NORTH CAROLINADEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Division of Motor Vehicles

MMOOTTOORRCCYYCCLLIISSTTSS’’HHAANNDDBBOOOOKK

Thirteenth Edition, September 2007

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REGISTRATION

The law in North Carolina requires the operator of any motor-cycle to have a motorcycle endorsement shown on their driver’slicense. An endorsement may be obtained upon initial issuance of adriver’s license, or any time thereafter, by taking a knowledge testthat includes questions on motorcycling, and an off-street motor-cycle skills test. The knowledge test will be waived on a renewal.A duplicate license may be issued to add an endorsement to your present license if the above testing requirements are satisfied.

If you are not prepared to take the skills portion of the test, youmay apply for a motorcycle learner permit if you possess a full pro-visional, regular or commercial license. The knowledge, road signidentification and vision test are required.

When you register a motorcyle with the Division of MotorVehicles, you will receive a license plate to be placed on the back ofthe motorcycle. Keep the plate clean and readable.

PREPARINGTO RIDE

WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR ...................6Helmet Use ....................................6Helmet Selection............................6Eye and Face Protection ................7Clothing .........................................8

KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE ..............8The Right Motorcycle for You.......8Borrowing and Lending.................9Get Familiar with theMotorcycle Controls ......................9Check Your Motorcycle ...............10

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES.......11

RIDE WITHINYOUR ABILITIES

BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL ...............12Body Position...............................12Shifting Gears ..............................12Braking.........................................13Turning.........................................13

KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE ...............14Lane Positions..............................14Following Another Vehicle ..........15Being Followed............................16Passing and Being Passed............16Lane Sharing ................................18Merging Cars ...............................18Cars Alongside.............................18

SEE ..................................................19INTERSECTIONS ................................20

Blind Intersections .......................21Passing Parked Cars.....................22Parking at the Roadside ...............22

INCREASING CONSPICUITY ...23Clothing .......................................23Headlight......................................23Signals..........................................23Brake Light ..................................24Using Your Mirrors......................24Head Checks ................................25Horn .............................................25Riding at Night ............................26

CRASH AVOIDANCE...........................26Quick Stops..................................26Swerving or Turning Quickly ......27Cornering .....................................28

HANDLING DANEROUS SURFACES ....29Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles...29Slippery Surfaces .........................30Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracksand Pavement Seams ...................31Grooves and Gratings .................31

MECHANICAL PROBLEMS .................32Tire Failure...................................32Stuck Throttle...............................32Wobble .........................................32Chain Problems............................33Engine Seizure .............................33

ANIMALS...........................................33FLYING OBJECTS ..............................34GETTING OFF THE ROAD .................34CARRYING PASSENGERSAND CARGO ......................................34

Equipment ....................................34Instructing Passengers..................35Riding With Passengers ...............35Carrying Loads ............................35GROUP RIDING.........................36Keep the Group Small .................36Keep the Group Together.............36Keep Your Distance .....................36

BEING IN SHAPETO RIDE

WHY THIS INFORMATION ISIMPORTANT...................................38

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS INMOTORCYCLE OPERATION...............38ALCOHOL IN THE BODY ...................39

Blood Alcohol Concentration ......39ALCOHOL AND THE LAW ...................40

Consequences of Conviction .......40MINIMIZE THE RISKS .......................40STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS .........41FATIGUE............................................41

EARNINGYOUR LICENSE

Knowledge Test ..............................42On-Cycle Skill Test..........................43

CONTENTS

• An approved helmet lets yousee as far to the sides as neces-sary. A study of more than 900motorcycle crashes, where 40%of the riders wore helmets, didnot find even one case in which a helmet kept a rider from spot-ting danger.

• Most crashes happen on shorttrips (less than five miles long),just a few minutes after startingout.

• Most riders are riding slowerthan 30 mph when a crashoccurs. At these speeds, helmetscan cut both the number and theseverity of head injuries by half.

No matter what the speed, helmeted riders are three times more likely tosurvive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of thecrash.

Compliant safety helmets will have the symbol "DOT" permanently installed

2008) with Federal Motor VehicleSafety Standard (FMVSS) 218.

WEAR THE RIGHT GEARWhen you ride, your gear is

“right” if it protects you. In anycrash, you have a far better chance ofavoiding serious injury if you wear:

• An approved helmet.• Face or eye protection.• Protective clothing.

HELMET USECrashes are not rare events —

particularly among beginning riders.And one out of every five motorcyclecrashes result in head or neck injuries.Head injuries are just as severe asneck injuries — and far more com-mon. Crash analyses show that headand neck injuries account for a majori-ty of serious and fatal injuries tomotorcyclists. Research also showsthat, with few exceptions, head andneck injuries are reduced by the prop-er wearing of an approved helmet.

Some riders don’t wear helmetsbecause they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides. Others wearhelmets only on long trips or whenriding at high speeds. North Carolinalaw requires the operator and all passengers to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. The helmet must beof a type that complies (effective January

by the manufacturer on the back of the helmet. It will also have permanently attached label either sewn or glued in the interior of the helmet that has the manufacturer's name or identification. It should have the precise model, size, and year of manufacture, type of shell and liner construction materials and an instruction label for cleaning and careof the helmet. The helmet must be properly secured with a retention strap.Here are some facts to consider:

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PREPARING TO RIDEWhat you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward

determining whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:

1. Wear the right gear.

2. Become familiar with the motorcycle.

3. Check the motorcycle equipment.

4. Be a responsible rider.

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• Meets U.S. Department ofTransportation (DOT) and statestandards. Helmets with a labelfrom the Snell MemorialFoundation give you an addedassurance of quality.

• Fits snugly, all the way around.• Has no obvious defects such as

cracks, loose padding or frayedstraps.

Whatever helmet you decide on,keep it securely fastened on your headwhen you ride. Otherwise, if you areinvolved in a crash, it’s likely to flyoff your head before it gets a chanceto protect you.

EYE AND FACE PROTECTIONA plastic shatter-resistant

faceshield can help protect your whole face in a crash. It also protects you from wind, dust, dirt,rain, insects, and pebbles thrown upfrom cars ahead. These problems aredistracting and can be painful. If youhave to deal with them, you can’tdevote your full attention to the road.

Goggles protect your eyes, though they won’t protect the rest ofyour face like a faceshield does. Awindshield is not a substitute for afaceshield or goggles. Most wind-shields will not protect your eyes from the wind. Neither will eyeglass-es or sunglasses. Glasses won’t keepyour eyes from watering, and theymight blow off when you turn yourhead while riding.

To be effective, eye or faceshieldprotection must:

• 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 sunglasses, if needed.

Tinted eye protection should notbe worn at night or any other timewhen little light is available.

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HELMETS

HELMET SELECTIONThere are two primary types of

helmets, providing two different levelsof coverage: three-quarter and fullface.

Whichever style you choose, youcan get the most protection by makingsure that the helmet:

CLOTHING

The right clothing protects you ina crash. It also provides comfort, aswell as protection from heat, cold,debris and hot and moving parts of the motorcycle.

• Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely. Theyshould fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping in the wind, yetloosely enough to move freely.Leather offers the most protec-tion. Sturdy synthetic materialprovides a lot of protection aswell. Wear a jacket even inwarm weather to prevent dehy-dration. Many are designed toprotect without getting you over-heated, even on summer days.

• Boots or shoes should be highand sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support.Soles should be made of hard,durable, slip-resistant material.Keep heels short so they do notcatch on rough surfaces. Tucklaces in so they won’t catch onyour motorcycle.

• Gloves allow a better grip andhelp protect your hands in acrash. Your gloves should bemade of leather or similar durablematerial.

In cold or wet weather, yourclothes should keep you warm anddry, as well as protect you from injury.You cannot control a motorcycle wellif you are numb. Riding for long peri-ods in cold weather can cause severechill and fatigue. A winter jacketshould resist wind and fit snugly at theneck, wrists, and waist. Good-qualityrainsuits designed for motorcycle riding resist tearing apart or balloon-ing up at high speeds.

KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE

There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you trouble.Your motorcycle should not be one ofthem. To make sure that your motor-cycle won’t let you down:

• Read the owner’s manual first.• Start with the right motorcycle

for you.• 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 your motorcycle harderto handle.

THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLEFOR YOU

First, make sure your motorcycleis right for you. It should “fit” you.Your feet should reach the groundwhile you are seated on the motor-cycle.

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A plastic shatter-resistant faceshield:A. Is not necessary if you have a

windshield.B. Only protects your eyes.C. Helps protect your whole face.D. Does not protect your face as

well as goggles.Answer - page 42

1 Test Yourself

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At minimum, your street-legalmotorcycle should have:

• Headlight, taillight and brakelight.

• Front and rear brakes.• Turn signals.• Horn.• Two mirrors.

BORROWING AND LENDINGBorrowers and lenders of

motorcycles, beware. Crashes are fairly common among beginning riders — especially in the first months of riding. Riding an unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the problem. If you borrow a motorcycle,get familiar with it in a controlledarea. And if you lend your motorcycle to friends, make sure they

are licensed and know how to ridebefore allowing them out into traffic.

No matter how experienced youmay be, ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar toyou. More than half of all crashesoccur on motorcycles ridden by theoperator for less than six months.

GET FAMILIAR WITH THEMOTORCYCLE CONTROLS

Make sure you are completelyfamiliar with the motorcycle beforeyou take it out on the street. Be sureto review the owner’s manual. This isparticularly important if you are ridinga borrowed motorcycle.

If you are going to use an unfamil-iar motorcycle:

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MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS

Horn Button

Clutch LeverSpeedometer& Odometer

Fuel Supply Valve(if equipped)

Gear-Change Lever

Throttle

Front Brake Lever

Tachometer(if equipped)

Rear Brake Pedal

Kick Starter(if equipped)

Engine Cut-OffSwitchElectricStartButton

Light Switch (high/low)Choke (varies)Turn-SignalSwitch

Ignition Key(varies)

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• Make all the checks you wouldon your own motorcycle.

• Find out where everything is,particularly the turn signals, horn,headlight switch, fuel-controlvalve, and engine cut-off switch.Find and operate these itemswithout having to look for them.

• Know the gear pattern. Workthe throttle, clutch and brakes a fewtimes before you start riding. Allcontrols react a little differently.

• Ride very cautiously and beaware of surroundings.Accelerate gently, take turnsmore slowly, and leave extraroom for stopping.

CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLEA motorcycle needs more frequent

attention than a car. A minor technicalfailure in a car seldom leads to any-thing more than an inconvenience forthe driver.

If something’s wrong with themotorcycle, you’ll want to find outabout it before you get in traffic.Make a complete check of yourmotorcycle before every ride.

Before mounting the motorcycle,make the following checks:

• Tires — Check the air pressure,general wear and tread.

• Fluids — Oil and fluid levels.At a minimum, check hydraulicfluids and coolants weekly. Lookunder the motorcycle for signs ofan oil or gas leak.

• Headlights and Taillight —Check them both. Test yourswitch to make sure both highand low beams are working.

• Turn Signals — Turn on bothright and left turn signals. Makesure all lights are working properly.

• Brake Light — Try both brakecontrols, and make sure each oneturns on the brake light.

Once you have mounted themotorcycle, complete the followingchecks before starting out:

• Clutch and Throttle — Makesure they work smoothly. Thethrottle should snap back whenyou let go. The clutch shouldfeel tight and smooth.

• Mirrors — Clean and adjustboth mirrors before starting. It’sdifficult to ride with one handwhile you try to adjust a mirror.Adjust each mirror so you cansee the lane behind and as muchas possible of the lane next toyou. When properly adjusted, amirror may show the edge ofyour arm or shoulder — but it’sthe road behind and to the sidethat’s most important.

• Brakes — Try the front and rearbrake levers one at a time. Makesure each one feels firm andholds the motorcycle when thebrake is fully applied.

• Horn — Try the horn. Makesure it works.

In addition to the checks you shouldmake before every trip, check the fol-lowing items at least once a week:Wheels, cables, fasteners and fluidchecks. Follow your owner’s manualto get recommendations.

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More than half of all crashes:A. Occur at speeds greater than

35 mph.B. Happen at night.C. Are caused by worn tires.D. Involve riders who have ridden

their motorcycles less than sixmonths.

Answer - page 42

2 Test Yourself

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KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

“Accident” implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without anyone’sfault or negligence. Most often intraffic, that is not the case. In fact,most people involved in a crash canusually claim some responsibility forwhat takes place.

Consider a situation where some-one decides to try to squeeze throughan intersection on a yellow light turn-ing red. Your light turns green. Youpull into the intersection withoutchecking for possible latecomers.That is all it takes for the two of youto tangle. It was the driver’s responsi-bility to stop. And it was your respon-sibility to look before pulling out.Neither of you held up your end of thedeal. Just because someone else is thefirst to start the chain of events lead-ing to a crash, it doesn’t leave any ofus free of responsibility.

As a rider you can’t be sure thatother operators will see you or yieldthe right of way. To lessen yourchances of a crash occurring:

• Be visible — wear proper cloth-ing, use your headlight, ride inthe best lane position to see andbe seen.

• Communicate your intentions— use the proper signals, brakelight, and lane position.

• Maintain an adequate spacecushion — following, being fol-lowed, lane sharing, passing andbeing passed.

• Scan your path of travel 12 sec-onds ahead.

• Identify and separate multiplehazards.

• Be prepared to act — remainalert and know how to carry outproper crash-avoidance skills.

Blame doesn’t matter when some-one is injured in a crash. There israrely a single cause of any crash.The ability to ride aware, make criti-cal decisions, and carry them out sep-arates responsible riders from all therest. Remember, it is up to you tokeep from being the cause of, or anunprepared participant in, any crash.

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BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL

BODY POSITIONTo control a motorcycle well:

• Posture — Sit so you can useyour arms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself up.

• Seat — Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent whenyou hold the handlegrips.Bending your arms permits youto press on the handlebars with-out 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 hands areeven with or below your elbows.This permits you to use the prop-er muscles for precision steering.

• Knees — Keep your kneesagainst the gas tank to help youkeep your balance as the motor-cycle turns.

• Feet — Keep your feet firmly onthe footpegs to maintain balance.Don’t drag your feet. If yourfoot catches on something, youcould be injured and it couldaffect your control of the motor-cycle. Keep your feet near thecontrols so you can get to themfast if needed. Also, don’t letyour toes point downward —they may get caught between theroad and the footpegs.

SHIFTING GEARSThere is more to shifting gears

than simply getting the motorcycle topick up speed smoothly. Learning touse the gears correctly when down-shifting, turning or starting on hills isimportant for safe motorcycle opera-tion.

Shift down through the gears withthe clutch as you slow or stop.Remain in first gear while you arestopped so that you can move outquickly if you need to.

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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIESThis Manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed, or balance.

That’s something you can learn only through practice. But control begins withknowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and obeyingthe rules of the road.

HOLDING HANDLEGRIPS

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Make certain you are riding slowlyenough when you shift into a lowergear. If not, the motorcycle will lurch,and the rear wheel may skid. Whenriding downhill or shifting into firstgear you may need to use the brakesto slow enough before downshiftingsafely. Work toward a smooth, evenclutch release, especially when down-shifting.

It is best to change gears beforeentering a turn. However, sometimesshifting while in the turn is necessary.If so, remember to do so smoothly. Asudden change in power to the rearwheel can cause a skid.

BRAKINGYour motorcycle has two brakes:

one each for the front and rear wheel.Use both of them at the same time.The front brake is more powerful andcan provide at least three-quarters ofyour total stopping power. The frontbrake is safe to use if you use it prop-erly.

Remember:• Use both brakes every time you

slow or stop. Using both brakesfor even “normal” stops will per-mit you to develop the properhabit or skill of using both brakesproperly in an emergency.Squeeze the front brake and pressdown on the rear. Grabbing atthe front brake or jamming downon the rear can cause the brakesto lock, resulting in control prob-lems.

• If you know the technique,using both brakes in a turn is pos-sible, although it should be donevery carefully. When leaning themotorcycle some of the tractionis used for cornering. Less trac

tion is available for stopping. Askid can occur if you apply toomuch brake. Also, using the frontbrake incorrectly on a slipperysurface may be hazardous. Usecaution and squeeze the brakelever, never grab.

