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MotorcyclesMakesense–

sodoesProfessionaltraining

Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate, fun to ride and easy to park.

Unfortunately, many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safely.

Professional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for

real-world traffic situations. Motorcycle Safety Foundation

RiderCourses

teach and

improve such skills as:

• Effective turning

• Braking maneuvers

• Protective apparel selection

• Obstacle avoidance

• Traffic strategies

• Maintenance

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) purpose is to improve the safety

of motorcyclists on the nation’s streets and highways. In an attempt to reduce

motorcycle crashes and inju ries, the Foundation has programs in rider education,

licensing improve ment, public information and statistics. These programs

are designed for both motorcyclists and motorists. A national not-for-profit

organization, the MSF is sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda,

Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha.

The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those

who have an interest in riding motorcycles. The infor mation has been compiled

from publications, interviews and observa tions of individuals and organizations

familiar with the use of motorcycles, accessories, and training. Because there are

many differences in product design, riding styles, federal, state and local laws,

there may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions. Consult

your local regulatory agencies for informa tion concerning the operation of motor-

cycles in your area. Although the MSF will continue to research, field test and

publish responsible viewpoints on the subject, it disclaims any liability for the views

expressed herein.

For the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you,

call toll free: 800�446�9227

or visit www�msf-usa�org

Printing and distribution courtesy of

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

2 Jenner, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92618-3806

www.msf-usa.org

Second Revision ............... December 1978

Tenth Revision ................. January 2002

Third Revision .....................February 1981

Eleventh Revision ................... July 2002

Fourth Revision ................... .January 1983

Twelfth Revision ................... May 2004

Fifth Revision ...................... October 1987

Thirteenth Revision ...............June 2007

Sixth Revision ........................... April 1991

Fourteenth Revision ........... March 2008

Seventh Revision ............. September 1992

Fifteenth Revision .................June 2009

Eighth Revision ................... .January 1999

Sixteenth Revision ........... January 2011

Ninth Revision ........................March 2000

Printed in USA 000254

Summary of Contents for 16th Edition

Page 1: ...Motorcycle Operator Manual MSF LICENSING PROGRAMS a n m s f m a n ua l With Supplementary Information for Three Wheel Motorcycles 16th Edition ...

Page 2: ...les under contract to NHTSA The purpose of this manual is to educate riders and to help them avoid crashes while safely operating either a standard two wheel motorcycle or a three wheel motorcycle This latest edition has undergone significant improvements and contains new more in depth information designed to Guide riders in preparing to ride safely Develop effective street strategies Give riders ...

Page 3: ...imals 34 Flying Objects 35 Getting Off the Road 35 Carrying Passengers and Cargo 35 Group Riding 38 Being in Shape to Ride Why This Information Is Important 42 Alcohol and Other Drugs in Motorcycle Operation 42 Alcohol in the Body 42 Alcohol and the Law 44 Minimize the Risks 44 Step in to Protect Friends 45 Fatigue 45 EARNING YOUR LICENSE 46 Three wheel supplement Supplementary Information for Thr...

Page 4: ...ourse even if your state doesn t require that you complete one You ll learn how to improve your riding skills and mental strategies so you can be a safer more alert rider The diagram above illustrates the complex environment that awaits you and supports the concept that as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation says Safe riding is as much a skill of the eyes and mind as it is of the hands and feet Succe...

Page 5: ...ng trips or when riding at high speeds But here are some facts to consider A DOT compliant helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary A study of more than 900 motorcycle crashes where 40 of the riders wore helmets did not find even one case in which a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger Most crashes happen on short trips less than five miles long just a few minutes after starting ou...

Page 6: ...view to either side Fasten securely so it does not blow off Permit air to pass through to reduce fogging Permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses if needed Tinted eye protection should not be worn when little light is available Clothing The right clothing protects you in a collision It also provides comfort as well as protection from heat cold debris and hot and moving parts of the motorcyc...

