Harley Davidson mcm996 Service Manual
Motorcycle
Manual
T
R
F
A
O
N
T
S
N
P
E
O
M
R
T
T
New Jersey Department of Transportation
A
R
A
T
I
P
O
E
N
D
T
H
E
S
T
A
Motor Vehicle Services
Y
E
S
R
E
J
T
E
W
www.state.nj.us/mvs
O
E
F
N
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Motorcycle
Manual
A supplement to the NJ Driver Manual
Christine Todd Whitman, Governor
James Weinstein, Commissioner
Albert B. Ari, Acting Director
October 2000
T
R
F
A
O
N
T
S
N
P
E
O
M
R
T
T
A
R
A
T
I
P
O
E
N
D
New Jersey Department of Transportation
T
Y
H
E
E
S
S
R
Motor Vehicle Services
T
E
A
J
T
E
W
O
E
F
N
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Table of contents
Define a motorcycle ..........................................................................1
Get your motorcycle license ...............................................................2
Practice driving ................................................................................4
Test runs....................................................................................4
Road test requirements................................................................5
Road test waiver .........................................................................6
Prepare to ride..................................................................................7
Gear check .................................................................................7
Motorcycle check ...................................................................... 11
Control for safety............................................................................14
Body position ...........................................................................14
Turning.................................................................................... 14
Braking.................................................................................... 15
Shifting ................................................................................... 16
See, be seen and be heard................................................................ 18
Clothing................................................................................... 18
Headlight................................................................................. 18
Signals.....................................................................................18
Road position ........................................................................... 20
Larger vehicles.......................................................................... 22
Use the SIPDE system ...................................................................... 23
Check blind spots............................................................................26
Keep your distance.......................................................................... 29
Front ....................................................................................... 29
Side......................................................................................... 29
Back ........................................................................................32
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Handle dangerous surfaces............................................................... 33
Slippery surfaces....................................................................... 33
Uneven surfaces........................................................................ 35
Grooves and gratings .................................................................36
Sloping surfaces........................................................................ 36
Ride cautiously at night ..................................................................37
Know hazards .................................................................................38
Driving hazards......................................................................... 38
Road hazards ............................................................................40
Carry passengers and cargo ..............................................................43
Passengers................................................................................ 43
Loads and cargo ........................................................................45
Learn group riding .......................................................................... 46
Size .........................................................................................46
Organization.............................................................................46
Distance................................................................................... 46
Ride sober and awake ......................................................................49
Alcohol ....................................................................................49
Drugs.......................................................................................49
Fatigue ....................................................................................50
Check your motorcycle ....................................................................51
Model ...................................................................................... 51
Service.....................................................................................51
Accessories and modifications..................................................... 52
MVS facilities.................................................................................. 54
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Director’s message
Motor Vehicle Services works hard to keep its services and customer
relations operations more efficient, convenient and responsive to New
Jersey motorists. We want to ensure that every motorist gets quick,
courteous and professional service when dealing with us.
In light of that, we hope this manual will assist you in qualifying for
a motorcycle license, as well as help you to safely enjoy the many
pleasures associated with motorcycling.
Motorcycling has become a popular way to travel. It provides the
cyclist with an inexpensive means of transportation, and is also a great
way to see our beautiful state.
However, like every other means of travel, motorcycling can be
dangerous, particularly for inexperienced operators. Whether you are a
new driver or have logged many miles, this manual is for you. It contains
information on basic skills that you will need every time you are on the
road. And, the equipment required for safe operation is also described.
Keep this manual for reference with a copy of the NJ Driver Manual.
There may be times when you will want to check on the recommended
ways to handle a situation and relevant driving concerns.
Safe cycling!
Albert B. Ari
Acting Director
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Define a motorcycle
According to state laws, the term motorcycle includes motorcycles,
motor bikes, bicycles with motors attached and all motor-operated
vehicles of the bicycle or tricycle type, except a motorized bicycle
(MOPED).
The motor power could be a part of the vehicle,
Moped
Manual
or just attached to it, and the vehicle must have a
saddle for the driver to sit on or a platform to stand
on while driving.