• Some motorcycles have integrat-ed braking systems that link thefront and rear brakes together byapplying the rear brake pedal.(Consult the owner’s manual for adetailed explanation on the opera-tion and effective use of thesesystems.)

TURNINGRiders often try to take curves or

turns too fast. When they can’t holdthe turn, they end up crossing intoanother lane of traffic or going off theroad. Or, they overreact and brake toohard, causing a skid and loss of con-trol. Approach turns and curves withcaution.Use four steps for better control:

• SLOW• LOOK• PRESS• ROLL

• SLOW — Reduce speed beforethe turn by closing the throttle and,if necessary, applying both brakes.

• LOOK — Look through the turnto where you want to go. Turn justyour head, not your shoulders, andkeep your eyes level with the hori-zon.

• PRESS — To turn, the motorcyclemust lean. To lean the motorcycle,press on the handgrip in the direc-tion of the turn. Press left — leanleft — go left. Press right — leanright — go right. Higher speedsand/or tighter turns require themotorcycle to lean more.

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• ROLL — Roll on the throttlethrough the turn to stabilize sus-pension. Maintain steady speed oraccelerate gradually through theturn. This will help keep themotorcycle stable.In normal turns, the rider and the

motorcycle should lean together at thesame angle.

In slow tight turns, counterbalanceby leaning the motorcycle only andkeeping your body straight.

KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE

The best protection you can haveis distance — a “cushion of space” —all around your motorcycle. If some-one else makes a mistake, distancepermits you:

• Time to react.• Space to maneuver.

LANE POSITIONSIn some ways the size of the

motorcycle can work to your advan-tage. Each traffic lane gives a motor-cycle three paths of travel, as indicat-ed in the illustration.

Your lane position should:• Increase your ability to see and

be seen.• Avoid other’s blind spots.• Avoid surface hazards.• Protect your lane from other

drivers.• Communicate your intentions.• Avoid wind blast from other

vehicles.• Provide an escape route.Select the appropriate path to maxi-

mize your space cushion and makeyourself more easily seen by others on the road.

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NORMAL TURNING

SLOW TURNING

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When riding, you should:A. Turn your head and shoulders to

look through turns.B. Keep your arms straight.C. Keep your knees away from the

gas tank.D. Turn just your head and eyes to

look where you are going.Answer - page 42

3 Test Yourself

In general, there is no single bestposition for riders to be seen and tomaintain a space cushion around themotorcycle. No portion of the laneneed be avoided — including the center.

Position yourself in the portion ofthe lane where you are most likely tobe seen and you can maintain a spacecushion around you. Change positionas traffic situations change. Ride inpath 2 or 3 if vehicles and otherpotential problems are on your leftonly. Remain in path 1 or 2 if hazardsare on your right only. If vehicles arebeing operated on both sides of you,the center of the lane, path 2, is usually your best option.

The oily strip in the center portionthat collects drippings from cars isusually no more than two feet wide.Unless the road is wet, the averagecenter strip permits adequate tractionto ride on safely. You can operate tothe left or right of the grease strip andstill be within the center portion of thetraffic lane. Avoid riding on bigbuildups of oil and grease usuallyfound at busy intersections or tollbooths.

FOLLOWING ANOTHERVEHICLE

“Following too closely” could bea factor in crashes involving motorcy-clists. In traffic, motorcycles need asmuch distance to stop as cars.Normally, a minimum of twoseconds distance should be main-tained behind the vehicle ahead.

To gauge your following distance:

• Pick out a marker, such as apavement marking or lamppost,on or near the road ahead.

• When the rear bumper of thevehicle ahead passes the marker,count off the seconds: “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two.”

• If you reach the marker beforeyou reach “two,” you are follow-ing too closely.

A two-second following distanceleaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver aheadstops suddenly. It also permits a better view of potholes and other haz-ards in the road.

A larger cushion of space is need-ed if your motorcycle will take longerthan normal to stop. If the pavement

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LANE POSITIONS

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is slippery, if you cannot see throughthe vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavyand someone may squeeze in front ofyou, open up a three-second or morefollowing distance.

Keep well behind the vehicleahead even when you are stopped.This will make it easier to get out ofthe way if someone bears down onyou from behind. It will also give youa cushion of space if the vehicle aheadstarts to back up for some reason.

When behind a car, ride where thedriver can see you in the rearviewmirror. Riding in the center portion ofthe lane should put your image in themiddle of the rearview mirror —where a driver is most likely to seeyou.

Riding at the far side of a lanemay permit a driver to see you in asideview mirror. But remember thatmost drivers don’t look at their side-view mirrors nearly as often as theycheck the rearview mirror. If the traffic situation allows, the center por-tion of the lane is usually the bestplace for you to be seen by the driversahead and to prevent lane sharing byothers.

BEING FOLLOWEDSpeeding up to lose someone

following too closely only ends upwith someone tailgating you at a higher speed.

A better way to handle tailgaters is to get them in front of you. Whensomeone is following too closely,change lanes and let them pass. Ifyou can’t do this, slow down and open up extra space ahead of you toallow room for both you and the tailgater to stop. This will alsoencourage them to pass. If they don’tpass, you will have given yourself andthe tailgater more time and space toreact in case an emergency doesdevelop ahead.

PASSING AND BEING PASSEDPassing and being passed by

another vehicle is not much differentthan with a car. However, visibility ismore critical. Be sure other driverssee you, and that you see potentialhazards.

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1. Ride in the left portion of thelane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible. Signaland check for oncoming traffic.Use your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind.

2. When safe, move into the leftlane and accelerate. Select a laneposition that doesn’t crowd thecar you are passing and providesspace to avoid hazards in yourlane.

3. Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible.

4. Signal again, and complete mirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal.

Remember, passes must be com-pleted within posted speed limits,and only where permitted. Knowyour signs and road markings!

BEING PASSEDWhen you are being passed from

behind or by an oncoming vehicle,

stay in the center portion of your lane.Riding any closer to them could putyou in a hazardous situation.

Avoid being hit by:• The other vehicle — A slight

mistake by you or the passingdriver could cause a sideswipe.

• Extended mirrors — Some driv-ers forget that their mirrors hangout farther than their fenders.

• Objects thrown from windows— Even if the driver knowsyou’re there, a passenger may notsee you and might toss somethingon you or the road ahead of you.

• Blasts of wind from largervehicles — They can affect yourcontrol. You have more room forerror if you are in the middle por-tion when hit by this blast than ifyou are on either side of the lane.

Do not move into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle.It might invite the other driver to cutback into your lane too early.

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LANE SHARING

Cars and motorcycles need a fulllane to operate safely. Lane sharing isusually prohibited.

Riding between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane canleave you vulnerable to the unexpect-ed. A hand could come out of a win-dow; a door could open; a car couldturn suddenly. Discourage lane shar-ing by others. Keep a center-portionposition whenever drivers might betempted to squeeze by you. Driversare most tempted to do this:

• In heavy, bumper-to-bumpertraffic.

• When they want to pass you.• When you are preparing to turn

at an intersection.• When you are getting in an exit

lane, or leaving a highway.

MERGING CARSDrivers on an entrance ramp may

not see you on the highway. Givethem plenty of room. Change to

another lane if one is open. If there is no room for a lane change, adjustspeed to open up space for the merging driver.

CARS ALONGSIDEDo not ride next to cars or trucks

in other lanes if you do not have to.You might be in the blind spot of a carin the next lane, which could switchinto your lane without warning. Carsin the next lane also block your escapeif you come upon danger in your ownlane. Speed up or drop back to find aplace clear of traffic on both sides.

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MERGING

BLIND SPOTS

Usually, a good way to handle tailgaters is to:A. Change lanes and let them pass.B. Use your horn amd make

obscense gestures.C. Speed up to put distance

between you and the tailgater.D. Ignore them.

Answer - page 42

4 Test Yourself

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SEEGood experienced riders remain

aware of what is going on aroundthem. They improve their riding strat-egy by using SEE, a three-stepprocess used to make appropriatejudgments, and apply them correctlyin different traffic situations:

• Search• Evaluate• Execute

Let’s examine each of these steps.