Page 7: ...r ballooning up at high speeds KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE There are plenty of things on the highway that can cause you trouble Your motorcycle should not be one of them To make sure that your motorcycle won t let you down Start with the right motorcycle for you Read the owner s manual Be familiar with the motorcycle controls Check the motorcycle before every ride Keep it in safe riding condition between...

Page 8: ...xtra carefully on any motorcycle that s new or unfamiliar to you More than half of all crashes involve riders with less than five months of experience on their motorcycle Get Familiar with the Motorcycle Controls Make sure you are completely familiar with the motorcycle before you take it out on the street Be sure to review the owner s manual This is particularly important if you are riding a borr...

Page 9: ...eep with you when you ride A T CLOCS inspection should be conducted before every ride and includes checks of T Tires and Wheels Check tire inflation pressure treadwear and general condition of sidewalls and tread surface Try the front and rear brake levers one at a time Make sure each feels firm and holds the motorcycle when fully applied C Controls Make sure the clutch and throttle operate smooth...

Page 10: ... pull into the intersection without checking for possible traffic That is all it takes for the two of you to crash It was the driver s responsibility to stop and it was your responsibility to look before pulling out Both of you are at fault Someone else might be the first to start the chain of events leading to a crash but it doesn t leave any of us free of responsibility As a rider you can t be s...

Page 11: ...hands are even with or below your elbows This permits you to use the proper muscles for precision steering Knees Keep your knees against the gas tank to help you keep your balance as the motorcycle turns Feet Keep your feet firmly on the footrests to maintain balance Don t drag your feet If your foot catches on something you could be injured and it could affect your control of the motorcycle Keep ...

Page 12: ... lever 2 press the shift lever down firmly 3 ease out the clutch lever as you roll on the throttle Once the shift is completed release the shift lever to permit it to reset for the next shift Rolling on the throttle slightly while smoothly easing out the clutch can help the engine come up to speed more quickly and make the downshift smoother Shifting to a lower gear causes an effect similar to usi...

Page 13: ...bility of the tires losing traction To stop as quickly and as safely as possible in a curve and depending on road and traffic conditions try to get the motorcycle as perpendicular to the road as possible then brake If conditions do not allow brake smoothly and gradually but do not apply as much braking force as you would if the motorcycle were straight up As you slow you can reduce your lean angle...

Page 14: ...he motorcycle must lean To lean the motor cycle press on the handgrip in the direction of the turn Press left handgrip lean left go left Press right handgrip lean right go right The higher the speed in a turn the greater the lean angle ROLL Roll on the throttle to maintain or slightly increase speed This helps stabilize the motorcycle In normal turns the rider and the motorcycle should lean togeth...

Page 15: ... Avoid windblast from other vehicles Provide an escape route Set up for turns Many motorcyclists consider the left third of the lane the left tire track of automobiles to be their default lane position You should then consider varying your lane position as conditions warrant keeping mind that no portion of the lane need be avoided including the center You should position yourself in the portion of...

Page 16: ... marking or lamppost on or near the road ahead When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes the marker count off the seconds one thousand one one thousand two If you reach the marker before you reach two you are following too closely A two second following distance leaves a minimum amount of space to stop or swerve if the driver ahead stops suddenly It also permits a better view of potholes an...

Page 17: ...u to allow room for both you and the tailgater to stop This will also encourage them to pass If they don t pass you will have given yourself and the tailgater more time and space to react in case an emergency does develop ahead Passing and Being Passed Passing and being passed by another vehicle is not much different than with a car However visibility is more critical Be sure other drivers see you...

Page 18: ...ion of the lane farthest from the passing vehicle It might invite the other driver to cut back into your lane too early Lane Sharing Cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely Lane sharing is usually prohibited Riding between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane can leave you vulnerable to the unexpected A hand could come out of a window a door could open a car could turn s...

