MissouriDEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

DOR-2332 (05-2009)

MotorcycleOperatorManual

Operating a motorcycle safely intraffic requires special skills andknowledge. The Motorcycle SafetyFoundation (MSF) has made thismanual available to help novicemotorcyclists reduce their risk ofhaving a crash. The manual conveysessential safe-riding information andhas been designed for use in licensingprograms. While designed for thenovice, all motorcyclists can benefitfrom the information this manualcontains.

The original “MotorcycleOperator Manual” was developed bythe National Public ServicesResearch Institute (NPSRI) undercontract to the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) and within the terms of acooperative agreement betweenNHTSA and the MSF. The manualand related tests were used in a multi-year study of improved motorcycleoperator licensing procedures,conducted by the CaliforniaDepartment of Motor Vehicles undercontract to NHTSA.

The purpose of this manual is toeducate the reader to help avoidcrashes while safely operating amotorcycle. For this edition, the MSFhas updated and expanded the contentof the original manual. Theserevisions reflect:

• The latest finding of motorcycle-safety research.

• Comments and guidance providedby the motorcycling, licensing, andtraffic-safety communities.

• Expanded alcohol and druginformation.

In promoting improved licensingprograms, the MSF works closelywith state licensing agencies. TheFoundation has helped more than halfthe states in the nation adopt the“Motorcycle Operator Manual” foruse in their licensing systems.

Improved licensing, along withhigh quality motorcycle ridereducation and increased publicawareness, has the potential to reducecrashes. Staff at the Foundation areavailable to assist state, private andgovernmental agencies in efforts toimprove motorcycle safety.

Tim BuchePresidentMotorcycle Safety Foundation

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PREFACE

PREPARING TO RIDEWEAR THE RIGHT GEAR . . . . . . . . . . .4Helmet Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Helmet Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Eye and Face Protection . . . . . . . . . . .5Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE . . . . . . . . .6The Right Motorcycle For You . . . . .6Borrowing and Lending . . . . . . . . . . .7Get Familiar With the Motorcycle

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Check Your Motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . .8KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . .9

RIDE WITHINYOUR ABILITIES

BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL . . . . . . . . .10Body Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Shifting Gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE . . . . . . . . .12Lane Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Following Another Vehicle . . . . . . . .13Being Followed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Passing and Being Passed . . . . . . . .14Lane Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Merging Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Cars Alongside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16SEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17INTERSECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Blind Intersections . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Passing Parked Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Parking at the Roadside . . . . . . . . . .20INCREASING CONSPICUITY . . . . . . . . .21Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Using Your Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Head Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Riding at Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24CRASH AVOIDANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Quick Stops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Swerving or Turning Quickly . . . . . .25Cornering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

HANDLING DANGEROUS SURFACES . . .27Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles . . . .27Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks,

and Pavement Seams . . . . . . . . . . .29Grooves and Gratings . . . . . . . . . . .29MECHANICAL PROBLEMS . . . . . . . . . .30Tire Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Stuck Throttle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Wobble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Chain Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Engine Seizure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31ANIMALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31FLYING OBJECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32GETTING OFF THE ROAD . . . . . . . . . .32CARRYING PASSENGERSAND CARGO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Instructing Passengers . . . . . . . . . . .33Riding With Passengers . . . . . . . . . .33Carrying Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33GROUP RIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Keep the Group Small . . . . . . . . . . .34Keep the Group Together . . . . . . . . .34Keep Your Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

BEING IN SHAPETO RIDE

WHY THIS INFORMATION ISIMPORTANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS INMOTORCYCLE OPERATION . . . . . . . . .36ALCOHOL IN THE BODY . . . . . . . . . . .37Blood AlcoholConcentration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37ALCOHOL AND THE LAW . . . . . . . . . . .38Consequences ofConviction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38MINIMIZE THE RISKS . . . . . . . . . . . . .38STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS . . . . . .39FATIGUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

EARNINGYOUR LICENSE

Knowledge Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41On-Motorcycle Skill Test . . . . . . . . .42

CONTENTS

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WEAR THE RIGHT GEARWhen you ride, your gear is

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

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

HELMET USECrashes can occur — particularly

among untrained beginning riders.And one out of every five motorcyclecrashes result in head or neckinjuries. Head injuries are just assevere as neck injuries — and farmore common. Crash analyses showthat head and neck injuries accountfor a majority of serious and fatalinjuries to motorcyclists. Researchalso shows that, with few exceptions,head and neck injuries are reduced bythe proper wearing of an approvedhelmet.

Missouri law requires allmotorcycle or motortricycle operatorsand passengers to wear protectiveheadgear at all times the vehicle is inmotion on the highways of this state.Consider the following facts:

• An approved helmet lets you seeas far to the sides as necessary. Astudy of more than 900 motorcyclecrashes, where 40% of the riderswore helmets, did not find even onecase in which a helmet kept a riderfrom spotting danger.

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

•Most riders are riding slower than30 mph when a crash occurs. Atthese speeds, helmets can cut boththe number and the severity of headinjuries by half.

No matter what the speed,helmeted riders are three times morelikely to survive head injuries thanthose not wearing helmets at the timeof the crash.

HELMET SELECTIONThere are two primary types of

helmets, providing two differentlevels of coverage: three-quarter andfull face.

Whichever style you choose, youcan get the most protection by mak-ing sure that the helmet:

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

1. Wear the right gear.

2. Become familiar with the motorcycle.

3. Check the motorcycle equipment.

4. Be a responsible rider.

WEARTHERIGHTGEAR

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

• Fits snugly, all the way around.• Has no obvious defects such ascracks, loose padding or frayedstraps.

Whatever helmet you decide on,keep it securely fastened on yourhead when you ride. Otherwise, ifyou are involved in a crash, it’s likelyto fly off your head before it gets achance to protect you.

EYE AND FACE PROTECTIONA plastic shatter-resistant

faceshield can help protect yourwhole face in a crash. It also protectsyou from wind, dust, dirt, rain,insects, and pebbles thrown up fromcars ahead. These problems are dis-tracting and can be painful. If youhave to deal with them, you can’tdevote your full attention to the road.

Goggles protect your eyes,though they won’t protect the rest of

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

To be effective, eye or faceshieldprotection must:• Be free of scratches.• Be resistant to penetration.• Give a clear view to either side.• Fasten securely, so it does not

blow off.• Permit air to pass through, to

reduce fogging.• Permit enough room for eyeglass-

es or sunglasses, if needed.Tinted eye protection should not

be worn at night or any other timewhen little light is available.

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HELMETS HELMETUSE

EYEANDFACEPROTECTION

CLOTHINGThe right clothing protects you in

a collision. It also provides comfort,as well as protection from heat, cold,debris, and hot and moving parts ofthe motorcycle.• Jacket and pants should cover

arms and legs completely. Theyshould fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping in the wind, yetloosely enough to move freely.Leather offers the most protection.Sturdy synthetic material provides alot of protection as well. Wear ajacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration. Many aredesigned to protect without gettingyou overheated, even on summerdays.

• Boots or shoes should be high andsturdy enough to cover your anklesand give them support. Solesshould be made of hard, durableslip resistant material. Keep heelsshort so they do not catch on roughsurfaces. Tuck in laces so theywon’t catch on your motorcycle.

• Gloves allow a better grip and helpprotect your hands in a crash. Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material.

