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ILLINOISMOTORCYCLEOPERATORMANUAL

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Currently, there are nearly

348,000 motorcycles on Illinois

roads, and this number is

increasing every year. Because

of their size and vulnerability in

a crash, it is important to take

special precautions when riding

a motorcycle. Learning and then

practicing proper cycling skills

can significantly reduce the risk

of an accident.

ThisIllinois Motorcycle Operator Manual

information that will help you learn how

your motorcycle safely and skillfully. Info

needed for the Illinois Secretary of State

license exams also is included. I hope yo

resource not only as a study aid, but as

develop your motorcycling skills.

In addition to studying this manual when

your motorcycle exams, please review th

Rules of the Roadbooklet as well. The bo

id i f i t t t ffi

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OverviewMotorcycle Classification . . . . . . . . . 2

Instruction Permits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2License Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Motorcycle Traffic Laws. . . . . . . . . . . 3

Preparing to RideHelmet Use/Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Eye and Face Protection . . . . . . . . . . 5Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Know Your Motorcycleand Your ResponsibilitiesBorrowing and Lending . . . . . . . . . . . 6Get Familiar with the Controls . . . . . 6

Check Your Motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . . 7Your Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Motorcycle Controland OperationBody Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Shifting Gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Keeping Your Distance . . . . . . . . . . . 11Lane Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Following Another Vehicle. . . . . . . . 12Being Followed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Passing and Being Passed . . . . . . . . 13Lane Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Merging Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Vehicles Alongside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15SIPDE 15

Crash AvoQuick Stops

Swerving or T

Cornering . .

DangerousUneven SurfaSlippery Surf

Tracks and PGrooves and

MechanicaTire Failure. Stuck ThrottlWobble . . . .

Chain ProbleEngine Seizur

ObstaclesAnimals. . . . .Flying ObjectGetting off th

Carrying Pand CargoEquipment . Instructing PRiding with P

Carrying Loa

Protect YoGroup Riding

Alcohol and O

TABLE OF CONTENT

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OVERVIEWMotorcycle ClassificationIllinois drivers licenses are classified according

weight of the vehicles to be driven. There are twmotorcycle licenses:

Class L: Any motor-driven cycle with lessthan 150cc displacement.

Class M: Any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.

To obtain a motorcycleclassification on your driverslicense, you must pass a separate

motorcycle examination (seepages 37-42). Drivers ages 16 and 17also must successfully complete amotorcycle training course approvedby the Illinois Department ofTransportation (IDOT). Persons age18 and older who successfullycomplete an IDOT Motorcycle RiderEducation Course are not required to pass awritten or driving examination at a DriverServices facility.

Instruction PermitsMotor-Driven Cycle Persons ages 16 and 17 wcompleted driver education and passed the motmay apply for a 24-month instruction permit to o

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Rental/Out-of-State Drivers A person must hlicense with the appropriate motorcycle classificmotorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Out-of-state d

the period during which they are in Illinois, provdrivers license for motorcycle operation from thcountry.

Moped Operators Mopeds are low-speed, twoThey can be pedaled like a bicycle or driven like

Mopeds are intended for limited use on public rdrivers must carry a valid drivers license and oand traffic laws. If the moped meets all four critethe moped operator is not required to obtain a mclassification.

License PlatesAll motorcycles and motor-driven cycles must hwhen operated on streets or highways. Differentare assigned to motorcycles and motor-driven ccorrect piston displacement must appear on youregistration application. If trading from one class

(less than 150cc or 150cc and over), the license the Secretary of State, along with applications fothe appropriate fee.

Motorcycle Traffic LawsMotorcycle drivers must obey all traffic laws, sigsame way as other drivers. Motorcycle drivers apassing between two other vehicles going in thethere is an unobstructed traffic lane available tosafely. They also are prohibited from passing on

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You have a far better chance of avoiding serious inwear: Helmet (A helmet is not required under Illinoi

who wears a properly fitted helmet greatly redfatal head injury in an accident.)

Face or eye protection, and Protective clothing.

Helmet Use/Selection

Motorcycle crashes are common, particularly amOne out of every five motorcycle crashes resultsinjuries. Crash analyses show that head and neca majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcshows that, with few exceptions, head and neck by the proper wearing of an approved helmet.

Some riders do not wear helmets because they ttheir view to the sides. Others wear helmets onlwhen riding at high speeds. Following are some An approved helmet lets you see as far to the

study of more than 900 motorcycle crashes, w

riders wore helmets, did not find even one caskept a rider from spotting danger.

Most crashes happen on short trips (less thana few minutes after starting out.

Most riders are riding slower than 30 mph whthese speeds, helmets can cut both the numbehead injuries by half.

No matter what the speed, helmeted riders are tto survive head injuries than those not wearing

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Eye and Face ProtectionA plastic, shatter-resistant faceshield can help pin a crash. It also protects you from wind, dust, d

pebbles thrown from cars ahead. These problemcan be painful, and divert your attention from coroad.