Page 19: ...djust speed to open up space for the merging driver Cars Alongside Do not ride next to cars or trucks in other lanes if you do not have to You might be in the blind spot of a car in the next lane which could switch into your lane without warning Cars in the next lane also block your escape if you come upon danger in your own lane Speed up or drop back to find a place clear of traffic on both sides...

Page 20: ...l help you assess what is going on in traffic so you can plan and implement the safest course of action as traffic situations change Let s look at each of these steps Search How assertively you search and how much time and space you have can eliminate or minimize risk As you search focus on finding potential escape routes especially in or around intersections shopping areas and school and construc...

Page 21: ... Finally Execute your decision To create more space and minimize harm from any hazard Communicate your presence with lights and or horn Adjust your speed by accelerating stopping or slowing Adjust your position and or direction by swerving changing lanes or moving to another position within your lane Apply the old adage one step at a time to handle two or more hazards Adjust speed to permit two ha...

Page 22: ...ight 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 When approaching an intersection where a vehicle driver is preparing to cross your path slow down and select a lane position to increase your visibility to that driver Cover the clutch lever and both brakes to reduce reaction time As y...

Page 23: ... the lane away from the parked car so the driver on the cross street can see him as soon as possible Remember the key is to see as much as possible and remain visible to others while protecting your space If you have a stop sign or stop line stop there first Then edge forward and stop again just short of where the cross traffic lane meets your lane From that position lean your body forward and loo...

Page 24: ... two wheeled silhouette in search of cars that may pose a problem to them Even if a driver does see you coming you aren t necessarily safe Smaller vehicles appear farther away and seem to be traveling slower than they actually are It is common for drivers to pull out in front of motorcyclists thinking they have plenty of time Too often they are wrong However you can do many things to make it easie...

Page 25: ...Don t make them guess what you intend to do Brake Light Your motorcycle s brake light is usually not as noticeable as the brake lights on a car particularly when your taillight is on It goes on with the headlight If the situation will permit help others notice you by flashing your brake light before you slow down It is especially important to flash your brake light before You slow more quickly tha...

Page 26: ...ce before you change lanes 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 a...

Page 27: ... Lane Position Change to whatever portion of the lane is best able to help you see be seen and keep an adequate space cushion Crash Avoidance No matter how careful you are there will be times when you find yourself in a tight spot Your chances of getting out safely depend on your ability to react quickly and properly Often a crash occurs because a rider is not prepared or skilled in crash avoidanc...

Page 28: ...s when there is a danger of running off the road in a left hand curve or when facing oncoming traffic in a right hand curve apply the brakes smoothly and gradually As you slow you can reduce your lean angle and apply more brake pressure until the motorcycle is straight and maximum brake pressure can be applied Always straighten the handlebars in the last few feet of stopping to maintain your balan...

Page 29: ...el lockup As soon as the rear wheel locks your ability to change direction is lost To regain control the brake must be released However if the rear wheel is out of alignment with the front there is a risk of a high side crash This occurs when the wheels are out of alignment and a locked rear wheel is released The motorcycle can abruptly snap upright and tumble throwing the rider into the air ahead...

Page 30: ...ghway trash Try to avoid obstacles by slowing or going around them If you must go over the obstacle first determine if it is possible Approach it at as close to a 90 angle as possible Look where you want to go to control your path of travel If you have to ride over the obstacle you should Slow down as much as possible before contact Make sure the motorcycle is straight Rise slightly off the seat w...

Page 31: ...he sides of the road especially on curves and ramps leading to and from highways Be aware of what s on 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 develop in low or shaded areas and on bridges and overpasses Wet surfaces or wet leaves are jus...

Page 32: ...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 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...

Page 33: ...the engine cut off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time This will remove power from the rear wheel though engine sound may not immediately decline Once the motorcycle is under control pull off and stop After you have stopped check the throttle cable carefully to find the source of the trouble Make certain the throttle works freely before you start to ride again Wobble A wobble occurs whe...

