandaskillstestbeforereceivingamotorcycleendorsement.Successfulcompletionofanapprovedmotorcycleridertrainingcoursemaywaivetherequirementfortheridingskillstest,ifcompletedwithintheyearpriortoaddingtheendorsementtoyourlicense.

Applicantsunder21yearsofagearerequiredtocompletemotorcyclesafetytrainingandobtainaCertificateofCompletion(DL389)andhavehadinstructionalpermitforatleast6monthsofferedbytheCaliforniaMotorcyclistSafetyProgram tobecomeeligibleforamotorcycleendorsement.NOTE:Minorsage15½–17mustbringproofofcompletionofbothdrivereducationanddrivertrainingorbecurrentlylicensed.

MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTION PERMIT

AmotorcycleinstructionpermitisavailabletoanyonewhocompletesaDMVapplicationform(DL44orDL44C).Thispermitisvalidfor12monthsandallowsmotorcycleorscooteroperatorstopracticeridingunderthefollowingrestrictions:Daylightridingonly;nofreewayriding;nopassengers.Youmusttakeandpassawrittenknowledgetestbeforeapplyingforaninstructionpermit

Applicantsunder21yearsofagearerequiredtocompleteamotorcyclesafetytrainingbeforereceivingamotorcycleinstructionpermit.


90

MOTORCYCLE TESTS

Licensingtestsarethebestmeasuresofknowledgeandskillsnecessarytosafelyoperateyourmotorcycleormopedintraffic.Herearethebasictestingandlicensingrequirementsforamotorcycleendorsement:1. PassamultiplechoicemotorcycleoperatorknowledgetestbasedontheinformationintheCaliforniaMotorcycle

Handbook.2. Passaskillstest.Youwilldemonstrateyourabilitytoperformbasicmaneuversduringanoff-streetskillstest.Youmaybe

abletoobtainaCertificateofCompletion(DL389)towaivetheskillstestatDMVbytakingamotorcyclesafetycourse.3. AddthemotorcycleendorsementtoyourvalidCaliforniadriver’slicense.Licensingfeesaresubjecttolegislativechange,

soyoumaycheckthedrivermanualsorDMV’swebsiteforacurrentscheduleoffees.

Californiawillacceptamotorcyclelicenseendorsementfromotherstates,however,Californiadoesnotacceptmotorcyclesafetycoursecompletioncardsfromotherstates.

Foradditionalinformation,youmayvisit:http://www.dmv.ca.gov

MANDATORY INSURANCE

AllmotorizedvehiclesoperatedonCaliforniaroadways,whetherregisteredornot,mustcarryliabilityinsuranceprovidingthefollowingminimumcoverage:

• $15,000forinjuryordeathofoneperson;

• $30,000forinjuryordeathoftwoormorepeople;and

• $5,000forpropertydamage.InsurancecompaniesinCaliforniaarerequiredbylaw(CaliforniaVehicleCode(CVC)§16058)toelectronicallyreportprivate-usevehicleinsuranceinformationtotheDepartmentofMotorVehicles(DMV).Insurancecompaniesareexemptfromelectronicallyreportinginsuranceinformationforvehiclescoveredbycommercialorbusinessinsurancepolicies.

Ifyou,asanoperator,areinvolvedinacollisionwhichcausesmorethan$750inpropertydamagetooneperson,includingyourself,isinjured,nomatterhowslightly,you(oryourinsuranceagent,broker,orlegalrepresentative)mustreportthecollisiontoDMVoryourlicensemaybesuspened.TheCHPorpolicewillnotmakethisreport.

HELMET LAW

Californialawrequiresallridersandpassengerstowearaprotectivehelmetwhileridingonoroperatingamotorcycleorscooter.HelmetsmusthavealabelcertifyingthattheymeetU.S.DepartmentofTransportation(DOT)standards.


