helmet while operating or riding on a motorcycle or ATV, on or off
road.
•
Horn:
You must have a horn that can be heard up to 200 feet away.
•
Insurance:
You must have (and carry on your person) liability
insurance in an amount of not less than $25,000.
•
Mirror:
Motorcycles must have a mirror that provides a view of the
highway for at least 200 feet to the rear.
•
Muffler:
Motorcycles must have a muffler that does not increase
engine noise to a level above that of the muffler originally installed by
the motorcycle manufacturer.
•
Brake Light:
A red stop light that comes on when you work the brakes
must be visible for 100 feet to the rear during normal sunlight.
•
Taillight:
Motorcycles must have one red taillight visible for 500 feet
to the rear.
•
Reflector:
motorcycles and motor-driven cycles shall have at least one
(1) rear reflector.
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles, beware. Crashes are fairly common
among beginning riders — especially in the first months of riding. Riding an
unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, get
familiar with it in a controlled area and make sure it is insured, because you are
liable. If you lend your motorcycle to friends, make sure they are licensed and
know how to ride before allowing them out into traffic.
No matter how experienced you may be, ride extra carefully on any motorcycle
that’s new or unfamiliar to you. More than half of all crashes occur on
motorcycles that have been ridden by the operator for less than six months. It
takes time to adjust, so give yourself a greater margin for errors.
Get Familiar with the Motorcycle Controls
Make sure you are completely familiar with the motorcycle before you take it
out on the street. This is particularly important if you are riding a borrowed
motorcycle. If you are going to use an unfamiliar motorcycle:
• Review the owner’s manual.
• Make all the checks you would on your own motorcycle.
• Find out where everything is, particularly the turn signals, horn,
headlight switch, fuel-supply valve, and engine cut-off switch (usually
located on right hand grip). Learn to operate these items without having
to look for them.
• Know the gear pattern. Work the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times
before you start riding. All controls react a little differently.
• Ride very cautiously. Accelerate gently, take turns more slowly, and
leave extra room for stopping.
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