Harley Davidson mixed bits Service Manual

Operator’s

Manual

Provided by the

Idaho Transportation Department

P.O. Box 7129

Boise, ID 83707-1129

dmv.idaho.gov

4-06

Cover photo courtesy of: American Motorcyclist Association

13515 Yarmouth Drive Pickerington, OH 43147

__________________________________

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and directives. ITD assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any ITD service, program, or activity. The department also assures that every effort will be made to prevent discrimination through the impacts of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. In addition, the department will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with limited English proficiency.

Rev 4-06

PREFACE

Operating a motorcycle* safely in traffic requires special skills and knowledge. The purpose of this manual is to educate Idaho motorcycle operators and to convey essential safe-driving information that will help them avoid accidents while safely operating a motorcycle. While designed for the novice, all motorcyclists can benefit from the information contained in this manual.

The Idaho Transportation Department used information provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to compile the Idaho Motorcycle Operators Manual and written tests. The National Public Services Research Institute, under contract to the National Highway Safety Administration, developed the original Motorcycle Operators Manual.

The Idaho Transportation Department also received assistance from a certified MSF Motorcycle Chief Instructor, representatives from the Department of Education, and a member of the Idaho Coalition of Motorcycle Safety. These individuals used their own riding experience, and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s outlines used by other states, to assist the department in developing a motorcycle program for the state of Idaho.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation helped Idaho and 39 other states to adopt the Motorcycle Operators Manual for use in their licensing programs. In addition, Idaho and 27 other states utilize the related motorcycle written tests.

Improved licensing along with quality motorcycle rider education and increased public awareness have the potential to reduce the number and severity of motorcycle accidents.

* A motorcycle means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor and moped.

Do you need a motorcycle endorsement?

If you operate any motorized vehicle on public roadways, Idaho law requires you to have a valid driver’s license and acceptable proof of liability insurance. If you operate a motorcycle on public roadways, you will also need to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Idaho driver’s license.

Review the chart on the following page to see if your vehicle is classified as a moped or a motorcycle.

DEFINITIONS:

• MOTORCYCLE: A motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding tractors and mopeds.

• MOPED: A limited-speed motor-driven cycle having both motorized and pedal propulsion that is not capable of

propelling the vehicle at a speed in excess of thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground, whether two (2) or three (3) wheels are in contact with the ground during operation. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement shall not exceed fifty (50) cubic centimeters and the moped shall have a power drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged.

OR, a limited-speed motor-driven two- or three-wheeled cycle with no pedals, which (1) is powered solely by electrical energy, (2) has an automatic transmission, (3) has a motor that produces less than two gross brake power and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a maximum speed of no more than 30 miles per hour on level ground as originally manufactured, and (4) meets federal motor vehicle safety standards for motor-driven cycles.

HOW DO YOU GET A MOTORCYCLE

ENDORSEMENT?

• You must pass a written knowledge test and a motorcycle skills test.

• If you are under 21, you must also successfully complete an approved

motorcycle rider training course.

• See the Idaho Motorcycle Operator’s Manual for more information.

It is a MOPED

You do not need a

motorcycle endorsement.

It is a MOTORCYCLE*

You need a

motorcycle endorsement.

Is your vehicle a moped—or a motorcycle?

YES

If the vehicle has a

shift automatically?

combustible engine, is it

50ccs or less and does it

YES

Is the vehicle designed

Also

level ground?

than 30 mph on

to travel at no more

YES

safety standards for motor-driven cycles.

powered solely by electrical energy, (2) has an

three-wheeled cycle with no pedals, which (1) is

Is the vehicle a limited-speed motor-driven two- or

less than two gross brake power and is capable of

manufactured, and (4) meets federal motor vehicle

than 30 miles per hour on level ground as originally

automatic transmission, (3) has a motor that produces

propelling the vehicle at a maximum speed of no more

Does the vehicle have

the rider?

and a saddle for

three or fewer wheels

*If you are under 18, you are required to wear a helmet while

operating a motorcycle. Motorcycles must be titled and registered.

pedal propulsion?

both motorized and

Does the vehicle have

Table of Contents

EARNING YOUR LICENSE

ENDORSEMENT AND TEST FEES.................................. 1

PREPARING TO RIDE

RIDING GEAR...................................................................... 2

Helmet Use........................................................................ 2

