Idaho Star Operator's Manual

Cover photo courtesy

of

the Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program

SKILLS

TRAINING

ADVANTAGE

FOR

RIDERS

idahostar.org

Cover design by: Paulll1e Davis, Graphic Altist, lTD

111e

Idaho Transportation Deparbnent (lTD) is committed to compliance with 1itle VI

of

the Civil Rights

Act

of

1964

and

all related regulations

and

directives. lTD assures that

no

person

shaD

on the grounds

of

race, color,

national origin, gender, age,

or

disability be excluded from participation

in,

be

denied the benefits of,

or

be

othenvise subjected

to

discrimination under any

lTD

service, program,

or

activity.

111e

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 meaning/ill access to services

for

persons with limited English proficiency.

Idaho
Motorcycle

Operator's
Manual

March 2014

Published

by

The Idaho Transportation

Department

Division

of

Motor

Vehicles

P.O. Box 7129
Boise,

ID

83707-1129

Phone #
Fax #

Web Address

[phone]
[phone]

dmv.idaho.gov

Th

is handbook paraphrases the language

of

the

Idaho Mot

or

Vehicle

Code. Courts go

by the

actual language

of the

code, not this text.

01-

968130-

3

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 avo id acc i

dents

whil e

safe

ly

operating

a motorcyc le.

Wh

il e

designed

for

the

novice,

all

motorcyclists

can

benef

it

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

Nat

ional Pub lic

Serv

ices

Research

Inst

itute, under contract to the

Nat

ional Hi

ghway

Safety

Administration, developed the original Motorcycle Operators Manual.

The

Idaho Transportation Department also received assistance from a

certified

MSF Motorcycle Chi

ef

Instructor, representatives from the

Department

of

Education, the Idaho S TAR Motorcycle Safety Program,

and a member

of

the Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety.

These
individuals used their own riding experience, and the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation's

outlines used by other states, to assi

st

the department in

developing a motorcycle program for the state

of

Idaho.

The Motorcycle

Safety Foundation helped Idaho and 40 other states

to

adop t the

Motorcycle

Operators

Manual

for

use

in their licensi

ng

programs. In addition, Idaho and 28 other states utili

ze

the related

motorcycle written tests.

Improved licensing along wi

th

quality motorcycle rider education and

increased public awareness have the potential

to

reduce the number and

severity

of

motorcycle crashes.

* 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 er:cluding 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

ofliability

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

definitions below to see

if

the

vehicle you op

erate

is a

motorcycle or motor-driven cycle

that

req

uir

es you to have a motorcycle

e

nd

orseme

nt

on your

dri

ver's

license.

Definitions:

• "Motorcycl

e"

[49-114(11)] every 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, that meets the federal motor vehicle safety standards
(FMVSS) as originally designed, and includes a converted motorbike, but does
not include a motor-driven cycle, a motorbike, a tractor or a moped. Motor­cycles require a motorcycle endorsement

"Motorbike"

[49-114(10)] means a vehicle as defmed in [67-7101(9)] -

means any

self

-propelled two (2) wheeled motorcycle or motor-driven cycle,

excluding tractor, designed for or capable

of

traveling

off

developed roadways
and highways and also referred to as trail bikes, enduro bikes, trials bikes,
motocross bikes or dual purpose motorcycles.

Such vehicle shall be titled and

may be approved for motorcycle registration, upon certification by the owner

of

the installation and use

of

conversion components that make the motorbike

compliant with

FMVSS.

If

converted, operation on public roads requires a

motorcycle endorsement.

"Motor

-Dri

ven Cycl

e"

[49-114(13)] means a cycle with a motor that

produces five (5) brake horsepower or less as originally manufactured that

meets federal motor vehicle safety standards as originally designed, and does
not

include

mopeds.

Such

vehicles

shall

be

titled

and a motorcycle

endorsement

is

required for its operation.

"Motor Scooter" and

"Scooter"

- generic terms, not defined

in

the Idaho

traffic law manual, referring to a wide variety

of

motorized cycles and toys. A

two or three-wheeled vehicle

of

any size, manufactured for use on public

roadways

and

sold by a licensed dealer

is

probably a motorcycl

e.

