Make certain you are riding slowly enough when you shift into a lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will lurch, and the rear wheel may skid. When
riding downhill or shifting into first gear you may need to use the brakes to slow enough before downshifting safely. Work toward a smooth, even
clutch release, especially when downshifting.
It is best to change gears before entering a turn. However, sometimes shifting while in the turn is necessary. If so, remember to do so smoothly.
A sudden change in power to the rear wheel can cause a skid.
BRAKING
Your motorcycle has two brakes: one each for the front and rear wheel. Use both of them at the same time. The front brake is more powerful and
can provide
at least three-quarters
of your total stopping power. The front brake is safe to use if you use it properly.
Remember:
•
Use both brakes
every time
you slow or stop. Using both brakes for even “normal” stops will permit you to develop the proper habit
or skill of using both brakes properly in an emergency. Squeeze the front brake and press down on the rear. Grabbing at the front
brake or jamming down on the rear can cause the brakes to lock, resulting in control problems.
•
If you know the technique
, using both brakes in a turn is possible, although it should be done very carefully. When leaning the
motorcycle some of the traction is used for cornering. Less traction is available for stopping. A skid can occur if you apply too much brake.
Also, using the front brake incorrectly on a slippery surface may be hazardous. Use caution and
squeeze
the brake lever, never grab.
•
Some motorcycles
have integrated braking systems that link the front and rear brakes together by applying the rear brake pedal.
(Consult the owner’s manual for a detailed explanation on the operation and effective use of these systems.)
TURNING
Riders often try to take curves or turns too fast. When they can’t hold the turn, they end up crossing into another lane of traffic or going off the
road. Or, they overreact and brake too hard, causing a skid and loss of control. Approach turns and curves with caution
.
Use four steps for better control:
•
SLOW
•
LOOK
•
PRESS
•
ROLL
SLOW
— Reduce speed before the turn by closing the throt-
tle and, if necessary, applying both brakes.
LOOK
— Look through the turn to where you want to go.
Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes
level with the horizon.
PRESS
— To turn, the motorcycle must lean. To lean the
motorcycle, press on the handlegrip in the direction of the
turn. Press left—lean left—go left. Press right—lean right—
go right. Higher speeds and/or tighter turns require the motor-
cycle to lean more.
ROLL
— Roll on the throttle through the turn to stabilize sus-
pension. Maintain steady speed or accelerate gradually
through the turn. This will help keep the motorcycle stable.
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have is distance — a “cushion of space” — all
around your motorcycle. If someone else makes a mistake, distance per-
mits you:
•
Time to react.
•
Space to maneuver.
LANE POSITIONS
In some ways the size of the motorcycle can work to your advantage. Each
traffic lane gives a motorcycle three paths of travel, as indicated in the illus-
tration.
Your lane position should:
•
Increase
your ability to see and be seen.
11
3
Test Yourself
When riding, you should:
A. Turn your head and shoulders to look through
the turn.
B. Keep your arms straight.
C. Keep your knees away from the gas tank.
D. Turn just your head and eyes to look where you
are going.
Answer - page 25
NORMAL TURNING
In normal turns, the rider and the
motorcycle should lean together at
the same angle.
SLOW TURNING
In slow tight turns, counterbalance
by leaning the motorcycle only and
keeping your body straight.
LANE POSITIONS
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