The number of motorcycles on our

roadways is increasing every year.

Currently, there are nearly 270,000

motorcycles on Illinois roads.

Because of their size and

vulnerability in a crash, it is

important to take special

precautions when riding a

motorcycle. Learning and then

practicing proper cycling skills can significantly reduce the

risk of an accident.

This Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual provides

information that will help you learn how to operate your

motorcycle safely and skillfully. Information needed for the

Illinois Secretary of State motorcycle license exams also is

included. I hope you will use this resource not only as a

study aid, but as a tool to develop your motorcycling skills.

In addition to studying this manual when preparing for your

motorcycle exams, please review the Illinois Rules of the

Road booklet as well. This booklet provides an overview of

important traffic safety laws. Motorcycle riders have the

same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. By

obeying traffic laws and practicing good motorcycling skills

you will ensure not only your safety but the safety of others

who share the road with you.

Jesse WhiteSecretary of State

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OverviewMotorcycle Classification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Instruction Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4License Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Motorcycle Traffic Laws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Preparing to RideHelmet Use/Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Eye and Face Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Know Your Motorcycle and Your ResponsibilitiesBorrowing and Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Get Familiar with the Controls . . . . . . . . . 8Check Your Motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9Your Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Motorcycle Control and OperationBody Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Shifting Gears. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12Keeping Your Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Lane Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13Following Another Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 13-14Being Followed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Passing and Being Passed. . . . . . . . . . 14-15Lane Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Merging Vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16Vehicles Alongside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16SIPDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17Intersections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19Passing Parked Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Parking at the Roadside and Curbs . . . . 19

Being SeenClothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Using Your Mirrors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22Head Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Riding at Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

Crash AvoidanceQuick Stops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-24Swerving or Turning Quickly . . . . . . . . . . 24Cornering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25

Dangerous SurfacesUneven Surfaces and Obstacles . . . . . . . 26Slippery Surfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Tracks and Pavement Seams . . . . . . . 27-28Grooves and Gratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Mechanical ProblemsTire Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Stuck Throttle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Wobble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Chain Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Engine Seizure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

ObstaclesAnimals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Flying Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Getting Off the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Carrying Passengers and CargoEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Instructing Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Riding with Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Carrying Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-32

Protect Yourself and OthersGroup Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33Alcohol and Other Drugs . . . . . . . . . . 33-36Fatigue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Earning Your Motorcycle LicenseSkills Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-39Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-40Knowledge Test — Sample Questions . . 41Knowledge Test/Test Yourself Answers . 41Motorcycle Rider Safety Training Program Regional Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Classification Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4

OverviewMotorcycle ClassificationIllinois driver’s licenses are classifiedaccording to the type and weight of thevehicles to be driven. There are twoclassifications for motorcycle licenses:

Class L: Any motor-driven cycle withless than 150cc displacement.

Class M: Any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.

To obtain a motorcycle classificationon your driver’s license, you mustpass a separate motorcycle examination(see pages 36-39). Drivers age 16 or 17wishing to obtain a motorcycle licensealso must successfully complete amotorcycle training course approved bythe Illinois Department of Transportation(IDOT). Persons age 18 and over whosuccessfully complete an IDOT motorcycletraining course are not required to pass a written ordriving examination at a Driver Services facility.

Instruction PermitsMotor-Driven Cycle — Persons age 16 or 17 who have successfully completeddriver education, may apply for a 24-month instruction permit to operate amotor-driven cycle (under 150cc). The permit allows driving only duringdaylight hours, under the direct supervision of a licensed motor-driven cycleoperator age 21 or older with at least one year driving experience.

Motorcycle — Persons age 18 or older may apply for a 12-month instructionpermit to operate a motorcycle other than a motor-driven cycle. The permitallows driving only during daylight hours, under the direct supervision of alicensed motorcycle operator age 21 or older with at least one year drivingexperience. A 24-month instruction permit for a Class M license may be issuedto an applicant under age 18 only after successful completion of an approveddriver education course and after successful completion of an IDOTMotorcycle Rider Education Course.

Rental/Out-Of-State Drivers — A person must have a valid driver’s licensewith the appropriate motorcycle classification to rent a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Out-of-state drivers may drive for the period during which theyare in Illinois, providing they have a valid driver’s license for motorcycleoperation from their home state or country.

Moped Operators — Motorized pedalcycles, often called mopeds, are low-

5

speed, two-wheeled vehicles. They can be pedaled like a bicycle or driven likea motorcycle. Mopeds are intended for limited use on public roadways.Moped drivers must carry a valid driver’s license and obey all signs, signalsand traffic laws. Moped operators are not required to obtain a motorcycleclassification.

License PlatesAll motorcycles and motor-driven cycles must have a license plate whenoperated on streets or highways. Different license plate series are assigned tomotorcycles and motor-driven cycles; therefore, the correct pistondisplacement must appear on your license plate registration application. Iftrading from one classification to another (less than 150cc or 150cc and over),the license plate must be sent to the Secretary of State, along withapplications for transfer and title.

Motorcycle Traffic LawsMotorcycle drivers must obey all traffic laws, signs and signals in the sameway as other drivers. Motorcycle drivers are prohibited from passing betweentwo other vehicles going in the same direction unless there is anunobstructed traffic lane available to permit such passing safely. They alsoare prohibited from passing on the right unless there is unobstructedpavement at least 8-feet wide to the right of the vehicle being passed. Anyperson who operates a motorcycle on one wheel is guilty of reckless driving.

Preparing to RideBefore taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to: • Wear the right gear. • Become familiar with the motorcycle.• Check the motorcycle equipment.• Be a responsible rider.

6

You have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury in a crash if you wear:• Helmet (A helmet is not required under Illinois law; however, a rider who

wears a properly fitted helmet greatly reduces the chance of a fatal headinjury in an accident.)

• Face or eye protection, and• Protective clothing.

Helmet Use/SelectionMotorcycle crashes are common, particularly among beginning riders. Oneout of every five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries. Crashanalyses show that head and neck injuries account for a majority of seriousand fatal injuries to motorcyclists. Research also shows that, with fewexceptions, head and neck injuries are reduced by the proper wearing of anapproved helmet.

Some riders do not wear helmets because they think helmets will limit theirview to the sides. Others wear helmets only on long trips or when riding athigh speeds. Following are some facts to consider:• An approved helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary. A study of

more than 900 motorcycle crashes, where 40 percent of the riders worehelmets, did not find even one case in which a helmet kept a rider fromspotting danger.

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

• Most riders are riding slower than 30 mph when a crash occurs. At thesespeeds, helmets can cut both the number and the severity of head injuriesby half.

No matter what the speed, helmeted riders are three times more likely tosurvive head injuries than those not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

There are two primarytypes of helmets, providingtwo levels of coverage:three-quarter and full face.You get the mostprotection by making surethat any helmet:• Meets U.S. Department

of Transportation andstate standards.

• Fits snugly all the wayaround.

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

Whatever helmet you wear, keep it securely fastened on your head when youride. Otherwise, if you are involved in a crash, it is likely to fly off your head.

Eye and Face ProtectionA plastic shatter-resistant faceshield can help protect your whole face in a

Helmets

7

crash. It also protects you from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and pebblesthrown from cars ahead. These problems are distracting and can be painful,and divert your attention from concentrating on the road.

Goggles protect your eyes, although they will not protect the rest of your facelike a faceshield does. A windshield is not a substitute for a faceshield orgoggles. Most windshields will not protect your eyes from the wind. Neitherwill eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses will not keep your eyes from wateringand they may blow off when you turn your head while riding.

To be effective, eye or faceshield protection must:• Be free of scratches.• Be resistant to penetration.• Give a clear view to either side.• Fasten securely so it does not blow off.• Permit air to pass through to reduce fogging.• Permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

Tinted eye protection should not be worn at night or any other time whenlittle light is available.

