Test Your Motorcycling Knowledge

Off-highway motorcycles are not street-legal, and are typically used for recreational or competitive use. Each type of motorcycle has a variety of styles and sizes, and you can have fun shopping to determine which one is right for you.

Once you become aware of the risks associated with motorcycling, and once you accept that risk, it is time to learn how risks can be managed. Choosing to accept the challenges of being a responsible motorcyclist means to think about the consequences of your riding behavior in traffic. It also means accepting personal responsibility for the results of your decisions and actions, as well as developing good skills and judgment.

One way to think about your personal safety when you ride is to consider your personal margin of safety. This means to consider the “margin for error,” or how much extra time and space you need given your skill level.

A simple and powerful strategy is to SEE — to Search, Evaluate, Execute. It is the strategy to help you understand what is going on in traffic and to be constantly planning and implementing a course of action. To SEE is to Search for factors that might lead to trouble, Evaluate how the factors might interact to create risk, and to Execute an action to maintain a margin of safety. To SEE is to ask ourselves such questions as: What’s the other person going to do? What if that driver doesn’t see me? What if there’s gravel in that curve ahead? What if that car doesn’t provide the right-of-way at that intersection? These everyday riding situations have something in common: if a strategy for dealing with them isn’t employed, they can easily lead to a crash. To put it simply, you must continually SEE.

As you develop riding skills on the range, which is similar to mixing with other people on road, apply the SEE strategy to give yourself time and space. It works anywhere, and can help to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Helmets work well in accomplishing their intended function to protect the head and brain from injury. Some myths about helmets are that hey cause neck injury, block vision, or impair hearing. However, helmet effectiveness has been confirmed by research. So, be safe and always wear a helmet while riding.

The way to find a well-made helmet is to look for the DOT sticker inside or outside the helmet. The sticker means the helmet meets safety test standards required by federal law for all helmets sold in the U.S. There may also be a Snell Memorial Foundation sticker, which indicates that a helmet has passed Snell safety tests.

Since head injuries account for the majority of motorcycle fatalities, head protection is vital. The best helmet is no guarantee against injury, but studies indicate that a rider that crashes without a helmet is five times more likely to have serious head injuries.

Protective gear that is appropriate for cold-weather riding may be too hot when stopped. It is wise to dress in layers so that layers can be removed as desired. Extra pants, shirts, and jackets can be layered underneath your protective gear to help body heat form a warm insulation. Topping the protective gear with a wind proof outer layer can prevent cold air from reaching the skin.

A pre-ride inspection of the motorcycle should be as routine and automatic as checking the weather forecast before heading out for the day. It’s quick and easy to check the critical components, and a convenient reminder is T-CLOCS.

Below is a chart of a T-CLOCS inspection, all of which should be checked before every ride.

T — Tires and Wheels • Air pressure • Tread • Cracks, dents, loose spokes • Bearings • Brakes

C — Controls • Levers • Switches • Cables • Hoses • Throttle

L — Lights and Electrics • Working condition

O — Oil and Other Fluids (coolant, hydraulic fluid, fuel) • Levels • Leaks

C — Chassis • Suspension • Drive components (chain, belt, or driveshaft)

S — Sidestand

The throttle is the right handgrip and it controls engine speed. To increase engine speed, roll the throttle toward you. To decrease engine speed, roll the throttle away from you. The throttle should rotate back to the idle position when released.

The clutch lever is located in front of the left handgrip. It is operated by the fingers of the left hand, and it is used to connect power from the engine to the rear wheel. The lever is "squeezed in" to disengage the connection and "eased out" to engage the connection. Proper use of the clutch lever is one of the most important skills you must develop because it is used to get moving smoothly from a stop, and it is used to shift up or shift down through the gears.