Goggles protect your eyes, although they will noyour face like a faceshield does. A windshield is

faceshield or goggles. Most windshields will not from the wind. Neither will eyeglasses or sunglaskeep your eyes from watering and they may blowyour head while riding.

To be effective, eye or faceshield protection mus

Be free of scratches. Be resistant to penetration. Give a clear view to either side. Fasten securely so it does not blow off. Permit air to pass through to reduce fogging. Permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglas

Tinted eye protection should not be worn at nighwhen little light is available.

ClothingThe right clothing protects you in a crash. It alsowell as protection from heat, cold, debris, and hof the motorcycle. Jacket and pants should cover arms and legs

should fit snugly enough to keep from flapping

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Gloves allow a better grip and help protect yoYour gloves should be made of leather or simi

In cold or wet weather, your clothes should keepas well as protect you from injury. Riding for lonweather can cause severe chill and fatigue. A winresist wind and fit snugly at the neck, wrists andrainsuits designed for motorcycle riding resist teballooning up at high speeds.

KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLEAND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIESMany things on the highway can cause you troubshould not be one of them. To make sure your myou down:

Read the owners manual first. Start with the right motorcycle for you. Your m

you. Your feet should reach the ground while motorcycle.

Be familiar with the motorcycle controls. Check the motorcycle before every ride.

Keep it in safe riding condition between rides. Avoid add-ons and modifications that make you

handle.

Borrowing and LendingBorrowers and lenders of motorcycles beware. C

common among beginning riders, especially in triding. Riding an unfamiliar motorcycle adds to tborrow a motorcycle, get familiar with it in a conyou lend your motorcycle out, make sure the dri

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important if you are riding a borrowed motorcyc

If you are going to use an unfamiliar motorcycle: Make all the checks you would on your own m Find out where everything is, particularly the

headlight switch, fuel-control valve and engineand operate these items without having to loo

Know the gear pattern. Work the throttle, cluttimes before you start riding. All controls reac

Ride very cautiously and be aware of your sur Accelerate gently, take turns more slowly and stopping.

Light Switch(High-Low)

Engine Cut-Off S

Left TurnSignal Switch

ClutchLever

Front BrakLever

Speedometerand Odometer

Ignition Key

Horn

Motorcycle Controls

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Turn Signals Turn on both turn signals. Maworking properly.

Brake Light Try both brake controls, and mturns on the brake light.

Once you have mounted the motorcycle, complechecks before starting out: Clutch and Throttle Make sure they work s

should snap back when you let go. The clutch

smooth. Mirrors Clean and adjust both mirrors befodifficult to ride with one hand while you try toAdjust each mirror so you can see the lane beas possible of the lane next to you. When propmirror may show the edge of your arm or shou

road behind and to the side that is most impo Brakes Try the front and rear brake levers

sure each one feels firm and holds the motorcis fully applied.

Horn Try the horn to make sure it works.

In addition to the checks you should make beforthe following items at least once a week: wheels,fluids. Follow your owners manual for recomme

Your ResponsibilitiesAs a motorcycle rider, you cannot be sure that o

see you or yield the right of way. To lessen your Be visible wear proper clothing, use your h

best lane position to see and be seen. Communicate your intentions use the prop

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control begins with knowing your abilities and rialong with knowing and obeying the rules of the

Body PositionTo control a motorcycle well, follow these guide Posture Sit so you can use your arms to ste

rather than to hold yourself up. Seat Sit far enough forward so your arms ar

you hold the handlegrips so you press on the h

having to stretch. Hands Hold the handlegripsfirmly to keep your grip overrough surfaces. Start with yourright wrist flat. This will helpyou keep from accidentally using

too much throttle. Also, adjustthe handlebars so your handsare even with or below yourelbows in order to use theproper muscles for precisionsteering.

Knees Keep your kneesagainst the gas tank to help you keep your balamotorcycle turns.

Feet Keep your feet firmly on the footpegs tonot drag your feet. If your foot catches on someinjured and it could affect your control of the m

feet near the controls so you can get to them fadont let your toes point downward they mathe road and the footpegs.

Shif i G

Holdi

W

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BrakingYour motorcycle has two brakes: one each for thwheel. Use both of them at the same time. The fr

powerful and can provide at least three-quartersstopping power. The front brake is safe to use if Use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

even normal stops will permit you to develop skill of using both brakes properly in an emergfront brake and press down on the rear. Grabb

or jamming down on the rear can cause the brin control problems.

If you know the technique, using both brakes although it should be done very carefully. Whmotorcycle some of the traction is used for cois available for stopping. A skid can occur if yo

brake. Also, using the front brake incorrectly omay be hazardous. Use caution and squeeze thnever grab.

Some motorcycles have integrated braking sysfront and rear brakes together by applying the(Consult the owners manual for a detailed exp

operation and effective use of these systems.)

In normal turns, therider and themotorcycle should leantogether at the same

angle.