A vehicle

with two or more wheels n

ot

manufactured for use on public roadways

and

sold

by retail variety stores

is

probably a toy.

How Do You Get a Motorcycle Endorsement?

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

• Successfully completing an approved motorcycle rider training

course will waive the requirement for the motorcycle skills test.

• If you are under 21, you are required to successfully complete an approved

motorcycle rider training course instead of the motorcycle skills test.

• “Moped” [49-114(9)] means a limited-speed motor-driven cycle having:

(a) 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

(b) Two (2) wheels or three (3) wheels with no pedals, which is
powered solely by electrical energy, ha s an automatic

transmission, a motor which produces less than two (2) gross
brake horsepower, is capable of propelling the device at a
maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on
level ground, and as originally manufactured, meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards* (FMVSS) for motor-driven cycles.
(*Vehicle must have FMVSS labeling certifying compliance with
these National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA)
requirements.) A moped is not required to be titled and no
motorcycle endorsement is required of its operator.

• “Segway” is considered an “Electric personal assistive mobility device”
[49-106(1)] - a self-balancing two (2) non-tandem wheeled device designed to

transport only one (1) person, with an electric propulsion system limiting the
maximum speed to fifteen (15) miles per hour or less.

• “Pedestrian” [49-117(5)] means any person afoot and any person operating

a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or electric personal assistive mobility
device.

• “Motorized Toys” are not considered mopeds, and are not manufactured for

use on streets. Adding lights and a seat to any of these vehicles still does not
make them street legal. ITD policy prohibits the titling and registration of
vehicles not manufactured for use on highways, so these cannot legally be
operated on roadways.

Ul

~

:z

~

~

~

0

Cl)

VEHICLE

~

~

u

15

o::l

~

f-.

~

cn!iJ

el

Cl)

~

~

~

~~

u

t5

do

:::E

Motorcycle, regardless

of

engine size

or

description

Originally manufactured

to

meet FMVSS requirement - •

for operation as a street legal vehicle.

y y y y y

FMVSS Labeling required.
Motorbike,

50

cc's

or

larger

Not originally manufactured as a

y

N

y

NIA NIA

street legal vehicle *

--·

Motorbike, Jess than 50 cc's

Effective July I, 2008 N N N NIA NIA

Not originally manufactured as a

--·

street legal vehicle *

Motor-Driven Cycle Ejfecti1•e July I, 2008

--·

Vehicle is classified as a motorcycle FMVSS

y y y y y

Labeling

required

--·

Moped, > 30 MPH, > 50 CCs Vehicle is classified

as a motorcycle

y y y y y

--·

Moped, $ 30 MPH, $ 50 CCs
Vehicle is not classified as a motorcycle

FMVSS

Labeling

may be

required-

see

--·

N N

y y

N

definition.

Segway

--·

N N N N N

Motorized Toys not manufactured for street use

CANNOT

be legally

--·

operated on any public

roadway or sidewalk.

*Driver's

license and Motorcycle endorsement are required

ifthe

motorbike is
converted and operated on public roads.

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.......................................... 6

The Right Motorcycle for You........................................... 6

Required Equipment.......................................................... 6

Borrowing and Lending..................................................... 7

Get Familiar with the Motorcycle Controls....................... 7

Check Your Motorcycle..................................................... 8

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES................................. 10

RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL............................................. 11

Body Position.................................................................... 11

Shifting Gears.................................................................... 12

Braking.............................................................................. 13

Turning.............................................................................. 15

KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE............................................. 17

Lane Positions................................................................... 17

Following Another Vehicle............................................... 18

Being Followed................................................................. 19

Passing and Being Passed................................................. 19

Lane Sharing..................................................................... 21

Merging Cars..................................................................... 21

Cars Alongside.................................................................. 22

“SIPDE”.................................................................................. 23

Table of Contents

INTERSECTIONS................................................................. 25

Blind Intersections............................................................. 26

