Motorcycle Manual

!09 Motorcycle Manual.
qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page 2

!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page 3
Minnesota Motorcycle,
Motorized Bicycle and
Electric-Assisted Bicycle
Manual
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division
prepared this manual. Additional copies may be obtained at any driver examination
station, or you may get a copy by writing to Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota
Street, St. Paul, MN 55101, or call 651-297-3298 or 651-282-6555 (TTY only). Visit
the Department of Public Safety Web site at www.mndriveinfo.org to access online
versions of our driver’s manuals.
PS30001-10 (2/09)
About this Manual…

This manual is about operating motor- This manual concerns Minnesota laws
cycles, motorized bicycles and electric- and requirements. For complete standards,
assisted bicycles on Minnesota streets consult Minnesota state statutes and
and highways. rules. This document is not a proper legal
authority to cite in court.
The first section concerns Minnesota
laws and requirements. For complete This manual is printed by permission of
standards, consult Minnesota statutes the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
and rules.
This information can be made available
The second section (Operation Manual) in alternative formats to individuals with
contains information on safe motorcycling. disabilities. For assistance, call
The Operation Manual, provided by the 651-297-3298 or (TTY) 651-282-6555.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation, is not about
Minnesota law — it is about riding smart
and staying safe.
For more information on Minnesota
driving laws and rules for all drivers,
refer to the Minnesota Driver’s Manual.
Photo on cover by Mark Tantrum Photography, www.marktantrum.com

CONTENTS
Preface Instruction Permit Process . . . . . . . . . .VI

Rider Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I Skills Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VI
Duplicate Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VII
Motorcycles Vehicle Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VII
License Endorsement and Permit . . . . .II Insurance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . .VII
Permit Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .II Equipment Requirements . . . . . . . . . .VII
Skills Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .II Operating Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VII
New Resident Information . . . . . . . . . .II
Endorsement Renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . .III Electric-Assisted Bicycles
License Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .III Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VIII
Motorcycle Registration/Insurance . . . .III Permit and Registration . . . . . . . . . . .VIII
Equipment Requirements . . . . . . . . . .IV Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VIII
Operating Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IV Equipment Requirements . . . . . . . . .VIII
Alcohol and Motorcycles . . . . . . . . . . .V Operating Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VIII
Red Light, Green Light . . . . . . . . . . . . .V
Motorized Foot Scooters
Motorized Bicycles and Moped Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VIII
Motorized Bicycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VI Operating Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IX
Operator’s Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VI Equipment Requirements . . . . . . . . . .IX
SKILLS TEST CHECKLIST

Do you have all the information you need for your skills test?
Here is a checklist to help you prepare:
❑ I have made a skills test appointment.
❑ I have my valid driver’s license.
❑ I have my valid motorcycle instruction permit.
❑ I have my helmet and eye protection.
❑ I will provide a motorcycle on which to take the test.
• Basic safety equipment must be in working condition (see equipment
requirements on page IV).
• Vehicle registration must be current (license plates and registration stickers)
or the motorcycle must display a 21-day permit.
❑ I have valid proof of insurance (such as the original insurance identification card
or policy) for the motorcycle I am taking the test on. Photocopies or copies from
the Internet are not acceptable.
❑ I have brought money (check, money order, or cash) to pay the driver’s license fee
and the retesting fee, if applicable. There is a $20 test fee for a third or subsequent
test (after failing first two).
• Credit and debit cards are not accepted.
If under 18 years of age:
❑ I have my certificate of course completion from an approved rider safety course.
Note: Riders under 18 will be required to have a parent or court-appointed guardian
sign the application to add the motorcycle endorsement.
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page I
I PREFACE
This manual is intended to help riders The hazards of riding a two-wheeled

prepare for the knowledge and skills tests vehicle constantly test the skills of even
required to obtain a permit and endorse- the most experienced rider. For this
ment. It includes rider information that reason, Minnesota tests everyone seeking
will help beginner and experienced riders permits and license endorsements to
alike. This manual includes Minnesota legally operate a motorcycle or moped
state requirements as well as a guide in the state.
to safe riding practices.
Rider Training
Skill and care are safety necessities The Minnesota Department of Public
for riders. Two-wheeled vehicles have Safety recommends rider training courses
the disadvantage of being less stable for both beginner and experienced riders.
and more vulnerable than other vehicles Motorcyclists are encouraged to update
on the road. In a crash, riders often their riding skills as often as possible.
sustain severe injuries because they Studies have shown that riders who
lack the protection provided to occupants have taken training courses are better
of larger vehicles. equipped to cope with riding emergencies
Over the last ten years, crash studies and less likely to be involved in a crash.
show motorcyclists are seven times more In 1982, the State of Minnesota
likely to be injured and 34 times more established a Motorcycle Safety Fund
likely to die in a crash than passengers to upgrade and improve training courses,
in any other type of vehicle. test procedures, public awareness and
Approximately 80 percent of motorcycle motorcycle safety. The Minnesota
crashes result in death or injury, compared Motorcycle Safety Program administers
with less than 30 percent of auto crashes. these funds and offers state-approved
These numbers emphasize the importance rider training courses.
of knowing the rules of motorcycle and For more information on motorcycle
moped operation. While cornering, steer- rules, safety or training classes, contact
ing and acceleration the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center
characteristics of motorcycles can exceed at 800-407-6677 or visit
other vehicles, their short comings with www.motorcyclesafety.state.mn.us.
regard to safety should not be ignored.
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page II
MOTORCYCLES II
Motorcycle License Motorcycle Endorsement

Endorsement and Permit Skills Test
Every person who operates a motor- When you feel that you have reached
cycle on public roads in Minnesota must an acceptable skill level, you may return
have a valid driver’s license with the to a driver examining station and take
appropriate instruction permit or license the skills test on your motorcycle. You
endorsement. You must carry these can schedule your test in person, by
documents with you when riding a phone or online at www.mndriveinfo.org.
motorcycle on public roadways. If you test on a three-wheeled motor-
cycle, you will be restricted to operating
Motorcycle Permit Process three-wheelers only. You can remove
A valid Minnesota driver’s license is restrictions by taking the skills test on the
required to obtain a motorcycle instruc- type of motorcycle you want to operate.
tion permit. To obtain a motorcycle
For the skills test, you must bring:
instruction permit, you must first pass
a knowledge (written) test at a driver • Your current driver’s license and
examination station. If you are under motorcycle permit.
18 years old, you must also present • A motorcycle, properly equipped,
a certificate of completion of a state- with proof of current registration
approved motorcycle rider training course. and insurance.
The knowledge test may be taken only • DOT-approved helmet and eye
once per day. When you pass the test protection.
and pay the $21 permit fee, you will • If you are under 18 years old, a
receive an instruction permit valid for certificate of course completion from
one year. You will then be entitled to an approved motorcycle rider training
practice riding your motorcycle on public program.
roadways so you can become familiar
with it and its controls. You will not be allowed to test if you
do not bring all of these items.
While you are operating a motorcycle
with your instruction permit, the follow- You may take the skills test only once
ing restrictions apply: per day. After passing the skills test, you
will need to apply for a duplicate driver’s
• You must wear a helmet and eye
license and have your endorsement
protection approved by the federal
added. Your receipt from the duplicate
Department of Transportation (DOT).
license application will allow you to ride
• You may not carry passengers. your motorcycle without restrictions until
• You may not ride on any inter- you receive your new license.
state highway.
New Residents
• You may not ride at night. “Night” If you are a new Minnesota resident
or “nighttime” means the time and have a valid driver’s license with a
from one-half hour after sunset to motorcycle endorsement from another
one-half hour before sunrise.
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page III
III MOTORCYCLES
state (or one that has been expired Retesting Fees

for less than one year) you will need to * Third and subsequent
take a knowledge test to get a Minnesota knowledge test
driver’s license. You may take the motor- (after failing first two) . . . . . . .$10.00
cycle knowledge test at the same time
* Third and subsequent
you take the driver’s license knowledge
road/skills test
test. The motorcycle skills test will be
(after failing first two) . . . . . . .$20.00
waived when you pass the knowledge
test. An endorsement fee of $21 will * Available at driver exam stations only.
be added to the cost of your Minnesota ** Fee does not include the cost of a
driver’s license. new license.
Endorsement Renewal Motorcycle Registration
When your Minnesota driver’s license All motorcycles must be registered
has a two-wheeled motorcycle endorse- with the state and display a license plate
ment, you will pay the license fee plus showing that registration tax has been
a $13 motorcycle endorsement fee when paid. The registration period is from
you renew your license with your March 1 through the last day of February.
endorsement. Re-registration is required annually and
expires at the end of February. New
License Fees residents have 60 days after becoming
Fees are determined by law and are Minnesota residents to register their
subject to change. motorcycles. For more information,
Motorcycle Fees contact your local deputy registrar or
* Motorcycle instruction call 651-297-2126.
permit/endorsement fee . . . . .$21.00
Motorcycle Insurance
** Motorcycle endorsement All motorcycles registered in Minnesota
renewal (2 wheel only) . . . . . .$13.00
must have liability insurance coverage for
Duplicate driver’s license . . . . .$13.50 property damage or injury to another
Motorized Bicycle Operator’s Permit party. No-fault injury and uninsured
motorist protections are optional. Cover-
* Knowledge test and
30-day instruction permit . . . . .$6.75 age for damage, loss or motorcycle theft
is also optional. The Commissioner of
* Skills test and 1-year Public Safety may revoke the registration
operator’s permit . . . . . . . . . . .$6.75 and suspend the license of any motor-
* Duplicate of 1-year cycle operator who does not carry the
operator’s permit . . . . . . . . . . .$3.75 required insurance.
Renewal of operator’s permit
to age 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9.75
Duplicate of operator’s permit . .$5.25
Renewal, age 21 or older . . . .$15.75
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page IV
MOTORCYCLES IV
Motorcycle Equipment recommended by the Department of

Requirements Public Safety for all motorcyclists and
passengers.
All motorcycles must have basic safety
equipment in working condition. In Motorcycle Operating Rules
addition to a rearview mirror, horn and There are a number of basic operating
muffler, motorcycles must be equipped rules that are unique to two-wheeled
with the following: vehicles.
• At least one, and not more than two, • The operator may ride only on a
headlights with high- and low-beam permanent, regular seat.
settings. (Headlight modulators are
legal in Minnesota.) • A passenger may ride only on a
permanent, regular passenger’s seat
• One red taillight, including brake on the motorcycle or in a sidecar
light/stop lamp. A blue dot of up to attached to the vehicle.
one inch in diameter on the taillight
is legal. • Passengers may not ride on a motor-
cycle unless they can reach the
• Footrests for a passenger must be footrests on each side of the motor-
provided if the motorcycle is cycle with both feet while seated.
equipped with a seat designed or
suited for use by a passenger. • Operators and passengers under 18
and those operating on a motorcycle
• At least one brake, front or rear, permit must wear DOT-approved
which may be operated by hand helmets.
or foot.
• The operator and the passenger must
All provisions of Minnesota Statutes, sit astride the motorcycle seat, facing
Chapter 169, pertaining to other motor forward, with one leg on each side
vehicle equipment also apply to motorcy- of the motorcycle (passengers in a
cles, except those which by their nature sidecar are exempt).
have no application.
• Operators may not carry packages
Protective Eyewear or articles that interfere with keeping
Motorcyclists are required to wear pro- both hands on the handlebars.
tective eyewear, such as glasses, goggles
• Operators may not ride a motorcycle
or a face shield, even if the motorcycle is
between lanes of moving or station-
equipped with a windscreen. Contact
ary vehicles headed in the same
lenses do not qualify as protective eye-
direction.
wear.
• The operator must have the headlight
Helmets on at all times when riding in
Motorcyclists and passengers under Minnesota.
18 years of age and those operating on
a motorcycle permit must wear a DOT-
approved helmet. Helmet use is strongly
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page V
V MOTORCYCLES
Live to Ride. Alcohol and Red Light, Green Light:

Motorcycles Don’t Mix Minnesota Law
Riding a motorcycle requires more In 2002, the Minnesota legislature
skills — and different skills — than passed a law to address instances when
driving a car or truck. Because of this, two-wheeled vehicles are not detected
alcohol use impairs a rider’s skills sooner by control systems at traffic lights, and
and more severely than a driver’s, even a signal change does not occur.
at blood alcohol levels below the legal
The law gives motorcyclists and moped
level of .08.
riders the option to proceed through the
Fact: drinking and riding kills motor- intersection after a reasonable amount
cyclists. State law requires that coroners of time, and provides an affirmative
test the blood alcohol level of traffic crash legal defense to this action, based on
victims who die within four hours of a five conditions:
crash. About half of the motorcyclists • The motorcycle or moped has been
tested since 1990 had alcohol in their brought to a complete stop.
systems.
• The traffic-control signal continues to
Minnesota State Patrol officers, local show a red light for an unreasonable
police and county sheriffs patrol Minne- time.
sota highways every day to enforce DWI
laws. In 2006, they made more than • The traffic-control signal is apparently
40,000 DWI arrests. A DWI will affect all malfunctioning or, if programmed
your driving privileges — not only your to change to a green light only after
privilege to operate a motorcycle. detecting the approach of a motor
vehicle, the signal has apparently
If you drink, don’t ride, and if you ride, failed to detect the motorcycle.
don’t drink. Do it for your family and
friends as well as for your own safety. • No vehicle or person is approaching
Set the example for other riders, and on the roadway to be crossed or
don’t be afraid to step in when you see entered, or
someone else about to make a mistake. • Approaching vehicles or persons are
Do it for their families and their friends. so far away that they do not consti-
For a summary of Minnesota laws tute an immediate hazard.
on driving and riding under the influence The affirmative defense applies only
of alcohol and other drugs, and the to an alleged violation for entering or
consequences of doing so, please refer crossing an intersection controlled by a
to chapter 8 of the Minnesota Driver’s traffic-control signal against a red light.
Manual, available online at It does not provide a defense to any
www.mndriveinfo.org. other civil or criminal action.
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page VI
MOTORIZED BICYCLE AND MOPED VI
Motorized Bicycle To find out about moped safety courses

Motorized bicycles are registered as near you, contact your local driver exam
mopeds. A motorized bicycle must meet station or call 800-407-6677. Find course
the following requirements: information and exam station locations
• Electric motor or a liquid-fueled at www.mndriveinfo.org or call
engine with piston displacement 651-297-2005.
of 50 cubic centimeters or less. The knowledge test includes questions
• Maximum of two brake horsepower. on driving laws and rules of the road
as well as information specific to two-
• Maximum speed of 30 mph on a wheeled vehicles. In addition to this
flat surface. manual, study the Minnesota Driver’s
Moped Operator’s Permit Manual.
Any person who has a valid driver’s When you have passed the knowledge
license may operate a moped without test and paid the $6.75 examination fee,
taking a moped test. Anyone without a you will receive a 30-day moped instruc-
driver’s license, regardless of age, must tion permit. This instruction permit allows
obtain a moped operator’s permit to you to practice riding a moped only with-
legally operate a moped (see section in a one-mile radius of your residence.
below). You must carry your license For operators under the age of 16,
or permit with you when you ride. during the instruction permit period, only
Moped Instruction Permit a parent or guardian of the operator may
ride on the moped as a passenger.
Process
To obtain a moped operator’s instruc- Moped Operator’s Permit
tion permit you must: Skills Test
• Be at least 15 years old. You must pass a skills test to obtain
• Present proper identification. a moped operator’s permit.
• Present a certificate of completion When you take your skills test, you
issued by a state approved moped must bring:
safety course. • Your 30-day moped operator’s
• Pass a vision screening. instruction permit.
• Current proof of insurance for the
• Pass a knowledge test.
moped used for testing.
If you are under 18 years old, you • A DOT-approved helmet and eye
must meet these requirements and protection.
present a certified approval slip from
your parent or legal guardian before You will not be allowed to test if you
taking the knowledge test and skills test. do not have all of the above items.
Approval forms are available at license A parental approval slip is required
exam stations. for persons under age 18. Approval forms
are available at license exam stations.
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page VII
VII MOPED
The moped operator’s permit is valid equipped with a headlight or taillight

for one year. If your 1-year operator’s and may be operated during daylight
permit is lost, you may apply for a dupli- hours only.
cate permit. • A horn and mirror are required safety
After one year, you may apply for a equipment for a moped.
renewal of the moped operator’s permit. • Moped riders must wear protective
If your moped operator’s permit is lost eyewear.
or there is a change of name or address,
you may apply for a duplicate permit. • Moped riders under 18 years old
must wear a DOT-approved motor-
Moped Vehicle Registration cycle helmet.
Mopeds must be registered, and regis- • The Department of Public Safety
trations must be renewed annually. The recommends that moped operators
vehicle must display current registration observe the same rules of safety and
tabs. Registration and renewal can be wear the same protective equipment
done at any Driver and Vehicle Services suggested for motorcycle riders.
deputy registrar’s office.
Moped Operating Rules
Moped These rules and restrictions apply to
Insurance Requirements operating mopeds:
All mopeds registered in Minnesota • Because of the relatively low speeds
must have liability insurance coverage of mopeds, you should ride in the
for property damage or injury to another traffic lane as far right on the road-
party. No-fault injury and uninsured way as possible unless you are
motorist protections are optional. Cover- making a left turn. Riding on side-
age for damage, loss or moped theft is walks is not permitted except where
also optional. The Commissioner of Public it would be necessary for a short
Safety may revoke the registration and distance to get from a driveway, alley
suspend the license of any moped oper- or building to an adjacent roadway.
ator who does not carry the required
• Mopeds are not allowed on lanes
insurance.
or trails that have been set aside
Moped Equipment for bicycles and the exclusive use
Requirements of non-motorized traffic.
These rules apply to required equip- • Moped riders on a roadway shall not
ment and gear for moped riders: ride more than two abreast and shall
• A moped must meet the same not impede the normal and reason-
lighting requirements as a motor- able movement of traffic.
cycle, with a headlight, taillight and • Mopeds are not allowed on inter-
stop lamp. The headlight must be on state freeways.
during operation. Mopeds manufac-
tured before 1987 are not normally • A moped equipped with a headlight
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page VIII
ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLE
AND MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER VIII
and taillight that meet motorcycle Electric-Assisted Bicycle

lighting requirements may be oper- Insurance Requirements
ated during nighttime hours. “Night”
No-fault liability insurance is not
or “nighttime” means the time from
required for electric-assisted bicycle
one-half hour after sunset to one-
operators.
half hour before sunrise.
Electric-assisted bicycles are registered
Equipment Requirements
as mopeds. An electric-assisted bicycle • Electric-assisted bicycle riders under
may have two or three wheels and must 18 years old must wear a motorcycle
meet the following requirements: helmet approved by the Department
of Transportation or a bicycle helmet
• Saddle and fully operable pedals for
approved by the American National
human propulsion.
Standards Institute.
• Electric motor with a power output
• Protective eyewear is recommended,
of 1,000 watts or less.
but not required, for electric-assisted
• Motor incapable of propelling the bicycle operators.
vehicle more than 20 mph.
• Motor incapable of increasing the Electric-Assisted Bicycle
speed of the vehicle to more than Operating Rules
20 mph when human power is used • Electric-assisted bicycle operators
to propel the vehicle. may ride on the shoulder of the
• Motor disengages or ceases to road going in the same direction
function when brakes are applied. as adjacent traffic.
• Meets Federal motor vehicle safety • Electric-assisted bicycle operators
standards. may ride in a marked bicycle lane.
• Standard traffic laws apply with
Electric-Assisted Bicycle regard to lane use, traffic signs
Operator’s Permit and and signals.
Registration • An electric-assisted bicycle equipped
Any person who has a valid driver’s with a headlight and taillight that
license may operate an electric-assisted meet motorcycle lighting requirements
bicycle without taking a test or having may be operated during nighttime
a driver’s license endorsement. Anyone hours. “Night” or “nighttime” means
without a driver’s license, regardless of the time from one-half hour after
age, must obtain a moped operator’s sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
permit to legally operate an electric-
assisted bicycle.You must carry these Motorized Foot Scooter
documents with you when you ride. A motorized foot scooter is designed
For details on obtaining a permit, refer to be stood or sat upon by the operator.
to the “Moped Operator’s Permit” section It has handlebars and is powered by
on page VI. an engine or electric motor capable of
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page IX
IX MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER
propelling the device with or without subject to restrictions placed by

human propulsion. A motorized foot law on pedestrians.
scooter has these requirements: wheels – When necessary to avoid condi-
ten inches in diameter or smaller, or an tions that make it unsafe to
engine or motor capable of a maximum continue along the right-hand
speed of 15 mph on a flat surface. curb or edge, including, but not
limited to, fixed or moving objects,
Motorized Foot Scooter
vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians,
Operator’s Rights and animals, surface hazards, or
Responsibilities narrow lanes.
You must be 12 years old or older to
• Riding a motorized foot scooter on
operate a motorized foot scooter. You
sidewalks is not permitted except
do not need an operator’s permit, vehicle
where it would be necessary for a
registration or insurance to operate a
short distance to get from a drive-
motorized foot scooter.
way, alley or building to an adjacent
Every person operating a motorized roadway.
foot scooter has the same rights and
• Motorized foot scooter operators
responsibilities as the operator of a
may not carry passengers.
bicycle, except in respect to provisions
related only to motorized foot scooters • A person may operate a motorized
and in respect to provisions that cannot foot scooter on a bicycle path, bicycle
reasonably be applied to motorized lane, bicycle trail or bike- way that
foot scooters. is not reserved for the exclusive
use of non-motorized traffic, unless
Motorized Foot Scooter restricted by local authorities.
Operation Requirements Motorized Foot Scooter
and Prohibitions Operator Equipment
• A person operating a motorized foot
scooter on a roadway shall ride near
Requirements
the right-hand curb or edge of the • Riders age 12 to 17 must wear either
roadway, except in the following a motorcycle helmet approved by
situations: the U.S. Department of Transportation
or a bicycle helmet approved by
– When overtaking and passing
the American National Standards
another vehicle proceeding in
Institute (ANSI).
the same direction.
– When preparing for a left turn, in • A motorized foot scooter equipped
which case the operator shall stop with a headlight and taillight may
and dismount at the right-hand be operated during nighttime hours.
curb or right edge of the roadway, “Night” or “nighttime” means the
and shall complete the turn by time from one-half hour after sunset
crossing the roadway on foot, to one-half hour before sunrise.
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page X
MINNESOTA RIDER TRAINING