In slow tight turns,t b l b

Normal Turns

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3. LEAN To turn the motorcycle must lean. Topress on the handlegrip in the direction of theleft, go left. Press right, lean right, go right. Higtighter turns require the motorcycle to lean m

4. ROLL Roll on the throttle through the turn suspension. Maintain steady speed or accelethe turn. This will help keep the motorcycle st

Keeping Your Distance

The best protection you can have on the road iscushion of space all around your motorcycle.makes a mistake, distance permits you time to remaneuver.

Lane Positions

In some ways the size of themotorcycle can work to youradvantage. Each traffic lanegives a motorcycle threepaths of travel. Your laneposition should:

Increase your ability to seeand be seen.

Avoid others blind spots. Avoid surface hazards. Protect your lane from

other drivers.

Communicate your intentions. Avoid wind blast from other vehicles. Provide an escape route.

Lane

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usually no more than two feet wide. Unless the raverage center strip permits adequate traction tocan operate to the left or right of the grease strip

the center portion of the traffic lane. Avoid ridinoil and grease usually found at busy intersection

Following Another VehicleFollowing too closely could be a factor in crashes motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles need as muc

cars. Normally, a minimum four-second following dmaintained behind the vehicle ahead. To gauge yo Pick out a marker, such as a pavement markin

near the road ahead. When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead pa

count off the seconds: one-thousand-one, one-

If you reach the marker before you reach a counfollowing too closely.

A four-second following distance leaves a minim

Following

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easier to get out of the way if someone bears downIt will also give you a cushion of space if the vehicup for some reason.

When behind a vehicle, ride where the driver can semirror. Riding in the center portion of the lane shoulmiddle of the rearview mirror where a driver is mosillustration on page 12).

Riding at the far side of a lane may permit a drivsideview mirror; however, most drivers dont loomirrors as often as they check the rearview mirrsituation allows, the center portion of the lane isplace for you to be seen by the drivers ahead ansharing by others.

Being FollowedSpeeding up to lose someone following too closelysomeone tailgating you at a higher speed. A bettertailgaters is to get them in front of you. When someclosely, change lanes and let them pass. If you cannand open up extra space ahead of you to allow rootailgater to stop. This will also encourage them to ppass, you will have given yourself and the tailgaterto react in case an emergency does develop ahead

Passing and Being PassedBe sure other drivers see you and that yousee potential hazards when passing andbeing passed.Passing When passing, follow these steps:

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Being Passed When you are being passed, staportion of your lane. Riding any closer to the paput you in a hazardous situation. Avoid being hit

The other vehicle by you or the passia sideswipe.

Extended mirrors that their mirrors htheir fenders.

Objects thrown froif the driver knows passenger may not toss something on yof you.

Blasts of wind from

They can affect youmore room for erromiddle portion whethan if you are on ei

Do not move into the portion of the lane farthes

vehicle. It may invite the other driver to cut bacearly.

Lane SharingAutomobiles and motorcycles need a full lane tosharing is usually prohibited. Riding between row

moving cars in the same lane can leave you vulnunexpected. A hand could come out of a windowcar could turn suddenly. Discourage lane sharingcenter-portion position whenever drivers might

Being Passed

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Vehicles AlongsideDo not ride next to vehicles in other lanes if youdo not have to. You might be in the blind spot of a

vehicle in the next lane, which could switch intoyour lane without warning. Vehicles in the nextlane also block your escape if you come upondanger in your own lane. Speed up or drop back tofind a place clear of traffic on both sides.

Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, ExecuteGood experienced riders remain aware of what isthem. They improve their riding strategy by usinprocess used to make appropriate judgements, acorrectly in different traffic situation.

Scan Search aggressively ahead, to the sides apotential hazards even before they arise. How asand how much time and space you have can elimharm. Focus even more on finding potential escaaround intersections, shopping areas, school zonzones.

Be especially alert in areas with limited visibilitysurroundings could hide you and your motorcyc

Scan for: Oncoming traffic that may turn left in front of Traffic coming from the left and right. Traffic approaching from behind. Hazardous road conditions.

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they may affect you. Cars moving into your paththose moving away or remaining stationary. Predmay occur. Completing this what if...? phrase tocontacting or attempting to avoid a hazard depeknowledge and experience.

Decide Determine what you need to do basedThe mental process of determining your course how aggressively you searched. The result is you

which strategy is best for the situation. You wanreduce the potential hazard. You must decide whtake action. Your constant decision-making taskscope with constantly changing traffic situations.

The decisions you make can be grouped by type

encounter: One hazard Two hazards Multiple hazards

Execute Carry out your decision. To create m

minimize harm from any hazard: Communicate your presence with lights and/o Adjust your speed by accelerating, stopping o Adjust your position and/or direction.

Apply the old adage, one step at a time, to han

hazards. Adjust speed to permit two hazards to with them one at a time as single hazards. Decismore complex with three or more hazards. Weigeach and give equal distance to hazards.

