This handbook cannot teach you how to control direction, speed, or balance. You learn this by taking professionally taught motorcycle rider courses, practicing, knowing your abilities, and riding within them. Show
Basic Vehicle ControlBody PositionTo control a motorcycle:
Shifting GearsThere is more to shifting gears than simply getting the motorcycle to pick up speed smoothly. Learning to use the gears when downshifting, turning, or starting on hills is important for safe motorcycle operation. Shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in first gear while stopped so you can move out quickly if needed. Ride slowly enough when you shift into a lower gear or the motorcycle will lurch and the rear wheel may skid. When riding downhill or shifting into first gear you may need to slow to downshift safely. Work toward a smooth, even clutch release especially when downshifting. It is best to change gears before starting a turn. However, sometimes you may need to shift while in the turn. Remember to shift smoothly because a sudden change in power to the rear wheel can cause a skid. BrakingYour motorcycle has two brakes: one for the front wheel and one for the rear wheel. When making a normal, nonemergency stop, use both brakes at the same time and downshift. The front brake has more stopping power, providing three-quarters of your total stopping power. The front brake is safe to use when used properly. REMEMBER:
TurningRiders often try to take curves or turns too fast. When they cannot hold the turn, they end up crossing into another lane of traffic or going off the road. In some cases, riders overreact and brake too hard causing a skid and loss of control. Approach turns and curves with caution. Use four steps for better control:
In normal turns, the rider and the motorcycle should lean together at the same angle. In slow tight turns, the rider should keep his or her body straight and only lean the motorcycle. U-turnsCompleting U-turns on a motorcycle requires you to maintain control and balance to maneuver through a tight U-turn. Here are some tips for completing U-turns successfully:
Keeping Your DistanceThe best protection you can have is distance-a “cushion of space”-all around your motorcycle. If someone else makes a mistake, distance gives you:
Lane PositionsIn some ways, the size of the motorcycle can work to your advantage. Each traffic lane gives a motorcycle three paths of travel, as indicated in the illustration. Your lane position should:
Select the appropriate lane position to maximize your space cushion and make yourself more visible to others. In general, there is no “best lane position” for motorcycle riders to be seen and maintain a space cushion around the motorcycle. Position yourself in the lane that allows the most visibility and space around you. Change your lane position as traffic situations change. Ride in paths 2 or 3 if vehicles and other potential problems are on your left side. If vehicles are on both sides of you, the center of the lane (path 2) is usually the best option. Riding closer to the center portion of your lane helps to keep other vehicles from sharing the lane. The oily strip in the center portion of the lane is usually no more than two feet wide. Unless the road is wet, the average oily center strip permits adequate traction on which to ride safely. You can ride just to the left or right of the oily strip and still be within the center of the lane. Avoid riding on oil and grease buildups. Carpool/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) LanesA carpool lane is a special freeway lane used only for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or decaled low-emission vehicles. The pavement in this lane is marked with a diamond symbol and the words “Carpool Lane.” These lanes are also known as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Do not cross over double parallel lines to enter or exit any carpool lane except at designated entry or exit places. Motorcyclists are allowed to use carpool/HOV lanes, unless otherwise posted. Toll Highways and Vehicle Crossings: Using Transponders or Electronic Payment DevicesIn California, high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes and toll highways are fee-paid roadways used in heavily traveled areas to relieve traffic congestion. Commuters traveling on toll highways or using HOT lanes may purchase transponders, which track their vehicle’s usage of these roadways. Transponders allow drivers to pay toll fees through electronic billing. When using a transponder or other electronic payment device, motorcyclists are allowed to place the payment device in five locations (on the motorcycle or carried by the rider), as long as the toll reader can detect the device. The locations are:
Following Another Vehicle“Following too closely” (tailgating) could be a factor in collisions involving motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles need as much distance to stop as other vehicles. Normally, you should maintain a two-second following distance. To gauge your following distance:
If you ride in the left or right portion of the lane, the driver may see you in his or her side view mirror. If the traffic situation allows, the center lane position is usually the best place for you to be seen by the driver in his or her rearview mirror and to prevent other vehicles from sharing your lane. Being FollowedWhen you speed up to lose a tailgater, you only end up with someone tailgating you at a higher speed. A better way to handle tailgaters is to allow them to pass you. If you cannot do this, slow down and open up extra space ahead of you. This will allow space for both you and the tailgater to stop. This will also encourage the tailgater to pass. But if the tailgater does not pass, you have at least given yourself and the tailgater more time and space to react in case an emergency develops. Passing and Being PassedPassing and being passed by a larger vehicle is not much different than with a smaller passenger vehicle. However, visibility is more critical. Be sure other drivers see you and that you see potential hazards. Passing
Remember, passing must be completed within posted speed limits, and only where permitted. Being PassedWhen you are being passed from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer could put you in a hazardous situation. Avoid being hit by:
Do not move into the portion of the lane farthest from the passing vehicle. It might invite the other driver to move back into your lane too early. Lane SplittingThe term “lane splitting,” also known as lane sharing, filtering, or white-lining refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower-moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light. Vehicles and motorcycles each need a full lane to operate safely. Riding between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane can leave you vulnerable. A vehicle could turn suddenly or change lanes, a door could open, or a hand could come out a window. Merging VehiclesDrivers on an entrance ramp may not see you on the highway. Give them plenty of room. Change to another lane if one is open. If there is no room for a lane change, adjust your speed to open up space for the merging driver and stay near the center of your lane. Vehicles AlongsideDo not ride next to passenger vehicles or trucks in other lanes if you do not have to because you might be in the driver’s blind spot. The driver could change lanes without warning. Also, vehicles in the next lane can block your escape if you come upon danger in your own lane. Speed up or drop back to find a place clear of traffic on both sides. Search, Evaluate, and Execute (SEE)Experienced motorcycle riders remain aware of what is going on around them. They improve their riding strategy by using SEE, a three-step process for making appropriate judgments and applying them correctly in different traffic situations. SEE stands for, Search, Evaluate, and Execute. SearchActively search ahead, to the sides, and behind you to help you avoid potential hazards. How you search and how much time and space you have, can eliminate or reduce harm. Focus even more on finding potential escape routes in or around intersections, shopping areas, schools or construction zones. Search for factors such as:
EvaluateTo predict how a hazard may affect you, it is important to know the speed, distance, and direction the hazard may be moving. Think about how hazards can create risks for you. Anticipate potential problems and have a plan to reduce risks.
Think about your time and space requirements in order to maintain a margin of safety. You must leave yourself time to react if an emergency arises. ExecuteCarry out your decision. To create more space and minimize harm from any hazard:
Apply the old saying “one step at a time” to handle two or more hazards. Adjust your speed so you can deal with each hazard separately. Then deal with them one at a time as single hazards. Decision-making becomes more complex with three or more hazards. Weigh the consequences of each and give equal distance to the hazards. In high-risk areas, such as intersections, shopping areas, schools, or construction zones, reduce your speed, and cover the clutch and both brake levers to reduce your reaction time. IntersectionsThe greatest potential for conflict and a chance of collision between you and other traffic is at intersections. An intersection is anywhere traffic may cross your path. It can be in the middle of an urban area or at a driveway on a residential street. Over one-half of motorcycle/passenger vehicle collisions are caused by drivers entering a rider’s right-of-way. Vehicles turning left in front of you, including those illegally turning left from the wrong lane, and vehicles on side streets pulling into your lane, are the biggest dangers. Your use of the SEE process at intersections is critical (Refer to this section for the SEE process). There are no guarantees that others will see you. Never count on “eye contact” as a sign that a driver will yield to you. Too often, a driver can look right at a motorcyclist and still fail to “see” him or her. The only eyes that you can count on are your own. If a vehicle can enter your path, assume it will. Good motorcycle riders are always “looking for trouble” not to get into it, but to stay out of it. Increase the chances of being seen at intersections. Ride with your headlight on, and in a lane position that provides the best view of oncoming traffic. Maintain enough space around your motorcycle that permits you to take evasive action. As you approach an intersection, select a lane position that increases