ClothingThe right clothing protects you in a crash. It also provides comfort as well asprotection from heat, cold, debris, and hot and moving parts of themotorcycle.• Jacket and pants should cover arms and legs completely. They should fit

snugly enough to keep from flapping in the wind, yet loosely enough tomove freely. Leather offers the most protection. Sturdy synthetic materialalso provides a lot of protection. Wear a jacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration. Many are designed to protect without getting youoverheated, even on summer days.

• Boots or shoes should be high and sturdy enough to cover your ankles andgive them support. Soles should be made of hard, durable, slip-resistantmaterial. Keep heels short so they do not catch on rough surfaces. Tuck inlaces so they won’t catch on your motorcycle.

• Gloves allow a better grip and help protect your hands in a crash. Yourgloves should be made of leather or similar durable material.

In cold or wet weather, yourclothes should keep you warmand dry, as well as protect youfrom injury. Riding for longperiods in cold weather cancause severe chill and fatigue. Awinter jacket should resist windand fit snugly at the neck, wristsand waist. Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle ridingresist tearing apart or ballooningup at high speeds.

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

windshield.b. Only protects your eyes.c. Helps protect your whole face.d. Does not protect your face as

well as goggles.

Answer — page 41

1. Test Yourself

Know Your Motorcycle and Your ResponsibilitiesMany things on the highway can cause you trouble. Your motorcycle shouldnot be one of them. To make sure your motorcycle won’t let you down:• Read the owner’s manual first.• Start with the right motorcycle for you. Your motorcycle should “fit” you.

Your feet should reach the ground while you are seated on the motorcycle.• 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 harder to handle.

Borrowing and LendingBorrowers and lenders of motorcycles beware. Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders especially in the first months of riding. Riding anunfamiliar motorcycle adds to the problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, getfamiliar with it in a controlled area. And if you lend your motorcycle out, makesure the driver is licensed and knows how to ride.

No matter how experienced you may be, ride extra carefully on any motorcyclethat is new or unfamiliar to you. More than half of all crashes occur onmotorcycles ridden by the operator with less than six months of experience.

Get Familiar with the ControlsFamiliarize yourself completely with the motorcycle and review the owner’smanual before you take the motorcycle out on the street (see diagram on page9). This is particularly important if you are riding a borrowed motorcycle.

If you are going to use an unfamiliar motorcycle:• Make all the checks you would on your own motorcycle.• Find out where everything is, particularly the turn signals, horn, headlight

switch, fuel-control valve and engine cut-off switch. Find and operate theseitems without having to look for them.

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

• Ride very cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. • Accelerate gently, take turns more slowly and leave extra room for stopping.

Check Your MotorcycleA motorcycle needs more frequentattention than a car. If somethingis wrong with the motorcycle, youwill want to find out about itbefore you get in traffic. Make acomplete check of yourmotorcycle before every ride.Before mounting the motorcycle,make the following checks:• Tires — Check the air pressure,

general wear and tread.

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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 six months.

Answer — page 41

2. Test Yourself

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• Fluids — Oil and fluid levels. At a minimum, check hydraulic fluids andcoolants weekly. Look under the motorcycle for signs of an oil or gas leak.

• Headlights and Taillight — Check them both. Test your switch to makesure both high and low beams are working.

• Turn Signals — Turn on both turn signals. Make sure all lights are workingproperly.

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

Once you have mounted the motorcycle, complete the following checksbefore starting out:• Clutch and Throttle — Make sure they work smoothly. The throttle should

snap back when you let go. The clutch should feel tight and smooth.• Mirrors — Clean and adjust both mirrors before starting. It is difficult to

ride with one hand while you try to adjust a mirror. Adjust each mirror soyou can see the lane behind you and as much as possible of the lane nextto you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your armor shoulder, but it is the road behind and to the side that is mostimportant.

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

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

In addition to the checks you should make before every trip, check thefollowing items at least once a week: wheels, cables, fasteners and fluids.Follow your owner’s manual for recommendations.

Light Switch(High-Low)

ElectricStart Button

ThrottleEngine Cut-Off Switch

Left TurnSignal Switch

Right Turn Signal Switch

Gear Change Lever

Rear Brake Pedal

Kick Starter(if equipped)

Fuel Supply Valve

ClutchLever

Front BrakeLever

Tachometer(if equipped)

Speedometerand Odometer

Ignition Key

Horn

1 0

Your ResponsibilitiesAs a motorcycle rider, you cannot be sure that other motorists will see you oryield the right of way. To lessen your risk of a crash:• Be visible — wear proper clothing, use your headlight, ride in the best lane

position to see and be seen.• Communicate your intentions — use the proper signals, brake light and

lane position.• Maintain an adequate space cushion — following, being followed, lane

sharing, passing and being passed.• Scan your path of travel 12 seconds ahead.• Identify and separate multiple hazards.• Be prepared to act — remain alert and know how to carry out proper

crash-avoidance skills.

The ability to ride aware, make critical decisions and carry them outseparates responsible riders from all the rest. Remember, it is up to you tokeep from being the cause of, or an unprepared participant in, any crash.

Motorcycle Control and OperationThis manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.Those are things you can learn only through practice. But control begins withknowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing andobeying the rules of the road.

Body PositionTo control a motorcycle well, follow these guidelines:• Posture — Sit so you can use your arms to steer the motorcycle rather

than to hold yourself up.• Seat — Sit far enough forward so your arms are slightly bent when you hold

the handlegrips so you press on the handlebars without having to stretch.• Hands — Hold the handlegrips

firmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces. Start with your right wristflat. This will help you keep fromaccidentally using too muchthrottle. Also, adjust the handlebars so your hands are even withor below your elbows in order touse 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 on the footpegs to maintain balance. Do notdrag your feet. If your foot catches on something, you could be injured and itcould affect your control of the motorcycle. Keep your feet near the controlsso you can get to them fast if needed. Also, don’t let your toes pointdownward — they may get caught between the road and the footpegs.

Holding Handlegrips

RIGHT

WRONG

Shifting GearsThere is more to shifting gears than simply getting the motorcycle to pick upspeed smoothly. Learning to use the gears when downshifting, turning orstarting 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 you are stopped so you can move out quickly if you need to.• Make certain you are riding slowly enough when you shift into a lower gear.

If not, the motorcycle will lurch and the rear wheel may skid.• Use the brakes to slow enough before downshifting when riding downhill or

shifting into first gear. Work toward a smooth, even clutch release,especially when downshifting.

• It is best to change gears before entering a turn. However, sometimesshifting while in the turn is necessary. If so, remember to do so smoothly. Asudden change in power to the rear wheel may cause a skid.

BrakingYour motorcycle has two brakes: one each for the front and rear wheel. Useboth of them at the same time. The front brake is more powerful and canprovide at least three-quarters of your total stopping power. The front brakeis safe to use if used properly.• Use both brakes every time you slow or stop. Using both brakes for even

“normal” stops will permit you to develop the proper habit or skill of usingboth brakes properly in an emergency. Squeeze the front brake and pressdown on the rear. Grabbing at the front brake or jamming down on the rearcan cause the brakes to lock, resulting in control problems.

• If you know the technique, using both brakes in a turn is possible, althoughit should be done very carefully. When leaning the motorcycle some of thetraction is used for cornering; less traction is available for stopping. A skidcan occur if you apply too much brake. Also, using the front brakeincorrectly on a slippery surface may be hazardous. Use caution andsqueeze the brake lever — never grab.

• Some motorcycles have integrated braking systems that link the front andrear brakes together by applying the rear brake pedal. (Consult the owner’smanual for a detailed explanation on the operation and effective use ofthese systems.)

TurningApproach turns and curves with caution. Riders often try to take curves or turnstoo fast. When they can’t hold the turn, they end up crossing into another laneof traffic or going off the road. Or, they overreact and brake too hard, causing askid and loss of control. Use the following four steps for better control:1. SLOW — Reduce speed before the turn by closing the throttle and, if

necessary, applying both brakes.2. LOOK — Look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn just your

head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.3. LEAN — To turn the motorcycle must lean. To lean the motorcycle, press

on the handlegrip in the direction of the turn. Press left, lean left, go left.Press right, lean right, go right. Higher speeds and/or tighter turns requirethe motorcycle to lean more.