SEARCHSearch aggressively ahead, to the

sides and behind to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise. Howassertively you search, and how muchtime and space you have, can elimi-nate or reduce harm. Focus even moreon finding potential escape routes inor around intersections, shoppingareas, school and construction zones.

Search for factors such as:

• Oncoming traffic that may turnleft in front of you.

• Traffic coming from the left andright.

• Traffic approaching from behind.

• Hazardous road conditions.

Be especially alert in areas withlimited visibility. Visually “busy” surroundings could hide you and yourmotorcycle from others.

EVALUATEThink about how hazards can

interact to create risk for you.Anticipate potential problems andhave a plan to reduce risk.

• Road and surface characteristis— Potholes, guardrails, bridges,telephone poles and trees won’tmove into your path but mayinfluence your riding strategy.

• Traffic control devices — Lookfor traffic signals, including regulatory signs, warning signs,and pavement markings, to helpyou evaluate circumstancesahead.

• Vehicles and other traffic —May move into your path andincrease the likelihood of a crash.

Think about your time and spacerequirements in order to maintain amargin of safety. You must leaveyourself time to react if an emergencyarises.

EXECUTECarry out your decision

To create more space and mini-mize harm from any hazard:

• Communicate your presencewith lights and/or horn.

• Adjust your speed by accelerating, stopping or slowing.

• Adjust your position and/ordirection.

Apply the old adage “one step at atime” to handle two or more hazards.Adjust speed to permit two hazards toseparate. Then deal with them one ata time as single hazards. Decisionmaking becomes more complex withthree or more hazards. Weigh theconsequences of each and give equaldistance to the hazards.

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In potential high-risk areas, such as intersections, shopping areas andschool and construction zones, coverthe clutch and both brakes to reducethe time you need to react.

INTERSECTIONSThe greatest potential for conflict

between you and other traffic is atintersections. An intersection can bein the middle of an urban area or at adriveway on a residential street —anywhere traffic may cross your pathof travel. Over one-half of motor-cycle/car crashes are caused by driversentering a rider’s right-of-way. Carsthat turn left in front of you, includingcars turning left from the lane to yourright, and cars on side streets that pullinto your lane, are the biggest dangers.Your use of SEE [p. 19] at intersec-tions is critical.

There are no guarantees that others see you. Never count on “eyecontact” as a sign that a driver willyield. Too often, a driver looks rightat a motorcyclist and still fails to“see” him. The only eyes that you cancount on are your own. If a car canenter your path, assume that it will.Good riders are always “looking fortrouble” — not to get into it, but tostay out of it.

Increase your chances of beingseen at intersections. Ride with yourheadlight on in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic. Provide a space cushionaround the motorcycle that permitsyou to take evasive action.

20

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To reduce your reaction time, youshould:A. Ride slower than the speed limit.B. Cover the clutch and brakes.C. Shift into neutral when slowing.D. Pull in the clutch when turning.

Answer - page 42

5 Test Yourself

SMALL INTERSECTIONS

As you approach the intersection,select a lane position to increase yourvisibility to the driver. Cover theclutch and both brakes to reduce reaction time.

Reduce your speed as youapproach an intersection. After entering the intersection, move awayfrom vehicles preparing to turn. Donot change speed or position radically.The driver might think that you arepreparing to turn.

BLIND INTERSECTIONSIf you approach a blind intersec-

tion, move to the portion of the lanethat will bring you into another driver’s field of vision at the earliestpossible moment. In this picture, therider has moved to the left portion ofthe lane — away from the parked car

— so the driver on the cross street cansee him as soon as possible.

Remember, the key is to see asmuch as possible and remain visibleto others while protecting your space.

21

LARGE INTERSECTIONS

BLIND INTERSECTIONS

If you have a stop sign or stop line,stop there first. Then edge forwardand stop again, just short of where thecross-traffic lane meets your lane.From that position, lean your body for-ward and look around buildings,parked cars, or bushes to see if any-thing is coming. Just make sure yourfront wheel stays out of the cross laneof travel while you’re looking.

PASSING PARKED CARSWhen passing parked cars, stay

toward the left of your lane. You canavoid problems caused by doors open-ing, drivers getting out of cars, or people stepping from between cars. Ifoncoming traffic is present, it is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion.

A bigger problem can occur if thedriver pulls away from the curb with-out checking for traffic behind. Evenif he does look, he may fail to see you.

In either event, the driver mightcut into your path. Slow down orchange lanes to make room for some-one cutting in.

Cars making a sudden U-turn arethe most dangerous. They may cutyou off entirely, blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go. Since you can’t tell whata driver will do, slow down and getthe driver’s attention. Sound yourhorn and continue with caution.

PARKING AT THE ROADSIDEPark at a 90o angle to the curb

with your rear wheel touching thecurb.

22

STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS

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Making eye contact with other drivers:A. Is a good sign they see you.B. Is not worth the effort it takes.C. Doesn’t mean that the driver will

yield.D. Guarantees that the other driver

will yield to you.Answer - page 42

6 Test Yourself

INCREASINGCONSPICUITY

In crashes with motorcyclists,drivers often say that they never sawthe motorcycle. From ahead orbehind, a motorcycle’s outline is muchsmaller than a car’s. Also, it’s hard tosee something you are not looking for,and most drivers are not looking formotorcycles. More likely, they arelooking through the skinny, two-wheeled silhouette in search of carsthat may pose a problem to them.

Even if a driver does see you coming, you aren’t necessarily safe.Smaller vehicles appear farther awayand seem to be traveling slower thanthey actually are. It is common fordrivers to pull out in front of motorcy-clists, thinking they have plenty oftime. Too often, they are wrong.However, you can do many things tomake it easier for others to recognizeyou and your cycle.

CLOTHINGMost crashes occur in broad

daylight. Wear bright-colored clothing to increase your chances ofbeing seen. Remember, your body ishalf of the visible surface area of therider/motorcycle unit.

Bright orange, red, yellow orgreen jackets or vests are your bestbets for being seen. Your helmet cando more than protect you in a crash.Brightly colored helmets can also helpothers see you.

Any bright color is better thandrab or dark colors. Reflective,bright-colored clothing (helmet andjacket or vest) is best.

Reflective material on a vest andon the sides of the helmet will helpdrivers coming from the side to spotyou. Reflective material can also be abig help for drivers coming towardyou or from behind.

HEADLIGHTThe best way to help others see

your motorcycle is to keep the headlight on — at all times (althoughmotorcycles sold in the USA since1978 automatically have the head-lights on when running). Studiesshow that, during the day, a motorcy-cle with its light on is twice as likelyto be noticed. Use of the high beamduring the day increases the likelihoodthat oncoming drivers will see you.Use low beam at night and in cloudyweather.

SIGNALSThe signals on a motorcycle are

similar to those on a car. They tellothers what you plan to do.

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However, due to a rider’s addedvulnerability, signals are even moreimportant. Use them anytime youplan to change lanes or turn. Usethem even when you think no one elseis around. It’s the car you don’t seethat’s going to give you the most trou-ble. Your signal lights also make youeasier to spot. That’s why it’s a goodidea to use your turn signals evenwhen what you plan to do is obvious.

When you enter onto a freeway,drivers approaching from behind aremore likely to see your signal blinkingand make room for you.

Turning your signal light onbefore each turn reduces confusionand frustration for the traffic aroundyou. Once you turn, make sure yoursignal is off or a driver may pulldirectly into your path, thinking youplan to turn again. Use your signals at every turn so drivers can reactaccordingly. Don’t make them guesswhat you intend to do.

BRAKE LIGHTYour motorcycle’s brake light is

usually not as noticeable as the brakelights on a car—particularly whenyour taillight is on. (It goes on withthe headlight.) If the situation willpermit, help others notice you byflashing your brake light before youslow down. It is especially importantto flash your brake light before:

• You slow more quickly thanothers might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway).

• You slow where others may notexpect it (in the middle of a blockor at an alley). If you are beingfollowed closely, it’s a good ideato flash your brake light beforeyou slow. The tailgater may bewatching you and not see some-thing ahead that will make youslow down. This will hopefullydiscourage them from tailgatingand warn them of hazards aheadthey may not see.