your visibility to the driver. Cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce reaction time. Reduce your speed as you approach an intersection. After entering the intersection, move away from vehicles preparing to turn. Do not change speed or position radically. The driver might think you are preparing to turn. Blind IntersectionsWhen you approach a blind intersection, move to the position that brings you into another driver’s field of vision at the earliest possible moment. In this picture, the motorcycle rider has moved to the left portion of the lane, away from the parked vehicle, so the driver on the cross street can see him or her as soon as possible. If you have a stop sign or stop line, stop there first. Then edge forward and stop again, just short of where the cross-traffic lane meets your lane. From this position, lean your body forward and look around buildings, parked vehicles, or bushes to see if anything is coming. Make sure your front wheel stays out of the cross lane of travel while you are looking. Passing Parked VehiclesWhen passing parked vehicles, stay toward the left portion of your lane. This way, you can avoid problems caused by doors opening, drivers getting out of vehicles, or people stepping from between vehicles. If oncoming traffic is present, it is usually best to remain in the center portion of the lane to maximize the space around you. A bigger problem can occur if a driver pulls away from the curb without checking for traffic from behind. Even if the driver looks, he or she may fail to see you. In either event,the driver might enter your path. Slow down or change lanes to make room for someone to enter. Vehicles making a sudden U-turn are the most dangerous. They may cut you off entirely, blocking the whole roadway and leaving you with no place to go. Since you cannot tell what a driver will do, slow down and get the driver’s attention. Sound your horn and continue with caution. Parking at the RoadsidePark at an angle of 45 to 90 degrees to the curb with a wheel or fender touching the curb. Increasing VisibilityIn collisions with motorcyclists, drivers often say that they never saw the motorcycle. From ahead or behind, a motorcycle’s outline is much smaller than a passenger vehicle’s. Also, it is hard to see something you are not looking for, and most drivers are not looking for motorcycles. More likely, they are looking through the skinny, two-wheeled silhouette in search of vehicles that may pose a problem to them. Even if a driver does see you coming, you are not necessarily safe. Smaller vehicles appear farther away and seem to be traveling slower than they actually are. It is common for drivers to pull out in front of motorcyclists, thinking they have plenty of time. Too often, they are wrong. However, you can do many things to make it easier for others to recognize you and your motorcycle. ClothingMost collisions occur in broad daylight. Wear brightly-colored or reflective clothing to increase your chances of being seen. Bright orange, red, yellow, or green jackets or vests are the best for being seen. Brightly colored helmets can also help others see you. Reflective material on a vest and on the sides of the helmet will help drivers see you from the side. Reflective material can also be a big help for drivers coming toward you or from behind. Remember, your body is half of the visible surface area of the rider/motorcycle unit. HeadlightThe best way to help others see your motorcycle is to always keep the headlight and, if equipped, running lights on. A motorcycle with its light on is twice as likely to be noticed. Using your high beam during the day and at night increases the chances that oncoming drivers will see you. Use your high beam when it is legal and safe to do so. When it is foggy, use the low beam. Turn SignalsThe turn signals on a motorcycle are similar to those on a vehicle. They tell others what you plan to do. However, due to a rider’s added vulnerability, turn signals are even more important. Use them anytime you plan to change lanes or turn. Signal your left or right turn during the last 100 feet before reaching the turning point. At highway speeds, it is best to signal at least five seconds before changing lanes. Use your turn signals even when you think no one else is around. Your turn signals also make you easier to see. If bright sunlight makes your turn signal lights hard to see, use hand signals. When you enter a freeway, drivers approaching from behind are more likely to see your turn signal blinking and make room for you. Using your turn signals before each turn reduces confusion and frustration for the traffic around you. Once you complete your turn, be sure to turn them off or a driver may pull directly into your path, thinking you plan to turn again. Brake LightYour motorcycle’s brake light is usually not as noticeable as a vehicle’s, especially when the taillight is on. If the situation permits, help others notice you by flashing your brake light before you slow down. It is especially important to flash your brake light before you slow:
If you are being tailgated, it is a good idea to flash your brake light before you slow. Using Your MirrorsWhile it is most important to know what is happening ahead, you cannot ignore situations behind you. Traffic conditions change quickly. To make safe decisions about how to handle trouble ahead, you must know what is going on around you. Frequent mirror checks should be part of your normal searching routine. Make a special point of using your mirror(s):