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Vehicles that turn left in front of you,including those turning left from the laneto your right, and those on side streetsthat pull into your lane, are the biggestdangers. Using SIPDE (see pages 15-16) atintersections is critical.

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

sign that a driver will yield. Too often, adriver looks right at a motorcyclist and still fails only eyes that you can count on are your own. Ifpath, assume that it will. Good riders are alwaysnot to get into it, but to stay out of it.

Increase your chances of being seen at intersectheadlight on in a lane position that provides theoncoming traffic. Provide a space cushion arounpermits you to take evasive action.

Large Intersecti

approach the inlane position to visibility to the dclutch and bothreaction time. Ryou approach an

entering the intefrom vehicles prnot change speeradically. The dr

Sm

Large Intersection

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If you have a stostop there first. Tand stop again, jcross-traffic lane

illustration). Froyour body forwabuildings, parkedsee if anything isyour front wheellane of travel wh

Passing Parked CarsWhen passing parked cars, stay toward the leftof your lane. You can avoid problems caused bydoors opening, drivers getting out of cars or

people stepping from between cars. If oncomingtraffic is present, it is usually best to remain inthe center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion.

A bigger problem can occur if the driver pulls

away from the curb without checking for trafficbehind. Even if the driver does look, he/she mayfail to see you.

In either event, the driver might cut into yourpath. Slow down or change lanes to make room f

in.

Vehicles making a sudden U-turn are the most dacut you off entirely, blocking the entire roadway

Blind Intersection

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Even if a driver does see you coming, you are noSmaller vehicles appear farther away and seem tthan they actually are. It is common for drivers tmotorcyclists, thinking they have plenty of time.

wrong.

You can do many things to make it easier for othand your motorcycle:

ClothingMost crashes occur in broad daylight. Wear brigincrease your chances of being seen. Rememberthe visible surface area of the rider/motorcycle u

Bright orange, red, yellow or green jackets or ves

options for being seen. Your helmet can do morecrash. Brightly colored helmets also may help otbright color is better than drab or dark colors. Rcolored clothing (helmet and jacket or vest) is b

Reflective material on a vest and on the sides of

drivers coming from the side to spot you. Reflecbe a big help for drivers coming toward you or fr

HeadlightThe best way to help others see your motorcyclheadlight on at all times (although motorcycles

1978 automatically have the headlights on when requires that the headlight be on when operatihighways.

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Turning on your signal light before each turnreduces confusion and frustration for trafficaround you. Once you turn, make sure yoursignal is off, or a driver may pull directly into

your path thinking you plan to turn again.Use your signals at every turn so drivers canreact accordingly. Do not make them guesswhat you intend to do.

Brake LightA motorcycles brake light is usually not asnoticeable as the brake lights on a car, particularlon. (It goes on with the headlight.) If the situationnotice you by flashing your brake light before youespecially important to flash your brake light befo

Slow more quickly than others might expect (tspeed highway). Slow where others may not expect it (in the m

an alley).

If you are being followed closely, it is a good idea

light before you slow. The tailgater may be watchsomething ahead that will make you slow down. discourage them from tailgating and warn them may not see.

Using Your Mirrors

While it is most important to scan what is happecannot afford to ignore situations behind. Trafficquickly. Knowing what is going on behind is essea safe decision about how to handle trouble ahe

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out a parked car in yourmirror. Form a mental imageof how far away it is. Then,turn around and look at it to

see how close you came.)Practice with your mirrorsuntil you become a goodjudge of distance. Even then,allow extra distance beforeyou change lanes.

Head ChecksChecking your mirrors is notenough. Motorcycles haveblind spots like other

vehicles. Before changinglanes, turn your head andlook to the side for other vehicles.

On a road with several lanes, check the far lane ayou. A driver in the distant lane may head for th

plan to take.

Frequent head checks also should be your normaOnly by knowing what is happening all around yoprepared to deal with it.

HornBe ready to use your horn to get someones attegood idea to give a quick beep before passing aninto your lane. Following are some situations:

Usin

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Riding at NightAt night it is harder for you to see and be seen. Por taillight out of the car lights around you is nodrivers. To compensate: Reduce Your Speed Ride even slower than

day, particularly on roads you do not know weyour chances of avoiding a hazard.

Increase Distance Distances are harder to jduring the day. Your eyes rely upon shadows

determine how far away an object is and how These contrasts are missing or distorted undenight. Open up your following distance and allpass and be passed.

Use the Car Ahead The headlights of the caa better view of the road than even your high

bouncing up and down can alert you to rough Use Your High Beam Get all the light you c

beam whenever you are not following or meet Be Flexible About Lane Position Change to

the lane is best to help you see, be seen and kspace cushion.