91

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE LAWS AND PENALTIES

UnderCalifornialawyouareconsideredtobedrivingundertheinfluenceifyourblood-alcoholconcentration(BAC)is.08%ormoreifyouare21orolder.Analcoholconcentrationof.20%ormorecarriesevenstifferpenalties.Yourlicensewillbesuspendedforoneyearwithabsolutelynodrivingprivilegesofanykindforrefusingtotakethealcoholconcentrationtestifitisyourfirstoffense.Asecondrefusalwithintenyearsbringsevenstifferpenalties.

Under21—ZeroToleranceforAlcoholUse.Ifyouareunder21yearsofage,youmustsubmittoahand-heldbreathtest,PreliminaryAlcoholScreening(PAS),oroneoftheotherchemicaltests.IfyourBACmeasures0.01%orhigheronthePAS,youmaybesuspendedforoneyear.

Ifyou’reconvictedofaDUI,thecriminalpenaltiesare:

•For a first conviction:Upto6monthsinjail;uptoa$1,000fine;andmandatorydriver’slicensesuspensionof180daysandberequiredtocompleteaDUIprogram,fileaCaliforniaInsuranceProofCertificate(SR22),andpayallfeesbeforeyourdriverlicensecanbereinstated.Thelengthoftheprogrammayvary.Ifyouareunder21,yourdrivingprivilegewillberevokedforoneyearandwillberequiredtocompletetheeducationalportionofalicensedDUIprogram.

•For a second conviction within ten years: Mandatoryjailsentencefrom10daystooneyear(5daysto30daysifyouareunder21);uptoa$2,000fine;amandatorydriver’slicensesuspensionofoneyear(uptotwoyearsifyouareunder21);andshallonlydriveavehicleequippedwithanignitioninterlocksystemafterthelicensesuspensionperiod.

2 SETS OF SOLID DOUBLE YELLOW LINES (DOUBLE DOUBLE YELLOW LINES)

Twosetsofsoliddoubleyellowlinesspaced2feetormoreapartareconsideredabarrier.DonotdriveonoroverthisbarrierormakealeftturnoraU-turnacrossitexceptatdesignatedopenings(seediagram).

EAR PROTECTION

Earplugsareallowed,howeverapersonwearingpersonalhearingprotectorsintheformonearplugsormoldsthatarespecificallydesignedtoattenuateinjuriousnoiselevelsmustbeablethehearasirenorhornfromanemergencyvehicleorahornfromanothermotorvehicle.

Helmetspeakersareallowed,howeveronlyasingleearphone.

1. What is the minimum vehicle insurance coverage in California?

2. What do the double double yellow lines mean?

3. What is the difference between a Class M1 and M2 endorsement?


92

HIGH-OCCUPANCY TOLL (HOT) LANES

InCalifornia,high-occupancytoll(HOT)lanesandtollshighwaysarefee-paidroadwaysthatareusedinheavilytraveledareastorelievetrafficcongestion.CommunterstravlingontollhighwaysorusingHOTlanesmaypurchasetransponders,whichtracktheirvehicle’susageoftheseroadways.Transpondersallowdriverstopaytollsfeesthroughelectronicbilling.Whenusingatransponderorotherelectronicpaymentdevicewhiledrivingonatollhighway,HOTlaneortollbridge,motorcyclistareallowedtoplacethepaymentdevicein5locations(onthemotorcycleorcarriedbythedriver),aslongasthetollreadercandetechthedevice.Thelocationsare:• Inthemotorcyclist’spocket.• Insideacyclenetdrapedacrossthegastankofthemotorcycle.• Onthelicenseplatedevice,ifthetolloperatorprovidessuchadevice.• Inastoragecompartmentonthemotorcycle• Onthewindshieldofthemotorcycle.

CARPOOL/HIGH-OCCUPANCY VEHICLE (HOV) LANES

Acarpoollaneisaspecialfreewaylaneusedonlyforcarpools,buses,motorcyclesordecaledlow-emissionvehicles.Thepavementinthislaneismarkedwithadiamondsymbol◊ andthewords“CarpoolLane.”Theselanesarealsoknowashigh-occupancyvehicle(HOV)lanes.Donotcrossoverdoubleparallellinestoenterorexitanycarpoollaneexceptatdesignatedentryorexitplaces.MotorcyclistsareallowedtousetheCarpool/HOVlanes,unlessotherwiseposted.