The gearshift lever is found on the left side of the motorcycle in front of the left footrest and is operated with the left foot. “Lift” up fully to go to a higher gear; “press” down fully to go to a lower gear. It shifts one gear with each lift or press. When the lever is released, it returns to center where the mechanism resets for the next shift up or down. A typical gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5-6. The N is for neutral, which is selected by either a “half lift” from lst gear or a “half press” from 2nd gear. Most motorcycles have five gears, but some have four or six gears.

A procedure called FINE-C is used to start the engine. It stands for Fuel, Ignition, Neutral, Engine cut-off switch, and Choke/Clutch.

Fuel Valve: Turn the fuel valve ON (“vacuum” valves do not have on “off” position).

Ignition: Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The indicator lights should come on.

Neutral: Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL; check to be sure by rolling the motorcycle with the clutch lever released and front brake released (don't rely on the green light in the instrument cluster).

Engine Cut-Off Switch: Put the switch in the RUN/ON position.

Choke/Clutch: Set the choke as needed (ON for a cold engine). Some motorcycles require that the clutch be squeezed before the starter will operate. Even if this is not required, it is a good habit to squeeze the clutch lever as a precaution against starting in gear, just in case Neutral has not been selected prior to starting

The friction zone is that area in the travel of the clutch lever that begins where the clutch starts to transmit power to the rear wheel and ends just before the clutch becomes fully engaged. It is a region of partial engagement in which the clutch “slips” to permit you to precisely control engine power to the rear wheel. Proper use of the friction zone is one of the most important skills you must develop as it is how motorcyclists get moving smoothly from a stop.

The front brake provides around 70% of the stopping power for your motorcycle. To stop, the hands and feet work together in a coordinated and smooth fashion. Squeeze the clutch and the front brake lever while pressing on the rear brake pedal and downshifting to first gear.

Positioning yourself properly within a lane can help you avoid windblast from other vehicles, help you see and avoid roadway hazards, and help you create and maintain a space cushion between yourself and other traffic. Don’t hide among other vehicles. Position yourself so that drivers ahead can see you in their mirrors. Choosing a position that helps you see potential problems ahead can also help drivers see you sooner.

Proper searching technique requires that you scan 12 seconds ahead. This means to look ahead to an area it would take that long to reach. It provides time to prepare for a situation before it becomes immediate.

• Slow as much as traffic and time permit.
• Approach at a 90-degree angle if possible.
• Avoid target fixating on the obstacle, and keep eyes up and looking ahead once the path over the obstacle is determined; continue to SEE.
• Rise slightly off the seat before reaching the obstacle keeping your knees bent and against the tank.
• Squeeze both handgrips firmly; do not cover either the brake lever or the clutch lever.
• Shift weight to the rear (don't pull back or jerk on the handlebars) and slightly roll on the throttle just before the front wheel makes contact (this lightens the weight on the front wheel, making it easier to climb over the obstacle).
• Upon contact with the object, roll off the throttle immediately so that the rear wheel is not under power when it rolls over the object.
• Do not sit down until the motorcycle is stabilized (you don't want to be sitting down when the seat is coming up).
• Continue to SEE.

One of the difficulties associated with night riding is overriding the headlight. This is when total stopping distance exceeds sight distance. Keep speed reasonable for conditions. Use the lights of other vehicles in front of you to help with visibility.

Most braking systems have a lever for application of the front brake and a pedal for application of the rear brake. But there are other variations, some of which may affect low-speed maneuvers. Check the owner’s manual for information about your motorcycle’s braking system.

Integrated Brakes: Application of the rear brake will cause some application of the front brake.

Linked Brakes: Application of either the front brake or rear brake will cause some pressure to be applied to the other brake.

Anti-Lock Brakes: These are designed to prevent or minimize skidding in a maximum-braking straight-line stop.

Swerving may require maximum-performance turns for which all available traction is needed to turn the motorcycle quickly. Any braking while swerving, even engine braking, may force the tires beyond their traction limit and cause a skid. If you have time and space to slow before swerving, brake first to slow, then completely release the brakes and swerve. If braking is required to avoid a second hazard in the recovery path, it might be best to delay braking until the recovery turn is complete and the motorcycle is going straight.

