Motorcycle Rider Program Basics

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are street motorcycles designed for use on?

Public Streets

What indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute (RPM)?

Tachometer

What kind of mirrors may reduce the size of blind spots, but not eliminate them?

Convex Mirrors

A good overall cornering strategy to use is (Search-Setup-Smooth), What is Setup?

Adjusting speed and lane position as necessary before entering a corner. Signup and view all the answers

Which brake(s) are applied when stopping, usually?

Both brakes are applied at the same time but either brake control may be used separately. Signup and view all the answers

What three-step process is used to shift into a higher gear?

<ol> <li>Roll off the throttle as you squeeze the clutch. 2. Lift the shift lever firmly as far as it will go, then release it to allow it to reset. 3. Ease out the clutch lever and roll on the throttle smoothly to match engine and road speed.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What three-step process is used to shift into a lower gear?

<ol> <li>Roll off the throttle as you squeeze the clutch lever. 2. Press down the shift lever firmly, then release it to allow it to reset. 3. Ease out the clutch lever as you roll on the throttle.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What should you keep in mind when selecting a motorcycle to ride?

Pick a size that is right for your strength and skill level, so you can handle it well. Signup and view all the answers

If your helmet has an impact while you are wearing it, what should you probably do?

Replace the helmet. Signup and view all the answers

What do flaps and fasteners on your riding clothing help do?

Seal out the wind Signup and view all the answers

Where do crashes most often happen on the road?

Curves and intersections Signup and view all the answers

Many factors that interact or combine while riding can result in a?

Crash Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the risks you take and the skill you possess?

Risk Offset Signup and view all the answers

Maintain a space cushion all around and ride at the speed of traffic in your lane to help reduce?

Potential Conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to use a lane position where others have a better chance to see you?

Presentation Signup and view all the answers

What helps you react properly to conditions whether approaching an intersection, rounding a curve, or following another vehicle?

4-Second urgent time and distance Signup and view all the answers

Do not look at a target or fixate on any one object for more than?

A split second Signup and view all the answers

It is best to have more than one escape plan so that you don't get?

Trapped Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to check the blind spots whenever you change lanes, pass a vehicle, pull into traffic or adjust lane position?

Head check (glance over shoulder) Signup and view all the answers

What should you SEARCH for that could be a factor when turning?

On-coming traffic, lane position, road and surface conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a good way to prevent rolling backwards on a hill?

Apply one of the brakes Signup and view all the answers

When passing a vehicle, what should you remember?

Avoid passing more than one vehicle at a time Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when riding with a group?

Ride your own ride! Avoid group pressure to ride beyond your skill or comfort level. Signup and view all the answers

When emergency stopping in a straight line, where should your body be?

Keep your body centered and look ahead Signup and view all the answers

When emergency stopping in a curve, what is the best way to stop?

Straighten up first and make a quick stop in a straight line Signup and view all the answers

When emergency stopping in a curve without time to straighten up, you should apply more?

Brake pressure as the motorcycle straightens Signup and view all the answers

When crossing a slick patch of ice, snow, mud, moss, and algae, you may want to keep the clutch lever?

Squeezed and avoid leaning Signup and view all the answers

When attempting to carry passengers or cargo on your motorcycle, you should review the owner's manual for what?

Proper suspension and tire pressure Signup and view all the answers

In windy conditions, it may be necessary to adjust your path by?

Pressing on the appropriate handgrip Signup and view all the answers

Depressant drugs, such as alcohol, slow down the body's?

Functions Signup and view all the answers

Illegal drugs can have what two types of effects?

Depressing and Stimulating Signup and view all the answers

When intervening on someone who is trying to ride after drinking or taking drugs, what is the best way to keep them from riding?

Enlist others to help Signup and view all the answers

Motorcycling is serious fun. What does serious mean in this context?

Because there is risk. Signup and view all the answers

Riding well requires these physical traits.

Health, enough fitness, strength, and coordination. Signup and view all the answers

Who do rider coaches guide?

Me. Signup and view all the answers

A coach will not permit riding on course when?

I become a risk to myself and others. Signup and view all the answers

What is successful course completion?

Complete all assignments, attend all sessions, pass a knowledge test, pass a motorcycle skill test. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of motorcycles?