MOTORCYCLES TOWING TRAILERS

Motorcyclestowingtrailers:• Mustnotexceed55mph.• Mustremainintherightlaneunlessitisafour(4)lanehighway,thenthetwo(2)lanes,exceptwhenpassing.• Arenotallowedincarpoollanes.FormoreinformationseetheRecreationalVehiclesandTrailersHandbookavailableonlineatwww.dmv.ca.govoryoumayobtainacopyatyourlocalDMVoffice.


93

LANE SPLITTING

Thetermlanesplitting,sometimesknownaslanesharing,sometimesknownaslanesharing,filteringorwhite-liningreferstotheprocessamotorcyclistridingbetweenlanesofstoppedorslower-movingtrafficormovingbetweenlanestothefrontoftrafficstoppedatthetrafficlight.Lanesplittingshouldnotbeperformedbyinexperiencedriders.whenchoosingtolanesplit,skilledmotorcycleridersshouldconsiderthefollowing:• Trafficflow—Travelatspeedthatisnomorethan10mphfasterthanothertraffic;dangerincreasesathigherspeed

differentials.Lanesplittingisnotadvisedwhentrafficflowisat30mphorfaster;dangerincreasesasoverallspeedincreases.

• Trafficlanes—Lanesplittingisencouragedtobedonebetweenthe#1and#2lanes;typically,itissafertolanesplitintheselanesthanbetweenotherlanes.

• Environment—Thetotalenvironmentshouldbeconsideredincludingthewidthofthelanes,sizeofsurroundingvehicles,theroadway,weatherandlightingconditions.

• Hazards—Ridersshouldanticipatepossiblemovementsbyotherroadusersandbealertatalltimes.NOTE: Thesegeneralguidelinesassumeahighlevelridingcompetencyandexperienceanddonotguaranteetokeepyousafe.Everyriderhastheultimateresponsibilityforhisorherowndecisionsmakingandsafety.Ridersmustbeconsciousofreducingcrashriskatalltimes.

EVADING A PEACE OFFICER

AnypersonwhowillfullyfleesorattemptstoevadeapeaceofficerperforminghisorherdutiesisguiltyofamisdemeanorpunishablebyimprisonmentinacountyjailfornotmorethanoneyearCaliforniaVehicleCode(CVC)§2800.1).IfapersonisconvictedofcausingseriousbodilyinjuryduringthecourseofapolicepursuitCaliforniaVehicleCode(CVC)§2800.3(a),heorsheissubjectto:• Imprisonmentinastateprisonforthree,fiveorsevenyearsorinacountyjailfornotmorethanoneyear.• Afineofnotlessthan$2,000normorethan$10,000.• Both,afineandimprisonment.IfapersonisconvictedofkillinganyoneduringthecourseofapolicepursuitCaliforniaVehicleCode(CVC)§2800.3(b),heorsheissubjecttoimprisonmentinastateprisonforfour,six,ortenyears.

1.Whatisthemaximumspeedwhentowing?2.Aremotorcyclesallowedtobeinthecarpool/HOVlanes?3.Lanesplittingshouldbedoneinwhatlanenumbers?4.Whatarethe5locationswheretheelectronictolltranspondercanbeplaced?


94 Appendix D | SMART RIDER COMMITMENTS

SMART RIDER COMMITMENTS

SMART RIDER COMMITMENT #1:

______ (initial) “I acknowledge that part of being a responsible rider is knowing and following the ‘rules of the road.’ I accept this fact and commit to learning and complying with state laws, rules, regulations and equipment requirements.”


______ (initial) “I acknowledge that riding a motorcycle in a complex traffic and roadway environment is an activity involving risk and danger. I accept this fact and commit to managing those risks.”