1 1

1 2

4. ROLL — Roll on the throttle through the turn to stabilize suspension. Maintain steady speed or accelerate gradually through the turn. This will help keep the motorcycle stable.

Keeping Your DistanceThe best protection you can have on the road is distance — a “cushion ofspace” — all around your motorcycle. If someone else makes a mistake,distance permits you time to react and space to maneuver.

Lane PositionsIn some ways the size of themotorcycle can work to youradvantage. Each traffic lanegives a motorcycle threepaths of travel. Your laneposition 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.

Select the appropriate path to maximize your space cushion and makeyourself more easily seen by others on the road.

In general, there is no single best lane position for riders to be seen and tomaintain a space cushion around the motorcycle. No portion of the lane needbe avoided, including the center.

In normal turns, therider and themotorcycle shouldlean together at thesame angle.

In slow tight turns,counterbalance byleaning the motorcycleonly and keeping yourbody straight.

Normal Turns Slow Turning

Lane Positions

1 3

Position yourself in the portion of the lane where you are most likely to beseen and you can maintain a space cushion around you. Change position astraffic situations change. Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and other potentialproblems are on your left only. Remain in path 1 or 2 if hazards are on yourright only. If vehicles are being operated on both sides of you, the center ofthe lane, path 2, is usually your best option (see illustration on page 12).

The oily strip in the center portion that collects drippings from cars is usuallyno more than two feet wide. Unless the road is wet, the average center strippermits adequate traction to ride on safely. You can operate to the left or rightof the grease strip and still be within the center portion of the traffic lane.Avoid riding on big build-ups of oil and grease usually found at busyintersections or toll booths.

Following AnotherVehicle“Following too closely” couldbe a factor in crashesinvolving motorcyclists. Intraffic, motorcycles need asmuch distance to stop ascars. Normally, a minimum 2-second following distanceshould be maintained behindthe vehicle ahead. To gaugeyour following distance:• Pick out a marker, such as

a pavement marking orlamp post, on or near the road ahead.

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

• If you reach the marker before you reach “two,” you are following too closely.

A 2-second following distance leaves a minimum amount of space to stop orswerve if the driver ahead stops suddenly. It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road.

A larger cushion of space isneeded if your motorcycle willtake longer than normal to stop.If the pavement is slippery, if youcannot see through the vehicleahead, or if traffic is heavy andsomeone may squeeze in front ofyou, open up a 3-second or morefollowing distance.

Keep well behind the vehicleahead even when you arestopped. This will make it easier

Following

When riding you should:a. Turn your head and shoulders.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 41

3. Test Yourself

to get out of the way if someone bears down on you from behind. It will also giveyou a cushion of space if the vehicle ahead starts to back up for some reason.

When behind a vehicle, ride where the driver can see you in the rearview mirror.Riding in the center portion of the lane should put your image in the middle of therearview mirror where a driver is most likely to see you (see illustration on page13).

Riding at the far side of a lane may permit a driver to see you in a sideviewmirror; however, most drivers don’t look at the sideview mirrors as often asthey check the rearview mirror. If the traffic situation allows, the centerportion of the lane is usually the best place for you to be seen by the driversahead and to prevent lane sharing by others.

Being FollowedSpeeding up to lose someone following too closely only ends up with someonetailgating you at a higher speed. A better way to handle tailgaters is to get them infront of you. When someone is following too closely, change lanes and let thempass. If you cannot do this, slow down and open up extra space ahead of you toallow room for both you and the tailgater to stop. This will also encourage themto pass. If they do not pass, you will have given yourself and the tailgater moretime and space to react in case an emergency does develop ahead.

Passing and Being PassedBe sure other drivers see you and that you see potential hazards whenpassing and being passed.

Passing — When passing, follow these steps:1. Ride in the left portion of the lane at a safe following distance to increase your

line of sight and make you more visible. Signal and check for oncoming traffic.Use your mirrors and turn your head to look for traffic behind.

2. When safe, move into the left lane and accelerate. Select a lane position that does notcrowd the car you are passing and provides space to avoid hazards in your lane.

3. Ride through the blind spot as quickly as possible.4. Signal again and complete mirror and headchecks before returning to your original

lane and then cancel the signal. Remember, passes must be completed withinposted speed limits and only where permitted. Know your signs and road markings.

Being Passed — When you arebeing passed, stay in the centerportion of your lane. Riding anycloser to the passing vehiclecould put you in a hazardoussituation. Avoid being hit by:• The other vehicle — A slight

mistake by you or the passingdriver could cause asideswipe.

• Extended mirrors — Somedrivers forget that their

1 4

Usually, a good way to handletailgaters 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 41

4. Test Yourself

1 5

mirrors hang out farther than their fenders.• Objects thrown from windows — Even if the driver knows you are there, a

passenger may not see you and might toss something on you or the roadahead of you.

• Blasts of wind from larger vehicles — They can affect your control. Youhave more room for error if you are in the middle portion when hit by thisblast than if you are on either side of the lane.

Do not move into the portion of the lane farthest from the passing vehicle. Itmight invite the other driver to cut back into your lane too early.

Lane SharingAutomobiles and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely. Lane sharingis usually prohibited. Riding between rows of stopped or moving cars in thesame lane can leave you vulnerable to the unexpected. A hand could comeout of a window; a door could open; a car could turn suddenly. Discouragelane sharing by others. Keep a center-portion position whenever drivers mightbe tempted 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 getting in an exit lane or

leaving a highway.

Merging VehiclesDrivers on an entrance ramp may not seeyou on the highway. Give them plenty of

Passing Being Passed

Merging

1 6

room. Change to another lane if one is open. Ifthere is no room for a lane change, adjustspeed to open up space for the merging driver.

Vehicles AlongsideDo not ride next to vehicles in other lanes if youdo not have to. You might be in the blind spot ofa vehicle in the next lane, which could switchinto your lane without warning. Vehicles in thenext lane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane. Speed up or dropback to find a place clear of traffic on both sides.

Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute(SIPDE)Good experienced riders remain aware of what is going on around them. Theyimprove their riding strategy by using SIPDE, a five-step process used to makeappropriate judgements, and apply them correctly in different traffic situation.

Scan — Search aggressively ahead, to the sides and behind to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise. How assertively you search and how muchtime and space you have can eliminate or reduce harm. Focus even more onfinding potential escape routes in or around intersections, shopping areas,school zones and construction zones.

Be especially alert in areas with limited visibility. Visually “busy” surroundingscould hide you and your motorcycle from others.

Scan for:• Oncoming traffic that may turn left in front of you.• Traffic coming from the left and right.• Traffic approaching from behind.• Hazardous road conditions.

Identify — Locate hazards and potential conflicts.• Vehicles and other motorcycles may move into your path and increase the

likelihood of a crash.• Pedestrians and animals may be unpredictable and make short, quick

moves.• Stationary objects like potholes, guard rails, bridges, roadway signs, hedges

or trees will not move into your path but may influence your riding strategy.

Predict — Consider speed, distance and direction of hazards to anticipatehow they may affect you. Cars moving into your path are more critical thanthose moving away or remaining stationary. Predict where a collision mayoccur. Completing this “what if...?” phrase to estimate results of contacting orattempting to avoid a hazard depends on your knowledge and experience.

Decide — Determine what you need to do based on your prediction. Themental process of determining your course of action depends on how

Blind Spots

1 7

aggressively you searched. The result is your action and knowing whichstrategy is best for the situation. You want to eliminate or reduce the potentialhazard. You must decide when, where and how to take action. Your constantdecision-making tasks must stay sharp to cope with constantly changingtraffic situations.

The decisions you make can be grouped by types of hazards you encounter:• Single hazard • Two hazards• Multiple hazards

Execute — Carry out your decision. To create more space and minimize harmfrom 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 more hazards.Adjust speed to permit two hazards to separate. Then deal with them one at atime as single hazards. Decision-making becomes more complex with three ormore hazards. Weigh the consequences of each and give equal distance tohazards.