Page 34: ...omething small is less dangerous to you than hitting something big like a car Motorcycles seem to attract dogs If you are being chased downshift and approach the animal slowly As you approach it accelerate and leave the animal behind Don t kick at the animal Keep control of your motorcycle and look to where you want to go For larger animals deer elk cattle brake and prepare to stop they are unpred...

Page 35: ...ycle Refer to the owner s manual for adjustment procedures and specifications Headlight Prior to loading position the motorcycle about 10 feet from a wall in an unlighted garage and mark the headlight beam location on the wall with chalk With a full load and passenger recheck the headlight beam location Use the adjusting screws on the headlight to lower the beam to the same height Check your owner...

Page 36: ...at when crossing an obstacle Also remind your passenger to tighten his or her hold when you Approach surface hazards such as bumps or uneven road surfaces Are about to start from a stop or begin moving into traffic Are about to turn sharply or make a sudden move Riding With Passengers Your motorcycle will respond slowly when you ride with a passenger The heavier your passenger the longer it will t...

Page 37: ...ust the shoulder straps so that the backpack rests lightly on the seat This will reduce the tension in your neck and shoulders If you have a tank bag be sure it is securely mounted and does not obstruct your view of the controls or instruments If necessary pack it only partially full When strapping the tank bag in place make sure it does not catch any of the brake lines or cables in the area of th...

Page 38: ... the important components to check before you leave Remember to consider such variables as passengers and extra weight from cargo that might require a change in tire pressure or suspension adjustment Plan Before starting out hold a rider s meeting to discuss the route length of riding segments rest stops and locations for fuel meals and lodging Make sure everyone knows the route That way if someon...

Page 39: ...r leaving freeways or highways Intersections Intersections present the highest risk for motorcyclists in a group When making a left turn at an intersection with a left turn signal arrow tighten the formation to allow as many riders through the intersection as possible Make the turn single file do not ride side by side If not all riders get through the light stop at a safe point ahead and wait This...

Page 40: ...m for the next rider Next the second rider should move up to the left position in the lane and wait for a chance to safely pass When passing be sure you have a clear view of oncoming traffic Just because the lead rider passed that does not mean that conditions haven t changed and that it is still safe for other riders to pass After passing the rider should return to the right position and open up ...

Page 41: ... faster ride ahead of the group Keep adequate following distance and maintain a staggered formation Do not pass in the group except in the case of emergency Place inexperienced riders just behind the leader so they can keep pace without riding faster than it is safe When passing be conscious of the traffic conditions and oncoming traffic Even though the previous riders passed safely it may not be ...

Page 42: ...juries occur in 90 of motorcycle crashes and 33 of automobile crashes that involve abuse of substances On a yearly basis 2 000 motorcyclists are killed and about 50 000 seriously injured in this same type of crash These statistics are too overwhelming to ignore By becoming knowledgeable about the effects of alcohol and drugs you will see that riding and substance abuse don t mix Take positive step...

Page 43: ...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 A 12 ounce can of beer a mixed drink with one shot 1 5 ounces of liquor and a 5 ounce glass of wine all contain the same amount of alcohol The faster you drink the more alcohol accumulates in your body If you drink two drin...

Page 44: ...se classes Today the laws of most states impose stiff penalties on drinking operators And those penalties are mandatory meaning that judges must impose them If you are convicted of riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs you may receive any of the following penalties License Suspension Mandatory suspension for conviction arrest or refusal to submit to a breath test Fines Severe fines are an...

Page 45: ...roup of friends to intervene 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 firm and the harder it is for the rider to resist While you may not be thanked at the time you will never have to say If only I had FATIGUE Riding a motorcycle is more tiring than driving a car On a long trip you ll tire sooner than you would in a car A...

Page 46: ...e Test Sample Questions 1 It is MOST important to flash your brake light when A Someone is following too closely B You will be slowing suddenly C There is a stop sign ahead D Your signals are not working 2 The FRONT brake supplies how much of the potential stopping power A About 25 B About 50 C About 70 D All of the stopping power 3 To swerve correctly A Shift your weight quickly B Turn the handle...

