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ForEwOrd
T his booklet or materials in this
booklet may not be reproduced, for
resale or otherwise, without the
opinions. Consult your local regulatory
agencies concerning the operation of
motorcycles in your area.
express written permission of the
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
a national, not-for-profit organization
The information in this publication is promoting the safety of motorcycles
offered for the benefit of those who with programs in rider training,
have an interest in motorcycles. The operator licensing and public
information has been compiled from information. The MSF is sponsored by
publications, interviews and BRP, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson,
observations of individuals and Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa,
organizations familiar with the use of Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, and Yamaha.
motorcycles and training. Because
there are many differences in product
design, riding styles, federal, state and
local laws, there may be organizations
and individuals who hold differing
1
Table of contents
ForEwOrd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE 14
The Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
IntroductioN . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Shifting Gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
THE RIDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
What To Wear When You Ride
Helmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Checking the Bike
Before the Ride . . . . . . . . . 19
Eye Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Pants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gloves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 THE HIGHWAY, BYWAY, STREET
Boots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AND ALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Raingear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The SEE System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Hearing Protection . . . . . . . . . 10 Increasing Your Visibility
High-Visibility Gear . . . . . . . . . . 11 to Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Helping You to See Others . . . 28
YOU AND YOUR LEGAL Intersections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . . 12 Passing Other Vehicles . . . . . . 31
Licensing Requirements . . . . . . 13 Night Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2
Table of contents
HANDLING SPECIAL GROUP RIDING AND
SITUATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 PASSENGERS . . . . . . . . . . 46
Emergency Braking . . . . . . . . . 35 Riding in a Group . . . . . . . . . . 46
Carrying a Passenger . . . . . . . 49
Braking While Leaned
Into a Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 LOADING THE
Coping With a Skid . . . . . . . . . 36 MOTORCYCLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Riding Across Poor
Road Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . 38 Drugs, DRINKING
Steel Bridge Gratings AND RIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
and Rain Grooves . . . . . . . 40
Rain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Motorcycle Skill Test
Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Practice Guide . . . . . . . . . . 57
EQUIPMENT FAILURES . . . . 44
Blowouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Stuck Throttle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Broken Clutch Cable . . . . . . . . 45
3
You and Your Motorcycle
INTRODUCTION
You also have some new responsibilities, which is what this little booklet is
all about.
Motorcycling has grown more and more popular in recent years. Were very glad
to see the increase in the number of people who enjoy it. However, were also
interested in keeping this a safe activity.
4
INTRODUCTION
The way to do this is to tell the rider whether novice or
experienced about operating a motorcycle safely. Your enjoy-
ment, and your safety, depends on mastering not only the art of
motorcycling but also the realities of the traffic around you.
5
The Rider - Thats you!
The Rider
R iding a motorcycle properly is a skill you can learn. Its not something you are
born with, like having red hair or blue eyes. It takes thinking and practice to
ride one well. Unfortunately, many riders never learn the critical skills to ride safely
and enjoy the sport to its fullest.
The best thing you can do is take a quality, hands-on training course in a con-
trolled, off-street environment. Beginning riders can take the Basic RiderCourse SM
People who have been riding for some time can also benefit from taking an MSF
Experienced RiderCourse. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks.
The courses cover topics such as:
effective turning techniques special riding situations
protective gear effective braking techniques
traffic strategies evasive maneuvers
9
The Rider
GLOVES RAINGEAR
Always wear gloves. Even on a hot day. It rains everywhere in this country,
The car in front of you may throw up a some places more than others. Inevitably
stone that hits your fingers. Ouch! Also, you will be caught out in the rain. Why
bare hands cannot withstand abrasion in not have a good motorcycle rainsuit
the event of a fall. along, with rain-covers for boots and
gloves as well? Its a lot more fun riding
BOOTS in the rain when youre dry.
Over-the-ankle boots, please. Preferably
made of strong leather.
hearing protection
Your ankles are very complicated; Long-term exposure to engine and wind
protect them. noise can cause permanent hearing
damage, even if you wear a full-face
A boot with a slippery sole could
helmet. Whether you choose disposable
cause embarrassment when you put your
foam plugs or reusable custom-molded
foot down at a greasy gas station.
devices, proper protection reduces noise,
Rubber soles, with a good tread design,
while allowing you to hear important
offer better gripping possibilities.
sounds like car horns. Make sure you
follow your states laws when using
10 hearing protection.
The Rider
HIGH-VISIBILITY GEAR
The better people see you,
the less likely they are to run
into you. Brightly colored
clothing is preferable to drab,
dark clothing.