AND EDUCATION X
Basic Rider Course (BRC) Special Evening Hours for

The basic rider course is intended State Riding Test
for novice riders — no experience is The Minnesota Department of
necessary — but experienced riders Public Safety Office of Driver and Vehicle
benefit from this course, as well. Services has a convenient evening testing
Training motorcycles are provided. program just for motorcycle riders. Several
A rider 18 years of age or older who exam stations are open from 5 to 7 p.m.
has a valid motorcycle permit can earn one night per week throughout the
a motorcycle endorsement upon success- summer for motorcycle endorsement skills
ful completion of the skills test at the testing. Visit www.motorcyclesafety.org
end of the course (skills test waiver). or 800-407-6677 for more information.
Riders younger than 18 years of age
are required to take the BRC before
taking the state motorcycle knowledge
(permit) and skills tests.
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page XI
NOTES
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page XII
NOTES

2 Preface
Operating a motorcycle safely These revisions reflect:
in traffic requires special skills and • The latest finding of motorcycle-
knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety safety research.
Foundation (MSF) has made this manual
available to help novice motorcyclists • Comments and guidance provided
reduce their risk of having a crash. The by the motorcycling, licensing and
manual conveys essential safe riding traffic safety communities.
information and has been designed • Expanded alcohol and drug
for use in licensing programs. While information.
designed for the novice, all motorcyclists
In promoting improved licensing
can benefit from the information this
programs, the MSF works closely with
manual contains.
state licensing agencies. The Foundation
The original Motorcycle Operator has helped more than half the states
Manual was developed by the National in the nation adopt the Motorcycle
Public Services Research Institute (NPSRI) Operator Manual for use in their
under contract to the National Highway licensing systems.
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Improved licensing, along with high-
and within the terms of a cooperative
quality motorcycle rider education and
agreement between NHTSA and the
increased public awareness, has the
MSF. The manual and related tests
potential to reduce crashes. Staff at the
were used in a multi-year study of
Foundation are available to assist state,
improved motorcycle operator licensing
private and governmental agencies in
procedures, conducted by the California
efforts to improve motorcycle safety.
Department of Motor Vehicles under
contract to NHTSA.
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 Tim Buche
expanded the content of the original President,
manual. Motorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner, Suite 150

Irvine, CA 92618-3806
www.msf-usa.org
contents
contents 3
PREPARING TO RIDE Handling Dangerous Surfaces ��27
Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ��27
Wear the Right Gear ��4 Slippery Surfaces ��28
Helmet Use ��4 Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks
Helmet Selection ��4 and Pavement Seams ��29
Eye and Face Protection ��5 Grooves and Gratings ��29
Clothing ��6
Mechanical Problems ��30
Know Your Motorcycle ��6 Tire Failure ��30
The Right Motorcycle for You ��6 Stuck Throttle ��30
Borrowing and Lending ��7 Wobble ��30
Get Familiar with the Drive Train Problems ��31
Motorcycle Controls ��7 Engine Seizure ��31
Check Your Motorcycle ��8
Animals ��31
Know Your Responsibilities ��9
Flying Objects ��32
RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES Getting Off the Road ��32
Basic Vehicle Control ��10 Carrying Passengers
Body Position ��10 and Cargo ��32
Shifting Gears ��10 Equipment ��32
Braking ��11 Instructing Passengers ��33
Turning ��11 Riding With Passengers ��33
Keeping Your Distance ��12 Carrying Loads ��33
Lane Positions ��12 Group Riding ��34
Following Another Vehicle ��13 Keep the Group Small ��34
Being Followed ��14 Keep the Group Together ��34
Passing and Being Passed ��14 Keep Your Distance ��34
Lane Sharing ��16
Merging Cars ��16 Being in Shape to Ride
Cars Alongside ��16
Why This Information Is
SEE ��17 Important ��36
Intersections ��18 Alcohol and Other Drugs in
Blind Intersections ��19 Motorcycle Operation ��36
Passing Parked Cars ��20
Parking at the Roadside ��20 Alcohol in the Body ��37
Blood Alcohol
Increasing Conspicuity ��21 Concentration ��37
Clothing ��21
Headlight ��21 Alcohol and the Law ��38
Signals ��21 Consequences of
Brake Light��22 Conviction ��38
Using Your Mirrors ��22 Minimize the Risks ��38
Head Checks ��23
Horn ��23 Step in to Protect Friends ��39
Riding at Night ��24 Fatigue ��39
Crash Avoidance ��24
Quick Stops ��24 EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Swerving or Turning Quickly ��25 Knowledge Test ��40
Cornering ��26 On-Motorcycle Skill Test ��41
4 PREPARING TO RIDE
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining
whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off on
any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:
1. Wear the right gear.
2. Become familiar with the motorcycle.
3. Check the motorcycle equipment.
4. Be a responsible rider.
Wear the Right Gear • An approved helmet lets you see

as far to the sides as necessary. A
When you ride, your gear is “right”
study of more than 900 motorcycle
if it protects you. In any crash, you have crashes, where 40% of the riders
a far better chance of avoiding serious wore helmets, did not find even one
injury if you wear: case in which a helmet kept a rider
• An approved helmet. from spotting danger.
• Face or eye protection. • Most crashes happen on short
trips (less than five miles long), just
• Protective clothing. a few minutes after starting out.
Helmet Use • Most riders are riding slower than
30 mph when a crash occurs. At
Crashes can occur — particularly these speeds, helmets can cut both
among untrained, beginning riders. the number and the severity of head
And one out of every five motorcycle injuries by half.
crashes results in head or neck injuries.
Head injuries are just as severe as neck No matter what the speed, helmeted
injuries — and far more common. Crash riders are three times more likely to
analyses show that head and neck survive head injuries than those not
injuries account for a majority of serious wearing helmets at the time of the
and fatal injuries to motorcyclists. crash.
Research also shows that, with few Helmet Selection
exceptions, head and neck injuries
are reduced by properly wearing an There are two primary types of
approved helmet. helmets, providing two different levels
of coverage: three-quarter and full face.
Some riders don’t wear helmets
because they think helmets will limit Whichever style you choose, you can
their view to the sides. Others wear get the most protection by making sure
helmets only on long trips or when that the helmet:
riding at high speeds. Here are some
facts to consider:
5
Helmets
• Is designed to meet U.S. Goggles protect your eyes, though

Department of Transportation they won’t protect the rest of your face
(DOT) and state standards. Helmets like a faceshield does. A windshield
with a label from the Snell Memorial is not a substitute for a faceshield or
Foundation give you an added goggles. Most windshields will not
assurance of quality.
protect your eyes from the wind. Neither
• Fits snugly, all the way around. will eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses
• Has no obvious defects such as won’t keep your eyes from watering,
cracks, loose padding or frayed and they might blow off when you turn
straps. your head while riding.
Whatever helmet you decide on, keep To be effective, eye or faceshield
it securely fastened on your head when protection must:
you ride. Otherwise, if you are involved • Be free of scratches.
in a crash, it’s likely to fly off your head
before it gets a chance to protect you. • Be resistant to penetration.
• Give a clear view to either side.
Eye and Face Protection
• Fasten securely, so it does not
A plastic shatter-resistant faceshield blow off.
can help protect your whole face in a
• Permit air to pass through, to
crash. It also protects you from wind, reduce fogging.
dust, dirt, rain, insects and pebbles
thrown up from cars ahead. These • Permit enough room for
problems are distracting and can be eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.
painful. If you have to deal with them, Tinted eye protection should not be
you can’t devote your full attention to worn at night or any other time when
the road. little light is available.
6 Preparing to ride
Clothing KNOW YOUR

The right clothing protects you in MOTORCYCLE
a collision. It also provides comfort, There are plenty of things on the
as well as protection from heat, cold, highway that can cause you trouble.
debris and hot and moving parts of the Your motorcycle should not be one
motorcycle. It can also make you more of them. To make sure that your
visible to others. motorcycle won’t let you down:
• Jacket and pants should cover • Read the owner’s manual first.
arms and legs completely. They
should fit snugly enough to keep • Start with the right motorcycle for
from flapping in the wind, yet you.
loosely enough to move freely. • Be familiar with the motorcycle
Leather offers the most protection. controls.
Sturdy synthetic material provides
a lot of protection as well. Wear • Check the motorcycle before every
a jacket even in warm weather to ride.
prevent dehydration. Many are • Keep it in safe riding condition
designed to protect without getting between rides.
you overheated, even on summer
• Avoid add-ons and modifications
days.
that make your motorcycle harder
• Boots or shoes should be high to handle.
and sturdy enough to cover your
ankles and give them support. Soles The Right Motorcycle For You
should be made of hard, durable, First, make sure your motorcycle is
slip-resistant material. Keep heels right for you. It should “fit” you. Your
short so they do not catch on rough feet should reach the ground while
surfaces. Tuck in laces so they won’t you are seated on the motorcycle, and
catch on your motorcycle. the controls should be easy to operate.
• Gloves allow a better grip and help Smaller motorcycles are usually easier
protect your hands in a crash. Your for beginners to operate.
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 test yourself 1
cannot control a motorcycle well if A plastic shatter-resistant face
you are numb. Riding for long periods shield:
in cold weather can cause severe chill A. Is not necessary if you have a
and fatigue. A winter jacket should windshield.
resist wind and fit snugly at the neck, B. Only protects your eyes.
wrists and waist. Good-quality rainsuits C. Helps protect your whole face.
designed for motorcycle riding resist D. Does not protect your face as well
tearing apart or ballooning up at high as goggles.
Answer - page 41
speeds.
7
At minimum, your street-legal know how to ride before allowing them
motorcycle should have: out into traffic.
• Headlight, taillight and No matter how experienced you
brakelight. may be, ride extra carefully on any
motorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar
• Front and rear brakes.
to you. More than half of all crashes
• Turn signals. involve riders with less than five months
• Horn. of experience on their motorcycle.
• Two mirrors. Get Familiar with the

Borrowing and Lending Motorcycle Controls
Make sure you are completely familiar
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles,
with the motorcycle before you take
beware. Crashes are fairly common
it out on the street. Be sure to review
among beginning riders — especially
the owner’s manual. This is particularly
in the first months of riding. Riding
important if you are riding a borrowed
an unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
motorcycle.
problem. If you borrow a motorcycle,
get familiar with it in a controlled area. If you are going to use an unfamiliar
And if you lend your motorcycle to motorcycle:
friends, make sure they are licensed and
motorcycle controls
Light Switch (high/low) Engine Cut-Off
Switch
Choke (varies)
Electric
Turn-Signal Start
Switch Button
Ignition Key
(varies)
Horn Button Throttle
Clutch Lever Front Brake Lever