______ (initial) “I acknowledge that when riding a motorcycle, the only thing between me and the elements (hot, cold, rain, hail, bugs, the asphalt, other vehicles, etc.) is the gear I am wearing. I accept this fact and commit to getting and wearing riding gear that is right for me and my family.”


______ (initial) “I acknowledge that a motorcycle requires more frequent inspection and maintenance than a car. I accept this fact and commit to learning how and when to perform a pre-ride check on my motorcycle.”


______ (initial) “I acknowledge that an expert rider is one who uses expert judgment to avoid having to use expert skills. I accept this fact and commit to becoming an expert rider by practicing SIPDE skills, keeping my eyes up and scanning 20 seconds ahead.”


______ (initial) “I acknowledge that motorcyclists running wide in turns is the most common fatal crash situation. I accept this fact and commit to practicing the READY-AIM-FIRE process for cornering, and in particular LOOKING through the turn and PRESSING forward on the handgrip to cause the bike to lean/turn.”

95 Appendix D | SMART RIDER COMMITMENTS


______ (initial) “I acknowledge that braking errors are very common in crash situations. I accept this fact and commit to regularly practicing quick stops, with an emphasis on smooth increasing pressure on the front brake and a light to lighter application of the rear brake.”

SMART RIDER COMMITMENT #8:______ (initial) “I acknowledge that many fatal motorcycle crashes involve riders who had been drinking. I accept this fact and commit to separate the use of alcohol (and other drugs) from riding a motorcycle. I commit to riding sober.”

SMART RIDER COMMITMENT #9: ______ (initial) “I acknowledge that an impaired rider in the group puts me at risk. I accept this fact and commit to avoiding riding with others who are impaired.”


______ (initial) “I acknowledge that there are a wide variety of factors that can impair my ability to ride safely. I accept this fact and commit to minimizing factors that can negatively affect my riding ability and performance.”


______ (initial) “I acknowledge that when I carry a passenger, I am responsible for their safety and comfort. I accept this fact and commit to waiting to carry passengers until I have well developed skills and significant experience as a solo rider.”


______ (initial) “I acknowledge that group riding demands more skill and attention than riding solo. I accept this fact and commit to waiting to ride with a group until I have well developed skills and significant experience riding by myself or with just one other (and more experienced) rider.”


______ (initial) “I acknowledge that touring and long-distance riding demand physical endurance, mental stamina and preparation. I accept this fact and commit to building up slowly to longer distances and to being prepared for the challenges of long-distance riding.”

96 Appendix E | RANGE RULES AND HAND SIGNALS

Rangerulesaredesignedtomaintainsafetyforallridersandthereforeapplytoeveryone.Theyareusedinconjunctionwithallridingexercises,noexceptions.Rangerulesareasfollows:

Don’t practice without the instructor’s permission.

Stay with each exercise as it’s being practiced.

Wear all protective gear when seated on the motorcycle.

Cover the clutch lever with four fingers at all times—this enables you to immediately disengage power from the rear wheel, if necessary.

Keep your throttle hand in a wrist-down position with four fingers around the throttle/handgrip.

Do not “cover” the front brake while moving forward. Keep all four fingers wrapped around the throttle.

Always check around you—front, sides and behind—before moving.

Don’t crowd other riders—leave plenty of space between you and them.

Do not pass other riders/motorcycles.

Always use the engine cut-off switch to stop the engine, and then turn off the ignition.

If you have a problem, move out of the way and signal your instructor.

If you hear a referee-style whistle, stop smoothly and immediately and wait for further directions.

If you don’t understand an exercise, ask the instructor for clarification.

Notify your instructor if you are too uncomfortable to ride safely.

97

The course

instructors

will use these

hand signals to

communicate

with you while

you are riding

on the range.

Appendix E | RANGE RULES AND HAND SIGNALS

Enjoy the Ride!…and continue the journey. Keep your skills growing. Check out our website for other courses to help you get the most out of your ride.

http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com

Documents

California Motorcyclist Safety Program Motorcyclist ... · FOREWORD 4 It’s about the journey, not the destination. The Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) offered by the California