The surface is most slippery during the first few minutes of rain because oil and dirt combine with water; use the tire tracks left by other vehicles if surface conditions permit to help prevent hydroplaning (water buildup under the tread). It may be wise to avoid riding during the first part of a rainstorm because road surfaces are slickest then. Reduce speed to create a margin of safety and to minimize lean. Metal covers, bridge gratings, train tracks, painted/taped lines, leaves, and wood can be very treacherous when wet.

Have the passenger follow these rules:

• Hold the operator's waist or hips.
• Keep feet on the passenger footrests at all times, including stop points.
• Keep hands and feet away from hot or moving parts.
• Look over the rider's shoulder in the direction of turns and curves.
• Avoid leaning or tuning around; make no sudden moves that might affect stability.
• When crossing an obstacle, stand up (abrupt acceleration should be avoided).

Dogs sometimes chase motorcycles. The danger is not so much from getting bitten, but from the animal getting under the wheels. Once an approaching dog is spotted, a good rider response is to slow, including a downshift, then accelerate past the point of interception. Don’t kick at the dog because it will make controlling the motorcycle difficult.

Riding a motorcycle requires a great amount of mental alertness and physical skill, and these chemicals have extraordinarily detrimental effects on a rider’s capabilities. Alcohol is a major contributor to motorcycle crashes. Almost 50% of all riders killed had been drinking.

Depressant drugs, such as alcohol, slow down bodily functions. Alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly with the effects beginning after the first drink. The primary effects of alcohol are to diminish visual capabilities and alter good judgment.

Blood Alcohol Concentration is determined by three factors; the amount of alcohol consumed, the time within which it is consumed, and body weight. An accepted definition of a drink is beverage alcohol that contains around an ounce of pure ethyl alcohol.

A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a shot of liquor (about one and a half ounces) each contains about the same amount of alcohol.

When someone has had too much to drink, it is the responsibility of others to keep that person from taking too many risks. No one likes being in a situation that requires intervention, but the payoff can be enormous. Here are some intervention tips:

• Enlist others: The more people supporting the intervention, the better the chance for success.
• Arrange a ride: Provide an alternate way home.
• Slow the pace of drinking: Direct attention to other activities.
• Delay departure: Find reasons to delay the rider from getting on the motorcycle. Provide non-alcohol drinks and food to help time to pass.
• Keep the bike parked: If the rider can't be stopped, consider hiding the keys.

Riding a motorcycle involves some risks not encountered when driving cars and trucks. Motorcycles do not have the stability of cars because they must be balanced, and motorcycles leave you more vulnerable in a crash because there is less protection. Motorcycles are not as readily seen as cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles because of their size. Other motorists, particularly those that don't ride a motorcycle, may not be looking for motorcycles in traffic. This has particular implications at intersections.

Whatever your definition of a “good motorcyclist,” a key element for a good rider would be to have the desire and motivation to reduce risk while riding. It takes superior riding skill; and of course, a positive mental attitude helps. But a fundamental trait of all good riders is that they have a strategy, a way of thinking and planning to avoid trouble.

A good motorcyclist reduces factors that lead to problems by applying a STRATEGY. Responsible riding is more than just having good skill, and more than simply having a good attitude. It means thinking before acting. It means considering the consequences of actions. This is the mental preparation that helps to reduce risk.

Knowledge of what causes crashes is helpful in managing the complexity of riding situations. How would you answer this question: “What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes?” There are several ways to answer. Perhaps you thought of things such as speeding, inattention, distraction, drinking, or carelessness. All of these are good answers. Now, read the following crash scenario, and see if you can determine the primary cause of the crash.