Speedometer
& Odometer
Tachometer
(if equipped)
Fuel Supply Valve

(if equipped)
Rear Brake Pedal
Gear-Change Lever
Kick Starter
(if equipped)
8 Preparing to ride
• Make all the checks you would on Once you have mounted the
your own motorcycle. motorcycle, complete the following
checks before starting out:
• Find out where everything is,
particularly the turn signals, horn, • Clutch and Throttle — Make sure
headlight switch, fuel-supply valve they work smoothly. The throttle
and engine cut-off switch. Find and should snap back when you let go.
operate these items without having The clutch should feel tight and
to look for them. smooth.
• Know the gear pattern. Work the • Mirrors — Clean and adjust both
throttle, clutch and brakes a few mirrors before starting. It’s difficult
times before you start riding. All to ride with one hand while you
controls react a little differently. try to adjust a mirror. Adjust each
mirror so you can see the lane
• Ride very cautiously and be aware
behind and as much as possible of
of surroundings. Accelerate gently,
the lane next to you. When properly
take turns more slowly and leave
adjusted, a mirror may show the
extra room for stopping.
edge of your arm or shoulder—but
it’s the road behind and to the side
Check Your Motorcycle that’s most important.
A motorcycle needs more frequent
attention than a car. A minor technical • Brakes — Try the front and rear
failure in a car seldom leads to anything brake levers one at a time. Make
more than an inconvenience for the sure each one feels firm and holds
driver. the motorcycle when the brake is
If something’s wrong with the fully applied.
motorcycle, you’ll want to find out • Horn — Try the horn. Make sure it
about it before you get in traffic. Make works.
a complete check of your motorcycle
In addition to the checks you should
before every ride.
make before every trip, check the
Before mounting the motorcycle, following items at least once a week:
make the following checks: Wheels, cables, fasteners and fluid
• Tires — Check the air pressure, levels. Follow your owner’s manual to
general wear and tread. get recommendations.
• 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 test yourself 2
them both. Test your switch to
make sure both high and low More than half of all crashes:
beams are working. A. Occur at speeds greater than 35
mph.
• Turn Signals — Turn on both right
and left turn signals. Make sure all B. Happen at night.
lights are working properly. C. Are caused by worn tires.
• Brake Light — Try both brake D. Involve riders who have less than
controls, and make sure each one five months of experience on their
motorcycle.
turns on the brake light. Answer - page 41
9
KNOW YOUR • Be visible — wear proper clothing,

use your headlight, ride in the best
RESPONSIBILITIES lane position to see and be seen.
“Accident” implies an unforeseen • Communicate your intentions —
event that occurs without anyone’s fault use the proper signals, brake light
or negligence. Most often in traffic, that and lane position.
is not the case. In fact, most people
involved in a crash can usually claim • Maintain an adequate space
some responsibility for what takes place. cushion — following, being
followed, lane sharing, passing and
Consider a situation where someone being passed.
decides to try to squeeze through an
intersection on a yellow light turning • Search your path of travel 12
red. Your light turns green. You pull into seconds ahead.
the intersection without checking for • Identify and separate multiple
possible latecomers. That is all it takes hazards.
for the two of you to tangle. It was the
driver’s responsibility to stop. And it was • Be prepared to act — remain alert
your responsibility to look before pulling and know how to carry out proper
out. Neither of you held up your end crash-avoidance skills.
of the deal. Just because someone else Blame doesn’t matter when someone
is the first to start the chain of events is injured in a crash. There is rarely a
leading to a crash, it doesn’t leave any single cause of any crash. The ability to
of us free of responsibility. ride aware, make critical decisions and
As a rider you can’t be sure that other carry them out separates responsible
operators will see you or yield the right riders from all the rest. Remember, it is
of way. To lessen your chances of a up to you to keep from being the cause
crash occurring: of, or an unprepared participant in,
any crash.
10 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, preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse. But control begins with knowing
your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road.
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL • Knees — Keep your knees against

the gas tank to help you keep your
Body Position balance as the motorcycle turns.
To control a motorcycle well: • Feet — Keep your feet firmly on the
• Posture — Sit so you can use your footrests to maintain balance. Don’t
arms to steer the motorcycle rather drag your feet. If your foot catches
than to hold yourself up. on something, you could be injured
and it could affect your control of
• Seat — Sit far enough forward so the motorcycle. Keep your feet near
that arms are slightly bent when the controls so you can get to them
you hold the handlegrips. Bending fast if needed. Also, don’t let your
your arms permits you to press on toes point downward — they may
the handlebars without having to get caught between the road and
stretch. the footrests.
• Hands — Hold the handgrips
firmly to keep your grip over rough
Shifting Gears
surfaces. Start with your right There is more to shifting gears than
wrist flat. This will help you keep simply getting the motorcycle to pick
from accidentally using too much up speed smoothly. Learning to use the
throttle. Also, adjust the handlebars gears when downshifting, turning or
so your hands are even with or starting on hills is important for safe
below your elbows. This permits motorcycle operation.
you to use the proper muscles for Shift down through the gears with
precision steering. the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain
in first gear while you are stopped so
holding handgrips that you can move out quickly if you
need to.
Make certain you are riding slowly
RIGHT 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
WRONG release, especially when downshifting.
11
It is best to change gears before • Some motorcycles have integrated
entering a turn. However, sometimes braking systems that activate the
shifting while in the turn is necessary. front and rear brakes together
If so, remember to do so smoothly. A when applying the rear brake
sudden change in power to the rear pedal. (Consult the owner’s manual
wheel can cause a skid. for a detailed explanation on the
operation and effective use of these
Braking systems.)
Your motorcycle has two brakes: one
each for the front and rear wheel. Use Turning
both of them at the same time. The Riders often try to take curves or turns
front brake is more powerful and can too fast. When they can’t hold the turn,
provide at least three-quarters of your they end up crossing into another lane
total stopping power. The front brake is of traffic or going off the road. Or, they
safe to use if you use it properly. overreact and brake too hard, causing a
Remember: skid and loss of control. Approach turns
and curves with caution.
• Use both brakes every time you
slow or stop. Using both brakes for Use four steps for better control:
even “normal” stops will permit • SLOW — Reduce speed before the
you to develop the proper habit or turn by closing the throttle and, if
skill of using both brakes properly necessary, applying both brakes.
in an emergency. Squeeze the
• LOOK — Look through the turn
front brake and press down on the
to where you want to go. Turn
rear. Grabbing at the front brake
just your head, not your shoulders,
or jamming down on the rear can
and keep your eyes level with the
cause the brakes to lock, resulting in
horizon.
control problems.
• PRESS — To turn, the motorcycle
• If you know the technique,
must lean. To lean the motor-
using both brakes in a turn is
cycle, press on the handgrip in
possible, although it should be done
the direction of the turn. Press left
very carefully. When leaning the
handgrip — lean left — go left.
motorcycle some of the traction is
Press right handgrip — lean right —
used for cornering. Less traction
go right. The higher the speed in a
is available for stopping. A skid
turn, the greater the lean angle.
can occur if you apply too much
brake. Also, using the front brake • ROLL — Roll on the throttle to
incorrectly on a slippery surface maintain or slightly increase speed.
may be hazardous. Use caution This helps stabilize the motorcycle.
and squeeze the brake lever, never
grab.
In normal turns, the rider and the test yourself 3

motorcycle should lean together at the
same angle. When riding, you should:
A. Turn your head and shoulders
Normal turns to look through turns.
B. Keep your arms straight.
C. Keep your knees away from
the gas tank.
D. Turn just your head and eyes
to look where you are going.
Answer - page 41
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE

The best protection you can have is
distance — a “cushion of space” — all
around your motorcycle. If someone else
makes a mistake, distance permits you:
• Time to react.
• Space to maneuver.
In slow, tight turns, counterbalance by Lane Positions

leaning the motorcycle only and keeping In some ways the size of the
your body straight. motorcycle can work to your advantage.
Each traffic lane gives a motorcycle
slow, tight turns 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.
13
lane positions
In general, there is no single best Following Another Vehicle

position for riders to be seen and to
maintain a space cushion around the “Following too closely” could be a
motorcycle. No portion of the lane need factor in crashes involving motorcyclists.
be avoided — including the center. In traffic, motorcycles need as much
distance to stop as cars. Normally, a
Position yourself in the portion of minimum of two seconds distance
the lane where you are most likely to should be maintained behind the vehicle
be seen and you can maintain a space ahead.
cushion around you. Change position
as traffic situations change. Ride in path To gauge your following distance:
2 or 3 if vehicles and other potential • Pick out a marker, such as a
problems are on your left only. Remain pavement marking or lamppost, on
in path 1 or 2 if hazards are on your or near the road ahead.
right only. If vehicles are being operated
on both sides of you, the center of the • When the rear bumper of the
lane, path 2, is usually your best option. vehicle ahead passes the marker,
count off the seconds: “one-
The oily strip in the center portion thousand-one, one-thousand-two.”
that collects drippings from cars is
usually no more than two feet wide. • If you reach the marker before
Unless the road is wet, the average you reach “two,” you are following
center strip permits adequate traction too closely.
to ride on safely. You can operate to A two-second following distance
the left or right of the grease strip and leaves a minimum amount of space to
still be within the center portion of the stop or swerve if the driver ahead stops
traffic lane. Avoid riding on big buildups suddenly. It also permits a better view of
of oil and grease usually found at busy potholes and other hazards in the road.
intersections or toll booths.
A larger cushion of space is needed
if your motorcycle will take longer
following
than normal to stop. If the pavement Being Followed

is slippery, if you cannot see through Speeding up to lose someone
the vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy following too closely only ends up with
and someone may squeeze in front of someone tailgating you at a higher
you, open up a three-second or more speed.
following distance. A better way to handle tailgaters
Keep well behind the vehicle ahead is to get them in front of you. When
even when you are stopped. This will someone is following too closely,
make it easier to get out of the way change lanes and let them pass. If you
if someone bears down on you from can’t do this, slow down and open up
behind. It will also give you a cushion of extra space ahead of you to allow room
space if the vehicle ahead starts to back for both you and the tailgater to stop.
up for some reason. This will also encourage them to pass.
When behind a car, ride where the If they don’t pass, you will have given
driver can see you in the rearview mirror. yourself and the tailgater more time and
Riding in the center portion of the lane space to react in case an emergency
should put your image in the middle of does develop ahead.
the rearview mirror — where a driver is
most likely to see you. Passing and Being Passed
Riding at the far side of a lane may Passing and being passed by another
permit a driver to see you in a sideview vehicle is not much different than with a
mirror. But remember that most drivers car. However, visibility is more critical. Be
don’t look at their sideview mirrors sure other drivers see you, and that you
nearly as often as they check the see potential hazards.
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 drivers ahead and to prevent lane
sharing by others.
15
Passing Being Passed
1. Ride in the left portion of the When you are being passed from
lane at a safe following distance behind or by an oncoming vehicle,
to increase your line of sight and stay in the center portion of your lane.
make you more visible. Signal Riding any closer to them could put you
and check for oncoming traffic. in a hazardous situation.
Use your mirrors and turn your
head to look for traffic behind. Avoid being hit by:
• The other vehicle — A slight
2. When safe, move into the left
mistake by you or the passing driver
lane and accelerate. Select a lane
could cause a sideswipe.
position that doesn’t crowd the
car you are passing and provides • Extended mirrors — Some drivers
space to avoid hazards in your forget that their mirrors hang out
lane. farther than their fenders.
3. Ride through the blind spot as • Objects thrown from windows
quickly as possible. — Even if the driver knows you’re
there, a passenger may not see you
4. Signal again, and complete
and might toss something on you or
mirror and headchecks before
the road ahead of you.
returning to your original lane
and then cancel the signal. • Blasts of wind from larger
vehicles — They can affect your
Remember, passes must be
control. You have more room for
completed within posted speed
error if you are in the middle portion
limits, and only where permitted.
when hit by this blast than if you
Know your signs and road markings!
are on either side ofthe lane.
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.
passing being passed

Lane Sharing if one is open. If there is no room for a

Cars and motorcycles need a full lane lane change, adjust speed to open up
to operate safely. Lane sharing is usually space for the merging driver.
prohibited.
Cars Alongside
Riding between rows of stopped or Do not ride next to cars or trucks in
moving cars in the same lane can leave other lanes if you do not have to. You
you vulnerable to the unexpected. A might be in the blind spot of a car in the
hand could come out of a window; next lane, which could switch into your
a door could open; a car could turn lane without warning. Cars in the next
suddenly. Discourage lane sharing by lane also block your escape if you come
others. Keep a center-portion position upon danger in your own lane. Speed
whenever drivers might be tempted up or drop back to find a place clear of
to squeeze by you. Drivers are most traffic on both sides.
tempted to do this:
• In heavy, bumper-to-bumper
traffic. blind spots
• When they want to pass you.
• When you are preparing to turn at
an intersection.
• When you are moving into an exit
lane or leaving a highway.
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway. Give them
plenty of room. Change to another lane
merging
test yourself 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.
Answer - page 41
17
SEE • Road and surface characteristics