T
R
F
A
O
N
T
S
N
P
E
O
M
R
T
T
A
R
New Jersey Department of Transportation
A
T
I
P
O
E
N
D
Motor Vehicle Services
T
Y
H
E
E
S
S
R
T
E
A
J
T
E
W
O
E
F
N
www.state.nj.us/mvs
Motor Vehicle Services offers a separate booklet on MOPEDs
available at the agencies, listed on the back pages of this
manual.
1
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Get your motorcycle license
Every resident who operates a motorcycle in this state must have a
New Jersey motorcycle driver license, or a motorcycle endorsement on
their existing NJ basic or commercial license. New Jersey requires a
license for driving any motorized vehicle with less than four wheels —
motor bikes and scooters included. The exception, when licensing
motorcyclists, is the motorcycle cannot be a three-wheeled motor vehicle
equipped with a single cab that has glazing around the occupant, seats
similar to those of a passenger vehicle or truck, seat belts and
automotive steering.
To qualify for a motorcycle license, you must be at least 17* years
old. Visit any motor vehicle agency to obtain and complete an application
for a motorcycle permit.
Present the completed form, proof of age, identity, your Social
Security number and evidence that your presence in the United States is
authorized under federal law, with the $5 fee. You’ll receive an
examination permit that’s good for 90 days, a NJ Driver Manual and a
Motorcycle Manual. The manuals contain all applicable rules and
regulations used in the examination and list Motor Vehicle agencies,
inspection stations and test facilities on the back pages of both publications.
After you study the NJ Driver Manual and the Motorcycle Manual you
can take the written and the vision test. It’s important to note that you
have to pass the vision and written tests before MVS validates your
permit for practice driving.
You must also pass an MVS road test at certain facilities. See the back
pages of this manual for a list of road test sites. You can make the
appointment for your road test when you pass your written and vision
tests. However, you may not take your road test for at least 20 days from
the date your permit is validated. That will give you time to practice
drive.
*Note: The legislation proposed at this printing for the graduated driver license
affects motorcycle license applicants who will be subject to the new age and driving
curfew requirements of this law at that time. Updated information will be available
at www.state.nj.us/mvs. Motorcycle endorsement applicants are exempt.
2
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
After you have practiced (with a New Jersey licensed motorcyclist
who should ride another motorcycle), you can keep your road test
appointment. Remember that your motorcycle and the accompanying
motorcycle must be registered, insured and properly inspected. If you
have a valid Class D driver license, you can transport your motorcycle to
the site on a flatbed truck, pickup truck or trailer, which eliminates the
need for an accompanying motorcyclist. The alternative to the road test
is to obtain a road test waiver by successfully completing a Motorcycle
Safety Education Riding and Street Skills course (see p. 6 for details).
In New Jersey the annual motorcycle registration fee is $21. If you
register from November through March, MVS will prorate the fee for
renewal in a warm weather month. To register a motorcycle, bring your
insurance card and title to a motor vehicle agency. One license plate with
a current inspection sticker must be displayed on the rear of the motorcycle.
For a one-time $10 fee, qualified motorcyclists may obtain disabled
license plates that allow them to park in specially marked parking spaces.
To obtain, contact the MVS Special Plate Unit, P.O. Box 015, Trenton, NJ
08666-0015.
Motorcycle inspections are held from April 1 through October 31.
If you register in: you must renew and inspect in:
November April
December May
January June
February July
March September
The road skills test checks your coordination and safety practices.
Some abilities that you must show are to:
• ride in a straight line at slow speed, and
• weave between markers with both feet on footrests, and
• stop smoothly and quickly, and
• operate in traffic, and
• operate the controls.
3
New Jersey
Over 500cc
Right U-turn
500cc and under
Start
motorcycle manual
Practice driving
Test runs
1. Turning/stopping. Tests your ability to control the motorcycle
while turning and performing a precise stop. The examiner will
evaluate you on your ability to stay within the path of the turn
without putting your foot down and stop safely in the painted stop
box with the front tire of the motorcycle without putting your foot
down or skidding the vehicle.