In cold or wet weather, yourclothes should keep you warm anddry, as well as protect you frominjury. You cannot control a motorcy-cle well if you are numb. Riding forlong periods in cold weather cancause severe chill and fatigue. A win-ter jacket should resist wind and fitsnugly at the neck, wrists, and waist.Good-quality rainsuits designed formotorcycle riding resist tearing apartor ballooning up at high speeds.

KNOWYOURMOTORCYCLE

There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you trouble.Your motorcycle should not be one ofthem. To make sure that your motor-cycle won’t let you down:• Read the owner’s manual first.• Start with the right motorcycle for

you.• Be familiar with the motorcycle

controls.• Check the motorcycle before every

ride.• Keep it in safe riding condition

between rides.• Avoid add-ons and modifications

that make your motorcycle harderto handle.

THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLEFOR YOU

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

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1 Test Yourself

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

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

well as goggles.Answer — page 40

CLOTHING

THERIGHTMOTORCYCLE

At minimum, your street-legalmotorcycle should have:• Headlight, taillight andbrakelight.• Front and rear brakes.• Turn signals.• Horn.• Two mirrors.

BORROWING AND LENDINGBorrowers and lenders of motor-

cycles, beware. Crashes are fairlycommon among beginning riders —especially in the first months of rid-ing. Riding an unfamiliar motorcycleadds to the problem. If you borrow amotorcycle, get familiar with it in acontrolled area. And if you lend yourmotorcycle to friends, make sure theyare licensed and know how to ride

before allowing them out into traffic.No matter how experienced you

may be, ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle that’s new or unfamiliarto you. More than half of all crashesoccur on motorcycles ridden by theoperator for less than six months.

GET FAMILIAR WITH THEMOTORCYCLE CONTROLS

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

If you are going to use an unfa-miliar motorcycle:• Make all the checks you would on

your own motorcycle.

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Horn Button

Clutch Lever Speedometer& Odometer

Fuel Supply Valve(if equipped)

Gear-Change Lever

Light Switch (high/low)

Choke (varies)

Turn Signal Switch

IgnitionKey

(varies)

Throttle

Front Brake Lever

Tachometer (if equipped)

Rear Brake Pedal

Kick Starter (ifequipped)

Engine Cut-OffSwitchElectricStartButton

KNOWYOURMOTORCYCLE

MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS

• Find out where everything is, par-ticularly the turn signals, horn,headlight switch, fuel-supply valve,and engine cut-off switch. Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them.

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

• Ride very cautiously and be awareof surroundings. Accelerate gently,take turns more slowly, and leaveextra room for stopping.

CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLEA motorcycle needs more fre-

quent attention than a car. A minortechnical failure in a car seldom leadsto anything more than an inconven-ience for the driver.

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

Before mounting the motorcyclemake the following checks:• Tires— Check the air pressure,

general wear and tread.• Fluids— Oil and fluid levels. At a

minimum, check hydraulic fluidsand coolants weekly. Look underthe motorcycle for signs of an oilor gas leak.

• Headlights and Taillight— Checkthem both. Test your switch tomake sure both high and lowbeams are working.

• Turn Signals— Turn on both rightand left turn signals. Make sure alllights are working properly.

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

Once you have mounted themotorcycle, complete the followingchecks before starting out:• Clutch and Throttle— Make sure

they work smoothly. The throttleshould snap back when you let go.The clutch should feel tight andsmooth.

• Mirrors— Clean and adjust bothmirrors before starting. It’s difficultto ride with one hand while you tryto adjust a mirror. Adjust each mir-ror so you can see the lane behindand as much as possible of the lanenext to you. When properly adjust-ed, a mirror may show the edge ofyour arm or shoulder — but it’s theroad behind and to the side that’smost important.

• Brakes— Try the front and rearbrake levers one at a time. Makesure each one feels firm and holdsthe motorcycle when the brake isfully applied.

• Horn— Try the horn. Make sure itworks.

In addition to the checks youshould make before every trip, checkthe following items at least once aweek: wheels, cables, fasteners, andfluid checks. Follow your owner’smanual to get recommendations.

8

2 Test Yourself

More than half of all crashes:A. Occur at speeds greater than 35

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

their motorcycles less than sixmonths.

Answer — page 40

CHECKYOURMOTORCYCLE

KNOWYOURRESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

• Be visible— wear proper clothing,use your headlight, ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen.

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

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

• Scan your path of travel 12seconds ahead.

• Identify and separate multiplehazards.

• Be prepared to act— remain alertand know how to carry out propercrash-avoidance skills.

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

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KNOWYOURRESPO

NSIBILITIES

BASIC VEHICLECONTROL

BODY POSITIONTo control a motorcycle well:

• Posture— Sit so you can use yourarms to steer the motorcycle ratherthan to hold yourself up.

• Seat— Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent whenyou hold the handlegrips. Bendingyour arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch.

• Hands— Hold the handlegripsfirmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces. Start with your right wristflat. This will help you keep fromaccidentally using too much

throttle. Also, adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows. This permitsyou to use the proper muscles forprecision steering.

• Knees— Keep your knees againstthe gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns.

• Feet— Keep your feet firmly onthe footrests to maintain balance.Don’t drag your feet. If your footcatches on something, you can beinjured and it could affect yourcontrol of the motorcycle. Keepyour feet near the controls so youcan get to them fast if needed.Also, don’t let your toes pointdownward — they may get caughtbetween the road and the footrests.

SHIFTING GEARSThere is more to shifting gears

than simply getting the motorcycle topick up speed smoothly. Learning touse the gears when downshifting,turning, or starting on hills is impor-tant for safe motorcycle operation.

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

10

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

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

HOLDING HANDLEGRIPS

RIGHT

WRONG

BODYPOSITION

SHIFTINGGEARS

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

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

BRAKINGYour motorcycle has two brakes:

one each for the front and rear wheel.Use both of them at the same time.The front brake is more powerful andcan provide at least three-quartersof your total stopping power. Thefront brake is safe to use if you use itproperly.

Remember:• Use both brakes every time you

slow or stop. Using both brakes foreven “normal” stops will permityou to develop the proper habit orskill of using both brakes properlyin an emergency. Squeeze the frontbrake and press down on the rear.Grabbing at the front brake orjamming down on the rear cancause the brakes to lock, resultingin control problems.

• If you know the technique, usingboth brakes in a turn is possible,although it should be done verycarefully. When leaning themotorcycle some of the traction isused for cornering. Less traction isavailable for stopping. A skid can

occur if you apply too much brake.Also, using the front brakeincorrectly on a slippery surfacemay be hazardous. Use caution andsqueeze the brake lever, nevergrab.

• Some motorcycles have integratedbraking systems that activate thefront and rear brakes together byapplying the rear brake pedal.(Consult the owner’s manual for adetailed explanation on the opera-tion and effective use of these sys-tems.)

TURNINGRiders often try to take curves or

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

Use four steps for better control:• SLOW• LOOK• PRESS• ROLL

SLOW— Reduce speed before theturn by closing the throttle and, ifnecessary, applying both brakes.

LOOK— Look through the turn towhere you want to go. Turn justyour head, not your shoulders,and keep your eyes level with thehorizon.

PRESS— To turn, the motorcyclemust lean. To lean the motorcy-cle, press on the handgrip in thedirection of the turn. Press left —lean left — go left. Press right —lean right — go right. Higher

11

BRAKING

TURNING

speeds and/or tighter turns requirethe motorcycle to lean more.

ROLL— Roll on the throttlethrough the turn to stabilize thesuspension. Maintain steadyspeed or accelerate graduallythrough the turn. This will helpkeep the motorcycle stable.