A rider is cruising on a country road at 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon, heading home after finishing a grueling day at work. Still thinking about some of the projects that were not finished and will have to be completed tomorrow, the rider rounds a slight curve in the road and approaches an intersection. There is a car on the right, and the rider considers slowing down. Suddenly, the vehicle pulls out. The rider tries to swerve around the car to the right, but the car stops in the middle of the lane. The front tire of the motorcycle hits the left rear of the car, sending it out of control and into the ditch along the road. The helmet saved the rider’s head, but the rider’s knees were bruised, and the bike couldn't be ridden. Investigation showed that the car driver was a young person without a license distracted by the glare of the setting sun. There was no alcohol involved, and no one was speeding.

What was the primary cause of this crash? Since there were multiple factors, it is difficult to determine the primary cause. So the lesson in this crash, as in most crashes, is that there is rarely a single cause. There is usually an interaction of factors that accumulate, and at some point in time, they come together in such a way to produce a crash. Many safety professionals do not like to use the word “accident.” Crashes are predictable and preventable.

Protective gear has several purposes, including providing comfort, increasing visibility, and offering protection. Motorcycle protective gear helps you stay comfortable and provides improved visibility if it is brightly colored and reflective. Also, protective gear can provide protection against the elements in all kinds of riding conditions and, in the event of a crash, it may prevent or reduce injuries.

The retention system, most commonly a chinstrap with D-rings or snaps, is very important. It keeps the helmet on your head in the event of a crash. Unless it is secured, the helmet may fall off and can’t protect your brain.

Remember that even in warm weather, constant exposure to wind may cause hypothermia. Hypothermia, a condition of subnormal body temperature, can cause loss of concentration, slowed reactions, and loss of smooth, precise muscle movement. In such conditions, proper protective gear like a wind proof jacket and insulated layers of clothing are essential.

Routine maintenance goes beyond a pre-ride inspection. Regular maintenance is as important for a motorcycle as routine checkups by your doctor are for you. Wear and tear is normal with use, and routine maintenance will help prevent more costly corrective maintenance that occurs when there is improper attention given to the routine checks. The schedule for regular upkeep for motorcycle parts and controls is contained in your motorcycle’s owner’s manual. Remember, a mechanical failure caused by neglect in an automobile may only be an inconvenience. The same failure on a motorcycle may result in having to leave your motorcycle parked on the side of the road.

The handlebars are an important component on any motorcycle because it is the most common way to initiate and control motorcycle lean. Here are other primary controls found on a motorcycle, the ones that make it go and stop.

Throttle: The right handgrip, which rotates to control engine speed. To increase engine speed, twist it toward you (roll on). To decrease engine speed, twist it away from you (roll off). The throttle springs back to the idle position when released.

Clutch Lever: In front of the left handgrip. It is operated with the fingers of the left hand. The clutch mechanism connects power from the engine to the rear wheel. The lever is squeezed in to disconnect and eased out to connect. When the clutch lever is squeezed in, there is no engine power going to the rear wheel.

Gearshift Lever: On the left side of the motorcycle in front of the left footrest. It is operated with the left foot while the clutch lever is squeezed in. Lift up firmly and release to go to a higher gear; press down firmly and release to go to a lower gear. When released, it returns to its center position for the next shift. Neutral is between 1st and 2nd gear and is selected by either a half lift from 1st gear or a half press from 2nd gear.

Front Brake Lever: In front of the right handgrip and operated with the fingers of the right hand. Squeeze it in to operate; the amount of squeeze must be adjusted for effective braking.

Rear Brake Pedal: In front of the right footrest and operated with the right foot. Press down to operate it.

Presses the handgrip in the direction of the turn. To initiate motorcycle lean, press forward on the handgrip in the direction of the turn. This is called countersteering. Press left, lean left, go left. Press right, lean right, go right.

It is found on the left side of the motorcycle in front of the left footrest and is operated with the left foot. “Lift” up fully to go to a higher gear; “press” down fully to go to a lower gear. It shifts one gear with each lift or press. When the lever is released, it returns to center where the mechanism resets for the next shift up or down. A typical gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5-6. The N is for neutral, which is selected by either a “half lift” from 1st gear or a “half press” from 2nd gear. Most motorcycles have five gears, but some have four or six gears.