Stop with front tire in box
Start
Sharp left turn
2. Cone weave (U-turn). Tests your ability to control the motorcycle
at low speed while weaving through cones and making a U-turn in
a designated area. The examiner will evaluate you on your ability
to stay within the path of travel without touching lines or cones
and without putting your foot down. Cones are twelve feet apart
with a two-foot offset.
4
New Jersey
Begin braking
Start
Obstacle turn
Start
motorcycle manual
3. Braking. Tests your ability to brake quickly and safely. You will be
evaluated on stopping distance in relation to speed or travel.
4. Obstacle turn. Tests your ability to turn the motorcycle quickly to
avoid an obstacle. You will be evaluated on your ability to stay
within the path of travel and turn quickly without touching a
boundary line.
Road test requirements
When you pass the road test, take your permit, ride slip, score sheet
and permit validation to any motor vehicle agency, and pay $15 for a
four-year photo license. A first New Jersey license (even if previously
licensed in another state) must be a photo license.
For a basic or commercial licensed driver, Motor Vehicle Services will
add the motorcycle privileges as an endorsement on his/her current
5
New Jersey
R
Motorcycle RiderCourse
COMPLETION CARD
NAME DATE
SPONSOR STATE
The bearer of this card has successfully completed a rider-skill training
course that meets the requirements established by the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation, 2 Jenner St., Ste. 150, Irvine, CA 92618-3806. This card is not
a permit or license and may not be used as such.
N.J.B. 08002 INSTRUCTOR’S SIGNATURE AND I.D. #
R
motorcycle manual
(class D) driver license. An endorsement (or a non-photo license) is $13.
Because fees in this manual may change, confirm them by calling (888)
486-3339 toll free from New Jersey and (609) 292-6500 from out of state.
Road test waiver
To qualify for your motorcycle license with a road test waiver, take
the Motorcycle Safety Education (MSE) basic course at no charge — in
2000 — through the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and show the
completion card at the MVS Driver Testing Center. The MSE course is
given regularly by the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
Another way to qualify for your motorcycle license with a road test
waiver is to complete a NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety-approved
course at a public or private educational institution for a fee. The
Division regulates and
monitors these courses.
Participation in the
programs is voluntary, and
completion of the courses
does not guarantee a license,
as an applicant must also
meet other qualifications.
The Division of Highway
Traffic Safety also offers a
course that gives licensed,
experienced riders a driver
record point reduction of up
to two points (through MVS)
for successful completion of
the Experienced Rider Course.
For more information
about the courses, call (800)
422-3750; for information
about your driver record call
(609) 292-7500.
6
New Jersey Motorcycle Safety Program
Division of
Highway
Traffic Safety
Administered by:
For more information, phone
1-800-422-3750
Ride Safe, Ride Smart. Pass it On!
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Prepare to ride
As a rider, what you do before you start a trip goes a long way
toward determining if you’ll get where you want to go safely. Before
driving your motorcycle, you should check your gear, your motorcycle
and recognize operational differences (particularly if it’s a borrowed
motorcycle).
Clean, adjusted mirrors
Try the horn and controls
before you start
One, but not more
than two
white headlights
Tires
Maintained gas and oil levels
Gloves
Approved helmet
Jacket
Boots
Adjusted and
lubricated
drive chain
Gear check
A good rider always prepares for a trip wearing:
• an approved helmet,
• eye and face protection, and
• protective clothing.
The helmet
The single most important thing you can do to improve your chances
of surviving an accident is to wear a securely fastened, approved helmet.
It protects against wind blasts, cold, and flying objects, and provides
comfort. Since one of every five accidents reported involves head or neck
injuries, it’s important that you protect yourself from your greatest
threat of injury.
Helmet use
Some riders don’t wear helmets because they think helmets will limit
their view to the sides. Others wear helmets only on long trips or when
riding at high speeds. However, helmets are required by law and riders
7
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
who don’t wear them may be fined. Here are some additional facts to
consider:
• an approved helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary. A
study of more than 900 motorcycle accidents, in which 40% of the
riders wore helmets, failed to find even one case where a helmet
kept a rider from spotting danger.
• most accidents happen on short trips (less than five miles long),
soon after starting.
• even low-speed accidents can be fatal. Most riders are going slower
than 30 mph when they get hurt. At these speeds, helmets can cut
both the number and severity of head injuries by half.
