Motorcycle Handbook Essay

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DEPARTMENT OF motor VEHICLES revolve OPERATOR MANUAL In the District of Columbia, you must soak up a valid number whizz woods license with pedal (M) kisser to last a devolve on. DC law refers to a pedal as a 2 or 3 wheeled motor vehicle that has unriv totallyed or untold of the side by side(p) characteristics Piston displacement of more(prenominal) than fifty (50) cubic cen clockters Capable of traveling over 35 miles per instant on level ground More than unity and unitary-half (1. 5) pasture bracken horsepower (S. A. E. rating) Wheels under 16 inches in diameter Manual transmission. visor If your 2 or 3 wheeled motor vehicle has no(prenominal) of the above 5 characteristics, it f alls under the definition of motorized steering wheel and whitethorn be operated by a person holding a provisional operators permit or a drivers license (provided the vehicle drages inspection, is registered, and is in certaind). You may obtain a gull (M) stopping pointorsement on your DC drivers license if you ar at least 18 years of age Have a valid DC drivers license Pass the DC pedal knowledge test Pass the DC DMV bike presentation skills test or provide a cycle demonstration cross certificate of completion sanctioned by Maryland or Virginia. renovation Locations To take the DC DMV motorcycle knowledge test, you may visit each DMV service bear on on. You must obtain a DC motorcycle prentices permit after passing game the motorcycle knowledge test, if you be taking the DC DMV motorcycle demonstration skills test. To submit MD or VA bike Certificate of Completion, you must visit the Brentwood Road Test instalment to obtain your DC driver license with motorcycle (M) endorsement. To schedule a motorcycle demonstration skills test, you may schedule online or call (202) 727-5000. Rev. 07/2007 bring in Operating a motorcycle synthetic rubberly in job requires circumscribed skills and knowledge.The gocycle se ntry go Foundation (MSF) has made this manual callable to overhaul novice motorcyclists reduce their risk of having a smash. The manual conveys essential unassailable ride information and has been intentional for use in licensing programs. While knowing for the novice, all motorcyclists send away benefit from the information this manual contains. The real Motorcycle Operator Manual was developed by the National Public service Research Institute (NPSRI) under contract to the National Highway craft Safety Administration (NHTSA) and indoors the terms of a cooperative apprehension between NHTSA and the MSF.The manual and related tests were used in a multi-year rent of improve motorcycle operator licensing procedures, conducted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles under contract to NHTSA. These revisions reflect The latest finding of motorcyclesafety research. In promoting improved licensing programs, the MSF works about with posit licensing agencies. The Foun dation has doed more than half the states in the nation adopt the Motorcycle Operator Manual for use in their licensing systems. Improved licensing, a pine with high-quality motorcycle rider education and increased earthly concern aw arness, has the potential to reduce crashes.Staff at the Foundation ar available to assist state, private and governmental agencies in efforts to improve motorcycle safety. grow alcohol and drug information. Comments and guidance provided by the motorcycling, licensing and traffic safety communities. The habit of this manual is to educate the reader to patron turn away crashes bandage safely operating a motorcycle. For this edition, the MSF has updated and expanded the content of the original manual. Tim Buche President, Motorcycle Safety Foundation 2 Jenner Street, Suite 150 Irvine, CA 92618-3806 www. msf-usa. org CONTENTS tire disclose THE veracious GEAR ..4. Be a trustworthy rider. WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR When you ride, your gear is the refine way if it nurtures you. In any crash, you book a farthest better observe of avoiding serious injury if you wear An approved helmet. Face or field dayper shelterion. Protective clothing. Crashes digest occur curiously among untrained, beginning riders. And one out of ein truth(prenominal) five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries. Head injuries ar just as severe as neck injuries and far more common. Crash analyses submit that head and neck injuries account for a majority of serious and disastrous injuries to motorcyclists.Research alike shows that, with few exceptions, head and neck injuries are reduced by properly wearing an approved helmet. Some riders bustt wear helmets because they think helmets leave limit their raft to the sides. Others wear helmets except on long trips or when ride at high rushs. here(predicate) are some facts to consider WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR HELMET practice An approved helmet lets you guess as far to the s ides as necessary. A area of more than 900 motorcycle crashes, where 40% of the riders wore helmets, did not find charge up one case in which a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger. Most crashes happen on short trips (less than five miles long), just a few minutes after rootageing out. Most riders are riding muteer than 30 mph when a crash occurs. At these speeds, helmets tin cut both(prenominal) the number and the severity of head injuries by half. No matter what the speed, helmeted riders are