In potential high-risk areas, school zones and construction zones, cover theclutch and both brakes to reduce the time you need to react.

IntersectionsThe greatest potential for conflictbetween you and other traffic is atintersections. An intersection can be inthe middle of an urban area or at adriveway on a residential street —anywhere traffic may cross your path oftravel. Over one-half ofmotorcycle/automobile crashes arecaused by drivers entering a rider’s right-of-way. Vehicles that turn left in front ofyou, including those turning leftfrom the lane to your right, andthose on side streets that pull intoyour lane, are the biggestdangers. Using SIPDE (see pages16-17) at intersections is critical.

There are no guarantees thatothers see you. Never count on“eye contact” as a sign that adriver will yield. Too often, adriver looks right at amotorcyclist and still fails to

Small Intersection

To reduce your reaction time, youshould:a. Ride slower than the speed limit.b. Cover the clutch and brakes.c. Shift into neutral when slowing.d. Pull the clutch when turning.

Answer — page 41

5. Test Yourself

1 8

“see” him/her. The only eyes that you cancount on are your own. If a car can enter yourpath, assume that it will. Good riders arealways “looking for trouble” not to get into it,but to stay out of it.

Increase your chances of being seen atintersections. Ride with your headlight on in alane position that provides the best view ofoncoming traffic. Provide a space cushionaround the motorcycle that permits you totake evasive action.

Large Intersections — As you approach theintersection, select a lane position to increaseyour visibility to the driver. Cover the clutchand both brakes to reduce reaction time.Reduce your speed as you approach anintersection. After entering the intersection,move away from vehicles preparing to turn.Do not change speed or position radically. Thedriver might think you are preparing to turn.

Blind Intersections — If you approach a blindintersection, move to the portion of the lanethat will bring you into another driver’s field

Blind Intersection

Large Intersection

Blind Intersection

1 9

of vision at the earliest possible moment. In the illustration on page 18, therider has moved to the left portion of the lane, away from the parked car, sothe driver on the cross street can see him/her as soon as possible. Remember,the key is to see as much as possible and remain visible to others whileprotecting your space.

If you have a stop sign or stop line, stop there first. Then edge forward andstop again, just short of where the cross-traffic lane meets your lane (seeillustration on page 18). From that position, lean your body forward and lookaround buildings, parked cars or bushes to see if anything is coming. Makesure your front wheel stays out of the cross lane of travel while you arelooking.

Passing Parked CarsWhen passing parked cars, stay toward the left of yourlane. You can avoid problems caused by doors opening,drivers getting out of cars or people stepping frombetween cars. If oncoming traffic is present, it is usuallybest to remain in the center-lane position to maximizeyour space cushion.

A bigger problem can occur if the driver pulls awayfrom the curb without checking for traffic behind. Evenif the driver does look, he/she may fail to see you.

In either event, the driver might cut into your path.Slow down or change lanes to make room forsomeone cutting in.

Vehicles making a sudden U-turn are the mostdangerous. They may cut you off entirely, blocking theentire roadway and leaving you with no place to go.Because you cannot tell what a driver will do, slow down and get the driver’sattention. Sound your horn and continue with caution.

Parking at the Roadside and CurbsPark at a 90-degree angle to the curb withthe rear wheel touching the curb.

Being SeenIn crashes with motorcyclists, drivers oftensay they never saw the motorcycle. Fromahead or behind, a motorcycle’s outline ismuch smaller than that of anothervehicle’s. Also, it is difficult to seesomething you are not looking for, andmost drivers are not looking formotorcycles. More likely, they are lookingthrough the skinny, two-wheeled silhouette

Parked Cars

2 0

in search of cars that may pose a problem to them.

Even if a driver does see you coming, you are not necessarily safe. Smallervehicles appear farther away and seem to be traveling slower than theyactually are. It is common for drivers to pull out in front of motorcyclists,thinking they have plenty of time. Too often, they are wrong.

You can do many things to make it easier for others to recognize you and yourmotorcycle:

ClothingMost crashes occur in broad daylight. Wear bright-colored clothing toincrease your chances of being seen. Remember, your body is half of thevisible surface area of the rider/motorcycle unit.

Bright orange, red, yellow or green jackets or vests are your best bets forbeing seen. Your helmet can do more than protect you in a crash. Brightlycolored helmets also may help others see you. Any bright color is better thandrab or dark colors. Reflective, bright-colored clothing (helmet and jacket orvest) is best.

Reflective material on a vest and on the sides of the helmet will help driverscoming from the side to spot you. Reflective material also can be a big helpfor drivers coming toward you or from behind.

HeadlightThe best way to help others see your motorcycle is to keep the headlight onat all times (although motorcycles sold in the U.S. since 1978 automaticallyhave the headlights on when running). Illinois law requires that theheadlight be on when operating on streets and highways.

Use of the high beam during the dayincreases the likelihood that oncomingdrivers will see you. Use the low beam atnight and in cloudy weather.

SignalsThe signals on a motorcycle are similar tothose on a car. They tell others what youplan to do. Due to a rider’s addedvulnerability, however, signals are evenmore important. Use them anytime you planto change lanes or turn. Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around. It isthe car you do not see that is going to giveyou the most trouble. Your signal lights alsomake you easier to spot. That is why it is agood idea to use your turn signals evenwhen what you plan to do is obvious.

Signaling

2 1

When you enter a freeway, drivers approaching from behind are more likely tosee your signal blinking and make room for you.

Turning on your signal light before each turn reduces confusion andfrustration for traffic around you. Once you turn, make sure your signal is off,or a driver may pull directly into your path thinking you plan to turn again.Use your signals at every turn so drivers can react accordingly. Do not makethem guess what you intend to do.

Brake LightYour motorcycle’s brake light is usually not as noticeable as the brake lights ona car, particularly when your taillight is on. (It goes on with the headlight.) If thesituation permits, help others notice you by flashing your brake light before youslow down. It is especially important to flash your brake light before:• You slow more quickly than others might expect (turning off a high-speed

highway).• You slow where others may not expect it (in the middle of a block or at an

alley).

If you are being followed closely, it is a good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow. The tailgater may be watching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down. This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazards ahead they may not see.

Using Your MirrorsWhile it is most important to scan what ishappening ahead, you cannot afford to ignoresituations behind. Traffic conditions changequickly. Knowing what is going on behind isessential for you to make a safe decisionabout how to handle trouble ahead.

Frequent mirror checks should be part of yournormal scanning routine. Make a point ofusing your mirrors:• When stopped at an intersection. Watch

cars coming up from behind. If the driver isnot paying attention, he/shecould be on top of you beforehe/she sees you.

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

• Before slowing down. Thedriver behind may not expectyou to slow, or may be unsureabout where you will slow. Forexample, you signal a turn andthe driver thinks you plan toturn at a distant intersection,rather than at a nearer driveway.

Making eye contact with other drivers:a. Is a good sign they see you. b. Is not worth the effort it takes.c. Does not mean the other driver

will yield.d. Guarantees that the other driver

will yield to you.

Answer — page 41

6. Test Yourself

Using Mirrors

2 2

Some motorcycles have rounded (convex) mirrors. These provide a wider viewof the road behind than flat mirrors. They also make vehicles seem fartheraway than they really are. If you are not used to convex mirrors, get familiarwith them. (While you are stopped, pick out a parked car in your mirror. Forma mental image of how far away it is. Then, turn around and look at it to seehow close you came.) Practice with your mirrors until you become a goodjudge of distance. Even then, allow extra distance before you change lanes.

Head ChecksChecking your mirrors is not enough. Motorcycles have “blind spots” likeother vehicles. Before changing lanes, turn your head and look to the side forother vehicles.

On a road with several lanes, check the far lane and the one next to you. Adriver in the distant lane may head for the same space you plan to take.Frequent head checks also should be your normal scanning routine. Only byknowing what is happening all around you are you fully prepared to deal with it.