Be Visible Wear reflective materials when r

CRASH AVOIDANCENo matter how careful you are, there will be timeyourself in a tight spot. Your chances of getting oyour ability to react quickly and properly. Crash

because a rider is not prepared for crash-avoida

Knowing when and how to stop or swerve are twavoiding a crash. It is not always desirable or po

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immediately then reapply it firmly. Atthe same time, press down on the rearbrake. If you accidentally lock the rearbrake on a good traction surface, keep

it locked until you have completelystopped. Even with a locked rear wheel,you can control the motorcycle on astraight away if it is upright and goingin a straight line.

Always use both brakes at the same time to stoprovide 70 percent or more of the potential stopmust stop quickly while turning or riding a curveis to straighten the bike upright first and then brnot always be possible to straighten the motorcy

you must brake while leaning, apply light brakesthrottle. As you slow, you can reduce your lean abrake pressure until the motorcycle is straight apressure is possible. You should straighten the hfew feet of stopping. The motorcycle should thenbalance.

Swerving or Turning QuicklySometimes you may not have enoughroom to stop, even if you use bothbrakes properly. An object mightappear suddenly in your path or the

car ahead might squeal to a stop. Theonly way to avoid a crash may be toturn quickly or swerve around it.

St

Sw

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motorcycle move underneath you.

Make your escape route the target ofyour vision. Press on the opposite

handlegrip once you clear the obstacleto return to your original direction oftravel. To swerve to the left, press theleft handlegrip, then press the right torecover. To swerve to the right, pressright, then left. If braking is required,separate it from swerving. Brakebefore or after, never while swerving.

CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle crashes is mot

wide in a curve or turn and colliding with the roobject. Every curve is different. Be alert to whethconstant, gradually widens, gets tighter or involvRide within your skill level and posted speed limmay not always follow the curve of the road.

Change lane position depending on traffic, road of the road. If no traffic is present, start at the ouincrease your line of sight and the effective radiuturn, move toward the inside of the curve, and amove to the outside to exit.

Another alternative is to move to the center of yentering a curve and stay there until you exit. Thspot approaching traffic as soon as possible. Youtraffic crowding the center line or debris blockin

Br

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DANGEROUS SURFACES

Your chance of falling or being involved in a crasyou ride across uneven surfaces or obstacles, slrailroad tracks, and grooves and gratings.

Uneven Surfaces and ObstaclesWatch for uneven surfaces such as

bumps, broken pavement, potholes orsmall pieces of highway trash.Try to avoid obstacles by slowing orgoing around them. If you must go overthe obstacle, first determine if it ispossible. Approach it at as close to a90-degree angle as possible. Look whereyou want to go to control your path oftravel. If you have to ride over the obstacle, you Slow down as much as possible before contac

WideDecreasing Curves (Tighter Turns)

M d d i

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Mud, snow and ice. Lane markings, steel plates and manhole cover

To ride safely on slippery surfaces:

Reduce your speed Slow down before you gsurface to lessen your chances of skidding. Youmore distance to stop. It is particularly importabefore entering wet curves.

Avoid sudden moves Any sudden change incan cause a skid. Be as smooth as possible whshift gears, turn or brake.

Use both brakes The front brake is still effeslippery surface. Squeeze the brake lever gradthe front wheel. Remember, use gentle pressur

Avoid the center of a lane When it starts to

tracks left by cars. Often, the left tire track wildepending on traffic and other road condition Watch for oil spots Be careful when you pu

stop or park. You may slip and fall. Watch for dirt and gravel Dirt and gravel c

of the road, especially on curves and ramps le

highways. Be aware of what is on the edge of twhen making sharp turns and getting on or ofspeeds.

Watch for ice patches Ice develops more qsections of a road than on others. Patches of ior shaded areas and on bridges and overpasse

wet leaves are just as slippery. Ride on the leathe lane and reduce speed.

Cautious riders steer clear of roads covered with

R il d T k T ll T k d P

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Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and PaIt is usually safer to ride straight within your lanTurning to take tracks head on (at a 90-degree andangerous and may carry you into another lane

and road seams that run parallel to your course,away from tracks, ruts or pavement seams to croleast 45 degrees. Then, make a quick, sharp turncatch your tires and throw you off balance.

Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge

gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave. The uneasy, wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous. Relax, maintain asteady speed and ride straight across.Crossing at an angle forces riders to

Crosstracks RIGHT

Crosstracks WRONG

Paralle

Parallel

Grat

Grate

be able to tell from the way the motorcycle reac

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be able to tell from the way the motorcycle reacsuddenly loses air, react quickly to keep your bacheck the tires.

If the front tire goes flat, the steering will feel heais particularly hazardous because it affects your steer well to keep your balance.

If the rear tire goes flat, the back of the motorcycfrom side to side.

If either tire goes flat while riding: Hold handlegrips firmly, ease off the throttle, a

course. If braking is required, however, gradually appl

that is not flat, if you are sure which one it is. When the motorcycle slows, edge to the side othe clutch and stop.