— Potholes, guardrails, bridges,
Good experienced riders remain telephone poles and trees won’t
aware of what is going on around them. move into your path but may
They improve their riding strategy by influence your riding strategy.
using MSF’s SEESM strategy, a three-
step process used to make appropriate • Traffic control devices — Look for
judgments, and apply them correctly in traffic signals, including regulatory
different traffic situations: signs, warning signs, and pavement
markings, to help you evaluate
• Search
circumstances ahead.
• Evaluate
• Vehicles and other traffic — May
• Execute move into your path and increase
Let’s examine each of these steps. the likelihood of a crash.
Search Think about your time and space

requirements in order to maintain
Search aggressively ahead, to the a margin of safety. You must leave
sides and behind to avoid potential yourself time to react if an emergency
hazards even before they arise. How arises.
assertively you search, and how much
time and space you have, can eliminate Execute
or reduce harm. Focus even more on Carry out your decision.
finding potential escape routes in or
around intersections, shopping areas To create more space and minimize
and school and construction zones. harm from any hazard:
Search for factors such as: • Communicate your presence with

lights and/or horn.
• Oncoming traffic that may turn
left in front of you. • Adjust your speed by accelerating,
stopping or slowing.
• Traffic coming from the left and
right. • Adjust your position and/or
direction.
• Traffic approaching from behind.
Apply the old adage “one step at a
• Hazardous road conditions. time” to handle two or more hazards.
Be especially alert in areas with limited Adjust speed to permit two hazards
visibility. Visually “busy” surroundings to separate. Then deal with them one
could hide you and your motorcycle at a time as single hazards. Decision-
from others. making becomes more complex with
three or more hazards. Evaluate the
Evaluate consequences of each and give equal
Think about how hazards can interact distance to the hazards.
to create risks for you. Anticipate
potential problems and have a plan to
reduce risks.
In potential high-risk areas, such as INTERSECTIONS
intersections, shopping areas and school The greatest potential for conflict
and construction zones, cover the clutch between you and other traffic is at
and both brakes to reduce the time you intersections. An intersection can be
need to react. in the middle of an urban area or at
a driveway on a residential street —
test yourself 5 anywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel. Over one-half of motorcycle/car
To reduce your reaction time, you crashes are caused by drivers entering a
should:
rider’s right-of-way. Cars that turn left in
A. Ride slower than the speed front of you, including cars turning left
limit. from the lane to your right, and cars on
B. Cover the clutch and the brakes. side streets that pull into your lane, are
the biggest dangers. Your use of SEE
C. Shift into neutral when slowing. [p. 17] at intersections is critical.
D. Pull in the clutch when turning. There are no guarantees that
Answer - page 41 others see you. Never count on “eye
contact” as a sign that a driver will
yield. Too often, a driver looks right at a
motorcyclist and still fails to “see” him
or her. The only eyes that you can count
on are your own. If a car can enter your
path, assume that it will. Good riders
are always “looking for trouble” — not
to get into it, but to stay out of it.
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections. Ride with your
headlight on and in a lane position that
provides the best view of oncoming
traffic. Provide a space cushion around
the motorcycle that permits you to take
evasive action.
small intersections
19
Large intersections
As you approach the intersection, select Remember, the key is to see as much
a lane position that increases your visibility as possible and remain visible to others
to the driver. Cover the clutch lever and while protecting your space.
both brakes to reduce reaction time.
Reduce your speed as you approach
an intersection. After entering the blind intersections
intersection, move away from vehicles
preparing to turn. Do not change speed
or position radically. The driver might
think that you are preparing to turn.
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersection,
move to the portion of the lane that will
bring you into another driver’s field of
vision at the earliest possible moment. In
this picture, the rider has moved to the
left portion of the lane — away from the
parked car — so the driver on the cross
street can see him as soon as possible.
stop signs parked cars
If you have a stop sign or stop line, checking for traffic behind. Even if he
stop there first. Then edge forward does look, he may fail to see you.
and stop again, just short of where the In either event, the driver might cut
cross-traffic lane meets your lane. From into your path. Slow down or change
that position, lean your body forward lanes to make room for someone
and look around buildings, parked cars cutting in.
or bushes to see if anything is coming.
Just make sure your front wheel stays Cars making a sudden U-turn are
out of the cross lane of travel while the most dangerous. They may cut you
you’re looking. off entirely, blocking the whole roadway
and leaving you with no place to go.
Passing Parked Cars Since you can’t tell what a driver will
When passing parked cars, stay do, slow down and get the driver’s
toward the left of your lane. You attention. Sound your horn and continue
can avoid problems caused by doors with caution.
opening, drivers getting out of cars or
people stepping from between cars. If
Parking at the Roadside
oncoming traffic is present, it is usually Park at a 90˚ angle to the curb with
best to remain in the center lane position your rear wheel touching the curb.
to maximize your space cushion.
Parking at curbs
A bigger problem can occur if the
driver pulls away from the curb without
test yourself 6
Making eye contact with other
drivers:
A. Is a good sign they see you.
B. Is not worth the effort it takes.
C. Doesn’t mean that the driver will yield.
D. Guarantees that the other driver will
yield to you.
Answer - page 41
21
Increasing coming from the side to spot you.

Reflective material can also be a big help
Conspicuity for drivers coming toward you or from
In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers behind.
often say that they never saw the
motorcycle. From ahead or behind, a Headlight
motorcycle’s outline is much smaller The best way to help others see your
than a car’s. Also, it’s hard to see motorcycle is to keep the headlight on
something you are not looking for, — at all times (new motorcycles sold
and most drivers are not looking for in the USA since 1978 automatically
motorcycles. More likely, they are have the headlights on when running).
looking through the skinny, two- Studies show that, during the day, a
wheeled silhouette in search of cars that motorcycle with its light on is twice as
may pose a problem to them. likely to be noticed. Use low beam at
Even if a driver does see you coming, night and in fog.
you aren’t necessarily safe. Smaller Signals
vehicles appear farther away and seem
to be traveling slower than they actually The signals on a motorcycle are similar
are. It is common for drivers to pull out to those on a car. They tell others what
in front of motorcyclists, thinking they you plan to do.
have plenty of time. Too often, they are
wrong.
However, you can do many things to
make it easier for others to recognize signaling
you and your motorcycle.
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylight.
Wear bright-colored clothing to increase
your chances of being seen. Remember,
your body is half of the visible surface
area of the rider/motorcycle unit.
Bright orange, red, yellow or green
jackets or vests are your best bets for
being seen. Your helmet can do more
than protect you in a crash. Brightly
colored helmets can also help others see
you.
Any bright color is better than drab
or dark colors. Reflective, bright-colored
clothing (helmet and jacket or vest) is
best.
Reflective material on a vest and on
the sides of the helmet will help drivers
However, due to a rider’s added • You slow where others may not
vulnerability, signals are even more expect it (in the middle of a block or
important. Use them anytime you plan at an alley).
to change lanes or turn. Use them even If you are being followed closely, it’s
when you think no one else is around. a good idea to flash your brake light
It’s the car you don’t see that’s going to before you slow. The tailgater may be
give you the most trouble. Your signal watching you and not see something
lights also make you easier to spot. ahead that will make you slow down.
That’s why it’s a good idea to use your This will hopefully discourage them from
turn signals even when what you plan tailgating and warn them of hazards
to do is obvious. ahead they may not see.
When you enter a freeway, drivers
approaching from behind are more likely Using Your Mirrors
to see your signal blinking and make While it’s most important to keep
room for you. track of what’s happening ahead, you
Turning your signal light on before can’t afford to ignore situations behind.
each turn reduces confusion and Traffic conditions change quickly.
frustration for the traffic around you. Knowing what’s going on behind is
Once you turn, make sure your signal is essential for you to make a safe decision
off or a driver may pull directly into your about how to handle trouble ahead.
path, thinking you plan to turn again. Frequent mirror checks should be part
Use your signals at every turn so drivers of your normal searching routine. Make
can react accordingly. Don’t make them a special point of using your mirrors:
guess what you intend to do.
• When you are stopped at an
Brake Light intersection. Watch cars coming up
from behind. If the drivers aren’t
Your motorcycle’s brake light is usually paying attention, they could be on
not as noticeable as the brake lights on top of you before they see you.
a car — particularly when your taillight
is on. (It goes on with the headlight.) • Before you change lanes. Make
If the situation will permit, help others sure no one is about to pass you.
notice you by flashing your brake light • Before you slow down. The driver
before you slow down. It is especially behind may not expect you to slow,
important to flash your brake light or may be unsure about where you
before: will slow. For example, you signal a
• You slow more quickly than turn and the driver thinks you plan
others might expect (turning off a to turn at a distant intersection,
high-speed highway). rather than at a nearer driveway.
23
USing mirrors
Head Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough.
Motorcycles have “blind spots” like
cars. Before you change lanes, turn your
head, and look to the side for other
vehicles.
On a road with several lanes, check
the far lane and the one next to you. A
driver in the distant lane may head for
the same space you plan to take.
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine, also.
Only by knowing what is happening
all around you are you fully prepared
to deal with it.
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to get
someone’s attention quickly.
It is a good idea to give a quick beep
before passing anyone that may move
Some motorcycles have rounded
into your lane.
(convex) mirrors. These provide a wider
view of the road behind than do flat Here are some situations:
mirrors. They also make cars seem • A driver in the lane next to you
farther away than they really are. If is driving too closely to the vehicle
you are not used to convex mirrors, ahead and may want to pass.
get familiar with them. (While you are
stopped, pick out a parked car in your • A parked car has someone in the
mirror. Form a mental image of how driver’s seat.
far away it is. Then, turn around and • Someone is in the street, riding a
look at it to see how close you came.) bicycle or walking.
Practice with your mirrors until you
In an emergency, press the horn
become a good judge of distance. Even
button loud and long. Be ready to stop
then, allow extra distance before you
or swerve away from the danger.
change lanes.
Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s horn
isn’t as loud as a car’s — therefore, use
it, but don’t rely on it. Other strategies,
like having time and space to maneuver,
may be appropriate along with the
horn.
Riding at Night Crash Avoidance