Street, dual purpose, and off-highway. Signup and view all the answers

What is a street motorcycle?

Can be ridden on the street for cruising around. Signup and view all the answers

What are the six primary controls of a motorcycle?

Handlebars, throttle, clutch lever, gearshift lever, front brake, rear brake lever. Signup and view all the answers

What does the throttle control?

Speed Signup and view all the answers

What does the clutch do?

Power from engine to rear wheel Signup and view all the answers

How is the gear shift operated?

Is operated with the left foot Signup and view all the answers

What is the shift pattern?

Lift up to go to a higher gear, press down to go to a lower gear. Signup and view all the answers

What is brake control operation?

Hand, squeeze, foot press down; the amount of squeeze must be adjusted to need. Signup and view all the answers

What does the fuel supply valve have?

On, Reserve and Prime Signup and view all the answers

What are the positions on the ignition switch?

On, off and lock Signup and view all the answers

What does Lock and Park do?

Engage the steering and allow the key to be removed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Park do?

Allows taillight to be turned on. Signup and view all the answers

What does the choke do?

Provides an enriched fuel to be mixed to start a cold engine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the engine shut-off switch?

Shut off engine without removing your hand from handle grip 'Kill switch' Signup and view all the answers

What does a side stand do?

Supports bike when parked. Signup and view all the answers

What does a center stand do?

Maintenance procedures. Rear tire up and more stable. Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps for Engine Start and Stop?

Fuel, Ignition, Neutral, Engine Cut-off Switch (run), Choke/Clutch Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in stopping the engine?

Engine Cut-off switch (off), turn ignition key off, fuel supply to valve off: Thumb, key valve. Signup and view all the answers

What is the friction zone?

Controls connection between the engine and rear wheel. Signup and view all the answers

What does squeezing the clutch do?

Removes power to rear wheel Signup and view all the answers

What is loss of control?

Squeeze and hold the clutch lever in. Signup and view all the answers

What is the right wrist position?

'Flat', (fingers around the throttle). Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper riding position?

Back up straight, head and eyes up, feet on foot rests and near controls. Knees and elbows in. Signup and view all the answers

What does motorcycle lean at higher than walking speed mean?

Leaning the motorcycle and turning handlebars in the direction you want to. Signup and view all the answers

How do you lean the motorcycle at higher speeds?

Pressing forward or down on handle grip in the same direction you want to go. Signup and view all the answers

What are the action steps for making turns?

Slow, look, press and roll. Signup and view all the answers

What does Search, Set-up, and Smooth entail?

Search while approaching, Set-up adjust speed and lane position, Smooth operate controls so there are no jerky movements. Signup and view all the answers

What is counterweighting used for?

Used primarily in slow, tight turns; rider shifts weight opposite to the lean of the motorcycle. Signup and view all the answers

What does squaring the handlebars refer to?

Refers to centering the steering wheel with the motorcycle upright and pointing in a straight line. Signup and view all the answers

What does the front brake provide?

70 percent more stopping power. Signup and view all the answers

What gear should you be in by the time you stop?

1st gear Signup and view all the answers

What does motorcycle weight do during a brake?

Shifts forward. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to stop in a curve?

Gradually apply both brakes as you straighten up the motorcycle. Signup and view all the answers

Why change gears?

Match engine speed to road speed. Signup and view all the answers

What do you do to shift to a higher gear?

Roll off throttle (squeeze clutch), Lift shift lever firmly, Ease out the clutch. Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in shifting to a lower gear?

Roll off the throttle (squeeze in the clutch), Press down shift lever firmly, Ease out the clutch. Signup and view all the answers

What is engine braking?

Shifting to a lower gear and easing off the clutch. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do for a complete stop?

Fully squeeze the clutch to disconnect the power from the rear wheel. Signup and view all the answers

What does motorcycle preparation include?

You fit the motorcycle, you inspect the motorcycle, you use proper protective riding gear, you have a good mental attitude with safety as a priority. Signup and view all the answers

What does motorcycle fit refer to?

Seat height and size of motorcycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is T-CLOCS?

Pre-ride inspection (Tires and wheels; Controls; Lights and Mirrors; Oil and Other Fluids; Stands). Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of riding gear?