No matter what the speed, unhelmeted riders are three times more
likely to die from head injuries than are riders who are wearing helmets
at the time of the accident.
Helmet selection
There are three primary types of helmets that provide three levels of
coverage: one-half, three-quarter and full-face.
Whichever helmet style you choose, get the most protection by
making sure it:
• meets U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. First look for the DOT symbol
on the outside back of
the helmet. Then look
for a label inside the
helmet with the
manufacturer’s name,
month and year of
manufacture,
construction
materials, model and
size and other
pertinent information.
Full-face Three-quarter
8
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Helmets that comply with FMVSS have a firm polystyrene inner
liner that’s one-inch thick.
• gives you added assurances of safety. Check for the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial
Foundation labels in the helmets.
• fits snugly, all the way around. The helmet must be equipped with
a chin strap and have at least four square inches of red, amber or
white reflectorized tape on each side.
• lacks obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.
Not all helmet damage is obvious. To increase your margin of safety,
buy a new, not a used helmet.
Whatever helmet style you select, make sure to keep it securely
fastened on your head when you ride. Otherwise, if you have an accident,
it’s likely to fly off your head before it gets a chance to protect you.
Eye and face protection
Although a full-face helmet is best, a plastic face shield helps protect
your face from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and debris. Your full
attention should be on the road — not on these problems.
Goggles can protect your eyes from all these things, though they
won’t protect the rest of your face like a face shield does. Most
windshields will not protect your eyes from wind. Neither will eyeglasses
or sunglasses. Glasses won’t keep your eyes from watering and they might
blow off when you turn your head while riding.
The face shield and/or goggles must meet U.S. Department of
Transportation and New Jersey standards, and should have the ANSI
label. Because they are plastic, face shields and goggles will develop
scratches and become brittle with age. To get the maximum protection
and comfort from the products, you should replace them regularly.
Effective eye or face protection must:
• be scratch free,
• be made of shatterproof material,
9
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
• give a clear view to either side,
• fasten securely so that it cannot blow off,
• allow air to pass through, so it won’t fog, and
• allow enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.
Tinted eye protection should not be worn at night or any other time
when little light is available.
Clothing
Clothing can help protect you in an accident.
Jackets and pants should cover your arms and legs completely and
provide comfort. Make sure they fit snugly enough to keep from flapping
in the wind, yet loosely enough to let you move freely. Leather offers
the most protection, but heavy denim does an adequate job in most
cases. However, sturdy synthetic material can give you a lot of
protection as well. Wear a jacket even in warm weather. Many jackets are
designed to protect you without getting you overheated, even on
summer days.
Boots or shoes should be high enough to cover your ankles and
sturdy enough to give support. Soles should be made of hard, durable
material. Heels should be short, so they do not catch on rough surfaces.
If your boots or shoes have laces, be sure they’re tucked in so they won’t
catch on your motorcycle.
Full-finger leather gloves are also important. They give you a better
grip and help protect your hands in an accident. Your gloves should be
made of leather or heavy cloth.
In cold or wet weather, your clothes should keep you warm and dry,
as well as protect you from injury. You cannot control a motorcycle well
if you are numb. Riding for long periods in cold weather can cause severe
chill and fatigue. A winter jacket should resist wind and fit snugly at the
neck, wrists, and waist. Rain suits should be of good quality, sized so
they can go on and off easily, and designed for riding. Otherwise, they
may tear apart or balloon up at high speeds. Some gloves are made to
keep wind or rain from going up your sleeves.
10
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Motorcycle check
If something’s wrong with the motorcycle, you’ll want to find out
about it before you get in traffic. Here are the things you should check
before every ride.
While walking to the motorcycle, take a good look at your tires. If
one looks low, check the pressure. A motorcycle does not handle properly
if the air pressure is too low, which could result in tire failure.
Look under the bike for signs of oil or gas leaks. If there is a puddle,
determine the cause and get the leak fixed.
Before mounting the motorcycle, make the following checks:
TIRES. Keep your tires in good condition. Check for:
Inflation. The motorcycle does not handle properly if the air pressure
is too low or too high. Check the owner’s manual for the right amount of
air.