Helmet Selection............................................................... 3

Eye and Face Protection................................................... 3

Clothing............................................................................. 4

KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE.......................................... 5

The Right Motorcycle for You.......................................... 5

Required Equipment.......................................................... 5

Borrowing and Lending..................................................... 6

Get Familiar with the Motorcycle Controls...................... 6

Check Your Motorcycle..................................................... 7

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES................................ 9

RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL............................................. 10

Body Position.................................................................... 10

Shifting Gears.................................................................... 11

Braking.............................................................................. 11

Turning.............................................................................. 12

KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE............................................. 13

Lane Positions................................................................... 13

Following Another Vehicle............................................... 14

Being Followed................................................................. 15

Passing and Being Passed................................................. 15

Lane Sharing..................................................................... 17

Merging Cars..................................................................... 17

Cars Alongside.................................................................. 18

SIPDE...................................................................................... 19

INTERSECTIONS................................................................ 21

Blind Intersections............................................................ 22

Passing Parked Cars.......................................................... 22

Parking at the Roadside..................................................... 23

SEE AND BE SEEN............................................................... 24

Clothing............................................................................. 24

Headlight........................................................................... 24

Signals............................................................................... 24

Brake Light........................................................................ 25

Using Your Mirrors........................................................... 25

Head Checks...................................................................... 26

Horn................................................................................... 26

Riding at Night.................................................................. 27

CRASH AVOIDANCE........................................................... 28

Quick Stops....................................................................... 28

Swerving or Turning Quickly............................................ 29

Riding a Curve.................................................................. 30

HANDLING DANGEROUS SURFACES........................... 31

Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles........................................ 31

Slippery Surfaces............................................................... 32

Railroad Tracks, Grooves and Gratings............................ 33

MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.............................................. 34

Tire Failure........................................................................ 34

Stuck Throttle.................................................................... 34

Wobble.............................................................................. 34

Chain Problems................................................................. 35

Engine Seizure.................................................................. 35

ANIMALS............................................................................... 36

FLYING OBJECTS............................................................... 36

GETTING OFF THE ROAD................................................ 36

CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO....................... 37

Equipment......................................................................... 37

Instructing Passengers....................................................... 37

Riding with Passengers..................................................... 38

Carrying loads................................................................... 37

GROUP RIDING................................................................... 39

Keep the Group Small....................................................... 39

Keep the Group Together.................................................. 39

Keep Your Distance........................................................... 39

BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE

FATIGUE................................................................................ 41

ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS............................. 41

KNOWLEDGE TEST (Sample Questions)......................... 43

ON-CYCLE SKILL TEST.................................................... 44

Earning Your License

Safe riding requires a combination of knowledge and skill. Objectively assessing your own riding skills and knowledge is difficult at best, and it’s even harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your riding skills. Taking a motorcycle knowledge test is the best way to determine if you have the minimum knowledge necessary to operate a motorcycle safely in traffic.

Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices, and concepts found in this manual. In order to pass the test, you must know and understand road rules and safe riding practices. On-cycle skills tests are conducted in a controlled, off-street area.

Any person who applies for a motorcycle endorsement after September 1, 1998, will be required to pass both a written knowledge test and motorcycle skills test*. Any person under 21 will be required to take a written knowledge test and successfully complete a motorcycle rider training course (see page 42 of this manual). It is a good idea to take this course even if you are over 21.

For information and to register for the beginning or experienced rider

course nearest you, go online to www.idahostar.org. The Idaho STAR toll-

free number is (888) 280-STAR (7827), or you may contact the STAR

program at the Idaho Department of Education at (208) 426-5552.

*Successful completion of an approved motorcycle rider training course may waive the requirement for the riding skills test, if completed within the year prior to adding the endorsement to your license.

A motorcycle instruction permit is available to anyone who holds a valid Idaho Class A, B, C, or D license. This permit is valid for 180 days and allows motorcycle operators to practice riding under the following restrictions.

• Daylight riding only

• No freeway riding

• No passengers

You must pass the written motorcycle knowledge test before applying for an instruction permit. If you add the motorcycle endorsement to your Idaho driver’s license during the instruction permit period, the one-time motorcycle endorsement fee will be waived. Once the instruction permit has expired, you must pay the endorsement fee.