At night it is harder for you to see No matter how careful you are, there
and be seen. Picking your headlight will be times when you find yourself in a
or taillight out of the car lights around tight spot. Your chances of getting out
you is not easy for other drivers. To safely depend on your ability to react
compensate, you should: quickly and properly. Often, a crash
• Reduce Your Speed — Ride even occurs because a rider is not prepared or
slower than you would during the skilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers.
day — particularly on roads you
don’t know well. This will increase Know when and how to stop or
your chances of avoiding a hazard. swerve, two skills critical in avoiding
• Increase Distance — Distances a crash. It is not always desirable or
are harder to judge at night than possible to stop quickly to avoid an
during the day. Your eyes rely upon obstacle. Riders must also be able to
shadows and light contrasts to swerve around an obstacle. Deter-
determine how far away an object mining which skill is necessary for the
is and how fast it is coming. These situation is important as well.
contrasts are missing or distorted
under artificial lights at night. Studies show that most crash-
Open up a three-second following involved riders:
distance or more. And allow more • Underbrake the front tire and
distance to pass and be passed. overbrake the rear.
• Use the Car Ahead — The • Did not separate braking from
headlights of the car ahead can give swerving or did not choose
you a better view of the road than swerving when it was appropriate.
even your high beam can. Taillights
bouncing up and down can alert The following information offers
you to bumps or rough pavement. some good advice.
• Use Your High Beam — Get all the
light you can. Use your high beam
Quick Stops
whenever you are not following To stop quickly, apply both brakes
or meeting a car. Be visible: Wear at the same time. Don’t be shy about
reflective materials when riding at using the front brake, but don’t “grab”
night. it, either. Squeeze the brake lever
• Be Flexible About Lane Position. firmly and progressively. If the front
Change to whatever portion of the wheel locks, release the front brake
lane is best able to help you see, be immediately then reapply it firmly. At
seen and keep an adequate space
the same time, press down on the
cushion.
rear brake. If you accidentally lock the
test yourself 7 rear brake on a good traction surface,
you can keep it locked until you have
Reflective clothing should: completely stopped; but, even with a
A. Be worn at night. locked rear wheel, you can control the
B. Be worn during the day. motorcycle on a straightaway if it is
C. Not be worn. upright and going in a straight line.
D. Be worn day and night
Answer - page 41
25
straight and maximum brake pressure
stopping distance
is possible. You should “straighten”
the handlebars in the last few feet of
stopping. The motorcycle should then
be straight up and in balance.
Swerving or Turning Quickly
Sometimes you may not have enough
room to stop, even if you use both
brakes properly. An object might appear
suddenly in your path. Or the car ahead
might squeal to a stop. The only way to
Always use both brakes at the same avoid a crash may be to turn quickly, or
time to stop. The front brake can swerve around it.
provide 70% or more of the potential A swerve is any sudden change in
stopping power. direction. It can be two quick turns, or
If you must stop quickly while turning a rapid shift to the side. Apply a small
or riding a curve, the best technique is amount of pressure to the handgrip
to straighten the bike upright first and located on the side of your intended
then brake. However, it may not always direction of escape. This will cause the
be possible to straighten the motorcycle motorcycle to lean quickly. The sharper
and then stop. If you must brake while the turn(s), the more the motorcycle
leaning, apply light brakes and reduce must lean.
the throttle. As you slow, you can Keep your body upright and allow
reduce your lean angle and apply more the motorcycle to lean in the direction
brake pressure until the motorcycle is of the turn while keeping your knees
swerve, then brake brake, then swerve

against the tank and your feet solidly on Cornering
the footrests. Let the motorcycle move
A primary cause of single-vehicle
underneath you. Make your escape
crashes is motorcyclists running wide in
route the target of your vision. Press
a curve or turn and colliding with the
on the opposite handgrip once you
roadway or a fixed object.
clear the obstacle to return you to your
original direction of travel. To swerve to Every curve is different. Be alert to
the left, press the left handgrip, then whether a curve remains constant,
press the right to recover. To swerve to gradually widens, gets tighter or
the right, press right, then left. involves multiple turns.
IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED, SEPARATE Ride within your skill level and posted
IT FROM SWERVING. Brake before or speed limits.
after — never while swerving. Your best path may not always follow
the curve of the road.
constant curves multiple curves
decreasing curves Widening curves

(tighter turns)
27
Change lane position depending on HANDLING DANGEROUS
traffic, road conditions and curve of
the road. If no traffic is present, start at
SURFACES
the outside of a curve to increase your Your chance of falling or being
line of sight and the effective radius of involved in a crash increases whenever
the turn. As you turn, move toward the you ride across:
inside of the curve, and as you pass the • Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
center, move to the outside to exit.
• Slippery surfaces.
Another alternative is to move to the
• Railroad tracks.
center of your lane before entering a
curve — and stay there until you exit. • Grooves and gratings.
This permits you to spot approaching Uneven Surfaces and
traffic as soon as possible. You can also
adjust for traffic “crowding” the center Obstacles
line, or debris blocking part of your lane. Watch for uneven surfaces such as
bumps, broken pavement, potholes or
small pieces of highway trash.
Try to avoid obstacles by slowing or
going around them. If you must go
over the obstacle, first determine if it is
test yourself 8 possible. Approach it at as close to a 90˚
angle as possible. Look where you want
The best way to stop quickly is to: to go to control your path of travel. If
A. Use the front brake only. you have to ride over the obstacle, you
B. Use the rear brake first. should:
C. Throttle down and use the front • Slow down as much as possible
brake. before contact.
D. Use both brakes at the same time. • Make sure the motorcycle is
Answer - page 41
straight.
Obstacles
• Rise slightly off the seat with your lever gradually to avoid locking the
weight on the footrests to absorb front wheel. Remember, gentle
the shock with your knees and pressure on the rear brake.
elbows, and avoid being thrown off • The center of a lane can be
the motorcycle. hazardous when wet. When it starts
• Just before contact, roll on the to rain, ride in the tire tracks left by
throttle slightly to lighten the front cars. Often, the left tire track will
end. be the best position, depending on
traffic and other road conditions as
If you ride over an object on the well.
street, pull off the road and check your
tires and rims for damage before riding • Watch for oil spots when you put
any farther. your foot down to stop or park. You
may slip and fall.
Slippery Surfaces • Dirt and gravel collect along the
Motorcycles handle better when sides of the road — especially on
ridden on surfaces that permit good curves and ramps leading to and
from highways. Be aware of what’s
traction. Surfaces that provide poor
on the edge of the road, particularly
traction include: when making sharp turns and
• Wet pavement, particularly just getting on or off freeways at high
after it starts to rain and before speeds.
surface oil washes to the side of the • Rain dries and snow melts faster
road. on some sections of a road than
• Gravel roads, or where sand and on others. Patches of ice tend to
gravel collect. develop in low or shaded areas and
on bridges and overpasses. Wet
• Mud, snow, and ice.
surfaces or wet leaves are just as
• Lane markings (painted lines), slippery. Ride on the least slippery
steel plates and manhole covers, portion of the lane and reduce
especially when wet. speed.
To ride safely on slippery surfaces: Cautious riders steer clear of roads
• Reduce Speed — Slow down covered with ice or snow. If you can’t
before you get to a slippery avoid a slippery surface, keep your
surface to lessen your chances of motorcycle straight up and proceed
skidding. Your motorcycle needs as slowly as possible. If you encounter
more distance to stop. And it is a large surface so slippery that you
particularly important to reduce must coast, or travel at a walking pace,
speed before entering wet curves. consider letting your feet skim along
• Avoid Sudden Moves — Any the surface. If the motorcycle starts to
sudden change in speed or direction fall, you can catch yourself. Be sure to
can cause a skid. Be as smooth as keep off the brakes. If possible, squeeze
possible when you speed up, shift the clutch and coast. Attempting this
gears, turn or brake. maneuver at anything other than
• Use Both Brakes — The front the slowest of speeds could prove
brake is still effective, even on a hazardous.
slippery surface. Squeeze the brake
29
For track and road seams that run
crosstracks—right parallel to your course, move far enough
away from tracks, ruts, or pavement seams
to cross at an angle of at least 45˚. Then,
make a deliberate turn. Edging across
could catch your tires and throw you off
balance.
Grooves and Gratings
Riding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle to weave.
crosstracks—wrong The uneasy, wandering feeling is generally
not hazardous. Relax, maintain a steady
speed and ride straight across. Crossing at
an angle forces riders to zigzag to stay in
the lane. The zigzag is far more hazardous
than the wandering feeling.
grate crossings—right
Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks

and Pavement Seams
Usually it is safer to ride straight within
your lane to cross tracks. Turning to take
tracks head-on (at a 90˚ angle) can be
more dangerous — your path may carry
you into another lane of traffic.
parallel tracks—right grate crossings—wrong
parallel tracks—wrong test yourself 9

When it starts to rain it is usually
best to:
A. Ride in the center of the lane.
B. Pull off to the side until the rain
stops.
C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars.
D. Increase your speed.
Answer - page 41
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS Stuck Throttle

You can find yourself in an emergency Twist the throttle back and forth
the moment something goes wrong several times. If the throttle cable is
with your motorcycle. In dealing with stuck, this may free it. If the throttle
any mechanical problem, take into stays stuck, immediately operate the
account the road and traffic conditions engine cut-off switch and pull in the
you face. Here are some guidelines clutch at the same time. This will remove
that can help you handle mechanical power from the rear wheel, though
problems safely. engine sound may not immediately
decline. Once the motorcycle is “under
Tire Failure control,” pull off and stop.
You will seldom hear a tire go flat. After you have stopped, check the
If the motorcycle starts handling throttle cable carefully to find the source
differently, it may be a tire failure. This of the trouble. Make certain the throttle
can be dangerous. You must be able to works freely before you start to ride
tell from the way the motorcycle reacts. again.
If one of your tires suddenly loses air,
react quickly to keep your balance. Pull Wobble
off and check the tires. A “wobble” occurs when the front
If the front tire goes flat, the steering wheel and handlebars suddenly start
will feel “heavy.” A front-wheel flat is to shake from side to side at any
particularly hazardous because it affects speed. Most wobbles can be traced to
your steering. You have to steer well to improper loading, unsuitable accessories
keep your balance. or incorrect tire pressure. If you are
carrying a heavy load, lighten it. If you
If the rear tire goes flat, the back of
can’t, shift it. Center the weight lower
the motorcycle may jerk or sway from
and farther forward on the motorcycle.
side to side.
Make sure tire pressure, spring pre-
If either tire goes flat while riding: load, air shocks and dampers are at the
• Hold handgrips firmly, ease off the settings recommended for that much
throttle, and keep a straight course. weight. Make sure windshields and
fairings are mounted properly.
• If braking is required, however,
gradually apply the brake of the tire Check for poorly adjusted steering;
that isn’t flat, if you are sure which worn steering parts; a front wheel that
one it is. is bent, misaligned, or out of balance;
loose wheel bearings or spokes; and
• When the motorcycle slows, worn swingarm bearings. If none of
edge to the side of the road, these is determined to be the cause,
squeeze the clutch and stop. have the motorcycle checked out
thoroughly by a qualified professional.
31
Trying to “accelerate out of a Engine Seizure
wobble” will only make the motorcycle
When the engine “locks” or
more unstable. Instead:
“freezes” it is usually low on oil. The
• Grip the handlebars firmly, but engine’s moving parts can’t move
don’t fight the wobble. smoothly against each other, and the
• Close the throttle gradually engine overheats. The first sign may be
to slow down. Do not apply the a loss of engine power or a change in
brakes; braking could make the the engine’s sound. Squeeze the clutch
wobble worse. lever to disengage the engine from the
• Move your weight as far forward rear wheel. Pull off the road and stop.
and down as possible. Check the oil. If needed, oil should be
• Pull off the road as soon as you added as soon as possible or the engine
can to fix the problem. will seize. When this happens, the effect
is the same as a locked rear wheel. Let
the engine cool before restarting.
test yourself 10
Animals
If your motorcycle starts to wobble:
Naturally, you should do everything
A. Accelerate out of the wobble.
you safely can to avoid hitting an
B. Use the brakes gradually.
animal. If you are in traffic, however,
C. Grip the handlebars firmly and close remain in your lane. Hitting something
the throttle gradually.
small is less dangerous to you than
D. Downshift.
Answer - page 41 hitting something big — like a car.
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. If
Drive Train Problems you are chased, downshift and approach
the animal slowly. As you approach it,
The drive train for a motorcycle uses
accelerate away and leave the animal
either a chain, belt, or drive shaft to
behind. Don’t kick at an animal. Keep
transfer power from the engine to
control of your motorcycle and look to
the rear wheel. Routine inspection,
where you want to go.
adjustment, and maintenance makes
failure a rare occurrence. A chain or belt For larger animals (deer, elk, cattle)
that slips or breaks while you’re riding brake and prepare to stop — they are
could lock the rear wheel and cause unpredictable.
your motorcycle to skid.
If the chain or belt breaks, you’ll test yourself 11
notice an instant loss of power to the
If you are chased by a dog:
rear wheel. Close the throttle and brake
to a stop in a safe area. A. Kick it away.
B. Stop until the animal loses interest.
On models with a drive shaft, loss of
C. Swerve around the animal.
oil in the rear differential can cause the
rear wheel to lock, and you may not be D. Approach the animal slowly, then
speed up.
able to prevent a skid. Answer - page 41
FLYING OBJECTS CARRYING PASSENGERS