USING YOUR MIRRORSWhile it’s most important to keep

track of what’s happening ahead, youcan’t afford to ignore situationsbehind. Traffic conditions changequickly. Knowing what’s going onbehind is essential for you to make asafe decision about how to handletrouble ahead.

Frequent mirror checks should bepart of your normal searching routine.Make a special point of using yourmirrors:

• When you are stopped at anintersection. Watch cars comingup from behind. If the driverisn’t paying attention, he couldbe on top of you before he seesyou.

• Before you change lanes. Makesure no one is about to pass you.

• Before you slow down. Thedriver behind may not expect youto slow, or may be unsure aboutwhere you will slow. For exam-ple, you signal a turn and thedriver thinks you plan to turn at adistant intersection, rather than ata nearer driveway.

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Some motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors. These provide awider view of the road behind than doflat mirrors. They also make carsseem farther away than they reallyare. If you are not used to convexmirrors, get familiar with them.(While you are stopped, pick out aparked car in your mirror. Form amental image of how far away it is.Then, turn around and look at it to seehow close you came.) Practice withyour mirrors until you become a goodjudge of distance. Even then, allowextra distance before you changelanes.

HEAD CHECKS

Checking your mirrors is notenough. Motorcycles have “blindspots” like cars. Before you changelanes, turn your head, and look to theside for other vehicles.

On a road with several lanes,check the far lane and the one next toyou. A driver in the distant lane mayhead for the same space you plan totake.

Frequent head checks should beyour normal scanning routine, also.Only by knowing what is happeningall around you are you fully preparedto deal with it.

HORNBe ready to use your horn to get

someone’s attention quickly. It is a good idea to give a quick

beep before passing anyone that maymove into your lane.

Here are some situations:• A driver in the lane next to you

is driving too close to the vehicleahead and may want to pass.

• A parked car has someone in thedriver’s seat.

• Someone is in the street, ridinga bicycle or walking.

In an emergency, press the hornbutton loud and long. Be ready to stopor swerve away from the danger.

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

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RIDING AT NIGHTAt night it is harder for you to see

and be seen. Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers. Tocompensate, you should:

• Reduce Your Speed — Rideeven slower than you would dur-ing the day — particularly onroads you don’t know well. Thiswill increase your chances ofavoiding a hazard.

• Increase Distance — Distancesare harder to judge at night thanduring the day. Your eyes relyupon shadows and light contraststo determine how far away anobject is and how fast it is com-ing. These contrasts are missingor distorted under artificial lightsat night. Open up a three-secondfollowing distance or more. Andallow more distance to pass andbe passed.

• Use the Car Ahead — Theheadlights of the car ahead cangive you a better view of the roadthan even your high beam can.Taillights bouncing up and downcan alert you to bumps or roughpavement.

• Use Your High Beam — Get allthe light you can. Use your highbeam whenever you are not fol-lowing or meeting a car. Be visi-ble: Wear reflective materialswhen riding at night.

• Be Flexible About Lane Position.Change to whatever portion ofthe lane is best able to help yousee, be seen, and keep an ade-quate space cushion.

CRASH AVOIDANCENo matter how careful you are,

there will be times when you findyourself in a tight spot. Your chancesof getting out safely depend on yourability to react quickly and properly.Often, a crash occurs because a rideris not prepared or skilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers.

Know when and how to stop orswerve, two skills critical to avoidinga crash. It is not always desirable orpossible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle. Riders must also be able toswerve around an obstacle.Determining the skill necessary for thesituation is important as well.

Studies show that most crash-involved riders:

• Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear.

• Do not separate braking fromswerving or did not choose swerv-ing when it was appropriate.

The following information offerssome good advice.

QUICK STOPSTo stop quickly, apply both brakes

at the same time. Don’t be shy aboutusing the front brake, but don’t “grab”it, either. Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively. If the frontwheel locks, release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly. Atthe same time, press down on the rearbrake. If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surface,keep it locked until you have com-pletely stopped. Even with a lockedrear wheel, you can control the motor-cycle on a straightaway if it is uprightand going in a straight line.

26

Reflective clothing should:A. Be worn at night.B. Be worn during the day.C. Not be worn.D. Be worn day and night.

Answer - page 42

7 Test Yourself

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Always use both brakes at thesame time to stop. The front brakecan provide 70% or more of thepotential stopping power.

If you must stop quickly whileturning or riding a curve, the besttechnique is to straighten the bikeupright first and then brake.However, it may not always be possi-ble to straighten the motorcycle andthen stop. If you must brake whileleaning, apply light brakes and reducethe throttle. As you slow, you canreduce your lean angle and applymore brake pressure until the motor-cycle is straight and maximum brakepressure is possible. You should“straighten” the handlebars in the last

few feet of stopping. The motorcycleshould then be straight up and in bal-ance.

SWERVING OR TURNINGQUICKLY

Sometimes you may not haveenough room to stop, even if you useboth brakes properly. An object mightappear suddenly in your path. Or thecar ahead might squeal to a stop. Theonly way to avoid a crash may be toturn quickly or swerve around it.

A swerve is any sudden change indirection. It can be two quick turns, ora rapid shift to the side. Apply a smallamount of hand pressure to the handlegrip located on the side of yourintended direction of escape. This willcause the motorcycle to lean quickly.The sharper the turn(s), the more themotorcycle must lean.

Keep your body upright and allowthe motorcycle to lean in the directionof the turn while keeping your kneesagainst the tank and your feet solidlyon the pegs. Let the motorcycle moveunderneath you. Make your escaperoute the target of your vision. Press

27

STOPPING DISTANCE

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on the opposite handlegrip once youclear the obstacle to return you to youroriginal direction of travel. To swerveto the left, press the left handlegrip,then press the right to recover. Toswerve to the right, press right, thenleft.

IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED,SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING.Brake before or after — never whileswerving.

CORNERING

A primary cause of single-vehiclecrashes is motorcyclists running widein a curve or turn and colliding withthe roadway or a fixed object.

Every curve is different. Be alertto whether a curve remains constant,gradually widens, gets tighter, orinvolves multiple turns.

Ride within your skill level andposted speed limits.

Your best path may not always fol-low the curve of the road.

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Change lane position depending ontraffic, road conditions and curve ofthe road. If no traffic is present, startat the outside of a curve to increaseyour line of sight and the effectiveradius of the turn. As you turn, movetoward the inside of the curve, and asyou pass the center, move to the out-side to exit.

Another alternative is to move tothe center of your lane before enteringa curve — and stay there until youexit. This permits you to spotapproaching traffic as soon as possi-ble. You can also adjust for traffic“crowding” the center line, or debrisblocking part of your lane.

HANDLING DANGEROUSSURFACES

Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases whenever you ride across:

• Uneven surfaces or obstacles.• Slippery surfaces.• Railroad tracks.• Grooves and gratings.

UNEVEN SURFACES ANDOBSTACLES

Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps, broken pavement, potholes, orsmall pieces of highway trash.

Try to avoid obstacles by slowingor going around them If you must goover the obstacle, first determine if itis possible. Approach it at as close toa 90° angle as possible. Look whereyou want to go to control your path oftravel. If you have to ride over theobstacle, you should:

• Slow down as much as possiblebefore contact.

• Make sure the motorcycle isstraight up.

29

The best way to stop quickly is to:A. Use the front brake only.B. Use the rear brake first.C. Throttle down and use the front

brake.D. Use both brakes at the same

time.Answer - page 42

8 Test Yourself

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• Rise slightly off the seat withyour weight on the footpegs toabsorb the shock with your knees and elbows, and avoidbeing thrown off the motorcycle.

• Just before contact, roll on thethrottle slightly to lighten thefront end.

If you ride over an object on thestreet, pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before riding any farther.

SLIPPERY SURFACESMotorcycles handle better when

ridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction. Surfaces that provide poortraction include:

• Wet pavement, particularly justafter it starts to rain and beforesurface oil washes to the side ofthe road.

• Gravel roads, or where sand andgravel collect.

• Mud, snow, and ice.• Lane markings, steel plates and

manhole covers, especially whenwet.To ride safely on slippery sur-

faces:• Reduce Speed — Slow down

before you get to a slippery sur-face to lessen your chances ofskidding. Your motorcycle needsmore distance to stop. And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves.

