Triumph Thunderbird Commander, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 11 / 136

11
Foreword - Safety First
Riding
Warning
Never ride the motorcycle when fatigued
or under the influence of alcohol or other
drugs.
Riding when under the influence of alcohol
or other drugs is illegal.
Riding when fatigued or under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs reduces
the rider's ability to maintain control of the
motorcycle and may lead to loss of control
and an accident.
Warning
All riders must be licensed to operate the
motorcycle. Operation of the motorcycle
without a license is illegal and could lead to
prosecution.
Operation of the motorcycle without
formal training in the correct riding
techniques that are necessary to become
licenced is dangerous and may lead to loss
of motorcycle control and an accident.
Warning
Always ride defensively and wear the
protective equipment mentioned
elsewhere in this foreword. Remember, in
an accident, a motorcycle does not give the
same impact protection as a car.
Warning
This Triumph motorcycle should be
operated within the legal speed limits for
the particular road travelled. Operating a
motorcycle at high speeds can be
potentially dangerous since the time
available to react to given traffic situations
is greatly reduced as road speed increases.
Always reduce speed in potentially
hazardous driving conditions such as bad
weather or heavy traffic.
Warning
Continually observe and react to changes
in road surface, traffic and wind conditions.
All two-wheeled vehicles are subject to
external forces which may cause an
accident. These forces include but are not
limited to:
• Wind draft from passing vehicles;
• Potholes, uneven or damaged
road surfaces;
• Bad weather;
• Rider error.
Always operate the motorcycle at
moderate speed and away from heavy
traffic until you have become thoroughly
familiar with its handling and operating
characteristics. Never exceed the legal
speed limit.