You will have to pay one or more of the following fees in addition to the cost of your regular license:

Motorcycle “M” Endorsement: $11.50 (one-time fee) Motorcycle Instruction Permit: $11.50 (valid for 180 days)

Motorcycle Skills Test: $5.00 (paid to skills tester) Motorcycle Written Test: $3.00 (paid to county)

If you fail a written and/or skills test, you must wait three days to retest and pay the fee again.

Preparing To Ride

What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:

• wear the right gear.

• check the motorcycle equipment.

• become familiar with the motorcycle.

RIDING GEAR

When you ride, your gear is “right” if it protects you. In any collision, you have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury if you wear:

• an approved helmet.

• face or eye protection.

• protective clothing.

Helmet Use

Collisions are not rare events—particularly among beginning riders. And one out of every five motorcycle collisions result in head or neck injuries. Head injuries are just as severe as neck injuries. Accident analysis show that head and neck injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists. Idaho law requires all persons under the age of 18 to wear a DOT-approved protective helmet while riding on or operating a motorcycle or ATV on or off road.

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. Consider the following:

• A DOT-approved helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary. A study of more than 900 motorcycle collisions, where 40% of the riders wore helmets, did not find even one case in which a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger.

• Most collisions happen on short trips (less than five miles long), just a few minutes after starting out.

• Most motorcycle collisions occur at less than 30 mph. At these speeds, helmets can cut both the number and the severity of head injuries by half.

Helmet Selection

There are three primary types of helmets, providing three different levels of coverage: half, three-quarter, and full face.

Whichever style you choose, you can get the most protection by making sure that the helmet:

• Meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. Helmets with labels from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation give you an added assurance of quality.

• Fits snugly, all the way around.

• Has no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

Whatever helmet you decide on, keep it securely fastened on your head when you ride. Otherwise, if you are involved in a collision, it’s likely to fly off your head before it gets a chance to protect you.

Eye and Face Protection

A faceshield can help protect your face from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, and pebbles thrown up from vehicles ahead. These problems can be distracting and painful. If you have to deal with them, you can’t devote your full attention to your safety and the road. Wearing a faceshield may help prevent a collision.

HALF

Goggles protect your eyes, though they won’t protect the rest of your face like a faceshield does. A windshield is not a substitute for a faceshield or goggles. Most windshields will not protect your eyes from the wind. Neither will eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses won’t keep your eyes from watering, and they may blow off when you turn your head while riding. To be effective, eye or face protection must:

• Be free of scratches.

• Be made of shatter-proof material.

• 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 not be worn at night or any other time when little light is available.

Clothing

The right clothing protects you in a crash.

Jacket and pants should cover your arms and legs completely. They should fit snugly enough to keep from flapping in the wind, yet loosely enough to move freely. Leather is very popular and offers good protection. Heavy denim usually does an adequate job for a reasonable price. Sturdy synthetic material provides a lot of protection as well. Wear a jacket even in warm weather. Many are designed to protect without getting you overheated, even on summer days.

Boots or shoes should be high and sturdy enough to cover your ankles and give them support. Soles should be made of hard, durable material. Choose boots or shoes with short heels so they do not catch on rough surfaces. Tuck laces in so they won’t catch on your motorcycle.

Gloves allow a better grip and help protect your hands in a crash. Your gloves should be made of leather.

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 from the cold. 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. Good-quality rainsuits designed for motorcycle riding resist tearing apart or ballooning up at high speeds.

Answers to sample questions are located on page 41.

1. Plastic face shields and goggles must:

A. Be free of scratches and provide a clear view of either side. B. Be made of shatter-proof material. C. Not be worn at night if tinted. D. All of the above.

KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE

There are plenty of things on the highway that can cause you trouble. Your motorcycle should not be one of them. To make sure that your motorcycle won’t let you down:

• 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 cycle harder to handle.

The Right Motorcycle For You

First, make sure your motorcycle is right for you. It should “fit” you. Your feet should reach the ground while you are seated on the cycle.

Required Equipment

Idaho law requires all motorcycles operated on Idaho roads to have the following:

• Brakes: The law requires a brake on at least one wheel. It can be operated by hand or by foot.

• Fenders: All motorcycles must have fenders on both wheels that extend in full width from a point just forward of the center of the tire to a point not more than 20” above the surface of the highway.