• Avoid Sudden Moves — Anysudden change in speed or direction can cause a skid. Be assmooth as possible when youspeed up, shift gears, turn orbrake.

• Use Both Brakes — The frontbrake is still effective even on aslippery surface. Squeeze the

brake lever gradually to avoidlocking the front wheel.Remember, gentle pressure on therear brake.

• The center of a lane can be hazardous when wet. When itstarts to rain, ride in the tiretracks left by cars. Often, the left tire track will be the bestposition, depending on traffic andother road conditions as well.

• Watch for oil spots when youput your foot down to stop orpark. You may slip and fall.

• Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road — especially oncurves and ramps leading to andfrom highways. Be aware ofwhat’s on the edge of the road,particularly when making sharpturns and getting on or off free-ways at high speeds.

• Rain dries and snow meltsfaster on some sections of a roadthan on others. Patches of icetend to crop up in low or shadedareas and on bridges and over-passes. Wet surfaces or wetleaves are just as slippery. Rideon the least slippery portion ofthe lane and reduce speed.

Cautious riders steer clear of roadscovered with ice or snow. If you can’tavoid a slippery surface, keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceed asslowly as possible. If you encounter alarge surface so slippery that you mustcoast, or travel at a walking pace, consider letting your feet skim alongthe surface. If the motorcycle starts tofall, you can catch yourself. Be sureto keep off the brakes. If possible,squeeze the clutch and coast.Attempting this maneuver at anythingother than the slowest of speeds couldprove hazardous.

30

RAILROAD TRACKS, TROLLEYTRACKS AND PAVEMENT SEAMS

Usually it is safer to ride straightwithin your lane to cross tracks.Turning to take tracks head-on (at a90° angle) can be more dangerous —your path may carry you into anotherlane of traffic.

For track and road seams that runparallel to your course, move far

enough away from tracks, ruts, orpavement seams to cross at an angleof at least 45°. Then, make a quick,sharp turn. Edging across could catchyour tires and throw you off balance.

GROOVES AND GRATINGSRiding over rain grooves or bridge

gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave. The uneasy, wandering feel-ing is generally not hazardous. Relax,maintain a steady speed and ridestraight across. Crossing at an angleforces riders to zigzag to stay in thelane. The zigzag is far more haz-ardous than the wandering feeling.

31

CROSSTRACKS-RIGHT

CROSSTRACKS-WRONG

PARALLEL TRACKS-RIGHT

GRATE CROSSINGS-RIGHT

GRATE CROSSINGS-WRONG

PARALLEL TRACKS-WRONGWhen it starts to rain it is usually bestto:A. Ride in the center of the lane.B. Pull off to the side until the rain

stops.C. Ride in the tire tracks left by

cars.D. Increase your speed.

Answer - page 42

9 Test Yourself

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MECHANICALPROBLEMS

You can find yourself in an emergency the moment somethinggoes wrong with your motorcycle. Indealing with any mechanical problem,take into account the road and trafficconditions you face. Here are someguidelines that can help you handlemechanical problems safely.

TIRE FAILUREYou will seldom hear a tire go flat.

If the motorcycle starts handling differently, it may be a tire failure.This can be dangerous. You must beable to tell from the way the motor-cycle reacts. If one of your tires sud-denly loses air, react quickly to keepyour balance. Pull off and check thetires.

If the front tire goes flat, the steer-ing will feel “heavy.” A front-wheelflat is particularly hazardous becauseit affects your steering. You have tosteer well to keep your balance.

If the rear tire goes flat, the backof the motorcycle may jerk from sideto side.

If either tire goes flat while riding:

• Hold handlegrips firmly, easeoff the throttle, and keep astraight course.

• If braking is required, however,gradually apply the brake of thetire that isn’t flat, if you are surewhich one it is.

• When the motorcycle slows,edge to the side of the road,squeeze the clutch and stop.

STUCK THROTTLE

Twist the throttle back and forthseveral times. If the throttle cable isstuck, this may free it. If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in theclutch at the same time. This willremove power from the rear wheel,though engine noise may not immedi-ately decline. Once the motorcycle is“under control,” pull off and stop.

After you have stopped, check thethrottle cable carefully to find thesource of the trouble. Make certainthe throttle works freely before youstart to ride again.

WOBBLEA “wobble” occurs when the

front wheel and handlebars suddenlystart to shake from side to side at anyspeed. Most wobbles can be traced toimproper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure.If you are carrying a heavy load, lighten it. If you can’t, shift it.Center the weight lower and fartherforward on the motorcycle. Makesure tire pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks, and dampers are at the settings recommended for that muchweight. Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly.

Check for poorly adjusted steering; worn steering parts; a frontwheel that is bent, misaligned, or outof balance; loose wheel bearings orspokes; and swingarm bearings. Ifnone of these are determined to be the cause, have the motorcyclechecked out thoroughly by a qualified professional.

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Trying to “accelerate out of a wobble” will only make the motorcycle more unstable. Instead:

• Grip the handlebars firmly, butdon’t fight the wobble.

• Close the throttle gradually toslow down. Do not apply thebrakes; braking could make thewobble worse.

• Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible.

• Pull off the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem.

CHAIN PROBLEMSA chain that slips or breaks while

you’re riding could lock the rearwheel and cause your cycle to skid.Chain slippage or breakage can beavoided by proper maintenance.

• Slippage — If the chain slipswhen you try to speed up quicklyor ride uphill, pull off the road.Check the chain and sprockets.Tightening the chain may help.If the problem is a worn orstretched chain or worn or bentsprockets, replace the chain, thesprockets, or both before ridingagain.

• Breakage — You’ll notice aninstant loss of power to the rearwheel. Close the throttle andbrake to a stop.

ENGINE SEIZUREWhen the engine “locks” or

“freezes” it is usually low on oil. Theengine’s moving parts can’t movesmoothly against each other, and theengine overheats. The first sign maybe a loss of engine power or a changein the engine’s sound. Squeeze theclutch lever to disengage the enginefrom the rear wheel. Pull off the roadand stop. Check the oil. If needed,oil should be added as soon as possi-ble or the engine will seize. When thishappens, the effect is the same as alocked rear wheel. Let the enginecool before restarting.

ANIMALSNaturally, you should do every-

thing you safely can to avoid hittingan animal. If you are in traffic, however, remain in your lane. Hittingsomething small is less dangerous toyou than hitting something big — like a car.

Motorcycles seem to attract dogs.If you are chased, downshift andapproach the animal slowly. As youapproach it, accelerate away and leavethe animal behind. Don’t kick at ananimal. Keep control of your motor-cycle, and look to where you want togo.

For larger animals (deer, elk, cattle) brake and prepare to stop — they are unpredictable.

33

If your motorcycle starts to wobble:A. Accelerate out of the wobble.B. Use the brakes gradually.C. Grip the handlebars firmly and

close the throttle gradually.D. Downshift.

Answer - page 42

10 Test Yourself

If you are chased by a dog:A. Kick it away.B. Stop until the animal loses

interest.C. Swerve around the animal.D. Approach the animal slowly,

then speed up.Answer - page 42

11 Test Yourself

FLYING OBJECTSFrom time to time riders are struck

by insects, cigarettes thrown fromcars, or pebbles kicked up by the tiresof the vehicle ahead. If you are wear-ing face protection, it might getsmeared or cracked, making it difficultto see. Without face protection, anobject could hit you in the eye, face,or mouth. Whatever happens, keepyour eyes on the road and your handson the handlebars. When safe, pull offthe road and repair the damage.

GETTING OFF THE ROADIf you need to leave the road to

check the motorcycle (or just to restfor a while), be sure you:

• Check the roadside — Makesure the surface of the roadside isfirm enough to ride on. If it issoft grass, loose sand, or if you’rejust not sure about it, slow waydown before you turn onto it.

• Signal — Drivers behind mightnot expect you to slow down.Give a clear signal that you willbe slowing down and changingdirection. Check your mirror andmake a head check before youtake any action.

• Pull off the road — Get as faroff the road as you can. It can bevery hard to spot a motorcycle bythe side of the road. You don’twant someone else pulling off atthe same place you are.