Some motorcycles have rounded (convex) mirrors. These mirrors provide a wider view of the road behind than flat mirrors. They also make cars seem farther away than they really are. If you are not used to convex mirrors, you can get familiar with them by:
Head ChecksChecking your mirror(s) is not enough. Motorcycles have “blind spots” just like other vehicles. Before you change lanes, turn your head and check that lane for other vehicles. On a road with several lanes, check the far lane and the one next to you. A driver in the distant lane may drive into the same space you plan to take. Frequent head checks should be part of your normal scanning routine. Only by knowing what is happening all around,can you be fully prepared to deal with it. HornBe ready to use your horn to get someone’s attention quickly. In an emergency, press the horn button loud and long. Be ready to stop or swerve away from the danger. Remember, a motorcycle’s horn is not as loud as other vehicles’, so use it, but don’t rely on it. Riding at NightAt night it is harder for you to see and be seen. Wear reflective clothing when riding at night. Picking a motorcycle’s headlight or taillight out of the other lights is not easy for drivers. To make up for this, you should:
Collision AvoidanceNo matter how careful you are, there will be times when you find yourself in a tight spot. Your chances of getting out safely depend on your ability to react quickly and properly. Often, a collision occurs because a motorcycle rider is not prepared or skilled in collision-avoidance maneuvers. Two critical skills in avoiding a collision are knowing when and how to stop or swerve. You cannot always stop quickly to avoid an obstacle. You must also be able to swerve around an obstacle. Most collisions involve riders who:
Quick StopsTo stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time. Do not be shy about using the front brake, but do not “grab” it either. Squeeze the brake lever firmly with continuing steady pressure. If the front wheel locks, release the front brake immediately and then reapply it firmly. At the same time, press down on the rear brake. If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good traction surface, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can control the motorcycle on a straight away if it is upright and going in a straight line. Always use both brakes at the same time to stop. The front brake can provide almost three-quarters of your stopping power. If you must stop quickly while turning or riding a curve, the best technique is to straighten the motorcycle first and then brake. However, it may not always be possible to straighten the motorcycle and then stop. If you must brake while leaning, apply the brakes lightly and reduce the throttle. As you slow, reduce your lean angle and apply more brake pressure until the motorcycle is straight and maximum brake pressure is possible. Then in the last few feet of stopping, you should “straighten” the handlebars. The motorcycle should now be straight up and in balance. Swerving or Turning QuicklySometimes you may not have enough room to stop, even if you use both brakes properly. An object might appear suddenly in your path or the vehicle ahead might stop abruptly. The only way to avoid a collision may be to turn quickly or swerve around it. A swerve is any sudden change in direction. It can be two quick turns, or a rapid shift to the side. To swerve, apply a small amount of hand pressure to the handlegrip on the side of your intended direction of escape. This causes the motorcycle to lean quickly. The sharper the turn(s), the more the motorcycle must lean. Keep your body upright and allow the motorcycle to lean in the direction of the turn. Keep your knees pressed against the tank and your feet solidly on the footrests. Let the motorcycle move underneath you. Make your escape route the target of your vision. Press on the opposite handlegrip once you clear the obstacle and are ready to return to your original direction of travel. To swerve to the left, press the left handlegrip, then press the right to recover. To swerve to the right, press right, then left. Then press the left or right handlegrip to recover. If braking is required, separate it from swerving. Brake before or after-never while swerving, especially the front brake as this may cause the motorcycle to fall over. CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle collisions is motorcyclists running wide in a curve or turn causing the motorcycle to leave the roadway or collide with an object. Every curve is different. Be alert to whether a curve remains constant, gradually widens, gets tighter, or involves multiple turns. Shaded curves keep ice from melting and moisture from evaporating. Also, be aware of leaves. Ride within your skill level and posted speed limits. Your best path may not always follow the curve of the road. Change your lane position based on traffic, road conditions, and curve of the road. If there is no traffic, start at the outside of a curve to increase your line of sight and the effective radius of the turn. As you turn, move toward the inside of the curve, and as you pass the center, move to the outside to exit. Another choice is to move to the center of your lane before entering a curve and stay there until you exit. This allows you to see approaching traffic as soon as possible. You can also adjust for traffic “crowding” the center line or debris blocking part of your lane. Handling Dangerous SurfacesYour chance of falling or being involved in a collision increases whenever you ride across:
Uneven Surfaces and ObstaclesWatch for uneven road surfaces, such as bumps, broken pavement, potholes, roadway resurfacing where one lane is slightly higher than the other lane, or trash on the highway and shoulders. Avoid obstacles by slowing or going around them. However, if you must go over the obstacle, first determine if it is possible. Approach it at as close to a 90 degree angle as possible. Look in the direction where you want to go to control your path of travel. If you have to ride over the obstacle, you should:
If you ride over an object, pull off the road and check your tires and rims for damage before riding any farther. Make sure nothing is caught in the drive chain or belt. Slippery SurfacesMotorcyclists may find it challenging to maintain safe control on surfaces with poor traction, such as:
To ride safely on slippery surfaces:
Cautious riders steer clear of roads covered with ice or snow. If you cannot avoid an icy or snowy surface, keep your motorcycle straight up and proceed as slowly as possible. If you encounter a large surface so slippery that you must coast,or travel at a walking pace, consider letting your feet skim along the surface. If the motorcycle starts to fall, you can catch yourself. Be sure to keep off the brakes. If possible, squeeze the clutch and coast. Attempting this maneuver at anything other than the slowest of speeds could prove hazardous. Railroad or Trolley Tracks and Pavement SeamsUsually it is safer to ride straight within your lane to cross tracks. Turning to take tracks head-on (at a 90 degree angle) can be more dangerous because your path may carry you into another lane of traffic. For track and road seams that run parallel to your course, move far enough away from tracks, ruts, or pavement seams to cross at an angle of at least 45 degrees. Then, make a quick, sharp turn. Edging across could catch your tires and throw you off balance. Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge gratings may cause your motorcycle to weave. This uneasy, “wandering” feeling is generally not hazardous. Relax and maintain a steady speed and ride straight across. Crossing at an angle forces riders to zigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzag is far more hazardous than the wandering feeling. Mechanical ProblemsYou can find yourself in an emergency the moment something goes wrong with your motorcycle. In dealing with any mechanical problem, take into account the road and traffic conditions you face. Here are some guidelines that can help you handle mechanical problems safely. Tire FailureYou will seldom hear a tire go flat. If the motorcycle starts handling differently, it may be a tire failure. You must be able to tell from the way the motorcycle reacts if you have tire failure. If one of your tires suddenly loses air, react quickly to keep your balance. Stop riding and check the tires as soon as possible. If the front tire goes flat, the steering will feel “heavy.” A front-wheel flat is particularly hazardous because it affects your steering. You have to steer well to keep your balance. If the rear tire goes flat, the back of the motorcycle may jerk or sway from side to side. If either tire goes flat while riding:
Stuck ThrottleTwist the throttle back and forth several times. If the throttle cable is stuck, this may free it. If the throttle stays stuck, immediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time. This will remove power from the rear wheel, though engine noise may not immediately decline. Once the motorcycle is”under control,” leave the road and stop. After you have stopped, check the throttle cable carefully to find the trouble. Make certain the throttle works freely before you start riding again. WobbleA “wobble” occurs when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly start to shake from side to side at any speed. Most wobbles can be traced to improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure. If you are carrying a heavy load, lighten it. If you cannot lighten the load, shift it. Center the weight lower and farther forward on the motorcycle. Make sure the tire pressure, shock spring pre-load, air shocks, and dampers are at the recommended settings for the weight. Make sure windshields and fairings are mounted properly. Check for poorly adjusted steering, worn steering parts, a bent, misaligned, or out of balance front wheel, loose wheel bearings or spokes, and swing arm bearings. If none of these are the cause, have the motorcycle thoroughly checked by a qualified professional. Trying to “accelerate out of a wobble” will only make the motorcycle more unstable. Instead:
Chain ProblemsA chain that slips or breaks while you are riding could lock the rear wheel and cause your motorcycle to skid. Chain slippage or breakage can be avoided by proper maintenance.