12
Just think of the chaos if we didnt
Legal responsibilities
have these laws. Respect them. Insurance
The registration is easy; pay your
Licensing Requirements money, and you get a license plate to
bolt onto the back of the bike.
These vary from state to state. Most
states require a separate license in Insurance is harder, but most states
order to operate a motorcycle. Go and require liability insurance. (Check your
get one. Drop by your local depart- states laws.) Shop around for it.
ment of motor vehicles and ask for Some companies give a discount if
licensing information. You put your- youve taken an MSF RiderCourse.
self, your wallet, and your insurance at You can also get other coverage on
risk if you choose to violate the law. you and your bike: comprehensive,
If your state requests it, take the collision, medical payments, uninsured
written test. And the riding test. Get driver (the other guy), and more. Ask
your motorcycle operators license. your insurance agent what each type
Become a full-fledged member of the of coverage can do for you, and how
motorcycling fraternity. Some states much it will cost.
will waive the riding and/or written test The better your driving record, the less
if you complete the Basic RiderCourse. costly the insurance. It pays to be safe.
13
Know Your Motorcycle
Know your Motorcycle
22
Your owners manual is the best right that you cant figure out
23
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
T his is what it all comes down to: you and the road. There are millions and
millions of miles of roads in this country, from one-lane dirt to 12-lane highway.
When you ride, the surface conditions, traffic, and the weather can be changing.
You have to be constantly aware of a lot of things. Daydreaming when youre
riding a motorcycle isnt a good idea. Things happen fast out there on the road,
and you have to be prepared for them.
24
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
The SEE System
Here is a good reminder for riding safely in traffic.
This SEE strategy is a mental system for safe motorcycling. Use it effectively
SM
Weve said it before, well say it Dont be shy about using your horn
again: wear bright clothing and utilize in some situations. If drivers are
retroreflective material (it shines when dozing, or about to pull an unthinking
a beam of light hits it) whenever maneuver, give them a BEEP. You
appropriate. The biggest thing that a want to make them aware of what they
following driver usually sees is your are doing. And of your presence.
back. Make it stand out.
Position your motorcycle where it
Always signal your intentions. can be seen. Dont put yourself behind
Change lanes or make a turn using a large truck or ride in the blind spot of
your turn signals. You want to be sure a vehicle near you. Get out there, take
that the people around you know what up a whole lane, make yourself seen.
you are about to do.
30
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley
Passing Other
Vehicles
The technique for
passing another
vehicle is the same
whether you are
riding a motorcycle
or driving a car.
First, before
passing, you should
be two (or more)
seconds behind the
vehicle you want to
pass, and have
positioned yourself in
the left-hand side of
your lane.
make sure you have enough distance
From this position, you have to to pass safely. Dont even think about
check oncoming traffic and the road to overtaking if a corner is coming up.
31
Highway, Byway, Street and Alley If you have room ahead to make the Before returning to your original
pass, look in your mirrors, turn the lane, signal your intention and do a
signal on, and always look over your head check to make sure that there is
shoulder. That head check is essential; enough room between you and the
somebody in a hot rod might have just vehicle you just passed. Ever have
pulled into your blind spot, intent on someone speed up just after youve
overtaking you. Always remember the overtaken them? Hmmmmm!
head check.
Return to your lane, cancel your
Everything clear? Move into the left signal, and proceed merrily along ...
lane and pass the car/truck/buggy/ with care.
whatever. Do not crowd close to the
vehicle you are passing; you should be
more or less in the center of the lane
you are passing in. Get by this vehicle
as quickly as possible, without
exceeding the speed limit. If it is a
slow-moving truck in front, you might
want to shift down a gear so you can
accelerate more rapidly as you go
around it.
32
important at night. Give yourself room
34
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Emergency Braking
Sometimes you have to stop as
quickly as possible. Here are some
tips on how to get you and your
motorcycle halted pronto:
Apply both brakes to their maxi- You dont want to lock the front
mum, just short of locking them up. brake. If the wheel does chirp,
Practice in an open, good-surfaced release the brake for a split second,
place, such as a clean parking lot. then immediately reapply without
locking it up.
Keep the motorcycle upright and
traveling in a straight line; and look If your rear wheel locks up, do not
where youre going, not where release the brake. If your handle-
youve just been. bars are straight, you will skid in a
straight line, which is all right. You
have a more important priority and
that is to get stopped! Read on and
we will talk more about skids.