Stuck ThrottleTwist the throttle back and forth several times. I

stuck, this may free it. If the throttle stays stuck,the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch awill remove power from the rear wheel, althoughimmediately decline. Once the motorcycle is undand stop. After you have stopped, check the throfind the source of the trouble. Make certain the t

before you start to ride again.

WobbleA wobble occurs when the front wheel and hand

If none of these are determined to be the cause

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If none of these are determined to be the cause, checked out thoroughly by a qualified professionaccelerate out of a wobble will only make the mounstable. You should instead:

Grip the handlebars firmly, but do not fight th Close the throttle gradually to slow down. Do

braking could make the wobble worse. Move your weight as far forward and down as Pull off the road as soon as you can to fix the

Chain ProblemsA chain that slips or breaks while you are riding wheel and cause your motorcycle to skid. Chain can be avoided by proper maintenance. Slippage If the chain slips when you try to s

ride uphill, pull off the road. Check the chain aTightening the chain may help. If the problem chain or worn or bent sprockets, replace the cboth before riding again.

Breakage You will notice an instant loss of wheel. Close the throttle and brake to a stop.

Engine SeizureWhen the engine locks or freezes it is usually lowmoving parts cannot move smoothly against eacengine overheats. The first sign may be a loss ofchange in the engines sound. Squeeze the clutch

the engine from the rear wheel. Pull off the road oil. If needed, oil should be added as soon as powill seize. When this happens, the effect is the sawheel. Let the engine cool before restarting.

Do not kick at an animal Keep control of your m

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Do not kick at an animal. Keep control of your mwhere you want to go. For larger animals (deer, cprepare to stop; they are unpredictable.

Flying ObjectsOccasionally, riders are struck by insects, cigareor pebbles kicked up by the tires of the vehicle awearing face protection, it might get smeared ordifficult to see. Without face protection, an objeceye, face or mouth. Whatever happens, keep youand your hands on the handlebars. When safe, prepair the damage.

Getting off the RoadIf you need to leave the road to check the motor

rest): Check the roadside Make sure the surface enough to ride on. If it is soft grass, loose sandsure about it, slow down before you turn onto

Signal Drivers behind might not expect youclear signal that you will be slowing down and

Check your mirror and make a head check befaction.

Pull off the road Get as far off the road as yvery hard to spot a motorcycle by the side of twant someone else pulling off at the same plac

Park carefully Loose and sloped shoulders

side or center stand difficult.

CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CAROnly experienced riders should carry passenger

Equipment should include:

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Equipment should include: Proper seat large enough to hold both of yo

You should not sit any farther forward than yo Footpegs for passenger firm footing preven

from falling off and pulling you off too. Protective equipment the same as recomm

operators.

Adjust the suspension to handle the additional wprobably need to add a few pounds of pressure tcarry a passenger. (Check your owners manual settings.) While your passenger sits on the seat wmirror and headlight according to the change in t

Instructing Passengers

Even if your passenger is a motorcycle rider, proinstructions before you start.

Tell your passenger to: Get on the motorcycle only after you have sta Sit as far forward as possible without crowdin

Hold on firmly to your waist, hips or belt. Keep both feet on the footpegs, even when sto Keep legs away from the muffler(s), chains or Stay directly behind you, leaning as you lean. Avoid unnecessary talk or motion.

Also, tell your passenger to tighten his/her hold Approach surface problems. Are about to start from a stop. Warn that you will make a sudden move.

Keep the load forward Place the load over

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eep t e oad o a d ace t e oad overear axle. Tankbags keep loads forward, but usloading hard or sharp objects. Make sure the tinterfere with handlebars or controls. Mountin

rear axle can affect how the motorcycle turns also cause a wobble.

Distribute the load evenly Load saddlebagweight. An uneven load can cause the motorcyside.

Secure the load Fasten the load securely wnets. Elastic cords with more than one attachmare more secure. A tight load will not catch in causing it to lock up and skid. Rope tends to scome loose, permitting the load to shift or fall

Check the load Stop and check the load evsure it has not worked loose.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERSGroup RidingIf you ride with others, do it in a way that promonot interfere with the flow of traffic. Small group

safer for car drivers who need to get around thenot separated as easily by traffic or red lights. Ribe hurrying to catch up. If your group is larger tdivide it into two or more smaller groups. Plan ahead The leader should look ahead f

early. Start lane changes early to permit other

Put beginners up front Place inexperiencedthe leader where more experienced riders canback.

Follow those behind Let the tailender set t

Staggered formation This is the best S

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ggway to keep ranks close yet maintain anadequate space cushion. The leader ridesin the left side of the lane, while the second

rider stays one second behind in the rightside of the lane. A third rider maintains inthe left position, two seconds behind thefirst rider. The fourth rider would keep atwo-second distance behind the secondrider. This formation keeps the group close

and permits each rider a safe distance fromothers ahead, behind and to the sides.

Passing in formation Riders in astaggered formation should pass one at atime. First, the lead rider should pull out and pAfter passing, the leader should return to the continue riding at passing speed to open roomAfter the first rider passes safely, the second rto the left position and watch for a safe chancpassing, this rider should return to the right proom for the next rider.