• Passenger Seat and Footrests: Motorcyclists are prohibited from carrying passengers unless a permanently attached seat and footrests are provided for the passenger. Passenger footrests must be designed exclusively for use by the passenger.

• Headlight: Motorcycles must have a headlight sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle not less than 100 feet ahead when traveling 25 mph or less; not less than 200 feet when traveling 25-35 mph; and not less than 300 feet when traveling more than 35 mph.

• Helmet: Any person under the age of 18 must wear a protective helmet while operating or riding on a motorcycle or ATV, on or off road.

• Horn: You must have a horn that can be heard up to 200 feet away.

• Insurance: You must have (and carry on your person) liability insurance in an amount of not less than $25,000.

• Mirror: Motorcycles must have a mirror that provides a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear.

• Muffler: You must have a muffler that does not increase engine noise to a level above that of the muffler originally installed by the motorcycle manufacturer.

• Stop Light: A red stop light that comes on when you work the brakes must be visible for 100 feet to the rear during normal sunlight.

• Taillight: Motorcycles must have one red taillight visible for 500 feet to the rear.

Borrowing and Lending

Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles, beware. Collisions are fairly common among beginning riders — especially in the first months of riding. Riding an unfamiliar cycle adds to the problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, get familiar with it in a controlled area and make sure it is insured—you are liable lend your motorcycle to friends, make sure they are licensed and know how to ride before allowing them out into traffic.

No matter how experienced you may be, ride extra carefully on any bike that’s new or unfamiliar to you. More than half of all collisions occur on motorcycles that have been ridden by the operator for less than six months.

Get Familiar with the Motorcycle Controls

Make sure you are completely familiar with the motorcycle before you take it out on the street. This is particularly important if you are riding a borrowed cycle. If you are going to use an unfamiliar motorcycle:

. If you

• Make all the checks you would on your own motorcycle.

• Find out where everything is, particularly the turn signals, horn, headlight switch, fuel-control valve, and engine cut-off switch. Learn to operate these items without having to look for them.

• Know the gear pattern. Work the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times before you start riding. All controls react a little differently.

• Ride very cautiously. Accelerate gently, take turns more slowly, and leave extra room for stopping.

1. Turn-Signal Switch (may be on both handles)

2. Gear-Change Lever

3. Tachometer

4. Speedometer & Odometer

5. Rear Brake Pedal

6. Throttle

7. Clutch Lever

8. Engine Cut-Off Switch

9. Electric Starting Switch

10. Light Switch

11. Kick Starter

12. Horn Button

13. Front Brake Lever

: Check this equipment before you

NOTE

pull onto the road, each motorcycle may be different.

Check Your Motorcycle

A motorcycle needs more frequent attention than a car. A minor technical failure in a car seldom leads to anything more than an inconvenience for the driver.

If something’s wrong with the motorcycle, you’ll want to find out about it before you get in traffic. Make a complete check of your motorcycle before every ride.

Before mounting any motorcycle, make the following checks:

• Tires — Check the air pressure.

• Fluids — Oil and fluid levels. At a minimum, check hydraulic fluids and coolants weekly. Look under the bike for signs of fluid leaks.

• Headlights and Taillight — Check them both. Test your dimmer to make sure both high and low beams are working.

• Turn Signals — Turn on both right and left turn signals. Make sure all four lights flash.

• Brake Light — Try both brake controls, and make sure each one turns on the brake light.

Once you have mounted the motorcycle, complete the following checks before starting out:

• Clutch and Throttle — Make sure they work smoothly. The throttle handgrip should return quickly to the idle position when you let go.

• Mirrors — Clean and adjust both mirrors before starting. It’s difficult to ride with one hand while you try to adjust a mirror. Adjust each mirror so you can see the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder — but it’s the road behind and to the side that’s most important.

• Brakes — Try the front and rear brake levers one at a time. Make sure each one feels firm and holds the motorcycle when the brake is fully applied.

• Horn — Try the horn. Make sure it works.

In addition to the checks you should make before every trip, check the wheels, cables, and fasteners at least once a week.

2. More than half of all crashes:

A. Occur at speeds greater than 35 m.p.h. B. Happen at night. C. Are caused by equipment failures. D. Involve riders who have ridden their cycles less than six

months.

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