From time to time riders are struck AND CARGO
by insects, cigarettes thrown from cars Only experienced riders should carry
or pebbles kicked up by the tires of passengers or large loads. The extra
the vehicle ahead. If you are wearing weight changes the way the motorcycle
face protection, it might get smeared handles, balances, speeds up and slows
or cracked, making it difficult to see. down. Before taking a passenger or a
Without face protection, an object heavy load on the street, practice away
could hit you in the eye, face or mouth. from traffic.
Whatever happens, keep your eyes
on the road and your hands on the Equipment
handlebars. When safe, pull off the road To carry passengers safely:
and repair the damage.
• Equip and adjust your motorcycle
GETTING OFF THE ROAD to carry passengers.
If you need to leave the road to check • Instruct the passenger before you
the motorcycle (or just to rest for a start.
while), be sure you: • Adjust your riding technique for
the added weight.
• Check the roadside — Make sure
the surface of the roadside is firm Equipment should include:
enough to ride on. If it is soft grass, • A proper seat — large enough to
loose sand or if you’re just not sure hold both of you without crowding.
about it, slow way down before you You should not sit any farther
turn onto it. forward than you usually do.
• Signal — Drivers behind might not • Footrests — for the passenger.
expect you to slow down. Give a Firm footing prevents your
clear signal that you will be slowing passenger from falling off and
down and changing direction. pulling you off, too.
Check your mirror and make a head
check before you take any action. • Protective equipment — the same
protective gear recommended for
• Pull off the road — Get as far off operators.
the road as you can. It can be very
hard to spot a motorcycle by the Adjust the suspension to handle the
side of the road. You don’t want additional weight. You will probably
someone else pulling off at the need to add a few pounds of pressure
same place you are. to the tires if you carry a passenger.
• Park carefully — Loose and sloped (Check your owner’s manual for
shoulders can make setting the side appropriate settings.) While your
or center stand difficult. passenger sits on the seat with you,
adjust the mirrors and headlight
according to the change in the
motorcycle’s angle.
33
Instructing Passengers • Ride a little slower, especially
when taking curves, corners or
Even if your passenger is a motorcycle bumps.
rider, provide complete instructions
before you start. Tell your passenger to: • Start slowing earlier as you
approach a stop.
• Get on the motorcycle only after
you have started the engine. • Open up a larger cushion of
space ahead and to the sides.
• Sit as far forward as possible
without crowding you. • Wait for larger gaps to cross,
enter or merge in traffic.
• Hold firmly to your waist, hips,
belt, or to the bike’s passenger Warn your passenger of special
handholds. conditions — when you will pull out,
stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over a
• Keep both feet on the footrests,
even when stopped. bump. Turn your head slightly to make
yourself understood, but keep your eyes
• Keep legs away from the on the road ahead.
muffler(s), chains or moving parts.
• Stay directly behind you, leaning Carrying Loads
as you lean. Most motorcycles are not designed
• Avoid unnecessary talk or motion. to carry much cargo. Small loads can be
carried safely if positioned and fastened
Also, tell your passenger to tighten his
properly.
or her hold when you:
• Keep the Load Low — Fasten
• Approach surface problems. loads securely, or put them in
• Are about to start from a stop. saddlebags. Piling loads against a
sissybar or frame on the back of the
• Warn that you will make a sudden seat raises the motorcycle’s center
move. of gravity and disturbs its balance.
Riding With Passengers • Keep the Load Forward — Place
the load over, or in front of, the rear
Your motorcycle will respond more
axle. Tankbags keep loads forward,
slowly with a passenger on board. The but use caution when loading hard
heavier your passenger, the longer it or sharp objects. Make sure the
may take to slow down and speed up — tankbag does not interfere with
especially on a light motorcycle. handlebars or controls. Mounting
loads behind the rear axle can affect
how the motorcycle turns and
test yourself 12
brakes. It can also cause a wobble.
Passengers should: • Distribute the Load Evenly —
A. Lean as you lean. Load saddlebags with about the
same weight. An uneven load can
B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat.
cause the motorcycle to drift to one
C. Sit as far back as possible. side.
D. Never hold onto you.
Answer - page 41
• Secure the Load — Fasten the load • Know the Route — Make sure
securely with elastic cords (bungee everyone knows the route. Then, if
cords or nets). Elastic cords with someone is separated they won’t
more than one attachment point have to hurry to keep from getting
per side are more secure. A tight lost or taking a wrong turn. Plan
load won’t catch in the wheel or frequent stops on long rides.
chain, causing it to lock up and skid.
Rope tends to stretch and knots
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the same
come loose, permitting the load to time keep a safe distance to allow each
shift or fall. rider in the group time and space to
• Check the Load — Stop and check react to hazards. A close group takes
the load every so often to make up less space on the highway, is easier
sure it has not worked loose or to see and is less likely to be separated.
moved. However, it must be done properly.
Don’t Pair Up — Never operate
GROUP RIDING directly alongside another rider. There is
If you ride with others, do it in a no place to go if you have to avoid a car
way that promotes safety and doesn’t or something on the road. To talk, wait
interfere with the flow of traffic. until you are both stopped.
Keep the Group Small Staggered Formation — This is
Small groups make it easier and safer the best way to keep ranks close yet
for car drivers who need to get around maintain an adequate space cushion. The
them. A small number isn’t separated leader rides in the left side of the lane,
as easily by traffic or red lights. Riders while the second rider stays one second
won’t always be hurrying to catch up. behind in the right side of the lane.
If your group is larger than four or five
riders, divide it up into two or more staggered formation
smaller groups.
Keep the Group Together
• Plan — The leader should look
ahead for changes and signal early
so “the word gets back” in plenty
of time. Start lane changes early to
permit everyone to complete the
change.
• Put Beginners Up Front — Place
inexperienced riders just behind
the leader. That way the more
experienced riders can watch them
from the back.
• Follow Those Behind — Let
the tailender set the pace. Use
your mirrors to keep an eye on
the person behind. If a rider falls
behind, everyone should slow down
a little to stay with the tailender.
35
A third rider maintains in the left Some people suggest that the leader
position, two seconds behind the first should move to the right side after
rider. The fourth rider would keep a passing a vehicle. This is not a good
two-second distance behind the second idea. It encourages the second rider
rider. This formation keeps the group to pass and cut back in before there
close and permits each rider a safe is a large enough space cushion in
distance from others ahead, behind and front of the passed vehicle. It’s simpler
to the sides. and safer to wait until there is enough
room ahead of the passed vehicle to
• Passing in Formation — Riders in
allow each rider to move into the same
a staggered formation should pass
position held before the pass.
one at a time.
Single-File Formation — It is best
• First, the lead rider should pull
to move into a single-file formation
out and pass when it is safe. After
when riding curves, turning, entering or
passing, the leader should return to
leaving a highway.
the left position and continue riding
at passing speed to open room for
the next rider. test yourself 13
• After the first rider passes safely, When riding in a group,
inexperienced riders should position
the second rider should move up themselves:
to the left position and watch for a
safe chance to pass. After passing, A. Just behind the leader.
this rider should return to the right B. In front of the group.
position and open up room for the C. At the tail end of the group.
next rider. D. Beside the leader.
Answer - page 41
group passing (stage 1) group passing (stage 2)

36 being in shape to ride
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders

pay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle,
identifying potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisions
quickly and skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road
and traffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and
other drugs, more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly
and to ride safely. As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your
performance.
Let’s look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs. What to
do to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined.
WHY THIS INFORMATION DRUGS IN MOTORCYCLE

IS IMPORTANT OPERATION
Alcohol is a major contributor to No one is immune to the effects of
motorcycle crashes, particularly fatal alcohol or drugs. Friends may brag
crashes. Studies show that 40% to about their ability to hold their liquor
45% of all riders killed in motorcycle or perform better on drugs, but alcohol
crashes had been drinking. Only one- or drugs make them less able to think
third of those riders had a blood alcohol clearly and perform physical tasks
concentration above legal limits. The skillfully. Judgment and the decision-
rest had only a few drinks in their making processes needed for vehicle
systems — enough to impair riding operation are affected long before legal
skills. In the past, drug levels have been limitations are reached.
harder to distinguish or have not been Many over-the-counter, prescription
separated from drinking violations for and illegal drugs have side effects that
the traffic records. But riding “under increase the risk of riding. It is difficult to
the influence” of either alcohol or drugs accurately measure the involvement of
poses physical and legal hazards for particular drugs in motorcycle crashes.
every rider. But we do know what effects various
Drinking and drug use is as big drugs have on the processes involved in
a problem among motorcyclists riding a motorcycle. We also know that
as it is among automobile drivers. the combined effects of alcohol and
Motorcyclists, however, are more likely other drugs are more dangerous than
to be killed or severely injured in a crash. either is alone.
Injuries occur in 90% of motorcycle
crashes and 33% of automobile crashes ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
that involve abuse of substances. On Alcohol enters the bloodstream
a yearly basis, 2,100 motorcyclists quickly. Unlike most foods and
are killed and about 50,000 seriously beverages, it does not need to be
injured in this same type of crash. These digested. Within minutes after being
statistics are too overwhelming to consumed, it reaches the brain and
ignore. begins to affect the drinker. The major
By becoming knowledgeable about effect alcohol has is to slow down and
the effects of alcohol and other drugs impair bodily functions — both mental
you will see that riding and substance and physical. Whatever you do, you do
abuse don’t mix. Take positive steps to less well after consuming alcohol.
protect yourself and prevent others from
injuring themselves.
ALCOHOL AND OTHER