Stop Signs and Signals...................................................... 26

Traffic Control Signals...................................................... 26

Passing Parked Cars.......................................................... 27

Parking at the Roadside..................................................... 27

SEE AND BE SEEN............................................................... 28

Clothing............................................................................. 28

Headlight........................................................................... 28

Signals............................................................................... 28

Brake Light........................................................................ 29

Using Your Mirrors............................................................ 29

Head Checks...................................................................... 30

Horn................................................................................... 30

Riding at Night.................................................................. 31

CRASH AVOIDANCE........................................................... 32

Quick Stops....................................................................... 32

Front-Wheel Skids............................................................. 32

Rear-Wheel Skids ............................................................. 32

Swerving or Turning Quickly............................................ 33

Cornering........................................................................... 34

HANDLING DANGEROUS SURFACES........................... 35

Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles......................................... 35

Slippery Surfaces............................................................... 36

Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks, Pavement Seams........... 37

Grooves and Gratings........................................................ 37

MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.............................................. 38

Tire Failure........................................................................ 38

Stuck Throttle.................................................................... 38

Wobble............................................................................... 38

Drive Train Problems........................................................ 39

Engine Seizure................................................................... 39

ANIMALS............................................................................... 40

FLYING OBJECTS............................................................... 40

GETTING OFFTHE ROAD................................................ 40

CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO........................ 41

Equipment......................................................................... 41

Instructing Passengers....................................................... 41

Riding with Passengers...................................................... 42

Carrying Loads.................................................................. 42

GROUP RIDING.................................................................... 43

Keep the Group Small....................................................... 43

Keep the Group Together................................................... 43

Keep Your Distance........................................................... 44

BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE

WHY THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT................. 46

Alcohol and Other Drugs in Motorcycle Operation.......... 46

Alcohol in the Body........................................................... 47

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)................................. 47

Alcohol and the Law.......................................................... 48

Consequences of Conviction............................................. 48

Alcohol Test Refusal.......................................................... 49

Administrative License Suspensions................................. 49

Minimize the Risks............................................................ 50

Make an Intelligent Choice................................................ 50

Step in to Protect Friends.................................................. 50

FATIGUE................................................................................. 51

PROFESSIONALTRAINING INFORMATION............... 51

SMART RIDER COMMITMENTS...................................... 54

KNOWLEDGE TEST (Sample Questions).......................... 55

MOTORCYCLE SKILL TEST............................................. 56

ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS.............................. 61

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. Motorcycle riding skills tests are conducted
in a controlled, off-street area.

Any person applying for a motorcycle endorsement or transferring or renewing
a license expired for 25 months or longer will be required to pass both a written
knowledge test and motorcycle skills test*. If you are surrendering an out-of­state or foreign license (not expired over one year) that has a motorcycle
endorsement, you are required to pass a written motorcycle knowledge test.
Any person under 21 will be required to take a written knowledge test and
successfully complete an approved motorcycle rider training course. It is a good
idea to take a course even if you are over 21.

* 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: $15.00 (one-time fee)
Motorcycle Instruction Permit: $15.00 (valid for 180 days)

Earning Your License

For information and to register for a rider course nearest you, contact

Idaho STAR online at idahostar.org or toll-free (888) 280-STAR (7827)

1

Motorcycle Skills Test: $10.00 (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.

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.

• Be a responsible rider.

RIDING GEAR

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

• An approved helmet.

• Face or eye protection.

• Protective clothing.

Helmet Use

Crashes can occur, particularly among untrained beginning riders. And one out
of every five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries. Head injuries
are just as severe as neck injuries, and are more common. Accident analysis
show that head and neck injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal
injuries to motorcyclists. Research shows that, with few exceptions, head and
neck injuries are reduced by properly wearing an approved helmet. 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 crashes, where 40% of the riders
wore helmets, did not find even one case in which a helmet kept a rider
from spotting danger.