In normal turns, the rider and themotorcycle should lean together atthe same angle.

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

KEEPINGYOURDISTANCE

The best protection you can haveis distance — a “cushion of space” —all around your motorcycle. Ifsomeone else makes a mistake,distance permits you:• Time to react.• Space to maneuver.

LANE POSITIONSIn some ways the size of the

motorcycle can work to youradvantage. Each traffic lane gives amotorcycle three paths of travel, asindicated in the illustration.

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

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

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

vehicles.• Provide an escape route.

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NORMAL TURNS

SLOW, TIGHT TURNS

3 Test Yourself

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

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

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

look where you are going.Answer — page 40

LANEPOSITIONS

Select the appropriate path tomaximize your space cushion andmake yourself more easily seen byothers on the road.

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

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

The oily strip in the centerportion that collects drippings fromcars is usually no more than two feetwide. Unless the road is wet, theaverage center strip permits adequatetraction to ride on safely. You canoperate to the left or right of thegrease strip and still be within thecenter portion of the traffic lane.

Avoid riding on big buildups of oiland grease usually found at busyintersections or toll booths.

FOLLOWING ANOTHERVEHICLE

“Following too closely” could bea factor in crashes involvingmotorcyclists. In traffic, motorcyclesneed as much distance to stop as cars.Normally, a minimum of twoseconds distance should bemaintained behind the vehicle ahead.

To gauge your following distance:• Pick out a marker, such as a

pavement marking or lamppost, onor near the road ahead.

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

• If you reach the marker beforeyou reach “two,” you are followingtoo closely.

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

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LANE POSITIONSFOLLOWING

A larger cushion of space isneeded if your motorcycle will takelonger than normal to stop. If thepavement is slippery, if you cannotsee through the vehicle ahead, or iftraffic is heavy and someone maysqueeze in front of you, open up athree second or more followingdistance.

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

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

Riding at the far side of a lanemay permit a driver to see you in asideview mirror. But remember thatmost drivers don’t look at their side-view mirrors nearly as often as theycheck the rearview mirror. If the traf-fic situation allows, the center portion

of the lane is usually the best placefor you to be seen by the driversahead and to prevent lane sharing byothers.

BEING FOLLOWEDSpeeding up to lose someone fol-

lowing too closely only ends up withsomeone tailgating you at a higherspeed.

A better way to handle tailgatersis to get them in front of you. Whensomeone is following too closely,change lanes and let them pass. Ifyou can’t do this, slow down andopen up extra space ahead of you toallow room for both you and the tail-gater to stop. This will also encour-age them to pass. If they don’t pass,you will have given yourself and thetailgater more time and space to reactin case an emergency does developahead.

PASSING AND BEING PASSEDPassing and being passed by

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

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FOLLOWINGBEINGFOLLOWED

PASSING1. Ride in the left portion of the

lane at a safe following distance toincrease your line of sight andmake you more visible. Signal andcheck for oncoming traffic. Useyour mirrors and turn your head tolook for traffic behind.

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

3. Ride through the blind spot asquickly as possible.

4. Signal again, and complete mirrorand headchecks before returningto your original lane and then can-cel signal.Remember, passes must be com-

pleted within posted speed limits,and only where permitted. Knowyour signs and road markings!

BEING PASSEDWhen you are being passed from

behind or by an oncoming vehicle,

stay in the center portion of yourlane. Riding any closer to them couldput you in a hazardous situation.

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

take by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe.

• Extended mirrors— Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders.

• Objects thrown from windows—Even if the driver knows you’rethere, a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you.

• Blasts of wind from larger vehi-cles— They can affect your con-trol. You have more room for errorif you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side of the lane.Do not move into the portion of

the lane farthest from the passingvehicle. It might invite the other driv-er to cut back into your lane tooearly.

15

PASSING BEING PASSED

PASSIN

GBEINGPASSED

LANE SHARINGCars and motorcycles need a full

lane to operate safely. Lane sharing isusually prohibited.

Riding between rows of stoppedor moving cars in the same lane canleave you vulnerable to the unexpect-ed. A hand could come out of a win-dow; a door could open; a car couldturn suddenly. Discourage lane shar-ing by others. Keep a center-portionposition whenever drivers might betempted to squeeze by you. Driversare most tempted to do this:• In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic.• When they want to pass you.• When you are preparing to turn at

an intersection.• When you are moving into an exit

lane or leaving a highway.

MERGING CARSDrivers on an entrance ramp may

not see you on the highway. Givethem plenty of room. Change toanother lane if one is open. If there is

no room for a lane change, adjustspeed to open up space for the merg-ing driver.

CARS ALONGSIDEDo not ride next to cars or trucks

in other lanes if you do not have to.You might be in the blind spot of acar in the next lane, which couldswitch into your lane without warn-ing. Cars in the next lane also blockyour escape if you come upon dangerin your own lane. Speed up or dropback to find a place clear of traffic onboth sides.

16

MERGING

BLIND SPOTS

4 Test Yourself

Usually, a good way to handle tail-gaters is to:A. Change lanes and let them pass.B. Use your horn and make obscene

gestures.C. Speed up to put distance between

you and the tailgater.D. Ignore them.

Answer — page 40

LANESHARING

SEEGood experienced riders remain

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

Let’s examine each of these steps.

SEARCHSearch aggressively ahead, to the

sides and behind to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise. Howassertively you search, and how muchtime and space you have, can elimi-nate or reduce harm. Focus evenmore on finding potential escaperoutes in or around intersections,shopping areas, school and construc-tion zones.

Search for factors such as:• Oncoming traffic that may turn

left in front of you.• Traffic coming from the left and

right.• Traffic approaching from behind.• Hazardous road conditions.

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

EVALUATEThink about how hazards can

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

• Road and surface characteristics— Potholes, guardrails, bridges,telephone poles and trees won’tmove into your path but may influ-ence your riding strategy.

• Traffic control devices— Lookfor traffic signals, including regula-tory signs, warning signs, andpavement markings, to help youevaluate circumstances ahead.

• Vehicles and other traffic— Maymove into your path and increasethe likelihood of a crash.

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

EXECUTECarry out your decision.

To create more space andminimize harm from any hazard:• Communicate your presence with

lights and/or horn.• Adjust your speed by accelerating,

stopping or slowing.• Adjust your position and/or

direction.Apply the old adage “one step at

a time” to handle two or morehazards. Adjust speed to permit twohazards to separate. Then deal withthem one at a time as single hazards.Decision-making becomes morecomplex with three or more hazards.Weigh the consequences of each andgive equal distance to the hazards.

17

SEE

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

INTERSECTIONSThe greatest potential for conflict

between you and other traffic is atintersections. An intersection can bein the middle of an urban area or at adriveway on a residential street —anywhere traffic may cross your pathof travel. Over one-half of motorcy-cle/car crashes are caused by driversentering a rider’s right-of-way. Carsthat turn left in front of you, includ-ing cars turning left from the lane toyour right, and cars on side streetsthat pull into your lane, are thebiggest dangers. Your use of SEE[p. 17] at intersections is critical.

There are no guarantees thatothers see you. Never count on “eyecontact” as a sign that a driver willyield. Too often, a driver looks rightat a motorcyclist and still fails to“see” him. The only eyes that youcan count on are your own. If a carcan enter your path, assume that itwill. Good riders are always “lookingfor trouble” — not to get into it, butto stay out of it.