Tread. Worn or uneven tread can make the motorcycle hard to
handle, particularly on wet pavement.
Damage. Check for cuts or objects stuck in the tread. Also, the
sidewalls should be checked for cracks. A blowout on a motorcycle can be
extremely dangerous.
CONTROLS. Make sure the controls work before you start out.
Brakes. Try the front and rear brakes one at a time. Make sure each
one holds the motorcycle when it is fully applied.
Clutch and throttle. Make sure the controls work smoothly. The
throttle should snap back when you let it go.
Cables. Check the cables for kinks or broken strands. If a cable breaks
while you are riding, an accident could result.
LIGHTS. Make sure your lights work. Keep them clean and regularly
check:
Turn signal. Check all four turn signal lights. Make sure they flash
when they are turned on and are bright enough to be seen.
11
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Headlight. Check your headlight. In daytime, pass your hand in front
of the beam to make sure the headlight is really on. At night, try your
dimmer to make sure both high and low beams are working.
Tail and brake light. Try each of your brake controls and make sure
that each one flashes your brake light.
HORN. Try the horn. Find out if it doesn’t work before you have to
use it.
CHAIN. Make sure the drive chain is properly adjusted and lubricated.
When your weight is on the cycle, the chain shouldn’t sag more than 3/4
inch.
MIRRORS. Clean and adjust both your mirrors before you start. It is
difficult and dangerous to ride with one hand while you try to adjust a
mirror.
Swing your mirrors outward far enough to see around your own body.
Adjust each mirror so that it lets you see about half the lane behind you
and as much as possible of the lane next to you.
GAS AND OIL. Check gas and oil levels before you start. Running out
of gas is inconvenient. It can also be dangerous if it happens where you
cannot get off the road quickly.
Lack of oil can cause your engine to seize. This could lock your rear
wheel and cause you to lose control. Motorcycles tend to use oil faster
than cars.
12
New Jersey
Rear brake pedal
Gear-change lever
Front brake lever
Throttle
Clutch lever
Speedometer and odometer
Tachometer
Engine cut-off switch
Light switch
Turn-signal switch
Horn button
Kick starter
motorcycle manual
Get familiar with the motorcycle
Make sure you are completely familiar with the motorcycle before you
ride it on the street. If the cycle is borrowed:
• make all the checks you would on your own cycle.
• find out where everything is, particularly the turn signals, horn,
headlight switch, fuel control valve, and motor cut-off switch.
Make sure you can find and operate them without having to look
at them.
• check the controls. Learn the gear pattern. Work the throttle,
clutch, and brakes a few times before you take off. All controls
react a little differently.
• ride very cautiously until you know the way the motorcycle
handles. For instance, take turns slower and give yourself extra
stopping distance.
13
New Jersey
motorcycle manual
Control for safety
To learn how to control direction, speed or balance, you’ll need a lot
of practice. However, this manual will suggest some ways to keep control
of the motorcycle and avoid accidents.
Body position
To control a motorcycle
well, your body must be in
the proper position.
Seat. Sit far enough
forward so that your arms
are slightly bent when you
hold the handlebars without
having to stretch.
Hands. Hold the
handlegrips firmly. This
helps you keep your grip if
the motorcycle bounces. Start with your right wrist down. This helps you
keep from accidentally using too much throttle.
Knees. Keep your knees against the gas tank. You will keep your
balance as the motorcycle turns.
Feet. Keep your feet firmly on the footpegs. Firm footing can help
you keep your balance. Don’t drag your foot along the ground. If your
foot catches on something, you could lose control of the motorcycle.
Keep your feet near the controls, to get to them fast if necessary. Also,
keep your toes up. If not, they may get caught in between the road and
footpeg.
Posture. Sit fairly erect. This lets you use your arms to steer the
motorcycle rather than to hold yourself up.
Correct grip
Turning
New riders often try to take curves or turns too fast. When they can’t
hold the turn, they may cross into another lane of traffic, go off the
road, or panic and brake too hard, causing a skid and loss of control.
Until you learn to judge how fast you can safely take a curve, approach
14
Loading...