HornBe ready to use your horn to get someone’s attention quickly. It is a good ideato give a quick beep before passing anyone who may move into your lane.Following are some situations:• A driver in the lane next to you is driving too closely to the vehicle ahead

and may want to pass.• A parked car has someone in the driver’s seat.• Someone is in the street, riding a bicycle or walking.

In an emergency, press the horn button loud and long. Be ready to stop orswerve away from the danger. Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s horn is not asloud as a car’s; therefore, use it, but don’t rely on it. Other strategies may beappropriate along with the horn.

Riding at NightAt night it is harder for you to see and be seen. Picking your headlight ortaillight out of the car lights around you is not easy for other drivers. Tocompensate: • Reduce Your Speed — Ride even slower than you would during the

day, particularly on roads youdo not know well. This willincrease your chances ofavoiding a hazard.

• Increase Distance — Distancesare harder to judge at nightthan during the day. Your eyesrely upon shadows and lightcontrasts to determine how faraway an object is and how fastit is coming. These contrastsare missing or distorted under

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 41

7. Test Yourself

2 3

artificial lights at night. Open up a 3-second following distance or more.Allow more distance to pass and be passed.

• Use the Car Ahead — The headlights of the car ahead can give you a better view of the road than even your high beam can. Taillights bouncing up and down can alert you to rough pavement.

• Use Your High Beam — Get all the light you can. Use your high beam whenever you are not following or meeting a car.

• Be Flexible About Lane Position — Change to whatever portion of the laneis best to help you see, be seen and keep an adequate space cushion.

• Be Visible — Wear reflective materials when riding at night.

Crash AvoidanceNo matter how careful you are, there will be times when you find yourself in atight spot. Your chances of getting out safely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly. Often, crashes occur because a rider is not prepared forcrash-avoidance maneuvers.

Know when and how to stop or swerve, two skills critical to avoiding a crash.It is not always desirable or possible to stop quickly to avoid an obstacle.Riders also must be able to swerve around an obstacle. Determining the skillsnecessary for the situation is important as well. Studies show most crash-involved riders: • Underbrake the front tire and overbrake the rear. • Did not separate braking from swerving or did not choose swerving

when it was appropriate.

Quick StopsTo stop quickly, apply both brakes at thesame time. Don’t be shy about using thefront brake, but don’t “grab” it either.Squeeze the brake lever firmly andprogressively. If the front wheel locks,release the front brake immediately thenreapply it firmly. At the same time, pressdown on the rear brake. If you accidentallylock the rear brake on a good tractionsurface, keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped. Even with alocked rear wheel, you cancontrol the motorcycle on astraight away if it is upright andgoing in a straight line.

Always use both brakes at thesame time to stop. The frontbrake can provide 70 percent ormore of the potential stoppingpower. If you must stop quicklywhile turning or riding a curve,

Stopping Distance

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 simultaneously.

Answer — page 41

8. Test Yourself

2 4

the best technique is to straighten the bike upright first and then brake.However, it may not always be possible to straighten the motorcycle and thenstop. If you must brake while leaning, apply light brakes and reduce thethrottle. As you slow, you can reduce your lean angle and apply more brakepressure until the motorcycle is straight and maximum brake pressure ispossible. You should “straighten” the handlebars in the last few feet ofstopping. The motorcycle should then be straight up and in balance.

Swerving or Turning QuicklySometimes you may not have enough room to stop, even if you use bothbrakes properly. An object might appear suddenly in your path or the carahead might squeal to a stop. The only way to avoid a crash may be to turnquickly or swerve around it.

A swerve is any sudden change in direction. It can be two quick turns or arapid shift to the side. Apply a small amount of hand pressure to thehandlegrip located on the side of your intended direction of escape. This willcause the motorcycle to lean quickly. The sharper the turn(s), the more themotorcycle must lean. Keep your body upright and allow the motorcycle tolean in the direction of the turn while keeping your knees against the tank andyour feet solidly on the pegs. Let the motorcycle move underneath you.

Make your escape route the target of your vision. Press on the oppositehandlegrip once you clear the obstacle to return to your original direction oftravel. To swerve to the left, press the left handlegrip, then press the right torecover. To swerve to the right, press right, then left.

If braking is required, separate it from swerving. Brake before or after,never while swerving.

CorneringA primary cause of single-vehicle crashes is motorcyclists running wide in a

Swerve, Then Brake Brake, Then Swerve

2 5

curve or turn and colliding with the roadway or a fixed object. Every curve isdifferent. Be alert to whether a curve remains constant, gradually widens, getstighter or involves multiple turns. Ride within your skill level and postedspeed limits.Your best path may not always follow the curve of the road.

Change lane position depending on traffic, road conditions and curve of theroad. If no traffic is present, start at the outside of a curve to increase yourline of sight and the effective radius of the turn. As you turn, move toward theinside of the curve, and as you pass the center, move to the outside to exit.

Another alternative is to move to the center of your lane before entering acurve and stay there until you exit. This permits you to spot approachingtraffic as soon as possible. You can also adjust for traffic “crowding” thecenter line or debris blocking part of your lane.

Dangerous SurfacesYour chance of falling or being involved in a crash increases whenever you rideacross uneven surfaces or obstacles, slippery surfaces, railroad tracks, andgrooves and gratings.

Constant Curves

Widening CurvesDecreasing Curves (Tighter Turns)

Multiple Curves

2 6

Uneven Surfaces andObstaclesWatch for uneven surfacessuch as bumps, brokenpavement, potholes or smallpieces of highway trash.Try to avoid obstacles byslowing or going around them.If you must go over theobstacle, first determine if it ispossible. Approach it at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Look whereyou want to go to control your path of travel. If you have to ride over theobstacle, you should:• Slow down as much as possible before contact.• Make sure the motorcycle is straight.• Rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footpegs to absorb

the shock with your knees and elbows and avoid being thrown off themotorcycle.

• Just before contact, roll on the throttle slightly to lighten the front end.

If you ride over an object on the street, pull off the road and check your tiresand rims for damage before riding any farther.

Slippery Surfaces Motorcycles handle better when ridden on surfaces that permit good traction.Surfaces that provide poor traction include:• Wet pavement, particularly just after it starts to rain and before surface oil

washes to the side of the road.• Gravel roads, or where sand and gravel collect.• Mud, snow and ice.• Lane markings, steel plates and manhole covers, especially when wet.

To ride safely on slippery surfaces:• Reduce your speed — Slow down before you get to a slippery surface to

lessen your chances of skidding. Your motorcycle needs more distance to

Beware of Slippery Roads

Obstacles

2 7

stop. It is particularly important to reduce speed before entering wet curves.• Avoid sudden moves — Any sudden change in speed or direction can

cause a skid. Be as smooth as possible when you speed up, shift gears, turnor brake.

• Use both brakes — The front brake is still effective, even on a slipperysurface. Squeeze the brake lever gradually to avoid locking the front wheel.Remember, gentle pressure on the rear brake.

• Avoid the center of a lane — When it starts to rain, ride in the tire tracksleft by cars. Often, the left tire track will be the best position, depending ontraffic and other road conditions as well.

• Watch for oil spots — Be careful when you put your foot down to stop orpark. You may slip and fall.

• Watch for dirt and gravel — Dirt and gravel collect along the sides of theroad, especially on curves and ramps leading to and from highways. Beaware of what is on the edge of the road, particularly when making sharpturns and getting on or off freeways at high speeds.

• Watch for ice patches — Ice develops more quickly on some sections of aroad than on others. Patches of ice tend to form in low or shaded areas andon bridges and overpasses. Wet surfaces or wet leaves are just as slippery.Ride on the least slippery portion of the lane and reduce speed.

Cautious riders steer clear of roads covered with ice or snow. If you cannotavoid a slippery surface, keep your motorcycle straight up and proceed asslowly as possible. If you encounter a large surface so slippery you must coastor travel at a walking pace, consider letting your feet skim along the surface. Ifthe motorcycle starts to fall, you can catch yourself. Be sure to keep off thebrakes. If possible, squeeze the clutch and coast. Attempting this maneuver atanything other than the slowest of speeds could prove hazardous.

Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement SeamsIt is usually safer to ride straight within your lane to cross tracks. Turning totake tracks head on (at a 90-degree angle) can be more dangerous and maycarry you into another lane of traffic. For track and road seams that runparallel to your course, move far enough away from tracks, ruts or pavement

Crosstracks — RIGHT

Crosstracks — WRONG

Parallel Tracks — RIGHT

Parallel Tracks — WRONG

2 8

seams to cross at an angle of at least 45 degrees. Then, make a quick, sharpturn. Edging across could catch your tires and throw you off balance.

Grooves and Gratings Riding over rain grooves or bridge gratingsmay cause a motorcycle to weave. The uneasy,wandering feeling is generally not hazardous.Relax, maintain a steady speed and ridestraight across. Crossing at an angle forcesriders to zigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzagis far more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling.

Mechanical ProblemsYou can find yourself in an emergency themoment something goes wrong with yourmotorcycle. In dealing with any mechanicalproblem, take into account the road and traffic conditions you face. Followingare 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. This can be dangerous. You should be able to tell fromthe way the motorcycle reacts. If one of your tires suddenly loses air, reactquickly to keep your balance. Pull off and check the tires.

If the front tire goes flat, the steering will feel “heavy.” A front-wheel flat isparticularly hazardous because it affects your steering. You have to steer wellto keep your balance.

If the rear tire goes flat, the back of the motorcycle may jerk or sway from sideto side.

If either tire goes flat while riding:• Hold handlegrips firmly, ease off the throttle, and keep a straight course.• If braking is required, however, gradually apply the brake of the tire that is

not flat, if you are sure which one it is.• When the motorcycle slows,

edge to the side of the road,squeeze the clutch and stop.

Stuck ThrottleTwist the throttle back and forthseveral times. If the throttle cableis stuck, this may free it. If thethrottle stays stuck, immediatelyoperate the engine cut-off switchand pull in the clutch at the sametime. This will remove power

When it starts raining it is usuallybest 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 41

9. Test Yourself

Grate Crossings — RIGHT

Grate Crossings — WRONG

2 9

from the rear wheel, although engine noise may not immediately decline.Once the motorcycle is “under control,” pull off and stop. After you havestopped, check the throttle cable carefully to find the source of the trouble.Make certain the throttle works freely before you start to ride again.

WobbleA “wobble” occurs when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly start toshake from side to side at any speed. Most wobbles can be traced to improperloading, unsuitable accessories or incorrect tire pressure. If you are carrying aheavy load, lighten it. If you can’t, shift it. Center the weight lower and fartherforward on the motorcycle. Make sure tire pressure, spring pre-load, airshocks and dampers are at the settings recommended for that much weight.Make sure windshields and fairings are mounted properly. Check for poorlyadjusted steering; worn steering parts; a front wheel that is bent, misalignedor out of balance; loose wheel bearings or spokes; and swingarm bearings.

If none of these are determined to be the cause, have the motorcycle checkedout thoroughly by a qualified professional. Trying to “accelerate out of awobble” will only make the motorcycle more unstable. You should instead:• Grip the handlebars firmly, but do not fight the wobble.• Close the throttle gradually to slow down. Do not apply the brakes; braking

could make the wobble worse.• Move your weight as far forward and down as possible.• Pull off the road as soon as you can to fix the problem.

Chain ProblemsA chain that slips or breaks while you are riding could lock the rear wheel andcause your motorcycle to skid. Chain slippage or breakage can be avoided byproper maintenance.• Slippage — If the chain slips when you try to speed up quickly or ride

uphill, pull off the road. Check the chain and sprockets. Tightening thechain may help. If the problem is a worn or stretched chain or worn or bentsprockets, replace the chain, the sprockets or both before riding again.

• Breakage — You will notice an instant loss of power to the rear wheel. Close the throttle and brake to a stop.

Engine SeizureWhen the engine “locks” or“freezes” it is usually low on oil.The engine’s moving partscannot move smoothly againsteach other and the engineoverheats. The first sign may bea loss of engine power or achange in the engine’s sound.Squeeze the clutch lever todisengage the engine from therear wheel. Pull off the road andstop. Check the oil. If needed, oil

If your motorcycle starts to wobbleyou should: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 41

10. Test Yourself

3 0

should be added as soon as possible or the engine will seize. When thishappens, the effect is the same as a locked rear wheel. Let the engine coolbefore restarting.

ObstaclesAnimalsNaturally, you should do everything you safely can to avoid hitting an animal.If you are in traffic, however, remain in your lane. Hitting something small isless dangerous to you than hitting something big, like a car.

Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. If you are chased, downshift and approachthe animal slowly. As you approach it, accelerate away and leave the animalbehind. Do not kick at an animal. Keep control of your motorcycle and look towhere you want to go. For larger animals (deer, cattle, etc.), brake andprepare to stop; they are unpredictable.

Flying ObjectsOccasionally, riders are struck by insects, cigarettes thrown from cars orpebbles kicked up by the tires of the vehicle ahead. If you are wearing faceprotection, it might get smeared or cracked, making it difficult to see. Withoutface protection, an object could hit you in the eye, face or mouth. Whateverhappens, 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 need to rest):• Check the roadside — Make sure the surface of the roadside is firm

enough to ride on. If it is soft grass, loose sand or you are just not sureabout it, slow down before you turn onto it.

• Signal — Drivers behind might not expect you to slow down. Give a clearsignal that you will be slowing down and changing direction. Check yourmirror and make a head check before you take any action.

• Pull off the road — Get as far off the road as you can. It can be very hardto spot a motorcycle by the side of the road. You do not want someone elsepulling off at the same place you are.

• Park carefully — Loose and sloped shoulders can make setting the side orcenter stand difficult.

Carrying Passengersand CargoOnly experienced riders shouldcarry passengers or large loads.The extra weight changes theway the motorcycle handles,balances, speeds up and slowsdown. Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street,practice away from traffic.

If you are chased by a dog you should: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 41

11. Test Yourself

EquipmentTo carry passengers safely:• Equip and adjust your motorcycle to carry passengers.• Instruct the passenger before you start.• Adjust your riding technique for the added weight.

Equipment should include:• Proper seat — large enough to hold both of you without crowding. You

should not sit any farther forward than you usually do.• Footpegs for passenger — firm footing prevents your passenger from

falling off and pulling you off too.• Protective equipment — the same as recommended for motorcycle

operators.

Adjust the suspension to handle the additional weight. You will probably needto add a few pounds of pressure to the tires if you carry a passenger. (Checkyour owner’s manual for appropriate settings.) While your passenger sits onthe seat with you, adjust the mirror and headlight according to the change inthe motorcycle’s angle.

Instructing PassengersEven if your passenger is a motorcycle rider, provide complete instructionsbefore you start.

Tell your passenger to:• Get on the motorcycle only after you have started the engine.• Sit as far forward as possible without crowding you.• Hold on firmly to your waist, hips or belt.• Keep both feet on the footpegs, even when stopped.• Keep legs away from the muffler(s), chains or moving parts.• Stay directly behind you, leaning as you lean.• Avoid unnecessary talk or motion.

Also, tell your passenger to tighten his/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 on board. Theheavier your passenger, the longer it will take to slow down and speed up,especially on a light motorcycle. • Ride slower, especially when taking curves, corners or bumps.• Start slowing earlier as you approach a stop.• Open up a larger cushion of space ahead and to the sides.• Wait for larger gaps to cross, enter or merge in traffic.

Carrying LoadsMost motorcycles are not designed to carry much cargo. Small loads can be

3 1

3 2

carried safely if positioned and fastened properly.• Keep the load low — Fasten loads securely or put them in saddlebags.

Piling loads against a sissybar or frame on the back of the seat raises themotorcycle’s center of gravity and disturbs its balance.

• Keep the load forward — Place the load over, or in front of, the rear axle.Tankbags keep loads forward, but use caution when loading hard or sharpobjects. Make sure the tankbag does not interfere with handlebars orcontrols. Mounting loads behind the rear axle can affect how themotorcycle turns and brakes. It can also cause a wobble.

