Motorcycle Handbook Essay

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL In the District of Columbia, you must have a valid driver’s license with motorcycle (M) endorsement to operate a motorcycle. DC law refers to a motorcycle as a 2 or 3 wheeled motor vehicle that has one or more of the following characteristics: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Piston displacement of more than fifty (50) cubic centimeters Capable of traveling over 35 miles per hour on level ground More than one and one-half (1. 5) brake horsepower (S. A. E. rating) Wheels under 16 inches in diameter Manual transmission. Note: If your 2 or 3 wheeled motor vehicle has none of the above 5 characteristics, it falls under the definition of motorized bicycle and may be operated by a person holding a provisional operator’s permit or a driver’s license (provided the vehicle passes inspection, is registered, and is insured). You may obtain a motorcycle (M) endorsement on your DC driver’s license if you: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Are at least 18 years of age Have a valid DC driver’s license Pass the DC motorcycle knowledge test Pass the DC DMV motorcycle demonstration skills test or provide a motorcycle demonstration course certificate of completion approved by Maryland or Virginia. Service Locations To take the DC DMV motorcycle knowledge test, you may visit any DMV service center. You must obtain a DC motorcycle learner’s permit after passing the motorcycle knowledge test, if you are taking the DC DMV motorcycle demonstration skills test. To submit MD or VA Motorcycle Certificate of Completion, you must visit the Brentwood Road Test Facility 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 PREFACE Operating a motorcycle safely in traffic requires special skills and knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has made this manual available to help novice motorcyclists reduce their risk of having a crash. The manual conveys essential safe riding information and has been designed for use in licensing programs. While designed for the novice, all motorcyclists can benefit from the information this manual contains. The original Motorcycle Operator Manual was developed by the National Public Services Research Institute (NPSRI) under contract to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and within the terms of a cooperative agreement between NHTSA and the MSF. The manual and related tests were used in a multi-year study of improved 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 closely with state licensing agencies. The Foundation has helped more than half the states in the nation adopt the Motorcycle Operator Manual for use in their licensing systems. Improved licensing, along with high-quality motorcycle rider education and increased public awareness, has the potential to reduce crashes. Staff at the Foundation are available to assist state, private and governmental agencies in efforts to improve motorcycle safety. †¢ Expanded alcohol and drug information. †¢ Comments and guidance provided by the motorcycling, licensing and traffic safety communities. The purpose of this manual is to educate the reader to help avoid crashes while 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 WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..    4. Be a responsible rider. WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR When you ride, your gear is â€Å"right† if it protects you. In any crash, you have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury if you wear: †¢ An approved helmet. †¢ Face or eye protection. †¢ Protective clothing. Crashes can occur — particularly among untrained, beginning riders. And one out of every five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries. Head injuries are just as severe as neck injuries — and far more common. Crash analyses show that head and neck injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists. Research also shows that, with few exceptions, head and neck injuries are reduced by properly wearing an approved helmet. Some riders don’t wear helmets because they think helmets will limit their view to the sides. Others wear helmets only on long trips or when riding at high speeds. Here are some facts to consider: WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR HELMET USE †¢ An approved helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary. A study of more than 900 motorcycle crashes, where 40% of the riders wore helmets, did not find even 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 starting out. †¢ Most riders are riding slower than 30 mph when a crash occurs. At these speeds, helmets can cut both the number and the severity of head injuries by half. No matter what the speed, helmeted riders are three times more likely to survive head injuries than those not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. There are two primary types of helmets, providing two different levels of coverage: three-quarter and full face. Whichever style you choose, you can get the most protection by making sure that the helmet: HELMET 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 padding or frayed straps. Whatever helmet you decide on, keep it securely fastened on your head when you ride. Otherwise, if you are involved in a crash, it’s likely to fly off your head before it gets a chance to protect you. A plastic shatter-resistant faceshield can help protect your whole face in a crash. It also protects you from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and pebbles thrown up from cars ahead. These problems are distracting and can be painful. If you have to deal with them, you can’t devote your full attention to the road. EYE AND FACE PROTECTION Goggles protect your eyes, though they won’t protect the rest of your face like a faceshield does. A windshield is not a substitute for a faceshield or goggles. Most windshields will not protect your eyes from the wind. Neither will eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses won’t keep your eyes from watering, and they might 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 when little light is available. EYE AND FACE PROTECTION 5 The right clothing protects you in a collision. It also provides comfort, as well as protection from heat, cold, debris and hot and moving parts of the motorcycle. Jacket and pants should cover arms and legs completely. They should fit snugly enough to keep from flapping in the wind, yet loosely enough to move freely. Leather offers the most protection. Sturdy synthetic material provides a lot of protection as well. 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 shoes 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 catch on rough surfaces. Tuck in laces so they won’t catch on your motorcycle.   Gloves allow a better grip and help protect your hands in a crash. Your gloves should be made of leather or similar durable material. In cold or wet 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. Riding for long periods in cold weather can cause severe chill 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 apart or ballooning up at high speeds. 6 CLOTHING CLOTHING THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE There are plenty of things on the highway that can cause you trouble. Your motorcycle should not be one of them. To make sure that your motorcycle won’t let you down: Read the owner’s manual first.   Start with the right motorcycle for you.   Be familiar with the motorcycle controls.   Check the motorcycle before every ride.   Keep it in safe riding condition between rides.   Avoid add-ons and modifications that make your motorcycle harder to handle. KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE First, make sure your motorcycle is right for you. It should â€Å"fit† you. Your feet should reach the ground while you are seated 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 Answer – page 40 At minimum, your street-legal motorcycle should have:   Front and rear brakes.   Turn signals.   