• Park carefully — Loose andsloped shoulders can make setting the side or center standdifficult.

CARRYING PASSENGERSAND CARGO

Only experienced riders shouldcarry passengers or large loads. Theextra weight changes the way themotorcycle handles, balances, speedsup, and slows down. Before taking apassenger or heavy load on the street,practice away from traffic.

EQUIPMENTTo carry passengers safely:

• Equip and adjust your motor-cycle to carry passengers.

• Instruct the passenger beforeyou start.

• Adjust your riding technique forthe added weight.

Equipment should include:• A proper seat — large enough

to hold both of you withoutcrowding. You should not sit any farther forward than you usually do.

• Footpegs — for the passenger. Afirm footing prevents your passenger from falling off andpulling you off, too.

• Protective equipment — thesame protective gear recommended for operators.

Adjust the suspension to handlethe additional weight. You will probably need to add a few pounds ofpressure to the tires if you carry a passenger. (Check your owner’s manual for appropriate settings.)While your passenger sits on the seatwith you, adjust the mirror and headlight according to the change inthe motorcycle’s angle.

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INSTRUCTING PASSENGERSEven if your passenger is a

motorcycle rider, provide completeinstructions before you start. Tell your passenger to:

• Get on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine.

• Sit as far forward as possiblewithout crowding you.

• Hold firmly to your waist, hips,or belt.

• Keep both feet on the pegs, evenwhen stopped.

• Keep legs away from the muf-fler(s), chains or moving parts.

• Stay directly behind you,leaning as you lean.

• Avoid unnecessary talk ormotion.

Also, tell your passenger to tighten his or her hold when you

• Approach surface problems, • Are about to start from a stop,• Warn that you will make a sud-

den move.

RIDING WITH PASSENGERSYour motorcycle will respond

more slowly with a passenger onboard. The heavier your passenger,the longer it will take to slow downand speed up — especially on a lightmotorcycle.

• Ride a little slower, especiallywhen taking curves, corners, orbumps.

• Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop.

• Open up a larger cushion ofspace ahead and to the sides.

• Wait for larger gaps to cross,enter, or merge in traffic.

Warn your passenger of specialconditions — when you will pull out,stop quickly, turn sharply or ride overa bump. Turn your head slightly tomake yourself understood, but keepyour eyes on the road ahead.

CARRYING LOADSMost motorcycles are not designed

to carry much cargo. Small loads canbe carried safely if positioned and fastened properly.

• Keep the Load Low — Fastenloads securely, or put them insaddlebags. Piling loads againsta sissybar or frame on the back ofthe seat raises the motorcycle’scenter of gravity and disturbs itsbalance.

• Keep the Load Forward —Place the load over, or in front of,the rear axle. Tankbags keeploads forward, but use cautionwhen loading hard or sharpobjects. Make sure the tankbagdoes not interfere with handle-bars or controls. Mounting loadsbehind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes. It can also cause a wobble.

• Distribute the Load Evenly —Load saddlebags with about thesame weight. An uneven loadcan cause the motorcycle to driftto one side.

35

Passengers should:A. Lean as you lean.B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat.C. Sit as far back as possible.D. Never hold onto you.

Answer - page 42

12 Test Yourself

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• Secure the Load — Fasten theload securely with elastic cords(bungee cords or nets). Elasticcords with more than one attach-ment point per side are moresecure. A tight load won’t catchin the wheel or chain, causing itto lock up and skid. Rope tendsto stretch and knots come loose,permitting the load to shift or fall.

• Check the Load — Stop andcheck the load every so often tomake sure it has not workedloose or moved.

GROUP RIDINGIf you ride with others, do it in a

way that promotes safety and doesn’tinterfere with the flow of traffic.

KEEP THE GROUP SMALLSmall groups make it easier and

safer for car drivers who need to getaround them. A small number isn’tseparated as easily by traffic or redlights. Riders won’t always be hurry-ing to catch up. If your group is larger than four or five riders, divide itup into two or more smaller groups.

KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER• Plan — The leader should look

ahead for changes and signalearly so “the word gets back” inplenty of time. Start lanechanges early to permit everyoneto complete the change.

• Put Beginners Up Front —Place inexperienced riders justbehind the leader, that way themore experienced riders canwatch them from the back.

• Follow Those Behind — Let thetailender set the pace. Use yourmirrors to keep an eye on the per-son behind. If a rider fallsbehind, everyone should slow

• down a little to stay with the tailender.

• Know the Route — Make sureeveryone knows the route. Then,if someone is separated theywon’t have to hurry to keep fromgetting lost or taking a wrongturn. Plan frequent stops on longrides.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCEMaintain close ranks but at the

same time keep a safe distance toallow each rider in the group time andspace to react to hazards. A closegroup takes up less space on the high-way, is easier to see and is less likelyto be separated. However, it must bedone properly.Don’t Pair Up — Never operate

directly alongside another rider.There is no place to go if you haveto avoid a car or something on theroad. To talk, wait until you areboth stopped.

Staggered Formation — This is thebest way to keep ranks close yetmaintain an adequate space

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cushion. The leader rides in the leftside of the lane, while the secondrider stays one second behind in theright side of the lane.A third rider maintains in the left

position, two seconds behind the firstrider. The fourth rider would keep atwo-second distance behind the second rider. This formation keepsthe group close and permits each ridera safe distance from others ahead,behind and to the sides.

• Passing in Formation — Ridersin a staggered formation shouldpass one at a time.

• First, the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe.After passing, the leader shouldreturn to the left position andcontinue riding at passing speedto open room for the next rider.

• After the first rider passes safely, the second rider shouldmove up to the left position andwatch for a safe chance to pass.After passing, this rider shouldreturn to the right position andopen up room for the next rider.

Some people suggest that theleader should move to the right sideafter passing a vehicle. This is not agood idea. It encourages the secondrider to pass and cut back in beforethere is a large enough space cushionin front of the passed vehicle. It’ssimpler and safer to wait until there is enough room ahead of the passedvehicle to allow each rider to moveinto the same position held before the pass.Single-File Formation — It is best

to move into a single-file formationwhen riding curves, turning, enter-ing or leaving a highway.

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

When riding in a group, inexperiencedriders should position themselves:A. Just behind the leader.B. In front of the group.C. At the tail end of the group.D. Beside the leader.

Answer - page 42

13 Test Yourself

WHY THIS INFORMA-TION IS IMPORTANT

Alcohol is a major contributor tomotorcycle crashes, particularly fatalcrashes. Studies show that 40% to45% of all riders killed in motorcyclecrashes had been drinking. Only one-third of those riders had a blood alcohol concentration above legal limits. The rest had only a few drinksin their systems — enough to impairriding skills. In the past, drug levelshave been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drinkingviolations for the traffic records. Butriding “under the influence” of eitheralcohol or drugs poses physical andlegal hazards for every rider.

Drinking and drug use is as big aproblem among motorcyclists as it isamong automobile drivers.Motorcyclists, however, are more likely to be killed or severely injuredin a crash. Injuries occur in 90% ofmotorcycle crashes and 33% of auto-mobile crashes that involve abuse ofsubstances. On a yearly basis, 2,100motorcyclists are killed and about50,000 seriously injured in this sametype of crash. These statistics are toooverwhelming to ignore.

By becoming knowledgeableabout the effects of alcohol and otherdrugs you will see that riding and sub-stance abuse don’t mix. Take positivesteps to protect yourself and preventothers from injuring themselves.

ALCOHOL AND OTHERDRUGS IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION

No one is immune to the effects of alcohol or drugs. Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs, but alcohol or drugs make them less ableto think clearly and perform physicaltasks skillfully. Judgment and thedecision-making processes needed for vehicle operation are affected long before legal limitations arereached.

Many over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs haveside effects that increase the risk ofriding. It is difficult to accuratelymeasure the involvement of particulardrugs in motorcycle crashes. But wedo know what effects various drugshave on the process involved in ridinga motorcycle. We also know that thecombined effects of alcohol and otherdrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone.

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BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDERiding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders pay

attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle, identifyingpotential hazards, making good judgments, and executing decisions quickly andskillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road and traffic con-ditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and other drugs, morethan any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly and to ride safely. Aslittle as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance.