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

18

5 Test Yourself

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

Answer — page 40

SMALL INTERSECTIONS

INTERSECTIONS

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

Reduce your speed as youapproach an intersection. After enter-ing the intersection, move away fromvehicles preparing to turn. Do notchange speed or position radically.The driver might think that you arepreparing to turn.

BLIND INTERSECTIONSIf you approach a blind intersec-

tion, move to the portion of the lanethat will bring you into another dri-ver’s field of vision at the earliestpossible moment. In this picture, therider has moved to the left portion ofthe lane — away from the parked car— so the driver on the cross streetcan see him as soon as possible.

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

19

LARGE INTERSECTIONS

BLIND INTERSECTIONS

If you have a stop sign or stopline, stop there first. Then edge for-ward and stop again, just short ofwhere the cross-traffic lane meets yourlane. From that position, lean yourbody forward and look around build-ings, parked cars, or bushes to see ifanything is coming. Just make sureyour front wheel stays out of the crosslane of travel while you’re looking.

PASSING PARKED CARSWhen passing parked cars, stay

toward the left of your lane. You canavoid problems caused by doorsopening, drivers getting out of cars,or people stepping from betweencars. If oncoming traffic is present, itis usually best to remain in thecenter-lane position to maximize yourspace cushion.

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

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

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

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

with your rear wheel touching thecurb.

20

STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS

6 Test Yourself

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

yield.D. Guarantees that the other driver

will yield to you.Answer — page 40

PARKING AT CURBS

PARKEDCARS

INCREASINGCONSPICUITY

In crashes with motorcyclists,drivers often say that they never sawthe motorcycle. From ahead orbehind, a motorcycle’s outline ismuch smaller than a car’s. Also, it’shard to see something you are notlooking for, and most drivers are notlooking for motorcycles. More likely,they are looking through the skinny,two-wheeled silhouette in search ofcars that may pose a problem tothem.

Even if a driver does see youcoming, you aren’t necessarily safe.Smaller vehicles appear farther away,and seem to be traveling slower thanthey actually are. It is common fordrivers to pull out in front of motor-cyclists, thinking they have plenty oftime. Too often, they are wrong.

However, you can do manythings to make it easier for others torecognize you and your motorcycle.

CLOTHINGMost crashes occur in broad

daylight. Wear bright colored clothingto increase your chances of beingseen. Remember, your body is half ofthe visible surface area of therider/motorcycle unit.

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

Any bright color is better thandrab or dark colors. Reflective, brightcolored clothing (helmet and jacketor vest) is best.

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

HEADLIGHTThe best way to help others see

your motorcycle is to keep theheadlight on — at all times(although motorcycles sold in theU.S. since 1978 automatically havethe headlights on when running.)Studies show that, during the day, amotorcycle with its light on is twiceas likely to be noticed. Use lowbeam at night and in fog.

SIGNALSThe signals on a motorcycle are

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

However, due to a rider’s addedvulnerability, signals are even moreimportant. Use them anytime you

21

SIGNALING

CLOTHING

LIGHTS

SIGNALS

plan to change lanes or turn. Usethem even when you think no oneelse is around. It’s the car you don’tsee that’s going to give you the mosttrouble. Your signal lights also makeyou easier to spot. That’s why it’s agood idea to use your turn signalseven when what you plan to do isobvious.

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

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

BRAKE LIGHTYour motorcycle’s brake light is

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

• You slow more quickly than othersmight expect (turning off a high-speed highway).

• You slow where others may notexpect it (in the middle of a blockor at an alley).

If you are being followed closely,it’s a good idea to flash your brakelight before you slow. The tailgatermay be watching you and not seesomething ahead that will make youslow down. This will hopefully dis-courage them from tailgating andwarn them of hazards ahead they maynot see.

USING YOUR MIRRORSWhile it’s most important to keep

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

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

• When you are stopped at an inter-section. Watch cars coming up frombehind. If the driver isn’t payingattention, he could be on top of youbefore he sees you.

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

• Before you slow down. The driverbehind may not expect you to slow,or may be unsure about where youwill slow. For example, you signala turn and the driver thinks youplan to turn at a distant intersection,rather than at a nearer driveway.

22

USINGYOURMIRRORS

Some motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors. These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors. They also make carsseem farther away than they reallyare. If you are not used to convexmirrors, get familiar with them.(While you are stopped, pick out aparked car in your mirror. Form amental image of how far away it is.Then, turn around and look at it tosee how close you came.) Practicewith your mirrors until you become agood judge of distance. Even then,allow extra distance before youchange lanes.

HEAD CHECKSChecking your mirrors is not

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

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

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

HORNBe ready to use your horn to get

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

beep before passing anyone that maymove into your lane.

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

driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass.

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

• Someone is in the street, riding abicycle or walking.

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

Keep in mind that a motorcycle’shorn isn’t as loud as a car’s, there-fore, use it, but don’t rely on it. Otherstrategies may be appropriate alongwith the horn.

23

USING MIRRORS HEADCHECKS

HORN

RIDING AT NIGHTAt night it is harder for you to see

and be seen. Picking your headlightor taillight out of the car lightsaround you is not easy for otherdrivers. To compensate, you should:• Reduce Your Speed— Ride even

slower than you would during theday — particularly on roads youdon’t know well. This willincrease your chances of avoidinga hazard.

• Increase Distance— Distances areharder to judge at night thanduring the day. Your eyes relyupon shadows and light contraststo determine how far away anobject is and how fast it iscoming. These contrasts aremissing or distorted underartificial lights at night. Open upa three-second following distanceor more. And allow more distanceto pass and be passed.

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

• Use Your High Beam— Get allthe light you can. Use your highbeam whenever you are notfollowing or meeting a car. Bevisible, wear reflective materialswhen riding at night.

• Be flexible about lane position.Change to whatever portion of

the lane is best able to help yousee, be seen, and keep an ade-quate space cushion.

CRASH AVOIDANCENo matter how careful you are,

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

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

Studies show that most crash-involved riders:• Underbrake the front tire and

overbrake the rear.• Did not separate braking from

swerving or did not choose swerv-ing when it was appropriate.

The following information offerssome good advice.

QUICK STOPSTo stop quickly, apply both brakes

at the same time. Don’t be shy aboutusing the front brake, but don’t “grab”it, either. Squeeze the brake lever firm-ly and progressively. If the front wheellocks, release the front brake immedi-ately then reapply it firmly. At thesame time, press down on the rearbrake. If you accidentally lock the rearbrake on a good traction surface, youcan keep it locked until you have com-pletely stopped. Even with a lockedrear wheel, you can control the motor-

7 Test Yourself

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

Answer — page 40

NIGHTRIDING

CRASHAVOIDANCE

QUICKSTOPS

24

cycle on a straightaway if it is uprightand going in a straight line.

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

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

pressure is possible. You should“straighten” the handlebars in the lastfew feet of stopping, the motorcycleshould then be straight up and in bal-ance.

SWERVING OR TURNINGQUICKLY

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

A swerve is any sudden change indirection. It can be two quick turns,or a rapid shift to the side. Apply asmall amount of hand pressure to thehandgrip located on the side of yourintended direction of escape. Thiswill cause the motorcycle to leanquickly. The sharper the turn(s), themore the motorcycle must lean.

Keep your body upright andallow the motorcycle to lean in thedirection of the turn while keepingyour knees against the tank and your

25

STOPPING DISTANCE

SWERVE, THEN BRAKE BRAKE, THEN SWERVE

REAR

FRONT

BOTH

SWERVING

feet solidly on the footrests. Let themotorcycle move underneath you.Make your escape route the target ofyour vision. Press on the oppositehandgrip once you clear the obstacleto return you to your original direc-tion of travel. To swerve to the left,press the left handgrip, then press theright to recover. To swerve to theright, press right, then left.

IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED,SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING.

Brake before or after — neverwhile swerving.

CORNERINGA primary cause of single-vehicle

crashes is motorcyclists running widein a curve or turn and colliding withthe roadway or a fixed object.

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

Ride within your skill level andposted speed limits.

Your best path may not alwaysfollow the curve of the road. Changelane position depending on traffic,road conditions and curve of the road.

26

CONSTANT CURVES MULTIPLE CURVES

DECREASING CURVES WIDENING CURVES

CORNERING

If no traffic is present, start at theoutside of a curve to increase yourline of sight and the effective radiusof the turn. As you turn, movetoward the inside of the curve, and asyou pass the center, move to theoutside to exit.

Another alternative is to move tothe center of your lane beforeentering a curve — and stay thereuntil you exit. This permits you tospot approaching traffic as soon aspossible. You can also adjust fortraffic “crowding” the center line, ordebris blocking part of your lane.

HANDLING DANGEROUSSURFACES

Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increaseswhenever you ride across:• Uneven surfaces or obstacles.• Slippery surfaces.• Railroad tracks.• Grooves and gratings.

UNEVEN SURFACES ANDOBSTACLES

Watch for uneven surfaces suchas bumps, broken pavement,potholes, or small pieces of highwaytrash.

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

before contact.• Make sure the motorcycle is

straight.

27

8 Test Yourself

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

brake.D. Use both brakes at the same time.

Answer — page 40

OBSTACLES

DANGEROUSSURFACES

• Rise slightly off the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows, and avoid being thrown offthe motorcycle.

• Just before contact, roll on thethrottle slightly to lighten the frontend.

If you ride over an object on thestreet, pull off the road and checkyour tires and rims for damage beforeriding any farther.

SLIPPERY SURFACESMotorcycles handle better when

ridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction. Surfaces that provide poortraction include:• Wet pavement, particularly just

after it starts to rain and beforesurface oil washes to the side of theroad.

• Gravel roads, or where sand andgravel collect.

• Mud, snow, and ice.• Lane markings (painted lines),

steel plates and manhole covers,especially when wet.

To ride safely on slippery surfaces:• Reduce Speed— Slow down

before you get to a slippery surfaceto lessen your chances of skidding.Your motorcycle needs moredistance to stop. And, it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves.

• Avoid Sudden Moves— Anysudden change in speed or directioncan cause a skid. Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up, shiftgears, turn or brake.

• Use Both Brakes— The frontbrake is still effective, even on aslippery surface. Squeeze the brakelever gradually to avoid locking the

front wheel. Remember, gentlepressure on the rear brake.

• The center of a lane can behazardous when wet. When it startsto rain, ride in the tire tracks left bycars. Often, the left tire track willbe the best position, depending ontraffic and other road conditions aswell.

• Watch for oil spots when you putyour foot down to stop or park. Youmay slip and fall.

• Dirt and gravel collect along thesides of the road — especially oncurves and ramps leading to andfrom highways. Be aware of what’son the edge of the road, particularlywhen making sharp turns andgetting on or off freeways at highspeeds.

• Rain dries and snow melts fasteron some sections of a road than onothers. Patches of ice tend todevelop in low or shaded areas andon bridges and overpasses. Wetsurfaces or wet leaves are just asslippery. Ride on the least slipperyportion of the lane and reducespeed.

Cautious riders steer clear ofroads covered with ice or snow. Ifyou can’t avoid a slippery surface,keep your motorcycle straight up andproceed as slowly as possible. If youencounter a large surface so slipperythat you must coast, or travel at awalking pace, consider letting yourfeet skim along the surface. If themotorcycle starts to fall, you cancatch yourself. Be sure to keep offthe brakes. If possible, squeeze theclutch and coast. Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than theslowest of speeds could provehazardous.

28

RAILROAD TRACKS, TROLLEYTRACKS AND PAVEMENTSEAMS

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

For track and road seams that runparallel to your course, move farenough away from tracks, ruts, or

pavement seams to cross at an angleof at least 45°. Then, make a quick,sharp turn. Edging across couldcatch your tires and throw you offbalance.

GROOVES AND GRATINGSRiding over rain grooves or

bridge gratings may cause amotorcycle to weave. The uneasy,wandering feeling is generally nothazardous. Relax, maintain a steadyspeed and ride straight across.Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzagis far more hazardous than thewandering feeling.

CROSSTRACKS—RIGHT

CROSSTRACKS—WRONG

PARALLEL TRACKS—RIGHT

PARALLEL TRACKS—WRONG

GRATE CROSSINGS—RIGHT

GRATE CROSSINGS—WRONG

9 Test Yourself

When it starts to rain it is usually best to:A. Ride in the center of the lane.B. Pull off to the side until the rain

stops.C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars.D. Increase your speed.

Answer — page 40

29

TRACKSANDGRATINGS

MECHANICALPROBLEMSYou can find yourself in an

emergency the moment somethinggoes wrong with your motorcycle. Indealing with any mechanicalproblem, take into account the roadand traffic conditions you face. Hereare some guidelines that can help youhandle mechanical problems safely.

TIRE FAILUREYou will seldom hear a tire go

flat. If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently, it may be a tire failure.This can be dangerous. You must beable to tell from the way themotorcycle reacts. If one of your tiressuddenly loses air, react quickly tokeep your balance. Pull off andcheck the tires.

If the front tire goes flat, thesteering will feel “heavy.” A front-wheel flat is particularly hazardousbecause it affects your steering. Youhave to steer well to keep yourbalance.

If the rear tire goes flat, the backof the motorcycle may jerk or swayfrom side to side.

If either tire goes flat whileriding:• Hold handlegrips firmly, ease off

the throttle, and keep a straightcourse.

• If braking is required, however,gradually apply the brake of the tirethat isn’t flat, if you are sure whichone it is.

• When the motorcycle slows, edgeto the side of the road, squeezeclutch and stop.

STUCK THROTTLETwist the throttle back and forth

several times. If the throttle cable isstuck, this may free it. If the throttlestays stuck immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in theclutch at the same time. This willremove power from the rear wheel,though engine noise may notimmediately decline. Once themotorcycle is “under control,” pulloff and stop.

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

WOBBLEA “wobble” occurs when the

front wheel and handlebars suddenlystart to shake from side to side at anyspeed. Most wobbles can be traced toimproper loading, unsuitableaccessories, or incorrect tire pressure.If you are carrying a heavy load,lighten it. If you can’t, shift it. Centerthe weight lower and farther forwardon the motorcycle. Make sure tirepressure, spring pre-load, air shocks,and dampers are at the settingsrecommended for that much weight.Make sure windshields and fairingsare mounted properly.

Check for poorly adjustedsteering; worn steering parts; a frontwheel that is bent, misaligned, or outof balance; loose wheel bearings orspokes; and worn swingarm bearings.If none of these are determined to bethe cause, have the motorcyclechecked out thoroughly by a qualifiedprofessional.

Trying to “accelerate out of awobble” will only make themotorcycle more unstable. Instead:

30

MECHANICALPROBLEMS

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

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

• Move your weight as far forwardand down as possible.