Page 47: ...otorcycle and your riding limits Accelerate brake and turn safely See be seen and communicate with others Adjust speed and position to the traffic situation Stop turn and swerve quickly Make critical decisions and carry them out Examiners may score on factors related to safety such as Selecting safe speeds to perform maneuvers Choosing the correct path and staying within boundaries Completing norm...

Page 48: ...version or design with Handlebar steering Motorcycle type controls with the standard layout Convenience alterations like a single brake pedal or lever control automatic clutch or automatic transmission Saddle seating Seating in which the rider passenger straddles the vehicle If designed for a passenger the passenger must be seated behind the operator or in a separate passenger compartment in the c...

Page 49: ...erating an unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the problem If you borrow a three wheel motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar get familiar with it in a controlled area first If you lend your three wheel motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar to friends make sure they are licensed and know how to ride before you allow them to operate in traffic Such motorcycles operate very differently than two wheel motor...

Page 50: ...rning or tight maneuvers whenever enough weight is transferred outside of what are called tip over lines This tendency requires careful load and passenger positioning inside the tip over lines to help maintain maximum stability Body Position As with any motor vehicle operator position is important for control and for reducing or preventing fatigue The operator should be able to reach both handgrip...

Page 51: ...a greater tendency for the sidecar wheel to lift The lift will be greater if the sidecar is empty or lightly loaded When turning right on a motorcycle with sidecar Anticipate the degree of turn required Reduce speed before entering the curve by downshifting or braking Slightly lean your upper body in the direction you intend to turn Maintain speed as you enter the curve Accelerate gradually as you...

Page 52: ...torcycle with a sidecar Attaching a sidecar to your motorcycle adds a non powered off centered mass of weight So during acceleration the sidecar will feel as though it is lagging behind you causing the vehicle to feel as though it is being steered to the right During deceleration or braking the momentum of the sidecar continues to carry it forward giving the feeling that the sidecar is trying to p...

Page 53: ...ow in the storage areas so it is positioned within the tip over lines and balanced side to side If a passenger is being carried the passenger will sit directly behind the rider On a motorcycle with a sidecar the best place for a passenger is in the sidecar Never put a single passenger on the saddle the added weight on the tip over line will increase the instability of the motorcycle While a second...

Page 54: ...54 ...

Page 55: ... in arc from back to front 6 Follow Me arm extended straight up from shoulder palm forward 5 Slow Down arm extended straight out palm facing down swing down to your side 4 Speed Up arm extended straight out palm facing up swing upward 2 Double File arm with index and middle finger extended straight up 1 Single File arm and index finger extended straight up ...

Page 56: ... and down motion 9 Highbeam tap on top of helmet with open palm down 8 Hazard in Roadway on the left point with left hand on the right point with right foot af Pull Off arm positioned as for right turn forearm swung toward shoulder as Refreshment Stop fingers closed thumb to mouth ap Fuel arm out to side pointing to tank with finger extended ...

Page 57: ... and right left Operation Hi beam low beam operation Tail lamp brake lamp Condition Cracks clean and tight Operation Activates upon front brake rear brake application Turn signals Operation Flashes correctly Front left Front right Rear left Rear right Mirrors Condition Cracks clean tight mounts and swivel joints Aim Adjust when seated on bike Lenses Reflectors Condition Cracked broken securely mou...

Page 58: ......

Page 59: ...iding motorcycles The infor mation has been compiled from publications interviews and observa tions of individuals and organizations familiar with the use of motorcycles accessories and training Because there are many differences in product design riding styles federal state and local laws there may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions Consult your local regulatory agencies...

Page 60: ...Motorcycle Safety Foundation 2 Jenner Suite 150 Irvine CA 92618 3806 www msf usa org ...

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