35
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Braking While Leaned
Into a Curve
You should try to avoid this, but
sometimes it might be necessary.
38
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Downshift and slow before you reach If you are moving along and have to
the problem area. go over an obstruction that is lying
across the road, like a 2x4 piece of
wood, rise up on the footpegs and
If there is traffic in the area, make shift your weight toward the back of
sure that the drivers are aware you the saddle as your front wheel
are slowing. comes up to the obstacle. This will
make it easier for the front wheel to
Try to cross the bad surface in a bounce up and over. Then move
straight line, or at least do not your weight forward to help your
change direction or speed abruptly. rear wheel get over.
Stay ready to maintain the balance of Do not accelerate until your bike is
the motorcycle. completely over the obstacle.
39
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS clists. This is when the road surface,
Steel Bridge Gratings usually concrete, has several dozen
and Rain Grooves grooves running lengthwise down
Steel-mesh bridges can be extremely each lane. The purpose of the
unnerving. Keep an even throttle and grooves is to prevent cars and trucks
keep the bike straight. Dont grip the from losing traction when it rains.
handlebars too hard. If there is a
vibration in the handlebars, do not
fight it. This is a natural feedback
from your tires going over these
thousands of little squares.
The reaction of the bike to these
grooves often has to do with the tread
pattern on the tires. Sometimes it feels
as though the motorcycle is getting a
flat tire, with a squishy back-and-forth
sideways motion. Dont worry, just
keep going straight. Dont fight the han-
Some parts of the country have dlebars. There is nothing dangerous
rain grooves in the highways. Theyre about these rain grooves it just feels
not very popular among motorcy- funny to ride on them.
40
HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Rain
Haul out the raingear youve stowed in
a handy spot. Make sure your rain
gloves and rain boots fit properly.
Poorly fitted ones can lessen your ability
to brake and shift.
44
Equipment Failures
Stuck Throttle Broken Clutch Cable
Most riders have had bad dreams Imagine you are cruising along in fifth
about this, but few have experienced gear; you want to shift down; you pull
the problem. in the clutch lever and there is no
return action. It just lies up against
That is why all contemporary the handgrip.
motorcycles have a cut-off switch by
the right thumb. Just in case. Practice No fun, but not dangerous. You can
flipping the cut-off switch. Chances shift the bike without a clutch. This is
are you will never have a throttle stick, not advisable unless necessary, but it
but if you do, youll know how to deal can be done. Back off on the throttle
with it. and shift down a gear.
As you hit the cut-off switch, pull in If you have a sensitive foot, you can
the clutch (you will probably be in probably find neutral before coming to
gear); then look for a safe place to a complete stop. If not, get set for a
coast to a stop. jerky halt.
45
Group Riding & Passengers
Group Riding & Passengers
46
Group Riding & Passengers
Riding in a group of more than five Ride in a staggered formation, with
motorcycles can become confusing first bike on the left side of the lane,
both for the group and other traffic second on the right side, etc., but
around you. If there are too many not side by side.
people, break it up into smaller
groups. Always keep at least a two-second
following distance from the motor-
cycle directly in front of you.
47
Group Riding & Passengers
At a stoplight or stop sign, Pass other vehicles individually,
wait in pairs. when safe not in pairs or groups.
48
Group Riding & Passengers
Carrying
a Passenger
Company is always nice. Some
company weighs 100 pounds,
other company weighs 200
pounds.
51
Loading the Motorcycle
Loading the Motorcycle
54
Drugs, Drinking & Riding
There is no conclusion.
Motorcycling is a constant learning experience.
58 * Contact your local licensing agency for exact layout of the skill test in your area.
INTRODUCTION
Read the entire guide before you practice.
Take the guide with you for reference when you practice.
59
INTRODUCTION
Choosing a Practice Area
A well-marked parking lot is the best
practice area. Be aware, however, of
oil left by parked cars. Look for
parking lots that are not used all the
time at shopping centers, schools,
churches or community centers. For
instance, you might use a school lot in Traffic is your greatest concern.
the evening hours, or a shopping
Make sure you check to the front, sides
center early in the morning.
and rear before doing an exercise.
Once youve selected a suitable Also, make sure you watch out for
location, its important to gain children and animals and be
permission from the owner. considerate of others in the area.
61
Normal Stop in a Straight Line
EXERCISE1
62
EXERCISE1
Common Problems Basic Corrections
1. Rear tire skids. 1. Apply less pressure on the rear brake.
2. Overshooting marker. 2. Begin slowing and braking sooner, or try
slightly more pressure on the brakes.