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

CHAIN PROBLEMSA chain that slips or breaks while

you’re riding could lock the rearwheel and cause your cycle to skid.Chain slippage or breakage can beavoided by proper maintenance.• Slippage— If the chain slips when

you try to speed up quickly orride uphill, pull off the road.Check the chain and sprockets.Tightening the chain may help. Ifthe problem is a worn orstretched chain or worn or bentsprockets, replace the chain, thesprockets, or both before ridingagain.

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

ENGINE SEIZUREWhen the engine “locks” or

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

ANIMALSNaturally, you should do

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

Motorcycles seem to attract dogs.If you are chased, downshift andapproach the animal slowly. As youapproach it, accelerate away andleave the animal behind. Don’t kickat an animal. Keep control of yourmotorcycle, and look to where youwant to go.

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

10 Test Yourself

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

close the throttle gradually.D. Downshift.

Answer — page 40

11 Test Yourself

If you are chased by a dog:A. Kick it away.B. Stop until the animal loses interest.C. Swerve around the animal.D. Approach the animal slowly, then

speed up.Answer — page 40

31

FLYING OBJECTSFrom time to time riders are

struck by insects, cigarettes thrownfrom cars, or pebbles kicked up bythe tires of the vehicle ahead. If youare wearing face protection, it mightget smeared or cracked, making itdifficult to see. Without faceprotection, an object could hit you inthe eye, face, or mouth. Whateverhappens, keep your eyes on the roadand your hands on the handlebars.When safe, pull off the road andrepair the damage.

GETTING OFF THEROAD

If you need to leave the road tocheck the motorcycle (or just to restfor a while), be sure you:• Check the roadside— Make sure

the surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on. If it is softgrass, loose sand, or if you’re justnot sure about it, slow way downbefore you turn onto it.

• Signal— Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down. Give aclear signal that you will beslowing down and changingdirection. Check your mirror andmake a head check before youtake any action.

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

• Park carefully— Loose andsloped shoulders can make settingthe side or center stand difficult.

CARRYING PASSENGERSAND CARGO

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

EQUIPMENTTo carry passengers safely:

• Equip and adjust your motorcycleto carry passengers.

• Instruct the passenger before youstart.

• Adjust your riding technique forthe added weight.

Equipment should include:• A proper seat— large enough to

hold both of you withoutcrowding. You should not sit anyfarther forward than you usuallydo.

• Footrests— for the passenger.Firm footing prevents yourpassenger from falling off andpulling you off, too.

• Protective equipment— the sameprotective gear recommended foroperators.Adjust the suspension to handle

the additional weight. You willprobably need to add a few pounds ofpressure to the tires if you carry apassenger. (Check your owner’smanual for appropriate settings.)While your passenger sits on the seatwith you, adjust the mirror andheadlight according to the change inthe motorcycle’s angle.

32

FLYINGOBJECTS

GETTINGOFFTHEROAD

CARRYINGLOADS

INSTRUCTING PASSENGERSEven if your passenger is a

motorcycle rider, provide completeinstructions before you start. Tellyour passenger to:• Get on the motorcycle only after

you have started the engine.• Sit as far forward as possible

without crowding you.• Hold firmly to your waist, hips, or

belt, or to the bike’s passengerhandholds.

• Keep both feet on the footrests,even when stopped.

• Keep legs away from themuffler(s), chains or moving parts.

• Stay directly behind you, leaningas you lean.

• Avoid unnecessary talk or motion.Also, tell your passenger to

tighten his or her hold when you:• Approach surface problems.• Are about to start from a stop.• Warn that you will make a sudden

move.

RIDING WITH PASSENGERSYour motorcycle will respond

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

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

• Start slowing earlier as youapproach a stop.

• Open up a larger cushion of spaceahead and to the sides.

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

Warn your passenger of specialconditions — when you will pull out,stop quickly, turn sharply, or rideover a bump. Turn your head slightlyto make yourself understood, butkeep your eyes on the road ahead.

CARRYING LOADSMost motorcycles are not

designed to carry much cargo. Smallloads can be carried safely ifpositioned and fastened properly.• Keep the Load Low— Fasten

loads securely, or put them insaddle bags. Piling loads against asissybar or frame on the back of theseat raises the motorcycle’s centerof gravity and disturbs its balance.

• Keep the Load Forward— Placethe load over, or in front of, therear axle. Tank bags keep loadsforward, but use caution whenloading hard or sharp objects. Makesure tank bag does not interferewith handlebars or controls.Mounting loads behind the rearaxle can affect how the motorcycleturns and brakes. It can also cause awobble.

• Distribute the Load Evenly—Load saddlebags with about thesame weight. An uneven load cancause the motorcycle to drift to oneside.

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12 Test Yourself

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

Answer — page 40

CARRYINGPASSENGERS

• Secure the Load— Fasten theload securely with elastic cords(bungee cords or nets). Elasticcords with more than oneattachment point per side are moresecure. A tight load won’t catch inthe wheel or chain, causing it tolock up and skid. Rope tends tostretch and knots come loose,permitting the load to shift or fall.

• Check the Load— Stop and checkthe load every so often to makesure it has not worked loose ormoved.

GROUP RIDINGIf you ride with others, do it in a

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

KEEP THE GROUP SMALLSmall groups make it easier and

safer for car drivers who need to getaround them. A small number isn’tseparated as easily by traffic or redlights. Riders won’t always behurrying to catch up. If your group islarger than four or five riders, divideit up into two or more smaller groups.

KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER• Plan— The leader should look

ahead for changes and signal earlyso “the word gets back” in plentyof time. Start lane changes early topermit everyone to complete thechange.

• Put Beginners Up Front -— Placeinexperienced riders just behind theleader. That way the moreexperienced riders can watch themfrom the back.

• Follow Those Behind— Let thetailender set the pace. Use yourmirrors to keep an eye on theperson behind. If a rider fallsbehind, everyone should slow downa little to stay with the tailender.

• Know the Route— Make sureeveryone knows the route. Then, ifsomeone is separated they won’thave to hurry to keep from gettinglost or taking a wrong turn. Planfrequent stops on long rides.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCEMaintain close ranks but at the

same time keep a safe distance toallow each rider in the group timeand space to react to hazards. A closegroup takes up less space on thehighway, is easier to see and is lesslikely to be separated. However, itmust be done properly.Don’t Pair Up— Never operate

directly alongside another rider.There is no place to go if youhave to avoid a car or somethingon the road. To talk, wait untilyou are both stopped.

Staggered Formation— This is thebest way to keep ranks close yetmaintain an adequate spacecushion. The leader rides in theleft side of the lane, while thesecond rider stays one second

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STAGGERED FORMATION

GROUPRIDING

behind in the right side of thelane.A third rider maintains in the left

position, two seconds behind the firstrider. The fourth rider would keep atwo-second distance behind thesecond rider. This formation keepsthe group close and permits eachrider a safe distance from othersahead, behind and to the sides.• Passing in Formation— Riders in

a staggered formation should passone at a time.

• First, the lead rider should pullout and pass when it is safe. Afterpassing, the leader should return tothe left position and continue ridingat passing speed to open room forthe next rider.

• After the first rider passes safely,the second rider should move up tothe left position and watch for asafe chance to pass. After passing,this rider should return to the rightposition and open up room for thenext rider.

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

to move into a single-file forma-tion when riding curves, turning,entering or leaving a highway.