Engine SeizureWhen the engine “locks” or “freezes,” it is usually low on oil. If the engine’s moving parts cannot move smoothly against each other, the engine overheats. The first sign may be a loss of engine power or a change in the engine’s sound. Squeeze the clutch lever to disengage the engine from the rear wheel. Pull off the road and stop. Check the oil. If needed, add oil as soon as possible or the engine will seize. When this happens, the effect is the same as a locked rear wheel. Let the engine cool before restarting. AnimalsDo everything you safely can do to avoid hitting an animal. If you are in traffic; however, remain in your lane. Flying ObjectsFrom time to time riders are struck by insects, cigarettes thrown from vehicles, or pebbles kicked up by the tires of the vehicle ahead. Avoid following closely behind dump trucks, waster management vehicles, livestock haulers, agricultural vehicles, construction vehicles, or any vehicle towing or hauling items. Debris such as hay, trash, tree limbs, and other loose items being hauled can fall from the vehicles placing you in an unavoidable dangerous situation. If you are wearing face protection, it might get smeared or cracked, making it difficult to see. Without face protection, an object could hit you in the eye, face, or mouth. Whatever happens, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the handlebars. When safe, pull off the road and repair the damage. Getting Off the RoadIf you need to leave the road to check the motorcycle (or just to rest for a while), be sure you:
Carrying Passengers and CargoOnly experienced riders should carry passengers or large loads. The extra weight changes the way the motorcycle handles, balances, speeds up, and slows down. Before taking a passenger or a heavy load on the street, practice away from traffic. Equipment
Adjust the suspension to handle the additional weight. You will probably need to add a few pounds of pressure to the tires if you carry a passenger. (Check your owner’s manual for appropriate settings.) While your passenger sits on the seat with you, adjust the mirror(s) and headlight according to the change in the motorcycle’s angle. Motorcycles Towing TrailersMotorcycles towing trailers:
For more information see CVC §§630 and 22406 or the Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook (DL 648) or obtain a copy at your local DMV field office. Instructing PassengersEven if your passenger is a motorcycle rider, provide complete instructions before you start. Tell your passenger to:
Also, tell your passenger to tighten his or her hold when you:
Riding With PassengersYour motorcycle will respond more slowly with a passenger. The heavier your passenger, the longer it will take to slow down and speed up-especially on a light-duty motorcycle.
Warn your passenger of these special conditions: Starting, stopping quickly, turning sharply, or riding over bumps. Turn your head slightly to make yourself understood, but keep your eyes on the road ahead. Carrying LoadsMost motorcycles are not designed to carry much cargo. Small loads can be carried safely, if positioned and fastened properly.
Group RidingIf you ride with others, do it in a way that promotes safety and doesn’t interfere with the flow of traffic. Keep the Group SmallSmall groups make it easier and safer for other drivers to get around them. A small number isn’t separated as easily by traffic or red lights. Some riders won’t always be hurrying to catch up. If your group is larger than four or five riders, divide it into two or more smaller groups. Keep the Group Together
Keep Your DistanceMaintain close ranks but at the same time keep a safe distance to allow each rider in the group time and space to react to hazards. A close group takes up less space on the highway, is easier to see, and is less likely to be separated. However, this formation must be done properly.
What is an unstable rear zone?What is an unstable zone. A closed zone that is becoming worse or has an added complication.
Why is it important to reevaluate your rear zone?Why is it important to reevaluate your rear zone when making a turn or a lane change? So you know who is behind you and if they are changing lanes or passing you.
What is the distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you called quizlet?The margin of safety is a fixed distance of 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle.
What are 4 ways to control your rear zone?List for ways to control your rear zone.. Search target area and 15 second range.. Four seconds of open space.. Break early.. Check blind spots.. Tap brake lights when needed.. |