• Distribute the load evenly — Load saddlebags with about the same weight.An uneven load can cause the motorcycle to drift to one side.

• Secure the load — Fasten the load securely with bungee cords or nets.Elastic cords with more than one attachment point per side are moresecure. A tight load will not catch in the wheel or chain, causing it to lockup and skid. Rope tends to stretch and knots come loose, permitting theload to shift or fall.

• Check the load — Stop and check the load every so often to make sure ithas not worked loose.

Protect Yourself and OthersGroup RidingIf you ride with others, do it in a way that promotes safety and does notinterfere with the flow of traffic. Small groups make it easier and safer for cardrivers who need to get around them. A small number is not separated aseasily by traffic or red lights. Riders will not always be hurrying to “catch up.”If your group is larger than four or five riders, divide it into two or moresmaller groups.• Plan Ahead — The leader should look ahead for changes and signal early

so “word gets back” in plenty of time. Start lane changes early to permitothers to follow.

• Put beginners up front — Place inexperienced riders just behind theleader where more experienced riders can watch them from the back.

• Follow those behind — Let the tailender set the pace. Use your mirrors tokeep an eye on the person behind. If a rider falls behind, everyone shouldslow to stay with the tailender.

• Know the route — Make sure everyone knows the route so if someone isseparated they will not have to hurry to keep from getting lost or taking awrong turn. Plan frequentstops on long rides.

Maintain close ranks but at thesame time keep a safe distance toallow each rider in the grouptime and space to react tohazards. A close group takes upless space on the highway, iseasier to see and is less likely tobe separated. However, it mustbe done properly.

Passengers should:a. Lean as you lean.b. Hold on to the motorcycle seat.c. Sit as far back as possible.d. Never hold on to you.

Answer — page 41

12. Test Yourself

• Don’t pair up — Never operate directlyalongside another rider. There is no place to goif you have to avoid a car or something on theroad. To talk, wait until you are both stopped.

• Staggered formation — This is the best way tokeep ranks close yet maintain an adequatespace cushion. The leader rides in the left sideof the lane, while the second rider stays onesecond behind in the right side of the lane. Athird rider maintains in the left position, 2seconds behind the first rider. The fourth riderwould keep a 2-second distance behind thesecond rider. This formation keeps the groupclose and permits each rider a safe distancefrom others ahead, behind and to the sides.

• Passing in formation — Riders in astaggered formation should passone at a time. First, the lead ridershould pull out and pass when it issafe. After passing, the leadershould return to the left positionand continue riding at passingspeed to open room for the nextrider. After the first rider passessafely, the second rider shouldmove up to the left position andwatch for a safe chance to pass.After passing, this rider shouldreturn to the right position and open up room for the next rider.

Some people suggest that the leader should move to the right side afterpassing a vehicle. This is not a good idea. It encourages the second rider topass and cut back in before there is a large enough space cushion in front ofthe passed vehicle. It is simpler and safer to wait until there is enough roomahead of the passed vehicle to allow each rider to move into the sameposition held before the pass. It is best to move into a single-file formationwhen riding curves, turning, entering or leaving a highway.

Alcohol and Other DrugsYour ability to perform andrespond to changing road andtraffic conditions is influenced byhow fit and alert you are. Alcoholand other drugs, more than anyother factor, decrease yourability to think clearly and ridesafely. As little as one drink canhave a significant effect on yourperformance.

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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 41

13. Test Yourself

Staggered Formation

Group PassingStage 1

Group PassingStage 2

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Studies show that nearly half of all riders killed in motorcycle crashes hadbeen drinking. Only one-third of those riders had a blood-alcoholconcentration (BAC) above the illegal limit. The rest had only a few drinks intheir systems, enough to impair riding skills.

Injuries occur in 90 percent of motorcycle crashes and 33 percent ofautomobile crashes that involve drinking or drugs. Annually, more than 2,000motorcyclists are killed and about 50,000 seriously injured in alcohol-relatedcrashes. Motorcycle riding and substance abuse do not mix. Alcohol anddrugs make you less able to think clearly and perform physical tasks skillfully.Judgment and the decision-making processes needed for vehicle operation areaffected long before the illegal BAC limit is reached. Many over-the-counterprescription drugs and illegal drugs have side effects that increase the risk ofa crash while riding. And the combined effects of alcohol and other drugs aremore dangerous than either is alone.

Alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly. Unlike most foods and beverages, itdoes not need to be digested. Within minutes after being consumed, it reachesthe brain and begins to affect the drinker. Alcohol slows down and impairsbodily functions — both mental and physical.

BAC — Blood-alcohol concentration is the amount of alcohol in relation toblood in the body. Generally, alcohol can be eliminated in the body at the rateof about one drink per hour. But a variety of other factors also may influencethe level of alcohol retained. The more alcohol in your blood, the greater thedegree of impairment.

Three factors play a major part in determining BAC:• Amount of alcohol consumed.• How fast you drink.• Body weight.

Other factors also contribute to the way alcohol affects your system. Yourgender, physical condition and food intake are just a few that may cause yourBAC level to be even higher. Alcohol may still accumulate in your body evenif you are drinking at a rate of one drink per hour. Abilities and judgmentcan be affected by that one drink.

A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed drink with a 1-ounce shot of hard liquor and a5-ounce glass of wine all contain the same amount of alcohol.

The faster you drink, the more alcohol accumulates in your body. If you drinktwo drinks in one hour, at the end of that hour, at least one drink remains inyour bloodstream. Without taking into account any of the other factors, theformula below illustrates the LEAST amount of drinks remaining in thebloodstream:

A person drinking:• 8 drinks in 4 hours would have at least 4 drinks remaining in his/her system.• 7 drinks in 3 hours would have at least 4 drinks remaining in his/her system.

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There are times when a larger person may not accumulate a highconcentration of alcohol for each drink consumed because they have moreblood and other bodily fluids. Because of individual differences it is better notto risk that your abilities have not been affected. Whether or not you arelegally intoxicated is not the real issue. Impairment of judgment begins wellbelow the illegal BAC limit.

DUI — In Illinois, a person with a BAC of .08 is considered intoxicated. It isillegal to drive if your BAC is .08 or greater. However, you can be convicted ofDUI if your BAC is less than .08 percent and your driving ability is impaired.

Drunk drivers face stiff mandatory penalties. If you are convicted of drivingunder the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may receive any of the following:• Driver’s license suspension — Mandatory suspension for conviction, arrest

or refusal to submit to a breath test.• Fines — Severe fines, usually levied with a driver’s license suspension.• Community service — Performing tasks such as picking up litter along the

highway, washing cars in the motor-vehicle pool or working at anemergency ward.

In addition, you face additional lawyer’s fees, lost work time spent in court orin alcohol-education programs, public transportation costs (while yourdriver’s license is suspended) and the psychological costs of being tagged a“drunk driver.”

Don’t Drink or Don’t Ride — If you have not controlled your drinking, youmust control your riding. Leave the motorcycle so you will not be tempted toride. Arrange another way to get home. Once you start, your resistancebecomes weaker. Setting a limit or pacing yourself are poor alternatives. Your

Alcohol Concentration

Total DrinksConsumed

Number ofHours SinceLast Drink

Drinks Leftin the BodyLESS

- =

EQUALS

12-oz. Beer 5-oz. Wine

1-oz. ShotHard Liquor

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ability to exercise good judgment is one of the first things affected by alcohol.Even if you try to drink in moderation, you may not realize to what extentyour skills have suffered from alcohol’s fatiguing effects.

People who have had too much to drink are unable to make a responsibledecision. It is up to others to step in and keep them from taking too great arisk. There are several ways to keep friends from hurting themselves:• Arrange a safe ride — Provide alternative ways for them to get home.• Slow the pace of drinking — Involve them in other activities.• Keep them there — Use any excuse to keep them from getting on their

motorcycle. Serve them food and coffee to pass the time. Explain yourconcerns for their risks of getting arrested or hurt or hurting someone else.