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

Preparing To Ride

2

• Most moto rcycle crashes occur

at

less than

30

mph. At these speeds,

helmets can cut both the number and the severity

of

head injuries by half

No matter what the speed, helmeted riders are three times more

li

kely to survive

head injuries than those not wearing helmets

at

the time

of

the crash. The single

most important thing you can do to improve your chances

of

surviving a crash
is to wear a securely-fastened,
approved helm

et

Helmet Selection

There are three primary types

of
helmets, providing three different
levels

of

coverage: hal

f,

three-

quarter, and fu ll face.

Whichever style you choose, you can
get

the

most

protect

ion by maki

ng

sure that the helmet:

three-quarter

• Meets U.S. Department ofTransportation (DOT) standards. Helmets with
labels from the

Sne

ll

Memori

al

Foundation also give you an assurance

of

quality.

• Fits snugl

y, 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

ri

de. Otherwise, if you are involved in a crash, it's likely

to

fly

off

your

head before it gets a chance to protect you.

Eye

and

Face Protection
A plastic shatter-resistant faceshield can help protect your whole face in a crash.
It al

so

protects your face from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, and pebbles thrown

up from vehicles ahead. These problems can be distracting and

pa

inful.

If

you

have

to

deal wi

th

them, you

can't

devote your full attention to your safety and
the road. Wearing a faceshield may help prevent a crash, and it gives the most
eye and face protection

wh

ile riding.

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.

M

ost

windshields will not

protect

your

eyes from

the

wind.

Ne

ither will

eyeglasses

or

sunglasses. Glasses

won't

keep your eyes from watering, and

they may blow

off

when you

turn

your head while riding.

3

To be effective, eye or face protection 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 not be worn at night or any other time when little
light is available.

Clothing

The right clothing protects you in a crash. It also provides comfort, as well as
protection from heat, cold, debris, and hot and moving parts of the motorcycle.
It can also make you more visible to others.

• 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. Sturdy
synthetic material provides a lot of protection as well. Wear a jacket even in
warm weather, to prevent dehydration. Many are designed to protect without
getting you overheated, even on summer days. Some riders choose jackets
and pants with rigid “body armor” inserts in critical areas for additional
protection.

• Boots or shoes should be high and sturdy enough to cover your ankles and

give them support. Soles should be made of hard, durable, slip-resistant
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 or similar durable material.

• Hearing Protection - The roar of engines and the rushing wind is

exhilarating, but sustained exposure, even in a good-fitting helmet, can result
in hearing loss. Earplugs are cheap and disposable – keep a supply handy and
use them! Tests show that earplugs can prevent hearing loss by reducing
sound levels by 30 decibels. Whether you choose disposable foam plugs or

reusable custom molded devices, be sure you adhere to state laws regarding
hearing protection.

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.

4

So~ne

Ride

..

s

have

High

Visibility

I

But

you'

..

e

no

ISP

Moto

..

Office

..

Get

visible!
Leaa"nhowat
www.RighViz.oa"g.

5

KNOW YOUR

MOTOR

CYC

LE

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 l

et

you down:

• Start with the right motorcycle for you.

• Read the owner's manual first

•

Be fam

ili

ar with the motorcycle controls.

• Check the motorcycle before every ride.

• Keep it

in

safe riding condition between rides.

•

Avo

id add-ons and modifications that make your motorcycle harder to

handle.

Th

e Rig

ht

Motorcycle For You

First, make sure your motorcycle is right for you. It should "fit'' you. Your fe.

et

should reach t

he

ground while you are seated on the motorcycle, and t

he

controls should be easy to operate. Smaller motorcycles are usually easi

er

for

beginners to operate.
Re

quir

ed

Equipment

Idaho l

aw

requires all motorcycles

operated

on Idaho roads to have

the

fo

llowing:

• Br akes: The law requires a brake on at least one whee

l.

It can be

operated by hand or by

foot

• Fenders: All motorcycles must have fenders on both wheels that
extend in

fu

ll width from a point just forward

of

the center

of

the tire to

a point

no

t more than 20" above the surface

of

the highway.

