Congratulations!
You have gained admission to the wonderful world of motorcycling. You are going to have a marvelous time.
You also have some new responsibilities, which is what this little booklet is all about.
Motorcycling has grown more and more popular in recent years. We’re very glad to see the increase in the number of people who enjoy it. However, we’re also interested in keeping this a safe sport.
The way to do this is to tell the rider – whether novice or experienced – about operating a motorcycle safely. Your enjoyment, and your safety, depends on mastering not only the art of motorcycling but also the realities of the traffic around you.
The staff at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has prepared this booklet to provide you – the 3-wheel motorcycle rider – with important tips that can help you to ride safely. Read these pages carefully. Thirty minutes spent reading this information can be one of the most valuable half-hours of learning you have ever had.
You will learn about:
- Rider Gear: Explore the essential riding gear for 3WMCs, including helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing like jackets, pants, gloves, and boots. Understand the significance of high-visibility gear and hearing protection for enhanced safety and comfort on the road.
- Legal Responsibilities: Discover the legal aspects of 3WMC riding, such as specific licensing requirements and the need for appropriate insurance. Get insights into the importance of complying with state laws for a safe and legal riding experience.
- Motorcycle Familiarization: Get tips on becoming familiar with your 3WMC, focusing on the unique three-wheel arrangement and understanding the differences in controls and handling compared to two-wheeled motorcycles.
- Riding Techniques and Controls: Master essential riding techniques specific to 3WMCs, including gear shifting, braking, and turning. Learn about the distinct handling characteristics of these vehicles for improved safety and control.
- Pre-Ride Checks and Maintenance: Understand the importance of pre-ride inspections and regular maintenance, with a focus on tire condition, control functionality, and the proper working of lights and signals.
- Road Awareness and Safety Strategies: Explore the SEE system (Search, Evaluate, Execute) for enhanced road awareness and safety. Learn how to increase your visibility to other drivers and maintain vigilance in varying traffic conditions.
- Handling Special Situations: Gain knowledge on how to navigate through challenging conditions such as poor road surfaces, adverse weather, and unexpected animal encounters. Includes crucial tips on emergency braking and skid management.
- Equipment Failures: Prepare for common equipment failures like tire blowouts, stuck throttles, and broken clutch cables, with advice on how to handle these situations calmly and safely.
- Group Riding and Passengers: Learn about the dynamics of group riding and carrying passengers on a 3WMC. Understand the importance of proper loading and how to adjust riding techniques to accommodate additional weight.
- Alcohol and Drug Awareness: Educate yourself on the risks and legal implications of riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Emphasizes the dangers and consequences of impaired riding.
