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Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles handle better when ridden on surfaces that permit good traction.
Surfaces that provide poor traction include:
•
Wet pavement
, particularly just after it starts to rain and before surface
oil washes to the side of the road. The center portion of a lane will
usually be most slippery.
•
Gravel roads
, or where sand and gravel collect. Sand and gravel are
most likely to collect at the sides of paved roads.
•
Mud, leaves, snow, and ice
.
•
Lane markings
, steel plates, and manhole covers, especially when wet.
To ride safely on slippery surfaces:
• Reduce Speed
— Slow down before you get to a slippery surface to
lessen your chances of skidding.Your motorcycle needs more distance
to stop. It is particularly important to reduce speed before entering wet
curves.
• Avoid Sudden Moves
— Any sudden change in speed or direction can
cause a skid. Be as smooth as possible when you speed up, shift gears,
turn, or brake.
• Use Both Brakes
— The front brake is still effective, even on a slippery
surface. Squeeze the brake lever gradually to avoid locking the front
wheel. Remember, gentle pressure on the rear brake.
•
The center of a lane
can be hazardous when wet. When it starts to rain,
ride in the tire tracks left by cars. Often, the left tire track will be the best
position, depending on traffic and other road conditions.
Roads are the slickest when it first starts to rain until the dirt and oil are washed
away.
•
Watch for oil spots
when you put your foot down to stop or park. You
may slip and fall.
•
Dirt and gravel
collect along the sides of the road — especially on
curves and ramps leading to and from highways. Stay away from the
edge of the road, particularly when making sharp turns and getting on or
off freeways at high speeds.
•
Rain dries and snow melts
faster on some sections of a road than on
others. Patches of ice tend to crop up in low or shaded areas and on
bridges and overpasses. Wet surfaces or wet leaves are just as slippery.
Ride on the least slippery portion of the lane and reduce your speed.
Cautious riders steer clear of roads covered with ice or snow. If you can’t avoid
a slippery surface, keep your motorcycle straight up and proceed slowly. If you
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