• P

asse

nger Se

at and

Footrests: Motorcyclists are prohibited from

carrying passengers

un

less 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 suffic i

ent

to

reveal a

person or

veh

icle not less than 100 fe.

et

ahead when traveling 25 mph

or less; not less than

200 fe.

et

when traveling 25-35 mph; and not less

than

300 fe.et when traveling more than 35 mph.

• Helme

t:

Any person under the

age

of

18 must wear a prot

ective

6

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: Motorcycles must have a muffler that does not increase

engine noise to a level above that of the muffler originally installed by
the motorcycle manufacturer.

• Brake 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.

• Reflector: motorcycles and motor-driven cycles shall have at least one

(1) rear reflector.

Borrowing and Lending

Borrowers 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 controlled area and make sure it is insured, because you are
liable. If you 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 motorcycle
that’s new or unfamiliar to you. More than half of all crashes occur on
motorcycles that have been ridden by the operator for less than six months. It
takes time to adjust, so give yourself a greater margin for errors.

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
motorcycle. If you are going to use an unfamiliar motorcycle:

• Review the owner’s manual.

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

• Find out where everything is, particularly the turn signals, horn,
headlight switch, fuel-supply valve, and engine cut-off switch (usually
located on right hand grip). 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.

7

1.

clutch

lever

9.

rear

brake

pedal

2.

gear-change

lever

10. kick

starter

(if

equipped)

3.

throttle

11.

choke· W equipped

(varies)

4.

front

brake

lever

12. horn

button

5.

ignition

key

or

switch

(varies)

13.1ight

switch (high/

low)

6.

electric

starting

switch

14. speedometer & odometer

7.

engine

cut-off

switch

15. tachometer

(H

equipped)

8.

fuel supply

valve

(if

equipped

)

16. turn

signal

switch

(may

be

on

both

handles)

NOTE: Check

the

equipment

before

you

pull

onto the

road,

as

each

motorcycle ma y be

diff

erent.

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.

The

same failure on a motorcycle may result in a crash

or

having

to

leave

your motorcycle parked on the side

of

the road.

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:

8

9

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

• Fluids — Oil and fluid levels. At a minimum, check hydraulic fluids and

coolants weekly. Look under the motorcycle for signs of fluid leaks.

• Headlights and Taillight — Check them both. Test your switch 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 are working properly.

• 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

should snap back to the idle position when you let go. The clutch should
feel tight and operate smoothly.

• 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 what’s more important is seeing the road behind and
to the side of you.

• 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.

• Fuel Supply Valve — If your motorcycle has one, make sure the valve is

open. Your motorcycle may start with the fuel still in the lines, but will
stall after the lines are empty.

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 worn tires.
D. Involve riders who have ridden their motorcycles less than six months.

1. A plastic shatter-resistant face shield:
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.

Answers to sample questions are located on last page.

10

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

“Accident” implies an unforeseen event that occurs without anyone’s fault or
negligence. Most often in traffic, that is not the case. In fact, most people
involved in a crash can usually claim some responsibility for what takes place.

Consider a situation where someone tries to squeeze through an intersection on
a yellow light that is turning red. Your light turns green. You pull into the
intersection without checking for possible latecomers. That is all it takes for the
two of you to tangle. It was the other driver’s responsibility to stop. And it was
your responsibility to look before pulling out. Neither of you held up your end
of the deal. Just because someone else is the first to start the chain of events
leading to a crash, it doesn’t leave any of us free of responsibility.

As a rider you can’t be sure that other operators will see you or yield the right of
way. To lessen your chances of a crash occurring:

• Be visible — wear proper clothing, use your headlight (set on dim during

daylight hours), and ride in the best lane position to see and be seen.

• Communicate your intentions — use the proper signals, brake light,

and lane position.

• Maintain an adequate space cushion — allow extra space when

following, being followed, lane sharing, passing, and being passed.

• Search your path of travel 20 seconds ahead.

• Identify and separate multiple hazards in your path of travel.

• Be prepared to act — remain alert and know how to use proper crash-

avoidance skills.

