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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Pre-Ride Test
Prior to starting out, take a test
ride with your fully loaded motorcycle
through some familiar neighborhood
roads to get a feel for the operation of
your motorcycle. Be sure the suspension
settings are correct, and that the side
stand, footrests, and exhaust pipes don’t
scrape over bumps and in turns. Ensure
the tank bag does not get in the way of
the handlebars or restrict the steering.
Also check the security of the load, so
that your luggage does not hit you in
the back under maximum braking.
You will also find that the perfor-
mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will
be different than what you are used to.
Test the power when accelerating and
be aware that it will be lower, increas-
ing passing times and distances. Braking
will also feel different, and stopping
distances may increase.
GROUP RIDING
Preparation
Preparing yourself for a group ride
is as important as making sure your
motorcycle is ready. Riding with a group
requires an alert mind that is free from
worries, distractions and stress. It also
means riding free from the influence of
alcohol or drugs. For some, even too
much caffeine or prescription drugs can
adversely affect concentration.
Prior to a long trip, it’s a good idea to
have your motorcycle serviced at your
local dealership if you aren’t able to do
the work yourself. A thorough pre-
ride check is a must. Use the T-CLOCS
checklist as a reminder of 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 someone becomes separated, he or
she won’t have to hurry to keep from
getting lost or making the wrong turn.
Choose a lead rider and a sweep rider.
These should be the most experienced
riders of the group. The lead rider
should look ahead for changes in road,
traffic or weather conditions, and signal
early so the word gets back in plenty
of time to the other riders. The sweep
rider is the last rider in the group, and
sets the pace for the group. Place
inexperienced riders just behind the
leader. That ensures that they won’t
have to chase after the group, and the
more experienced riders can watch
them from the back.
The most important rules for group
riding are: no competition, no passing
of other riders and no tailgating. If a
rider insists on riding faster than the
group, allow him or her to go ahead to
an agreed meeting point.
Hand signals
During the rider’s meeting, review
the hand signals so all riders can
communicate during the ride. A
diagram of the most common hand
signals is at the end of this manual.
Follow those behind
During the ride, use your mirrors
to keep an eye on the person behind
and confirm that the group is staying
together. If a rider falls behind, everyone
should slow down to keep the group
together.
