•
If braking is required
, however, gradually apply the brake of the tire that isn’t flat, if you are sure which one it is.
•
When the motorcycle slows
, edge to the side of the road, squeeze the clutch and stop.
STUCK THROTTLE
Twist the throttle back and forth several times. If the throttle cable is stuck, this may free it. If the throttle stays stuck immediately operate the
engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time. This will remove power from the rear wheel, though engine noise 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 when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly start to shake from side to side at any speed. Most wobbles can be traced to
improper loading, unsuitable accessories or incorrect tire pressure. If you are carrying a heavy load, lighten it. If you can’t, shift it. Center the
weight lower and farther forward on the motorcycle. Make sure tire pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks and dampers are at the settings
recommended for that much weight. Make sure windshields and fairings are mounted properly.
Check for poorly adjusted steering; worn steering parts; a front wheel that is bent, mis-
aligned, or out of balance; loose wheel bearings or spokes; and swingarm bearings. If none
of these are determined to be the cause, have the motorcycle checked out thoroughly by a
qualified professional.
Trying to “accelerate out of a wobble” will only make the motorcycle more unstable.
Instead:
•
Grip the handlebars firmly
, but don’t fight the wobble.
•
Close the throttle gradually
to slow down. Do not apply the brakes;
braking could make the wobble worse.
•
Move your weight
as far forward and down as possible.
•
Pull off the road
as soon as you can to fix the problem.
CHAIN PROBLEMS
A chain that slips or breaks while you’re riding could lock the rear wheel and cause your cycle to skid. Chain slippage or breakage can be avoid-
ed by proper maintenance.
•
Slippage
— If the chain slips when you try to speed up quickly or ride uphill, pull off the road. Check the chain and sprockets.
Tightening the chain may help. If the problem is a worn or stretched chain or worn or bent sprockets, replace the chain, the
sprockets or both before riding again.
•
Breakage
— You’ll notice an instant loss of power to the rear wheel. Close the throttle and brake to a stop.
ENGINE SEIZURE
When the engine “locks” or “freezes” it is usually low on oil. The engine’s moving parts
can’t move smoothly against each other, and the engine overheats. The first sign may be
a loss of engine power or a change in the engine’s sound. Squeeze the clutch lever to dis-
engage the engine from the rear wheel. Pull off the road and stop. Check the oil. If need-
ed, oil should be added as soon as possible or the engine will seize. When this happens,
the effect is the same as a locked rear wheel. Let the engine cool before restarting.
ANIMALS
Naturally, you should do everything you safely can to avoid hitting an animal. If you are
in traffic, however, remain in your lane. Hitting something small is less dangerous to you
than hitting something big — like a car.
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. If you are chased, downshift and approach the animal slowly. As you approach it, accelerate away and leave the
animal behind. Don’t kick at an 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 unpredictable.
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struck by insects, cigarettes thrown from cars or pebbles kicked up by the tires of the vehicle ahead. If you are wearing
face protection, it might get smeared or cracked, making it difficult to see. Without face protection, an object could hit you in the eye, face or mouth.
Whatever happens, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the handlebars. When safe, pull off the road and repair the damage.
GETTING OFF THE ROAD
If you need to leave the road to check the motorcycle (or just to rest for a while), be sure you:
•
Check the roadside
— Make sure the surface of the roadside is firm enough to ride on. If it is soft grass, loose sand or if you’re just
not sure about it, slow way down before you turn onto it.
•
Signal
— Drivers behind might not expect you to slow down. Give a clear signal that you will be slowing down and changing
direction. Check your mirror and make a head check before you take any action.
•
Pull off the road
— Get as far off the road as you can. It can be very hard to spot a motorcycle by the side of the road. You don’t
want someone else pulling off at the same place you are.
•
Park carefully
— Loose and sloped shoulders can make setting the side or center stand difficult.
20
10
Test Yourself
If your motorcycle starts to wobble:
A. Accelerate out of the wobble.
B. Use the brakes gradually.
C. Grip the handlebars firmly and close the throttle
gradually.
D. Downshift.
Answer - page 25
11
Test Yourself
If you are chased by a dog:
A. Kick it away.
B. Stop until the animal loses interest.
C. Swerve around the animal.
D. Approach the animal slowly, then speed up.
Answer - page 25
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