37
Blood Alcohol Concentration A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed
drink with one shot of liquor, and a 5-
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC ounce glass of wine all contain the same
is the amount of alcohol in relation to amount of alcohol.
blood in the body. Generally, alcohol can
be eliminated in the body at the rate of The faster you drink, the more alcohol
almost one drink per hour. But a variety accumulates in your body. If you drink
of other factors may also influence two drinks in an hour, at the end of that
the level of alcohol retained. The more hour, at least one drink will remain in
alcohol in your blood, the greater the your bloodstream.
degree of impairment. Without taking into account any
Three factors play a major part in other factors, these examples illustrate
determining BAC: why time is a critical factor when a rider
decides to drink.
• The amount of alcohol you
consume. A person drinking:
• How fast you drink. – Seven drinks over the span of three
hours would have at least four (7 – 3
• Your body weight. = 4) drinks remaining in their system
Other factors also contribute to the at the end of the three hours. They
way alcohol affects your system. would need at least another four hours
to eliminate the four remaining drinks
Your sex, physical condition and
before they consider riding.
food intake are just a few that may
cause your BAC level to be even higher.
But the full effects of these are not
completely known. Alcohol may still
accumulate in your body even if you
are drinking at a rate of one drink
per hour. Abilities and judgment can be
affected by that one drink.
alcohol content
38 being in shape to ride
– Four drinks over the span of two If you are convicted of riding under
hours would have at least two (4 – 2 = the influence of alcohol or drugs,
2) drinks remaining in their system at you may receive any of the following
the end of the two hours. They would penalties:
need at least another two hours to • License Suspension — Mandatory
eliminate the two remaining drinks suspension for conviction, arrest or
before they consider riding. refusal to submit to a breath test.
There are times when a larger • Fines — Severe fines are another
person may not accumulate as high aspect of a conviction, usually levied
a concentration of alcohol for each with a license suspension.
drink consumed. They have more • Community Service — Performing
blood and other bodily fluids. But tasks such as picking up litter along
because of individual differences it the highway, washing cars in the
is better not to take the chance that motor-vehicle pool or working at an
abilities and judgment have not been emergency ward.
affected. Whether or not you are • Costs — Additional lawyer’s fees to
legally intoxicated is not the real issue. pay, lost work time spent in court or
Impairment of judgment and skills alcohol-education programs, public
transportation costs (while your
begins well below the legal limit.
license is suspended) and the added
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW psychological costs of being tagged
a “drunk driver.”
In all states, an adult with a BAC
of 0.08% or above is considered MINIMIZE THE RISKS
intoxicated. For operators under the age Your ability to judge how well you
of 21, lower BAC limits (0.00 to 0.02%, are riding is affected first. Although
depending on state) apply. It doesn’t you may be performing more and more
matter how sober you may look or act. poorly, you think you are doing better
The breath or urine test is what usually and better. The result is that you ride
determines whether you are riding confidently, taking greater and greater
legally or illegally. risks. Minimize the risks of drinking and
Your chances of being stopped for riding by taking steps before you drink.
riding under the influence of alcohol are Control your drinking or control your
increasing. Law enforcement is being riding.
stepped up across the country in response Make an Intelligent Choice
to the senseless deaths and injuries
caused by drinking drivers and riders. Don’t Drink — Once you start, your
resistance becomes weaker.
Consequences of Conviction
Setting a limit or pacing yourself are
Years ago, first offenders had a good
poor alternatives at best. Your ability to
chance of getting off with a small fine
exercise good judgment is one of the
and participation in alcohol-abuse
first things affected by alcohol. Even if
classes. Today the laws of most states
you have tried to drink in moderation,
impose stiff penalties on drinking
you may not realize to what extent
operators. And those penalties are
your skills have suffered from alcohol’s
mandatory, meaning that judges must
fatiguing effects.
impose them.
39
Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’t firm and the harder it is for the rider to
controlled your drinking, you must resist. While you may not be thanked at
control your riding. the time, you will never have to say, “If
• Leave the motorcycle — so you only I had ...”
won’t be tempted to ride. Arrange
another way to get home.
FATIGUE
• Wait — If you exceed your limit, Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
wait until your system eliminates the than driving a car. On a long trip, you’ll
alcohol and its fatiguing effects. tire sooner than you would in a car.
Avoid riding when tired. Fatigue can
STEP IN TO PROTECT affect your control of the motorcycle.
FRIENDS • Protect yourself from the elements
People who have had too much to — Wind, cold, and rain make
you tire quickly. Dress warmly. A
drink are unable to make a responsible
windshield is worth its cost if you
decision. It is up to others to step in plan to ride long distances.
and keep them from taking too great
a risk. No one wants to do this — it’s • Limit your distance — Experi
uncomfortable, embarrassing and enced riders seldom try to ride more
than about six hours a day.
thankless. You are rarely thanked
for your efforts at the time. But the • Take frequent rest breaks — Stop
alternatives are often worse. and get off the motorcycle at least
every two hours.
There are several ways to keep friends
• Don’t drink or use drugs —
from hurting themselves:
Artificial stimulants often result in
• Arrange a safe ride — Provide extreme fatigue or depression when
alternative ways for them to get they start to wear off. Riders are
home. unable to concentrate on the task at
• Slow the pace of drinking — hand.
Involve them in other activities.
• Keep them there — Use any test yourself 14
excuse to keep them from getting If you wait one hour per drink for
on their motorcycle. Serve them the alcohol to be eliminated from
food and coffee to pass the time. your body before riding:
Explain your concerns for their A. You cannot be arrested for drinking
risks of getting arrested or hurt or and riding.
hurting someone else. Take their B. Your riding skills will not be affected.
key, if you can. C. Side effects from the drinking may
• Get friends involved — Use peer still remain.
pressure from a group of friends to D. You will be okay as long as you ride
intervene. slowly. Answer - page 41
It helps to enlist support from others

when you decide to step in. The more
people on your side, the easier it is to be
40EARNING YOUR LICENSE
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best
measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your
own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s even
harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively.
To earn your license, you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skill
test. Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices and ideas
from this manual. They require that you know and understand road rules and
safe riding practices. An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actual
traffic environment or in a controlled, off-street area.
Knowledge Test 4. If a tire goes flat while riding and

you must stop, it is usually best
(Sample Questions) to:
1. It is MOST important to flash A. Relax on the handgrips.
your brake light when:
B. Shift your weight toward the
A. Someone is following too closely.
good tire.
B. You will be slowing suddenly.
C. Brake on the good tire and steer
C. There is a stop sign ahead. to the side of the road.
D. Your signals are not working. D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.
2. The FRONT brake supplies how 5. The car below is waiting to enter
much of the potential stopping the intersection. It is best to:
power?
A. Make eye contact with the driver.
A. About one-quarter.
B. Reduce speed and be ready to
B. About one-half. react.
C. About three-quarters. C. Maintain speed and position.
D. All of the stopping power. D. Maintain speed and move right.
3. To swerve correctly:
A. Shift your weight quickly.
B. Turn the handlebars quickly.
C. Press the handgrip in the direction
of the turn.
D. Press the handgrip in the opposite
direction of the turn.
41
On-Motorcycle Skill Test • Stop, turn and swerve quickly.

Basic vehicle control and crash- • Make critical decisions and carry
avoidance skills are included in on- them out.
motorcycle tests to determine your Examiners may score on factors
ability to handle normal and hazardous related to safety such as:
traffic situations. • Selecting safe speeds to perform
You may be tested for your ability to: maneuvers.
• Know your motorcycle and your • Choosing the correct path and
riding limits. staying within boundaries.
• Accelerate, brake and turn • Completing normal and quick
safely. stops.
• See, be seen and communicate • Completing normal and quick
with others. turns or swerves.
• Adjust speed and position to the
traffic situation.
To receive a motorcycle license with full privileges, most

states require that maneuvers be performed as designed
for single-track, two-wheeled motorcycles.
On-motorcycle skill tests are not designed for sidecars or three-wheeled
vehicles. Those vehicles maneuver differently than a two-wheeled motorcycle.
Depending on the state, an examiner may follow you on a car test-route.
Restrictions (sidecar, three-wheeled vehicle) may be added until completion
of a two-wheeled motorcycle test.
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)

1-C, 2-D, 3-D, 4-A, 5-B,
6-C, 7-D 8-D, 9-C, 10-C,
11-D, 12-A, 13-A, 14-C
Diagrams and drawings used in this
manual are for reference only and are
Answers to Knowledge Test (left): not to correct scale for size of vehicles
and distances.
1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-C, 5-B
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page XIII
MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR
42 SKILL TEST
As developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
sharp left turn

(five foot path)
off-set
cone weave
over 500cc
right “U” turn

under 500cc
start start
stop with front tire
in the box
Sharp Turn, Stop Box Cone Weave, U-turn
The applicant starts at the “T” at the beginning of The applicant starts from the “T” riding to the
the course, makes sharp left turn within the desig- left of the first cone, to the right of the second
nated area and returns to the starting area coming to cone and continues weaving past all of the cones
a normal stop with the front tire in the box. Stalling turning to the right after the last cone. Continue
the engine, hitting or running over a cone, not staying down the side of the course completing the
within the marked area, and putting a foot down are “U-turn” as indicated for the appropriate size
causes for point deductions throughout the test. of the motorcycle.
An appointment is advisable for the test. Test
will not be given if surface of test area is wet.
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page XIV
43
start
obstacle turn
quick stop
Quick Stop Obstacle Turn

The applicant starts from the “T” at the far end The applicant starts at the “T” on the far end of
of the course and on the examiner’s signal, rides the course. On the examiner’s signal, the applicant
through the timing zone at about 15 mph. At the rides through the timing zone at about 15 mph.
end of the timing zone, the rider will stop the At the end of the timing zone, the rider must
motorcycle as quickly and safely as possible. swerve to avoid an obstacle line (in the direction
the examiner has chosen) and turn back to avoid
the side lines.
!09 Motorcycle Manual.qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page XV

Motorcycle Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Motorcycle Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

!09 Motorcycle Manual.

qxd 2/10/09 1:09 PM Page 2

About this Manual…

Photo on cover by Mark Tantrum Photography, www.marktantrum.com

Preface Instruction Permit Process . . . . . . . . . .VI

SKILLS TEST CHECKLIST

This manual is intended to help riders The hazards of riding a two-wheeled

Motorcycle License Motorcycle Endorsement

state (or one that has been expired Retesting Fees

Motorcycle Equipment recommended by the Department of

Live to Ride. Alcohol and Red Light, Green Light:

MOTORIZED BICYCLE AND MOPED VI

Motorized Bicycle To find out about moped safety courses

The moped operator’s permit is valid equipped with a headlight or taillight

and taillight that meet motorcycle Electric-Assisted Bicycle

IX MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER

propelling the device with or without subject to restrictions placed by

MINNESOTA RIDER TRAINING

Basic Rider Course (BRC) Special Evening Hours for

2 Jenner, Suite 150

Wear the Right Gear • An approved helmet lets you see

• Is designed to meet U.S. Goggles protect your eyes, though

Clothing KNOW YOUR

• Two mirrors. Get Familiar with the

Horn Button Throttle

Clutch Lever Front Brake Lever

Fuel Supply Valve

KNOW YOUR • Be visible — wear proper clothing,

BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL • Knees — Keep your knees against

In normal turns, the rider and the test yourself 3

KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE

In slow, tight turns, counterbalance by Lane Positions

In general, there is no single best Following Another Vehicle

than normal to stop. If the pavement Being Followed

passing being passed

Lane Sharing if one is open. If there is no room for a

SEE • Road and surface characteristics

Search Think about your time and space

Search for factors such as: • Communicate your presence with

stop signs parked cars

Increasing coming from the side to spot you.

Riding at Night Crash Avoidance

swerve, then brake brake, then swerve

constant curves multiple curves

decreasing curves Widening curves

Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks

parallel tracks—right grate crossings—wrong

parallel tracks—wrong test yourself 9

MECHANICAL PROBLEMS Stuck Throttle

FLYING OBJECTS CARRYING PASSENGERS

group passing (stage 1) group passing (stage 2)

Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders

WHY THIS INFORMATION DRUGS IN MOTORCYCLE

ALCOHOL AND OTHER

It helps to enlist support from others

Knowledge Test 4. If a tire goes flat while riding and

On-Motorcycle Skill Test • Stop, turn and swerve quickly.

To receive a motorcycle license with full privileges, most

Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)

sharp left turn

right “U” turn

Quick Stop Obstacle Turn

In normal turns, the rider and the test yourself 3

parallel tracks—wrong test yourself 9