Horn. Two mirrors. Headlight, taillight and brakelight. are licensed and know how to ride before allowing them out into traffic. No matter how experienced you may be, ride extra carefully on any motorcycle that’s 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 owner’s manual. This is particularly important if you are riding a borrowed motorcycle. If you are going to use an unfamiliar motorcycle: GET FAMILIAR WITH THE MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS Light Switch (high/low) Turn-Signal Switch Ignition Key (varies) Choke (varies) Engine Cut-Off Switch Electric Start Button Horn Button Clutch Lever Speedometer & Odometer Throttle Front Brake Lever Tachometer (if equipped) Rear Brake Pedal Kick Starter (if equipped) Gear-Change 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 look for them.   Know the gear pattern. Work the throttle, clutch and brakes a few times before you start riding. All controls react a little differently. Ride very cautiously and be aware of surroundings. Accelerate gently, take turns more slowly and leave extra room for stopping. A motorcycle needs more frequent attention than a car. A minor technical failure in a car seldom leads to anything more than an inconvenience for the driver. If something’s wrong with the motorcycle, you’ll 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, general 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 Taillight — Check them both. Test your switch to make sure both high and low beams are working.   Turn Signals — Turn on both right and left 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. Once you have mounted the motorcycle, complete the following checks before 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’s difficult to ride with one hand while you try to adjust a mirror. Adjust each mirror so you can see the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder—but it’s the road behind and to the side that’s most important.   Brakes — Try the front 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 addition 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 owner’s manual to get recommendations. 2 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. CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE Test Yourself Answer – page 40 8 â€Å"Accident† implies an unforeseen event that occurs without anyone’s fault or negligence. Most often in traffic, that is not the case. In fact, most people involved in a crash can usually claim some responsibility for what takes place. Consider a situation where someone decides to try to squeeze through an intersection on a yellow light turning red. Your light turns green. You pull into the intersection without checking for possible latecomers. That is all it takes for the two of you to tangle. It was the driver’s 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 someone else is the first to start the chain of events leading to a crash, it doesn’t leave any of us free of responsibility. As a rider you can’t be sure that other operators will see you or yield the right of way. To lessen your chances of a crash occurring: KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES   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. Blame doesn’t matter when someone is injured in a crash. There is rarely a single 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 unprepared participant in, any crash. KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 9 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance. That’s something you can learn only through practice. But control begins with knowing your abilities and riding within 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 bent when you hold the handlegrips. Bending your arms permits you to press on the handlebars without having to stretch.   Hands — Hold the handlegrips firmly to keep your grip over rough surfaces. Start with your right wrist flat. This will help you keep from accidentally using HOLDING HANDLEGRIPS RIGHT BODY POSITION BODY POSITION too much throttle. Also, adjust the handlebars so your hands are even with or below 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 turns. Feet — Keep your feet firmly on the footrests to maintain balance. Don’t drag your feet. If your foot catches on something, you could be injured and it could affect your control of the motorcycle. Keep your feet near the controls so you can get to them fast if needed. Also, don’t let your toes point downward — they may get caught between the road and the footrests. There is more to shifting gears than simply getting the motorcycle to pick up speed smoothly. Learning to use the gears when downshifting, turning or starting on hills is important for safe motorcycle operation. Shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in first gear while you are stopped so that you can move out quickly 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 front and rear wheel. Use both of them at the same 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 â€Å"normal† stops will permit you to develop the proper habit or skill of using both brakes properly in an emergency. Squeeze 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 technique, using both brakes in a turn is possible, although it should be done very carefully. When leaning the motorcycle some of the traction 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 squeeze 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 owner’s 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 can’t 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 four steps for better control: SLOW   LOOK PRESS   ROLL   SLOW — Reduce speed before the turn by closing 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 BRAKING TURNING 11 In normal turns, the rider and the motorcycle should lean together at the same angle. NORMAL TURNS ROLL — 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 Yourself LANE POSITIONS The best protection you can have is distance — a â€Å"cushion of space† — all around your motorcycle. If someone else makes a mistake, distance permits you: Time 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.   Provide an escape route. Select the appropriate path to maximize your space cushion and make yourself more easily seen by others on the road. KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE Answer – page 40 LANE POSITIONS In slow tight turns, counterbalance by leaning the motorcycle only and keeping your body straight. SLOW, TIGHT TURNS 12 LANE POSITIONS In general, there is no single best position for riders to be seen and to maintain a space cushion around the motorcycle. No portion of the lane need be avoided — including the center. Position 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 center strip permits adequate traction to ride on safely. You can operate to the left or right of the grease strip and still 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. â€Å"Following too 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 pavement marking or lamppost, on or near the road ahead.   When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes the marker, count off the seconds: â€Å"onethousand-one, one-thousand-two. † If you reach the marker before you reach â€Å"two,† you are following too closely. A two-second following distance leaves a minimum amount of space to stop or swerve 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 ANOTHER VEHICLE FOLLOWING 13 FOLLOWING pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy and someone may squeeze in 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 middle 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 don’t 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 someone 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 can’t 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 don’t 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 doesn’t 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 you’re 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 when hit by this blast than if you are on either side of the lane. PASSING BEING PASSED When 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 moving cars in the same lane can leave you vulnerable 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, bumper-to-bumper traffic.   When they want to pass you.   When you are preparing to turn at an intersection.   When you are moving into an exit lane or leaving a highway. Drivers on an entrance 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.