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GROUP PASSING (Stage 1) GROUP PASSING (Stage 2)

13 Test Yourself

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

Answer — page 40

WHYTHIS INFORMATIONIS IMPORTANT

Alcohol is a major contributor tomotorcycle crashes, particularly fatalcrashes. Studies show that 40% to45% of all riders killed in motorcyclecrashes had been drinking. Only one-third of those riders had a blood alco-hol concentration above legal limits.The rest had only a few drinks intheir systems — enough to impairriding skills. In the past, drug levelshave been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated from drink-ing violations for the traffic records.But riding “under the influence” ofeither alcohol or drugs poses physicaland legal hazards for every rider.

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

By becoming knowledgeableabout the effects of alcohol and other

drugs you will see that riding andsubstance abuse don’t mix. Take posi-tive steps to protect yourself and pre-vent others from injuring themselves.

ALCOHOLAND OTHERDRUGS IN MOTORCYCLEOPERATION

No one is immune to the effectsof alcohol or drugs. Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs, but alco-hol or drugs make them less able tothink clearly and perform physicaltasks skillfully. Judgment and thedecision-making processes needed forvehicle operation are affected longbefore legal limitations are reached.

Many over-the-counter, prescrip-tion, and illegal drugs have sideeffects that increase the risk of riding.It is difficult to accurately measurethe involvement of particular drugs inmotorcycle crashes. But we do knowwhat effects various drugs have onthe process involved in riding amotorcycle. We also know that thecombined effects of alcohol and otherdrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone.

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

attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle, identifyingpotential hazards, making good judgments, and executing decisions quickly andskillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road and trafficconditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and other drugs,more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly and to ridesafely. As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance.

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

BEINGINSHAPETORIDE

ALCOHOLANDDRUGS

ALCOHOL IN THE BODYAlcohol enters the bloodstream

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

BLOOD ALCOHOLCONCENTRATION

Blood Alcohol Concentration orBAC is the amount of alcohol inrelation to blood in the body.Generally, alcohol can be eliminatedin the body at the rate of almost onedrink per hour. But a variety of otherfactors may also influence the levelof alcohol retained. The more alcoholin your blood, the greater the degreeof impairment.

Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC:• The amount of alcohol you

consume.• How fast you drink.• Your body weight.

Other factors also contribute tothe way alcohol affects your system.Your sex, physical condition and foodintake are just a few that may causeyour BAC level to be even higher.But the full effects of these are notcompletely known. Alcohol may stillaccumulate in your body even ifyou are drinking at a rate of onedrink per hour. Abilities andjudgment can be affected by that onedrink.

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

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

Without taking into account anyof the other factors, these examplesillustrate why time is a critical factorwhen a rider decides to drink.

A person drinking:• Seven drinks over the span of three

hours would have at least four (7 -3 = 4) drinks remaining in theirsystem at the end of three hours.They would need at least another

ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION

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BLOODALCOHOLCONCENTRATION

four hours to eliminate the fourremaining drinks before theyconsider riding.

• Four drinks over the span of twohours would have at least two(4 - 2 = 2) drinks remaining in theirsystem at the end of the two hours.They would need at least anothertwo hours to eliminate the tworemaining drinks before theyconsider riding.

There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as high aconcentration of alcohol for each drinkconsumed. They have more blood andother bodily fluids. But because ofindividual differences it is better not totake the chance that abilities andjudgment have not been affected.Whether or not you are legallyintoxicated is not the real issue.Impairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit.

ALCOHOLAND THE LAWYour chances of being stopped

for riding under the influence ofalcohol are increasing. Lawenforcement is being stepped upacross the country in response to thesenseless deaths and injuries causedby drinking drivers and riders.

In Missouri, if you are less than21 years of age and arrested orstopped with a .020% or more BAC,your license will be suspended orrevoked (taken away). If your BACis .08% or more, you will also haveto go to court on the traffic charge.The breath or urine test is whatusually determines whether you areriding legally or illegally.

CONSEQUENCES OFCONVICTION

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

small fine and participation inalcohol-abuse classes. Today the lawsof most states impose stiff penaltieson drinking operators. And thosepenalties are mandatory, meaning thatjudges must impose them.

If you are convicted of ridingunder the influence of alcohol ordrugs, you may receive any of thefollowing penalties:• License Suspension— Mandatory

suspension for conviction, arrest orrefusal to submit to a breath test.

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

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

• Costs— Additional lawyer’s feesto pay; lost work time spent incourt or alcohol-educationprograms; public transportationcosts (while your license issuspended); and the addedpsychological costs of being taggeda “drunk driver.”

MINIMIZE THE RISKSYour ability to judge how well

you are riding is affected first.Although you may be performingmore and more poorly, you think youare doing better and better. The resultis that you ride confidently, takinggreater and greater risks. Minimizethe risks of drinking and riding bytaking steps before you drink. Controlyour drinking or control your riding.

DON’T DRINKDon’t Drink— Once you start,

your resistance becomes weaker.38

ALCOHOLANDTHELAW

MINIMIZERISKS

Setting a limit or pacing yourselfare poor alternatives at best. Yourability to exercise good judgment isone of the first things affected byalcohol. Even if you have tried todrink in moderation, you may notrealize to what extent your skills havesuffered from alcohol’s fatiguingeffects.Or, Don’t Ride— If you

haven’t controlled your drinking, youmust control your riding.• Leave the motorcycle— so you

won’t be tempted to ride. Arrangeanother way to get home.

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

STEP IN TOPROTECT FRIENDS

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

There are several ways to keepfriends from hurting themselves:• Arrange a safe ride— Provide

alternative ways for them to gethome.

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

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

• Get friends involved — Use peer

pressure from a group of friends tointervene.

It helps to enlist support fromothers when you decide to step in. Themore people on your side, the easier itis to be firm and the harder it is for therider to resist. While you may not bethanked at the time, you will neverhave to say, “If only I had...”

FATIGUERiding a motorcycle is more

tiring than driving a car. On a longtrip, you’ll tire sooner than youwould in a car. Avoid riding whentired. Fatigue can affect your controlof the motorcycle.• Protect yourself from the elements

— Wind, cold, and rain make youtire quickly. Dress warmly. Awindshield is worth its cost if youplan to ride long distances.

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

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

• Don’t drink or use drugs—Artificial stimulants often result inextreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off. Riders areunable to concentrate on the task athand.

14 Test Yourself

If you wait one hour per drink for thealcohol to be eliminated from yourbody before riding:A. You cannot be arrested for drink-

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

affected.C. Side effects from the drinking may

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

ride slowly.Answer — page 40

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FATIGUE

EARNINGYOUR LICENSESafe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best meas-

urement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your ownskills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. Licensingexams are designed to be scored more objectively.

In Missouri, you must have a Class M motorcycle license or permit, or adriver license with the M endorsement if you operate a motorcycle ormotortricycle on public roadways.

You may apply for a temporary motorcycle instruction permit at 15 1/2years of age (15 years and 182 days). This permit will only be issued if youhave successfully completed an approved motorcycle rider training course(MRTC). You must also pass the Class F and Class M written, vision and roadsign tests and have the written consent of your parent or legal guardian. Thecost of the permit is $6.25 ($2.75 of this fee applies to the MRTC).NOTE: The following restrictions apply to all Missouri motorcycle instruction

permit holders that are under age 16:• Engine with a displacement of not greater than 250 cc• No passengers• 50 mile limit from the operator’s home address• Daylight driving only

If you are 16 years of age, you may apply for a temporary motorcycleinstruction permit. You must pass the Class M written test, but you do not haveto take the MRTC. The cost of the permit is $3.50. If you do not have a driverlicense, you can take the Class F and Class M written tests to receive amotorcycle permit (Class F with an M endorsement).