• Get friends involved — Use peer pressure from a group of friends to intervene.

FatigueRiding a motorcycle is more tiring than driving a car. On a long trip, you willtire sooner than you would in a car. Avoid riding when tired. Fatigue can affectyour control of the motorcycle.• Protect yourself from the elements — Wind, cold and rain make you tire

quickly. Dress warmly. A windshield is worth its cost if you plan to ride longdistances.

• Limit your distance — Experienced riders seldom try to ride more than sixhours a day.

• Take frequent rest breaks — Stop and get off the motorcycle at least everytwo hours.

• Don’t drink or use drugs — Artificial stimulants often result in extreme fatigue or depression when they start to wear off. Riders areunable to concentrate on the task at hand.

Earning Your MotorcycleLicenseSafe riding requires knowledge and skill. Toearn your license, you must pass both theknowledge test and skills test coveringinformation in this manual. To pass you muststudy this manual thoroughly and practice theskills and techniques discussed.

Skills TestThe Illinois Secretary of State’soffice administers the AlternateMotorcycle Operator Skills Test(ALMOST). Applicants for a ClassL or Class M license are requiredto pass this examination.

Exception: Persons age 18 andolder who hold a valid Illinoisdriver’s license and have

If you wait an hour for each drinkbefore riding:a. You cannot be arrested for

drinking and driving.b. Your riding skills will not be affected.c. Effects from drinking may still remain.d. You will be okay as long as you

ride slowly.Answer — page 41

14. Test Yourself

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successfully completed a motorcycle training course approved by IDOT arenot required to pass this test at a Driver Services facility. Those personsalready will have passed a skills test at the end of the training course andmust show an IDOT Rider Education Course completion card dated after Jan.1, 1993, in addition to proper identification. For information about a RiderEducation Course in your area, please call one of the toll-free numbers on theback inside cover of this manual.

The Alternate Motorcycle Operator Skills Test is designed to measure vehiclehandling skills in an off-street paved area approximately 30 feet by 75 feet.Lines are painted within this area to delineate the following seven exercises.An equipment check is conducted prior to the examination.

Exercises 1 through 3 (Diagram 1)These exercises test a rider’s ability to start smooth, negotiate a sharp left turnand come to a smooth stop in a designated area. From the starting point, rideup the course, making a sharp left turn through the lines without touching thelines or putting your foot down. Continue around the far side of the course,making a smooth, non-skidding stop with your front tire inside the box.

Exercises 4 and 5 (Diagram 2)These exercises test a rider’s ability to balance and control the cycle and theability to perform a U-turn. From the starting point, weave to the left of thefirst dot and right of the second. Continue weaving past the dots withouttouching the dots or putting your foot down. Ride to the far side of the courseand make a right U-turn in the U-turn box. The turn must be made within 20feet if your cycle is 500 cc’s or less, and 24 feet if over 500 cc’s.

Diagram 1 Diagram 2

Diagram 3 Diagram 4

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Exercise 6 (Diagram 3)This exercise tests a rider’s ability to bring the motorcycle to a sudden stop.From the starting point, ride through the “timing chute” at approximately 15mph. When your front tire reaches the end of the chute, bring yourmotorcycle to a stop as safely and quickly as possible. (At 15 mph you shouldstop in at least 13 feet.)

Exercise 7 (Diagram 4)This exercise evaluates a rider’s ability to avoid obstacles by swerving right orleft. From the starting point, ride through the chute at approximately 15 mph.When your front tire reaches the end of the chute, swerve to the right or leftto avoid the red obstacle line and then cut back in without crossing ortouching the red sidelines.

To receive a motorcycle license with full privileges, Illinois law requires themaneuvers be performed as designed.

To accommodate applicants whose vehicles have more than two wheels (i.e.,sidecar, trike) but are registered as motorcycles, the ALMOST test will bemodified by waiving certain driving exercises. If you test on a three-wheeledvehicle, a J-11 restriction (three-wheeled motorcycle only) will be added untilcompletion of a two-wheeled test.

You also may be tested for your ability to:• Know your motorcycle and your riding limits.• Accelerate, brake and turn safely.

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• See, be seen and communicate with others.• Adjust speed and position to the traffic situation. • Stop, turn and swerve quickly.• Make critical decisions and carry them out.

Examiners may score on factors related 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.

The test will be terminated if the driver:• Falls or drops the motorcycle at any time.• Commits an unsafe act (i.e., looses control, raises the front wheel off the

ground, uses excessively high speed, etc.).• Obtains enough points (11 or more) to constitute a failure.• Testing time exceeds a reasonable time limit.

Required EquipmentNo motorcycle or motor-driven cycle may be legally operated on a street orhighway without the following required equipment:

Brakes — Motorcycles must have brakes on both wheels, with a separatemeans of application for each wheel or two separate means of application onthe rear wheel. Motor-driven cycles must have either a hand-operated or foot-operated brake on at least one wheel, preferably the rear wheel.

Eye protection — Both driver and passenger must be protected by glasses,goggles or a transparent windshield.

Helmet — Although a helmet is not required equipment under Illinois law, arider who wears a properly fitted helmet greatly reduces the chance ofreceiving a fatal head injury in an accident, regardless of the vehicle’straveling speed.

Footrests — No passengers may be carried except in a sidecar or enclosedcab, unless the vehicle is equipped for passengers with footrests adjusted tofit the passenger.

Handlebars — Handlebars should not be higher than the height of theshoulders of the operator when seated in the normal driving position astridethat portion of the seat or saddle occupied by the operator.

Headlights — At least one white light, visible for 500 feet, it must be lightedwhenever the motorcycle is being operated on streets or highways. A deviceto modulate the high beam of the head lamp may be used except when lightedlamps are required for all vehicles.

Horn — Must be heard for 200 feet.

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License plate light — One white license plate light must be lighted wheneverthe headlight is on and must make the license plate visible at least 50 feetaway.

Muffler — Must be in constant operation and properly maintained to preventany excessive or unusual noise. Modification of an exhaust system for thepurpose of increasing the noise level is prohibited by law.

Rearview mirror — Must reflect a view of at least 200 feet.

Seat — Drivers are prohibited from carrying passengers unless the vehiclehas been designed to carry two people. Everyone riding a motorcycle must sitastride the seat, face forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.

Stoplight — One red light, actuated by the brake and visible for 500 feet.

Taillight — One red light, visible for 500 feet.

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Knowledge Test — Sample Questions

1. It is MOST important to flash your 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 how much of the potential stopping power?a. About one-quarter.b. About one-half.c. About three-quarters.d. All the stopping power.

3. To swerve correctly:a. Shift your weight quickly.b. Turn the handlebars quickly.c. Press the handlegrip in the direction of the turn.d. Press the handlegrip in the opposite direction of the turn.

4. In the illustration at right, the carat left is waiting to enter theintersection. 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.

Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only and are not to correct scale for size of vehicles and distances.

Answers to above Knowledge Test:1-b, 2-c, 3-c, 4-b

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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Motorcycle Rider Safety Training ProgramRegional Centers

ANorthern Illinois UniversityMotorcycle Safety ProjectDivision of Continuing EducationDeKalb, IL 60115-2854800-892-9607815-753-1683www.online.niu.edu/mcycle

BIllinois State UniversityMotorcycle Safety EducationHealth Science DepartmentNormal, IL 61790-5221800-322-7619309-438-2352www.ilstu.edu/depts/mcsafety/

CUniversity of IllinoisMotorcycle Rider ProgramDept. of Community Health#4 Gerty Dr.Mail Code 678Champaign, IL 61820800-252-3348217-333-7856www.mrc.uiuc.edu

DSouthern Illinois University-CarbondaleMotorcycle Rider ProgramCenter for Injury Control and Work Site Health PromotionCarbondale, IL 62901-6731800-642-9589618-453-2877www.siu.edu/~cycle

For course dates, times and locations, please contact your Regional Center.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White thanks the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for its assistance with this manual.

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Printed by authority of the State of Illinois. March 2007 — 660M — DSD X 140.6