It is found in front of the right handgrip and is operated with the right hand. “Squeeze” it in to operate.

It is found in front of the right footrest and is operated with the right foot. “Press” it down to operate.

If your motorcycle has one, it is usually under the fuel tank and is operated with the left hand. It controls the flow of gasoline to the engine. Most motorcycles have one, but some are fully automatic and not accessible to the rider. For manually operated valves, the positions are ON, OFF, and RESERVE. The RESERVE position permits access to a small amount of fuel, which can be used to ride a short distance to a filling station after the main supply has been exhausted. Check your owner’s manual for specific information.

It is near the right handgrip and is operated with the right thumb. It allows you to shut off the engine without removing your hand from the handlebar.

If there is one, it is part of the instrument cluster and indicates engine speed. It has a “red line” that should never be exceeded.

The Neutral light when green indicates that the transmission is shifted into neutral.

There are four basic steps to turning a motorcycle: slow, look, press, and roll.

Slow: Reduce speed before a turn as needed by rolling off the throttle and applying both brakes; downshift if necessary.

Look: Turn your head to look where you want the motorcycle to go. Keep your eyes up, looking as far as possible through and beyond a turn, and keep your eyes level with the horizon. This helps you maintain a smooth path of travel.

Press: To initiate motorcycle lean, press forward on the handgrip in the direction of the turn. This is called countersteering. Press left, lean left, go left. Press right, lean right, go right.

Roll: Roll on the throttle throughout the turn. (Be sure to slow enough before the turn so this can be accomplished.) Maintaining or slightly increasing speed will stabilize the suspension and improve overall control. Avoid deceleration or rapid acceleration while in a turn.

To stop, the hands and feet work together in a coordinated and smooth fashion. Squeeze the clutch and the front brake lever while pressing on the rear brake pedal and downshifting to first gear. The front brake provides around 70% of the stopping power for your motorcycle.

Both brakes should be applied at the same time when stopping. Even though the full braking potential of each wheel may not be required for normal, planned stops, it is important to develop the habit of using both brakes so that your reflexes will be ready to respond quickly and properly when an emergency situation occurs.

For multi-lane roads, position yourself to be able to see well down the road and to be visible to others. Maintain as much space cushion as traffic and roadway conditions allow for your margin of safety.

Positioning yourself properly within a lane can help you avoid windblast from other vehicles, help you see and avoid roadway hazards, and help you create and maintain a space cushion between yourself and other traffic. Don’t hide among other vehicles. Position yourself so that drivers ahead can see you in their mirrors. Choosing a position that helps you see potential problems ahead can also help drivers see you sooner.

Perception distance: Distance traveled from the time something is present until you see it.

Reaction distance: Distance traveled from the time something is seen to starting to brake.

Braking distance: Distance traveled from the time the brakes have been applied until stopped.

The No-Zone refers to blind spots around large trucks. These blind spots are on the sides, in the rear, and in the front. You should avoid the No-Zone. Never cross behind a truck, bus, or larger vehicle that is backing up. When passing or being passed at higher speeds, be ready for air turbulence that could affect you. At intersections, the right-side blind spot of a truck or bus is doubly dangerous because of wide turns.

The best way to achieve maximum braking is to apply both brakes fully without locking either wheel. Simultaneously squeeze the front brake lever and apply the rear brake pedal. Keep the body centered and look well ahead, not down; it helps you keep the motorcycle in a straight line.

These are roads that are higher in the middle to provide drainage. Use caution when going around curves to the left because ground clearance is reduced and the lean angle available will be less than on a flat road.

The more alcohol there is in the blood, the greater the degree of impairment. The adult male body is able to eliminate alcohol at the rate of almost “one drink” per hour. Women process alcohol at about three-fourths of that rate. If a person drinks at a rate faster than his or her body can eliminate it, the alcohol begins to accumulate in the bloodstream. At a BAC of approximately .05%, most people are impaired.