Some people suggest that theleader should move to the rightside after passing a vehicle. Thisis not a good idea. It encouragesthe second rider to pass and cut

back in before there is a largeenough space cushion in front ofthe passed vehicle. It is simplerand safer to wait until there is

S

Group Pass

Stage 1

drink can have a significant effect on your perfor

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g y pthat nearly half of all riders killed in motorcycle drinking. Only one-third of those riders had a bloconcentration (BAC) above the illegal limit (.08).

few drinks in their systems, enough to impair rid

Injuries occur in 90 percent of motorcycle crasheautomobile crashes that involve drinking or drugthan 2,000 motorcyclists are killed and about 50,in alcohol-related crashes. Motorcycle riding and

not mix. Alcohol and drugs make you less able toperform physical tasks skillfully. Judgment and tprocesses needed for vehicle operation are affecillegal BAC limit is reached. Many over-the-countand illegal drugs have side effects that increase twhile riding. And the combined effects of alcohomore dangerous than either is alone.

Alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly. Unlike mbeverages, it does not need to be digested. Withconsumed, it reaches the brain and begins to aff

Alcohol slows down and impairs bodily functionphysical.

BAC Blood-alcohol concentration is the amorelation to blood in the body. Generally, alcohol the body at the rate of about one drink per hour

factors also may influence the level of alcohol realcohol in your blood, the greater the degree of i

Three factors play a major part in determining B

A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed drink with a 1.5-liquor and a 5-ounce glass of wine all contain the

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liquor and a 5-ounce glass of wine all contain thealcohol.

The faster you drink, the more alcohol accumulayou drink two drinks in one hour, at the end of thdrink remains in your bloodstream. Without takithe other factors, the formula below illustrates tdrinks remaining in the bloodstream:

A person drinking: 8 drinks in 4 hours would have at least 4 drinksystem.

7 drinks in 3 hours would have at least 4 drinksystem.

There are times when a larger person may not acconcentration of alcohol for each drink consumemore blood and other bodily fluids. Because of iit is better not to risk that your abilities have noWhether or not you are legally intoxicated is notImpairment of judgment begins well below the il

Alcohol Concentratio

Total DrinksConsumed

Number ofHours SinceLast Drink

LESS

- =

EQUA

12-oz. Beer

Drunk drivers face stiff, mandatory penalties. If yo

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driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, yothe following: Drivers license suspension Mandatory sus

for conviction, arrest or refusal to submit to a BAIID Breath-alcohol device required to sta Fines Severe fines, usually levied with a dri

suspension/revocation. Community service Performing tasks such

along the highway, washing cars in the motor-

working at an emergency ward.

In addition, you face attorneys fees, lost work tiin alcohol-education programs, public transportyour drivers license is suspended/revoked) andcosts of being tagged a drunk driver.

Dont Drink or Dont Ride If you have not conyou must control your riding. Leave the motorcytempted to ride. Arrange another way to get homyour resistance becomes weaker. Setting a limit

poor alternatives. Your ability to exercise good jfirst things affected by alcohol. Even if you try toyou may not realize to what extent your skills haalcohols effects.

People who have had too much to drink are una

responsible decision. It is up to others to step intaking too great a risk. There are several ways tohurting themselves: Arrange a safe ride Provide alternative way

riding when tired. Fatigue can affect your controP lf f h l W d

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Protect yourself from the elements Wind, cyou tire quickly. Dress warmly. A windshield isplan to ride long distances.

Limit your distance Experienced riders selthan six hours a day.

Take frequent rest breaks Stop and get off least every two hours.

Dont drink or use drugs Artificial stimulanextreme fatigue or depression when they start

are unable to concentrate on the task at hand

EARNING YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICESafe riding requires knowledgeand skill. To earn your license,you must pass both theknowledge test and skills testcovering information in thismanual. To pass you must studythis manual thoroughly andpractice the skills and techniques

discussed.

Rider Skill TestThe Illinois Secretary of States office administerApplicants for a Class L or Class M license are reexamination.

Exception: Persons age 18 and older who hold alicense and have successfully completed a motoapproved by IDOT are not required to pass this

Two-Wheel Rider Skill Test

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Engine Stalling

Points are assessed if you stall your engine at

exercise. Stalling the engine four times during this test

Exercise 1 Cone weave, normal stop

When signaled, ride to the right of the first cosecond, and so on. Weave past all five cones w

skipping a cone. Turn left and ride toward this side of the cour

non-skidding stop with your front tire inside th When stopped, your front tire must not touch

Remain stopped.

Exercise 2 Turn from a stop, U-turn When signaled, make a right turn between the

not touch either line. Diagonally, cross to the opposite side of the ra

U-turn inside the painted box at the far end of Do not touch the solid line (motorcycles 600cc

the dashed line (motorcycles less than 600cc) Stop with your front tire inside the box and wa

instructions.

