14
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
to slow down, speed up or make a turn, especially on a
light cycle.
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corners, or bumps.
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sides.
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as when you will pull out, stop quickly, turn sharply
or ride over a bump. Turn your head slightly to make
yourself understood, but keep your eyes on the road
ahead.
13.2 CARRYING LOADS
: Most motorcycles are not de-
signed to carry much cargo, however, small loads can be
carried safely if they are positioned and fastened properly.
KEEP THE LOAD LOW: Fasten loads to the seat, or put
them in saddle bags. Placing a load high against a bar
or frame raises the cycle’s center of gravity and disturbs
its balance.
KEEP THE LOAD FORWARD: Place the load over or
in front of the rear axle. Tank bags keep loads forward,
but use caution when loading hard or sharp objects.
Mounting loads behind the rear axle can affect how the
motorcycle turns and brakes. It can also cause a wobble.
DISTRIBUTE THE LOAD EVENLY: Load saddle bags
with about the same weight. An uneven load can cause
the motorcycle to drift to one side.
SECURE THE LOAD: Fasten the load securely with
elastic cords (bungee cords). A loose load can catch in
the wheel or chain and the rear wheel may lock up and
skid. Do not use rope as it tends to stretch and knots come
loose, permitting the load to shift or fall off.
CHECK THE LOAD: Stop and check the load often to
make sure it has not worked loose or moved.
14. GROUP RIDING
If you ride with others, you must do it in a way that pro-
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14.1 KEEP THE GROUP SMALL
: A large group
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for cars to pass a long line of motorcycles at a time.
Also, large groups tend to get separated easily by traf-
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unsafely trying to catch up. If your group is larger than
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groups.
14.2 KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER:
PLAN AHEAD: The leader should look ahead for
changes. Give signals early so “the word” gets back in
plenty of time. Start lane changes early enough to allow
everyone to complete the change.
PUT BEGINNERS UP
FRONT: Place inexperi-
enced riders behind the
leader, where they can be
watched by more experi-
enced riders.
FOLLOW THOSE BE-
HIND: Let the tailrider set
the pace. Use your mirrors
to keep an eye on the per-
son behind. If a rider falls
behind slow down a little,
so the group will stay with
the tailrider.
KNOW THE ROUTE: Make sure everybody knows the
route. Then, if someone is separated for a moment, he or
she won’t have to hurry to avoid getting lost or taking
a wrong turn.
14.3 KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
: Maintain close ranks at
a safe distance. A close group takes up less space on the
highway, is easier to see, and is less likely to be separated.
However, it must be done properly.
DON’T PAIR UP: Never operate directly alongside an-
other motorcycle rider. If one of you has to avoid a car
or something on the road, there would be no place to go.
To talk, wait until you are both stopped.
STAGGERED FORMATION: Riding in a staggered
formation is the best way to keep ranks close and yet
maintain an adequate space cushion. The leader rides
to the left side of the lane, while the second rider stays a
little behind and rides to the right side of the lane. A third
rider would take the left position, a normal two-second
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a normal two-second distance behind the second rider.
This formation keeps the group close and keeps each
rider a safe distance from the others ahead, behind, and
to the sides.
A staggered formation can be used safely on an open
highway. However, it is best to move into a single
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entering or leaving a highway.
PASSING INFORMATION: Riders in a staggered forma-
tion should pass one at a time. First, the lead rider should
pull out and pass when it is safe. After passing, the leader
should return to the left position and continue riding at
