13
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
11.5 ENGINE SEIZURE
: Engine seizure means that the
engine locks or freezes. Engines seize when they are low
on oil. Without oil, the engine’s moving parts can’t move
smoothly against each other, and the engine overheats.
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in the engine’s sound.
Squeeze the clutch lever to disengage the engine from
the rear wheel. Pull off the road and stop. Let the engine
cool. You may be able to add oil and restart the engine.
12. SPECIAL SITUATIONS
12.1 FLYING OBJECTS
: From time to time riders are
struck by insects, cigarettes thrown from cars, or rocks
kicked up by the tires of the vehicle ahead. If you aren’t
wearing face protection, you could be hit in the eye, face,
or mouth. If you are wearing face protection, it might get
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Whatever happens, keep your eyes on the road and your
hands on the handlebars. As soon as it is safe, pull off the
road and repair the damage.
12.2 ANIMALS
: Naturally, you should do everything
you can to avoid hitting an animal. However, if you are
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animal. Hitting something small is less dangerous to you
than hitting something big, like a car.
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. If you are chased, don’t
kick at the animal, shift down and approach the animal
slowly. As you reach it, speed up quickly. You will leave
the animal behind.
12.3 GETTING OFF THE ROAD
If you need to leave the
road to check the motorcycle (or just to rest for awhile),
be sure you:
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sand, or if you’re just not sure about it, slow
way down before you turn onto it.
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you to slow down. As soon as you can, give a clear
signal that you will be slowing down and changing
direction. Make sure to check your mirror and make
a head check before you take any action.
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side of the road. You don’t want someone else pulling
off at the same place you are.
12.4 HILLS
: When riding uphill on a 3-wheel motor-
cycle, some weight will shift to the rear, causing the
front to be lighter. This weight shift means there is
less traction on the front tire for steering and braking.
Riding downhill means that gravity increases the
amount of braking force required to stop or slow a
3-wheel motorcycle. It is important to slow even earlier
for cornering or stopping.
13. CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO
Only experienced riders should carry passengers or large
loads. The extra weight changes the way the motorcycle
handles, balances, turns, speeds up and slows down.
Before taking a passenger or heavy load on the street,
practice in a safe, off-road area.
13.1 PASSENGERS:
To carry passengers safely you must
make sure your motorcycle is equipped and adjusted to
carry passengers.
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both you and your passenger without crowding. You
should not sit any further forward than
you usually do.
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fall off and pull you off too.
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of protective gear and clothing recommended for op-
erators.
You should adjust the shocks to handle the extra weight.
While your passenger sits on the seat with you, adjust the
mirror and headlight to the change in the motorcycle’s
angle. It is a good idea to add a few pounds of pressure
to the tires if you carry a passenger. Then adjust the sus-
pension to handle the additional weight. (Check your
owner’s manual.)
INSTRUCT PASSENGERS: Even if your passenger is a
motorcycle rider, provide complete instructions before
you start. Instruct your passenger to:
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is stopped.
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RIDING WITH PASSENGERS: Tell your passenger
to tighten his/her hold when you approach surface
problems, or are about to start from a stop. Your mo-
torcycle will respond more slowly with a passenger on
board. The heavier your passenger, the longer it will take