Exercise 3 Quick stop

Position your motorcycle on the Start T. When signaled, accelerate straight up this pat

speed between 12 and 20 mph by the time you Maintain a steady speed. When your front tire crosses the second line

1 2

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43

Cone Weave, Normal Stop Tu

Three-Wheel/Four-Wheel Rider Skill Te

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Engine Stalling

Points are assessed if you stall your engine at

exercise. Stalling the engine four times during this test

Exercise 1 Left turn, normal stop

Accelerate straight ahead and make a sharp leoutside boundary lines and the cone marker. D

the cone. Ride toward the end of the course. Make a sm

stop with your front tire inside the box (left frowith two front tires).

When stopped, your front tire must not touchRemain stopped.

Exercise 2 Cone weave, turn from a stop

When signaled, ride to the left of the first conesecond, and to the left of the third. Weave pastouching or skipping any of the cones.

Turn right at the end of the course and stop aother side of the course.

When signaled, make a right turn between thethe cone. Do not touch the outside boundary

Make a smooth, non-skidding stop with your fbox and wait for further instructions.

Exercise 3 Quick stop

Position your motorcycle on the Start T. When signaled, accelerate straight up this pat

speed between 12 and 20 mph by the time you

1 2

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43

Left Turn, Normal Stop Cone

To receive a motorcycle license with full privilegesthe maneuvers be performed as designed

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the maneuvers be performed as designed.

If you test on a three-wheeled vehicle, a J-11 restri

motorcycle only) will be added until completion oIf you test on a four-wheel vehicle, a J-17 restrictiomotorcycle only) will be added.

You also may be tested on your ability to: Know your motorcycle and your riding limits.

Accelerate, brake and turn safely. See, be seen and communicate with others. Adjust speed and position to the traffic situati Stop, turn and swerve quickly. Make critical decisions and carry them out.

Examiners may score on factors related to safety Selecting safe speeds to perform maneuvers. Choosing the correct path and staying within b Completing normal and quick stops. Completing normal and quick turns or swerve

The test will be terminated if the driver: Falls or drops the motorcycle at any time. Commits an unsafe act (i.e., loses control, rais

the ground, uses excessively high speed, etc.). Obtains enough points (11 or more) to constit

Testing time exceeds a reasonable time limit.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENTNo motorcycle or motor-driven cycle may be lega

Handlebars Handlebars should not be highershoulders of the operator when seated in the no

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shoulders of the operator when seated in the noastride that portion of the seat or saddle occup

Headlights At least one white light, visible folighted whenever the motorcycle is being operahighways. A device to modulate the high beam obe used except when lighted lamps are required

Horn Must be heard for 200 feet.

License plate light One white license plate ligwhenever the headlight is on and must make that least 50 feet away.

Muffler Must be in constant operation and pprevent any excessive or unusual noise. Modifisystem for the purpose of increasing the noise lev

Rearview mirror Must reflect a view of at lea

Seat Drivers are prohibited from carrying pasvehicle has been designed to carry two people. motorcycle must sit astride the seat, face forwaeach side of the motorcycle.

Stoplight One red light, actuated by the brak

feet.

Taillight One red light, visible for 500 feet.

KNOWLEDGE TEST SAMPLE QUE

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1. It is MOST important to flash your brake ligha. Someone is following too closely.

b. You will be slowing suddenly.c. There is a stop sign ahead.d. Your signals are not working.

2. The FRONT brake supplies how much of the power?

a. About one-quarter.b. About one-half.c. About three-quarters.d. All the stopping power.

3. To swerve correctly:a. Shift your weight quickly.b. Turn the handlebars quickly.c. Press the handlegrip in the direction of thed. Press the handlegrip in the opposite directi

4. In the illustration at right, the car at left iswaiting to enter the intersection. It is best toa. Make eye contact with the driver.b. Reduce speed and be ready to react.c. Maintain speed and position.d. Maintain speed and move right.

Motorcycle Rider Safety TrainiRegional Centers

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Regional Centers

A

Northern Illinois UniversityMotorcycle Safety ProjectDivision of Continuing EducationDeKalb, IL 60115-2854800-892-9607815-753-1683

www.online.niu.edu/mcycle

BIllinois State UniversityMotorcycle Safety EducationHealth Science DepartmentNormal, IL 61790-5221800-322-7619309-438-2352www.ilstu.edu/depts/mcsafety/

CUniversity of Illinois

Motorcycle Rider ProgramDept. of Community Health#4 Gerty Dr.Mail Code 678Champaign, IL 61820800-252-3348217-333-7856www.mrc.uiuc.edu

DSouthern Illinois University-Carbondale

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Printed on recycled paper. Printed by authority of the State of Illinois. February 2011 50M DSD X 140.9

For more information about

motorcycle licensing or examination, con-

tact your local

Secretary of State Driver Services facility,

or call:

800-252-8980