Blame doesn’t matter when someone is injured in a crash. There is rarely a
single cause of any crash. The ability to ride aware, make critical decisions, and
carry them out separates responsible riders from all the rest. Remember, it is up
to you to keep from being the cause of, or an unprepared participant in, any
crash.

Ride Within Your Abilities

Th

is manual cannot teach you how to contro l direction, speed, or balance.

That

's

something you can learn only through practice and proper training. But

control begins with knowing your abilities, riding wi

th

in them, and obeying the

rules

of

the road.

BA

SIC VEHI C

LE

CON

TROL

Body Position

To

control a motorcycle well:

• Se

at

- Sit far enough forward so that arms are slightly bent when you

ho

ld the handlegrips. Bending your arms perm i

ts

you

to

press on the

handlebars without having

to

stretch.

•

Hand

s - Hold the handgri

ps

firmly to keep your grip

over

rough

surfaces.

Start wi

th

your right wri

st

flat. Th is will help you keep from

accidentally using too much throttl

e-

especially if you need to reach for

the brake suddenl

y.

Also, adjust the handlebars so your hands are even

wi

th

or below your elbows. Th is permits you to use the proper muscles

for preci

se

steering.

RIGHT

WRONG

• Kn

ees-

Keep your knees against the gas tank to help you keep your

balance as the motorcycle turns.

• Feet - Keep your fe.

et

firmly on the footpegs to maintain balance.

D

on't

drag your fe.et.

If

your foot catches on someth ing, you can be

injured and it could affect your control

of

the motorcycle. Keep your fe.

et

near the controls so you can get

to

them quickly if needed. Also, don't

l

et

your toes po int downward - they may get caught between the road

and the footpegs.

• Pos

tur

e - Sit so you can use your arms to steer the motorcycle rather

than to

ho

ld yourself up.

11

Shifting Gears

There is more to shifting gears than simply getting the motorcycle to pick up
speed smoothly. Learning to use the gears correctly when downshifting,
turning, or starting on hills is important for safe motorcycle operation.

The gearshift lever is located in front of the left footrest and is operated by the
left foot. To shift “up” to a higher gear, position your foot under the shift lever
and lift. To downshift, press the shift lever down. The shift lever changes one
gear each time it is lifted or pressed down. Whenever the lever is released,
spring loading returns it to center, where the mechanism resets for the next shift
up or down. A typical gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5. The N is for neutral, which is
selected by either a “half lift” from 1st gear or a “half press” from 2nd gear.
Most motorcycles have five gears, but some have four or six gears.

As your motorcycle increases speed, you will need to shift up to a higher gear.
Shift up well before the engine RPM reaches its maximum recommended speed.
As a general rule, shift up soon enough to avoid over-revving the engine, but
not so soon to cause the engine to lug.

When upshifting, use a 3-step process:

1) roll off the throttle as you squeeze the clutch lever,

2) lift the shift lever firmly as far as it will go,

3) smoothly ease out the clutch and adjust the throttle.

Once the shift is completed, release the shift lever to permit it to reset for the
next shift. You should shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow
or stop, and can also shift down when you need more power to accelerate.

Make certain you are riding slowly enough when you shift into a lower gear. If
not, the motorcycle will lurch, and the rear wheel may skid. When riding
downhill or shifting into first gear you may need to use the brakes to slow
enough before downshifting safely.

When downshifting, use a 3-step process:

1) roll off the throttle as you squeeze the clutch lever,

2) press the shift lever down firmly,

3) ease out the clutch lever as you adjust the throttle.

Once the shift is completed, release the shift lever to permit it to reset for the
next shift. Rolling on the throttle slightly while smoothly easing out the clutch
can help the engine come up to speed more quickly and make the downshift
smoother. Shifting to a lower gear causes an effect similar to using the brakes.
This is known as engine braking. To use engine braking, shift down one gear at
a time and ease out the clutch through the friction zone between each downshift.
Keep the clutch in the friction zone until the engine speed stabilizes. Then ease

12