Applicant’s who are 15 1/2 to 18 years of age must also comply withGraduated Driver License eligibility requirements and restrictions. Refer to theDepartment of Revenue web site at www.dor.mo.gov/mvdl/drivers/ for details.

When you are ready, you may take the motorcycle skills test (MSHP orMRTC) to be motorcycle qualified. The cost of a Class M motorcycle license is$10.00 for a 3-year license and $20.00 for a 6-year license.

To earn your license, you must pass a knowledge test and an on-motorcycleskill test. Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices andideas from this manual. They require that you know and understand road rulesand safe riding practices. An on-motorcycle skill test will either be conducted inan actual traffic environment or in a controlled, off-street area._________________________________________________________________

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EARNINGYOURLICENSE

Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)1. C 2. D 3. D 4. A 5. B6. C 7. D 8. D 9. C 10. C11. D 12. A 13. A 14. C

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KNOWLEDGETEST

KNOWLEDGE TEST(Sample Questions.)

1. It is MOST important to flashyour brake light when:

A. Someone is following too closely.B. You will be slowing suddenly.C. There is a stop sign ahead.D. Your signals are not working.

2. The FRONT brake supplies howmuch of the potential stoppingpower?

A. About one-quarterB. About one-halfC. About three-quartersD. All of the stopping power

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

of the turn.D. Press the handgrip in the opposite

direction of the turn.

4. If a tire goes flat while riding andyou must stop, it is usually best to:

A. Relax on the handlegrips.B. Shift your weight toward the good

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

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

5. The car below is waiting to enterthe intersection. It is best to:

A. Make eye contact with the driver.B. Reduce speed and be ready to react.C. Maintain speed and position.D. Maintain speed and move right.

_________________________________________________________________Answers to above Knowledge Test: 1. B 2. C 3. C 4. C 5. B_________________________________________________________________

ON-MOTORCYCLE SKILL TESTBasic vehicle control and crash-avoidance skills are included in on-

motorcycle tests to determine your ability to handle normal and hazardoustraffic situations.

You may be tested for your abilityto:• Know your motorcycle and your

riding limits.• Accelerate, brake, and turnsafely.

• See, be seen and communicate withothers.

• Adjust speed and position to thetraffic situation.

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

them out.

Examiners may score on factorsrelated to safety such as:• Selecting safe speeds to perform

maneuvers.• Choosing the correct path and

staying within boundaries.• Completing normal and quick

stops.• Completing normal and quick

turns, or swerves.

ON-MOTORCYCLESKILLTEST

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IMPORTANT NOTE: If you plan to take the MRTC (in addition to, or in lieuof testing by the Missouri State Highway Patrol), please note that only MissouriMotorcycle Safety Program courses are acceptable for the purpose of obtaininga Missouri motorcycle license/permit. To locate an approved course near you,please contact the Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program at (800) 801-3588, orvisit their web site at www.mmsp.org

To receive a motorcycle license with full privileges, moststates require that maneuvers be performed as designed.

On-motorcycle skill tests are not designed for sidecars or three-wheelvehicles. Those vehicles maneuver differently than a two-wheeledmotorcycle. Depending on the state, a driver examiner may follow you on acar test-route. Restrictions (sidecar, three-wheeled vehicle) may be addeduntil completion of a two-wheel motorcycle test.

_________________________________________________________________

Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only and arenot to correct scale for size of vehicles and distances.________________________________________________________________

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IS LICENSING REQUIRED FOR A SCOOTER/MOPED?Licensing depends partly on the ‘cc’ displacement of the engine in the scooter/moped (motorized bicycle). The definition of a motorized bicycle (as opposedto a motorcycle) is as follows:

“Any two-wheeler or three-wheeled device having an automatictransmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty (50)cubic centimeters, which produces less than three (3) gross brake horsepower,and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more thanthirty (30) miles per hour on level ground.”

If the scooter/moped qualifies as a motorized bicycle, you must have a validdriver license, though no motorcycle endorsement is required. A motorizedbicycle does not have to be registered with the Missouri Department ofRevenue.

Keep in mind that “no motorized bicycle may be operated on any publicthoroughfare located within this state which has been designated as part of thefederal interstate highway system.”

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Printing and distribution courtesy ofMotorcycle Safety Foundation

2 Jenner Street, Suite 150, Irvine CA 92618-3806http://www.msf-usa.org

Second Revision . . . . . . .December 1978Third Revision . . . . . . . . . .February 1981Fourth Revision . . . . . . . . . .January 1983Fifth Revision . . . . . . . . . . .October 1987Sixth Revision . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 1991Seventh Revision . . . . . .September 1992

Eight Revision . . . . . . . . . . .January 1999Ninth Revision . . . . . . . . . . .March 2000Tenth Revision . . . . . . . . . .January 2002Eleventh Revision . . . . . . . . . . .July 2002Twelfth Revision . . . . . . . . . . .May 2004Thirteenth Revision . . . . . . . . . .July 2006

MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE. . .SO DOES PROFESSIONALTRAINING

Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate, fun to ride and easy to park.Unfortunately, many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safely.

Professional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them forreal world traffic situations. Motorcycle RiderCourses® teach and improve suchskills as:• Effective turning • Braking maneuvers • Protective apparel selection• Obstacle avoidance • Traffic strategies • Maintenance

For the basic or experiencedRiderCourse nearest you,call toll-free: (800) 446-9227

The Motorcycle SafetyFoundation's (MSF) purpose isto improve the safety ofmotorcyclists on the nation'sstreets and highways. In anattempt to reduce motorcycle crashesand injuries, the Foundation hasprograms in rider education, licensingimprovement, public information andstatistics. These programs aredesigned for both motorcyclists andmotorists. A national not-for-profitorganization, MSF is sponsored byBMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson,Honda, Kawasaki, KTM,Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Victory andYahama.

The information contained in thispublication is offered for the benefitof those who have an interest inriding motorcycles. The informationhas been compiled from publications,

interviews andobservations ofindividuals and

organizations familiarwith the use of

motorcycles, accessories,and training. Because thereare many differences in

product design, riding styles, Federal,State and local laws, there may beorganizations and individuals whohold differing opinions. Consult yourlocal regulatory agencies forinformation concerning the operationof motorcycles in your area. Althoughthe MSF will continue to research,field test and publish responsibleviewpoints on the subject, itdisclaims any liability for the viewsexpressed herein.

Printed in USA 000254

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Safety is on Your ShouldersSince 1931, 27 Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers havebeen killed in the line of duty. Eight of those officers werekilled after being struck by a vehicle, whose driver was eitherimpaired or not paying attention. The number onecontributing circumstance to traffic crashes in Missouri isdriver inattention. Please slow down and move over awayfrom stationary emergency vehicles along the side of theroad with their emergency equipment activated. IT’S THELAW.

The law (Section 304.022, RSMo.)requires motorists to yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to aposition parallel to, and as far aspossible to the right of, the traveledportion of the highway and thereuponstop and remain in such position untilsuch emergency vehicle has passed,

except when otherwise directed by a police or traffic officer.

A revision to the law, which became effective August 28,2002, requires motorists upon approaching a stationaryemergency vehicle displaying lighted red or red and bluelights to:

(1) Proceed with caution and yield the right-of-way, ifpossible, with due regard to safety and traffic conditions,by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to thatof the stationary vehicle, if on a roadway having at leastfour lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in thesame direction as the approaching vehicle; or

(2) Proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of thevehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, ifchanging lanes would be unsafe or impossible.

Violation of this section is a class A misdemeanor.

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