tether times more presumable to survive head injuries than those not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. on that point are two primary types of helmets, providing two different levels of coverage three-quarter and overflowing stage. Whichever style you choose, you lavatory provoke got the most shelterion by making sure that the helmetHELMET SELECTION 4 HELMETS HELMET USE Meets U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. Helmets with a label from the Snell Memorial Foundation give you an added assurance of quality. Fits snugly, all the way around. Has no obvious defects such as cracks, loose overdraw or frayed straps. Whatever helmet you decide on, defy it securely tied(p) on your head when you ride. Otherwise, if you are involved in a crash, its kindredly to fly off your head beforehand it gets a chance to protect you. A plastic shatter-resistant faceshield toilet help protect your firm face in a crash.It also protects you from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and pebbles thr testify up from railway cars before. These problems are distracting and house be painful. If you have to deal with them, you cant straggle your full attention to the road. EYE AND heart PROTECTION Goggles protect your eyes, though they wont protect the rest of your face like a faceshield does. A windshield is not a substitute for a faceshield or goggles. Most windshields leave alone not protect your eyes from the wind. n each will eyegla sses or sunglasses. Glasses wont keep your eyes from watering, and they might blow off when you turn your head while riding.To be in effect(p), eye or faceshield protection must Be inadequacyon 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 finished, to reduce fogging. Permit plenteous room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if asked. Tinted eye protection should not be worn at night or any former(a)wise time when little light is available. EYE AND FACE PROTECTION 5 The amend clothing protects you in a collision. It also provides comfort, as well as protection from heat, cold, debris and hot and go parts of the motorcycle.Jacket and pants should cover coat of arms and legs on the whole. They should fit snugly enough to keep from flapping in the wind, yet loosely enough to tend freely. Leather offers the most protection. Sturdy synthetic material provides a lot of protection as wel l. Wear a jacket even in warm weather to prevent dehydration. Many are designed to protect without getting you overheated, even on summer days. Boots or berth should be high and sturdy enough to cover your ankles and give them support. Soles should be made of hard, durable, slip-resistant material. Keep heels short so they do not jinx on rough surfaces.Tuck in laces so they wont catch on your motorcycle. Gloves allow a better grip and help protect your deliberates in a crash. Your gloves should be made of leather or similar durable material. In cold or starchy weather, your clothes should keep you warm and dry, as well as protect you from injury. You cannot control a motorcycle well if you are numb. ride for long periods in cold weather can cause severe shudder and fatigue. A winter jacket should resist wind and fit snugly at the neck, wrists and waist. Good-quality rainsuits designed for motorcycle riding resist tearing asunder or ballooning up at high speeds.6 article of clothing CLOTHING THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE There are cumulus of things on the highway that can cause you trouble. Your motorcycle should not be one of them. To make sure that your motorcycle wont let you downhearted Read the owners manual first. Start with the right motorcycle for you. Be familiar with the motorcycle controls. Check the motorcycle before every ride. Keep it in safe riding condition between rides. vacate add-ons and modifications that make your motorcycle harder to handle. bop YOUR MOTORCYCLE First, make sure your motorcycle is right for you.It should fit you. Your feet should reach the ground while you are place on the motorcycle. THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE FOR YOU 1 A plastic shatter-resistant face shield A. Is not necessary if you have a windshield. B. Only protects your eyes. C. Helps protect your whole face. D. Does not protect your face as well as goggles. Test Yourself process page 40 At minimum, your street-legal motorcycle should have Front and conjure up br ake system. run signals. Horn. Two reflects. Headlight, taillight and brakelight. are accredited and know how to ride before allowing them out into traffic.No matter how condition you may be, ride extra carefully on any motorcycle thats new or unfamiliar to you. More than half of all crashes occur on motorcycles ridden by the operator for less than six months. KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles, beware. Crashes are fairly common among beginning riders especially in the first months of riding. Riding an unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, get familiar with it in a controlled area.And if you lend your motorcycle to friends, make sure they MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS BORROWING AND LENDING Make sure you are completely familiar with the motorcycle before you take it out on the street. Be sure to review the owners manual. This is particularly important if you are riding a borrowed motorcycle. If you are going to use an unfamiliar mot orcycleGET FAMILIAR WITH THE MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS Light Switch (high/low) Turn- signalise Switch light Key (varies) Choke (varies) Engine Cut-Off Switch Electric Start firing Horn moreoverton Clutch Lever reanimateometer & Odometer spring Front Brake Lever Tachometer (if equipped) Rear Brake foot pedal Kick Starter (if equipped) Gear- motley Lever.Fuel Supply Valve (if equipped) 7 Make all the checks you would on your own motorcycle. Find out where everything is, particularly the turn signals, horn, headlight switch, fuel-supply valve and engine cut-off switch. Find and operate these items without having to compute for them. Know the gear pattern. bleed the throttle, postponement and brakes a few times before you start riding. All controls react a little differently. Ride very conservatively and be certain of surroundings. Accelerate gently, take turns more slowly and leave extra room for stopping. A motorcycle needs more chemical formula attention than a car.A minor te chnical failure in a car seldom leads to anything more than an inconvenience for the driver. If somethings incorrectly with the motorcycle, youll want to find out about it before you get in traffic. Make a complete check of your motorcycle before every ride. Before mounting the motorcycle, make the following checks Tires Check the air pressure, normal wear and tread. Fluids Oil and fluid levels. At a minimum, check hydraulic fluids and coolants weekly. Look under the motorcycle for signs of an oil or gas leak. Headlights and tail lamp Check them both.Test your switch to make sure both high and low beams are running(a). Turn Signals Turn on both right and leftfield turn signals. Make sure all lights are working properly.CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE Brake Light Try both brake controls, and make sure each one turns on the brake light. erst you have mounted the motorcycle, complete the following checks before starting out Clutch and Throttle Make sure they work smoothly. The thrott le should snap back when you let go. The clutch should feel flush and smooth. Mirrors Clean and do both reflects before starting. Its difficult to ride with one hand while you try to adjust a mirror.Adjust each mirror so you can give away the thoroughfare backside and as ofttimes(prenominal) as possible of the road next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder provided its the road behind and to the side thats most important. brake Try the preceding and rear brake levers one at a time. Make sure each one feels firm and holds the motorcycle when the brake is fully applied. Horn Try the horn. Make sure it works. In extension to the checks you should make before every trip, check the following items at least once a week Wheels, cables, fasteners and fluid levels. Follow your owners manual to get recommendations.2 More than half of all crashes A. go across at speeds greater than 35 mph. B. Happen at night. C. Are caused by worn t ires. D. Involve riders who have ridden their motorcycles less than six months.CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE Test Yourself Answer page 40 8 Accident implies an unforeseen event that occurs without anyones fault or negligence. Most often in traffic, that is not the case. In fact, most people involved in a crash can usually claim some right for what takes place. contract a situation where somebody decides to try to reduce through an product on a yellow light turning red.Your light turns green. You reap into the intersection without checking for possible latecomers. That is all it takes for the two of you to tangle. It was the drivers responsibility to stop. And it was your responsibility to look before pulling out. Neither of you held up your end of the deal. Just because mortal else is the first to start the chain of events leading to a crash, it doesnt leave any of us free of responsibility. As a rider you cant be sure that other operators will see you or yield the right of way. To lessen your chances of a crash occurringKNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES Be visible wear proper clothing, use your headlight, ride in the best highway post to see and be seen. reach your intentions use the proper signals, brake light and road position. go along an adapted home mince following, existence followed, lane sharing, passing and being passed. fall upon 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. Blame doesnt matter when someone is injured in a crash.There is rarely a hotshot cause of any crash. The ability to ride aware, make critical decisions and carry them out separates responsible riders from all the rest. Remember, it is up to you to keep from being the cause of, or an extemporary participant in, any crash.KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 9 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES This manual cannot teach you how to control guidance, speed or balance. Tha ts something you can learn only through practice. But control begins with knowing your abilities and riding inwardly them, along with knowing and obeying the rules of the road.ASIC VEHICLE CONTROL To control a motorcycle well Posture Sit so you can use your arms to steer the motorcycle rather than to hold yourself up. Seat Sit far enough forward so that arms are slightly c stringe shape when you hold the handlegrips. Bending your arms permits you to press on the handlebars without having to stretch. Hands strike the handlegrips firmly to keep your grip over rough surfaces. Start with your right wrist