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

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ALCOHOL IN THE BODYAlcohol enters the bloodstream

quickly. Unlike most foods and beverages, it does not need to bedigested. Within minutes after beingconsumed, it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker. Themajor effect alcohol has is to slowdown and impair bodily functions —both mental and physical. Whateveryou do, you do less well after consuming alcohol.

BLOOD ALCOHOLCONCENTRATION

Blood Alcohol Concentration orBAC is the amount of alcohol in relation to blood in the body.Generally, alcohol can be eliminatedin the body at the rate of almost onedrink per hour. But a variety of otherfactors may also influence the level ofalcohol retained. The more alcohol inyour blood, the greater the degree ofimpairment.

Three factors play a major partin determining BAC:

• The amount of alcohol you con-sume.

• How fast you drink.• Your body weight.

Other factors also contribute to the way alcohol affects your system.Your sex, physical condition and food intake are just a few that maycause your BAC level to be evenhigher. But the full effects of theseare not completely known. Alcoholmay still accumulate in your bodyeven if you are drinking at a rate ofone drink per hour. Abilities andjudgment can be affected by that onedrink.

A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixeddrink with one shot of liquor and a 5-ounce glass of wine all contain thesame amount of alcohol.

The faster you drink, the morealcohol accumulates in your body. Ifyou drink two drinks in an hour, at theend of that hour, at least one drinkwill remain in your bloodstream.

Without taking into account any ofthe other factors, the formula belowillustrates the LEAST amount ofdrinks remaining in the bloodstream:

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ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION

Total # hours drinksdrinks LESS since last EQUALS leftconsumed drink in body

- =________ ________ _______

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A person drinking• 8 drinks in 4 hours would have

at least 4 drinks remaining intheir system.

• 7 drinks in 3 hours would haveat least 4 drinks remaining intheir system.

There are times when a larger person may not accumulate as high aconcentration of alcohol for eachdrink consumed. They have moreblood and other bodily fluids. Butbecause of individual differences it isbetter not to take the chance that abilities and judgment have not beenaffected. Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the realissue. Impairment of judgment andskills begins well below the legallimit.

ALCOHOL AND THE LAWIn most states, a person with a

BAC of .10% or above is consideredintoxicated; in others the legal limit is.08% or .05%. It doesn’t matter howsober you may look or act. The breathor urine test is what usually deter-mines whether you are riding legallyor illegally. In North Carolina, if your intoxication test shows an alcohol concentration of 0.08 percentor more (0.04 or more, if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle),your driving privilege will be revokedimmediately for a minimum of 30days.

Your chances of being stopped forriding under the influence of alcoholare increasing. Law enforcement isbeing stepped up across the country inresponse to the senseless deaths andinjuries caused by drinking driversand riders.

CONSEQUENCES OFCONVICTION

Years ago, first offenders had agood chance of getting off with a

small fine and participation in alcohol-abuse classes. Today the laws of moststates impose stiff penalties on drink-ing operators. And those penalties aremandatory, meaning that judges mustimpose them.

If you are convicted of ridingunder the influence of alcohol ordrugs, you may receive any of the following penalties:

• License Suspension —Mandatory suspension for conviction, arrest or refusal tosubmit to a breath test.

• Fines — Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usuallylevied with a license suspension.

• Community Service —Performing tasks such as pickingup litter along the highway,washing cars in the motor-vehiclepool, or working at an emergencyward.

• Costs — Additional lawyer’s feesto pay; lost work time spent incourt or alcohol-education programs; public transportationcosts (while your license is suspended); and the added psychological costs of beingtagged a “drunk driver.”

MINIMIZE THE RISKSYour ability to judge how well you

are riding is affected first. Althoughyou may be performing more andmore poorly, you think you are doingbetter and better. The result is thatyou ride confidently, taking greaterand greater risks. Minimize the risksof drinking and riding by taking stepsbefore you drink. Control your drink-ing or control your riding.

DON’T DRINKDON’T DRINK — Once you

start, your resistance becomes weaker.

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Setting a limit or pacing yourselfare poor alternatives at best. Yourability to exercise good judgment isone of the first things affected byalcohol. Even if you have tried todrink in moderation, you may notrealize to what extent your skills havesuffered from alcohol’s fatiguingeffects.

Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’tcontrolled your drinking, you mustcontrol your riding.

• Leave the motorcycle — so youwon’t be tempted to ride.Arrange another way to gethome.

• Wait — If you exceed your limit,wait until your system eliminatesthe alcohol and its fatiguingeffects.

STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS

People who have had too much todrink are unable to make a responsibledecision. It is up to others to step inand keep them from taking too great arisk. No one wants to do this — it’suncomfortable, embarrassing andthankless. You are rarely thanked foryour efforts at the time. But the alternatives are often worse.

There are several ways to keepfriends from hurting themselves:

• Arrange a safe ride — Providealternative ways for them to gethome.

• Slow the pace of drinking —Involve them in other activities.

• Keep them there — Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle. Serve themfood and coffee to pass the time.Explain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt,or hurting someone else.

• Get friends involved — Usepeer pressure from a group offriends to intervene.

It helps to enlist support from others when you decide to step in.The more people on your side, theeasier it is to be firm and the harder itis for the rider to resist. While youmay not be thanked at the time, youwill never have to say, “If only Ihad...”

FATIGUERiding a motorcycle is more

tiring than driving a car. On a longtrip, you’ll tire sooner than you wouldin a car. Avoid riding when tired.Fatigue can affect your control of themotorcycle.

• Protect yourself from the elements — Wind, cold, and rainmake you tire quickly. Dresswarmly. A windshield is worthits cost if you plan to ride longdistances.

• Limit your distance —Experienced riders seldom try toride more than about six hours a day.

• Take frequent rest breaks —Stop, and get off the motorcycleat least every two hours.

• Don’t drink or use drugs —Artificial stimulants often resultin extreme fatigue or depressionwhen they start to wear off.Riders are unable to concentrateon the task at hand.

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If you wait an hour for each drinkbefore riding:A. You cannot be arrested for

drinking and riding.B. Your riding skills will not be

affected.C. Side effects from the drinking

may still remain.D. You will be okay as long as you

ride slowly.Answer - page 42

14 Test Yourself

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KNOWLEDGE TEST(Sample Questions)

1. It is MOST important to flash yourbrake light when:A. 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 howmuch of the potential stoppingpower?A. About one-quarter.B. About one-half.C. About three-quarters.D. All of the stopping power.

3. To swerve correctly:A. Shift your weight quickly.B. Turn the handlebars quickly.C. Press the handlegrip in the direc

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

opposite direction of the turn.

4. If a tire goes flat while riding,it is usually best to:A. Relax on the handlegrips.B. shift your weight toward the

good tire.C. brake on the good tire and steer to

the side of the road.D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.

5. The car below is waiting to enter theintersection. It is best to:A. 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.

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EARNING YOUR LICENSESafe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best measurement of

the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your own skills is not enough.People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s even harder for friends and relatives tobe totally honest about your skills. Licensing exams are designed to be scored more objec-tively.

To earn your license, you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skill test.Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices, and ideas from this manu-al. They require that you know and understand road rules and safe riding practices. Anon-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actual traffic environment or in a con-trolled, off-street area.

Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)1-C, 2-D, 3-D, 4-A, 5-B6-C, 7-D, 8-D, 9-C, 10-C,11-D, 12-A, 13-A, 14-c

Answers to above Knowledge Test:1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-C, 5-B

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ON-CYCLE SKILL TESTBasic vehicle control and collision-

avoidance skills are included in on-cycletests to determine your ability to handlenormal and hazardous traffic situations.

You may be tested for 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 traf-

fic situation.

• Stop, turn and swerve quickly.• Make critical decisions and carry

them out.

Examiners may score on factors related tosafety such as:

• Selecting safe speeds to performmaneuvers.

• Choosing the correct path and stayingwithin boundaries.

• Completing normal and quick stops.• Completing normal and quick turns,

or swerves.

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CONTENT MATERIAL COURTESY OF

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION2 Jenner Street, Suite 150

Irvine, California 92718-3812

40,000 copies of this document were printed at a cost of $.55 per copy

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