3. Unstable during stop.
3. Keep head and eyes up during stop.
Delay braking until necessary.
63
Quick Stop in a Straight Line
Exercise 2
Practicing this exercise will help you stop quickly when
something suddenly appears in your path.
64
Exercise 2
Common Problems Basic Corrections
1. Overshooting the final marker. 1. Apply more pressure to brakes;
however, avoid locking front brake by
2. Motorcycle slides sideways, or leans to squeezing, not grabbing, the lever.
one side.
2. Sit straight on seat and do not turn
3. Engine overrevs when using the front handlebars, look straight ahead. NOTE:
brake. If the rear wheel inadvertently locks,
keep steering the motorcycle straight.
66
Exercise 3
Common Problems Basic Corrections
1. Swinging too wide away from markers. 1. Keep eyes up, looking forward, decrease
lean angle; press less on the handlebars.
2. Hitting markers.
2. Keep eyes up, looking forward, increase
3. Too much handlebar movement. lean angle slightly; press more on the
handlebars.
68
Exercise 4
Common Problems Basic Corrections
1. Swinging wide of the turn. 1. Look to the exit point.
Apply more pres-
sure on the inside handlebar to lean more.
2. Cutting corner too close or turning too
sharply. 2. Look to the exit point.
Do not look
down. Apply less pressure to the inside
3. Exiting wide out of the turn, making the handlebar. Keep a steady throttle.
oval into a circle.
3. Slow more before the turn. Look where
you want to go. Apply more pressure
on the inside handlebar to lean more.
69
Normal Turns
Exercise 5
Practicing this exercise will help you further refine your turning skills.
70
Exercise 5
Common Problems Basic Corrections
1. Swinging wide of the turn. 1. Slow down more before entering the
turn, look to the exit point, press more
2. Cutting corner too close or turning too on the inside handlebar.
sharply.
2. Keep head and eyes up. Do not look
3. Slowing and motorcycle tends to down. Look to the exit point. Press
straighten up. less on inside handlebar.
71
Sharp Turns Without Stopping
Exercise 6a
Practicing this exercise will help you to make sharp turns such as
pulling out of parking spaces or driveways, and turning into a driveway
or onto a narrow street.
72
Exercise 6a
Common Problems Basic Corrections
1. Turning too short or too long. 1. Keep head and eyes up and look
through the turn.
2. Motorcycle stalls.
2. Use clutch and throttle smoothly to
3. Motorcycle begins to fall into the turn. maintain necessary power to rear wheel.
4. Traveling too fast to make turn. 3. Keep eyes up and look through the turn,
keep just enough momentum after
braking to carry you through the turn.
Practicing this exercise properly will help you make sharp turns from a stop
such as exiting a parking lot or turning into a narrow street.
74
Exercise 6b
Common Problems Basic Corrections
1. Turning too short or too long. 1. Keep head and eyes up and look
through the turn.
2. Motorcycle stalls or begins to fall into
the turn. 2. Concentrate on maintaining steady
speed or slight acceleration and smooth
clutch release. Look through the turn.
75
Obstacle Swerve
Exercise 7
Practicing this exercise will help you swerve to avoid a potential hazard.
76
Exercise 7
Common Problem Basic Correction
1. Unable to properly complete the 1. Keep a steady speed. Maintain
swerve. pressure on the handlebar until you
have cleared the marker, then press on
opposite handgrip to straighten into the
new path.
77
Normal Stop on a Curve
Exercise 8
80
Exercise 9
1. Overshooting the final marker. 1. Apply maximum pressure to the brakes
once motorcycle is straightened from
2. Motorcycle nearly falls over. the lean angle.
3. Rear wheel skids. 2. Straighten up the motorcycle first, then
apply the brakes. Be sure the handle-
bars are square with the motorcycle.
Keep eyes up. Dont grab front brake.
81
Third Edition, First Printing: July 2010
Illustrations: George Toomer
For more information contact:
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner, Suite 150 Irvine, California 92618-3806
(949) 727-3227 www.msf-usa.org
For the rider training location nearest you call:
(800) 446-9227
1988-2010 Motorcycle Safety Foundation
For more information contact:
Motorcycle Safety Foundation 2 Jenner, Suite 150 Irvine, CA 92618-3806
(949) 727-3227 www.msf-usa.org
For the rider training location nearest you call: (800) 446-9227
1988-2010 Motorcycle Safety Foundation
PN-MSPU3425NC00