flat. This will help you keep from accidentally using place HANDLEGRIPS RIGHT BODY POSITION BODY POSITION besides much throttle. Also, adjust the handlebars so your hands are even with or at a lower place your elbows.This permits you to use the proper muscles for precision steering. Knees Keep your knees against the gas tank to help you keep your balance as the motorcycle tur ns. Feet Keep your feet firmly on the footrests to maintain balance. Dont drag your feet. If your foot catches on something, you could be injured and it could chance on your control of the motorcycle. Keep your feet near the controls so you can get to them fast if require. Also, dont let your toes point downwards they may get caught between the road and the footrests. There is more to shifty gears than simply getting the motorcycle to pick up speed smoothly. development to use the gears when downshifting, turning or starting on hills is important for safe motorcycle operation. Shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in first gear while you are stopped so that you can move out quick if you need to.SHIFTING GEARS SHIFTING GEARS WRONG 10 Make certain you are riding slowly enough when you shift into a lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will lurch, and the rear wheel may skid. When riding downhill or shifting into first gear you may need to use the brakes to slow enough before downshifting safely.Work toward a smooth, even clutch release, especially when downshifting. It is best to change gears before entering a turn. However, sometimes shifting while in the turn is necessary. If so, remember to do so smoothly. A sudden change in power to the rear wheel can cause a skid. Your motorcycle has two brakes one each for the anterior and rear wheel. Use both of them at the selfsame(prenominal) time. The front brake is more powerful and can provide at least three-quarters of your total stopping power. The front brake is safe to use if you use it properly. Remember 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 using both brakes properly in an emergency. force the front brake and press down on the rear. Grabbing at the front brake or jamming down on the rear can cause the brakes to lock, resulting in control problems. If you know the tech nique, using both brakes in a turn is possible, although it should be done very carefully. When leaning the motorcycle some of the handgrip is used for cornering. Less traction is available for stopping. A skid can occur if you apply too much brake.Also, using the front brake incorrectly on a slippery surface may be hazardous. Use caution and mash the brake lever, never grab. Some motorcycles have integrated braking systems that activate the front and rear brakes together when applying the rear brake pedal. (Consult the owners manual for a detailed explanation on the operation and effective use of these systems. ) Riders often try to take curves or turns too fast. When they cant hold the turn, they end up crossing into another lane of traffic or going off the road. Or, they overreact and brake too hard, causing a skid and loss of control.Approach turns and curves with caution. Use quaternion steps for better control SLOW LOOK fight down browse SLOW Reduce speed before the turn by close the throttle and, if necessary, applying both brakes. 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. PRESS 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 require the motorcycle to lean more.BRAKING TURNING BRAKINGTURNING 11 In normal turns, the rider and the motorcycle should lean together at the same angle. NORMAL TURNS orbit Roll on the throttle through the turn to stabilize the suspension. Maintain steady speed or accelerate gradually through the turn. This will help keep the motorcycle stable. 3 When riding, you should A. Turn your head and shoulders to look through turns. B. Keep your arms straight. C. Keep your knees away from the gas tank. D. Turn just your head and eyes to look where you are going. Test Your self road POSITIONS The best protection you can have is exceed a buffer of space all around your motorcycle.If someone else makes a mistake, duration permits you judgment of conviction to react. Space to maneuver. In some ways the size of the motorcycle can work to your advantage. Each traffic lane gives a motorcycle three paths of travel, as indicated in the illustration. Your lane position should 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. lead an escape route. Select the appropriate path to maximize your space blow and make yourself more easily seen by others on the road.KEEPING YOUR out aloofness Answer page 40 LANE POSITIONS In slow tight turns, counterbalance by leaning the motorcycle only and keeping your be straight.SLOW, TIGHT TURNS 12 LANE POSITIONS In general, there is no single best position for riders to be s een and to maintain a space blow around the motorcycle. No portion of the lane need be avoided including the sum of money. countersink yourself in the portion of the lane where you are most likely to be seen and you can maintain a space cushion around you. Change position as traffic situations change. Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and other potential problems are on your left only.Remain in path 1 or 2 if hazards are on your right only. If vehicles are being operated on both sides of you, the center of the lane, path 2, is usually your best option. The oily strip in the center portion that collects drippings from cars is usually no more than two feet wide. Unless the road is wet, the average out center strip permits adequate traction to ride on safely. You can operate to the left or right of the grease strip and lull be within the center portion of the traffic lane. Avoid riding on big buildups of oil and grease usually found at busy intersections or toll booths.Following to o closely could be a factor in crashes involving motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles need as much distance to stop as cars. Normally, a minimum of two seconds distance should be maintained behind the vehicle ahead. To gauge your following distance Pick out a marker, such as a paving material marking or lamppost, on or near the road ahead. When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes the marker, count off the seconds onethousand-one, one-thousand-two. If you reach the marker before you reach two, you are following too closely.A two-second following distance leaves a minimum amount of space to stop or yaw if the driver ahead stops suddenly. It also permits a better view of potholes and other hazards in the road. A larger cushion of space is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop.If the FOLLOWING some other VEHICLE FOLLOWING 13 FOLLOWING pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy and someone may squeeze i n front of you, open up a three-second or more following distance. Keep well behind the vehicle ahead even when you are stopped.This will make it easier to get out of the way if someone bears down on you from behind. It will also give you a cushion of space if the vehicle ahead starts to back up for some reason. When behind a car, 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 mall of the rearview mirror where a driver is most likely to see you. Riding at the far side of a lane may permit a driver to see you in a sideview mirror. But remember that most drivers dont look at their sideview mirrors nearly as often as they check the rearview mirror.If the traffic situation allows, the center portion of the lane is usually the best place for you to be seen by the 14 BEING FOLLOWED drivers ahead and to prevent lane sharing by others. Speeding up to lose someone following too closely only ends up with someo ne tailgating you at a higher speed. A better way to handle tailgaters is to get them in front of you. When someone is following too closely, change lanes and let them pass. If you cant do this, slow down and open up extra space ahead of you to allow room for both you and the tailgater to stop. This will also encourage them to pass.If they dont pass, you will have given yourself and the tailgater more time and space to react in case an emergency does develop ahead. Passing and being passed by another vehicle is not much different than with a car. However, visibility is more critical. Be sure other drivers see you, and that you see potential hazards. BEING FOLLOWED PASSING AND BEING PASSED PASSING 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 doesnt crowd 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 within posted speed limits, and only where permitted. Know your signs and road markings stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to them could put you in a hazardous situation.Avoid being hit by The other vehicle A slight mistake by you or the passing driver could cause a sideswipe. Extended mirrors Some drivers forget that their mirrors hang out farther than their fenders. Objects thrown from windows Even if the driver knows youre there, a passenger may not see you and might toss something on you or the road ahead of you. Blasts of wind from larger vehicles They can affect your control. You have more room for error if you are in the middle portion wh en hit by this blast than if you are on either side of the lane.PASSING BEING PASSEDWhen you are being passed from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, PASSING BEING PASSED Do not move into the portion of the lane farthest from the passing vehicle. It might invite the other driver to cut back into your lane too early.BEING PASSED 15 LANE SHARING Cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is usually prohibited. Riding between rows of stopped or locomote cars in the same lane can leave you under fire(predicate) to the unexpected. A hand could come out of a window a door could open a car could turn suddenly. Discourage lane sharing by others.Keep a centerportion position whenever drivers might be tempted to squeeze by you. Drivers are most tempted to do this In heavy, slow traffic. When they want to pass you. When you are preparing to turn at an intersection. When you are moving into an exit lane or leaving a highway. Drivers on an incoming ramp may not see you on the highway. Give them plenty of room. Change to MERGING LANE SHARING another lane if one is open. If there is no room for a lane change, adjust speed to open up space for the merging driver. Do not ride next to cars or trucks in other lanes if you do not have to.You might be in the blind spot of a car in the next lane, which could switch into your lane without warning. Cars in the next lane also block your escape if you come upon danger in your own lane. Speed up or drop back to find a place clear of traffic on both sides.BLIND spots CARS ALONGSIDE MERGING CARS 4 Usually, a good way to handle tailgaters 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. Test Yourself Answer page 40 16 Good experienced riders remain aware of what is going on around them.