Comfortable, focused, protected, and more visible. Signup and view all the answers

What does ATGATT stand for?

All gear all the time. Signup and view all the answers

What type of injury is the primary cause of death for riders?

Head injury Signup and view all the answers

What are the basic parts of a helmet?

Outer shell, impact absorbing liner, comfort padding, retention system. Signup and view all the answers

What type of helmet gives the most protection?

Full face Signup and view all the answers

What type of helmet does not offer the same level of protection for your face and chin?

Three-quarter Signup and view all the answers

What sticker indicates a good helmet?

D.O.T Department of Transportation well-made. Signup and view all the answers

What should helmet fit be like?

Snuggly and no irritating pressure points; will not rotate from side to side or forward and back. Signup and view all the answers

What is important for helmet care?

Leave a damp towel on helmet, no harsh chemicals, wash removable pads. Signup and view all the answers

What type of eye/face protection should be used?

Impact-resistant face shield or goggles to protect your eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What type of footwear is recommended for motorcyclists?

Sturdy, over the ankle help protect from stones and hot engine pipes, rubber heel good grip, protect against foot and ankle injury. Signup and view all the answers

What do gloves help with?

Improve grip, protect from flying debris. Signup and view all the answers

What is motorcycle-specific clothing for?

Help prevent injury; keep you visible. Signup and view all the answers

What should rain gear do?

Fit over your regular riding gear, secure and bright. Signup and view all the answers

What does hypothermia mean?

Lower than normal body temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What can dehydration lead to?

Dehydration and heat stroke. Signup and view all the answers

What does hearing protection do?

Using ear plugs will reduce damaging wind noise while still allowing you to hear important sounds. Signup and view all the answers

What is a good mental attitude for a rider?

Safety is my #1 priority. Signup and view all the answers

Where do most crashes occur?

In curves and intersections Signup and view all the answers

What are the three reasons for risk?

Less stable, more vulnerable, less visible. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of a crash?

There are many factors. Signup and view all the answers

What questions can help you think about risk?

Am I a good driver, do I have near-crashes when I drive, do I brake hard often, am I easily distracted, do I have points on my driver's license? Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Motorcycle Basics

Street motorcycles are designed for use on public streets.
Key motorcycle types: street, dual purpose, and off-highway.
Six primary controls: handlebars, throttle, clutch lever, gearshift lever, front brake, and rear brake lever.

Safety and Protective Gear

Full-face helmets offer the most protection; three-quarter helmets have less coverage for the face and chin.
A well-fitted helmet is snug and free from irritating pressure points; it should not rotate excessively.
ATGATT principle emphasizes wearing all protective gear at all times for optimal safety.
Boots should be sturdy, provide ankle support, and have rubber soles for good grip.

Riding Techniques

Proper cornering strategy involves Search-Setup-Smooth: search for hazards, adjust speed and lane position (setup), and operate controls smoothly.
Maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle to reduce potential conflicts with other vehicles.
In windy conditions, adjust your path by pressing on the appropriate handgrip.
When turning, the sequence is to slow, look, press, and roll.

Braking and Gear Shifting

Use both brakes simultaneously for stopping, but individual brake operation is allowed.
For shifting to a higher gear: roll off throttle, squeeze the clutch, lift the shift lever, and ease out the clutch while rolling on throttle.
To shift to a lower gear: roll off throttle, squeeze the clutch, press down on the shift lever, and ease out the clutch.

Emergency Procedures

In emergency stops while straight, maintain body position centered and look ahead.
In curves, straighten the motorcycle first before stopping if possible; if not, apply more brake pressure as the motorcycle straightens.
Keep the clutch lever squeezed when crossing slick surfaces to maintain control.

Riding Environment

Most crashes occur in curves and intersections, making awareness critical in these areas.
Factors that can lead to a crash include poor visibility, instability, and other riders' actions.
Identify hazards during turns, such as oncoming traffic and road conditions.

Mental Preparedness

Assess personal risk by considering driving habits, near-misses, and distractions.
A good mental attitude prioritizes safety and fully prepares riders for potential risks encountered on the road.

Maintenance and Inspection

Use the T-CLOCS method for a pre-ride inspection: Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, and Stands.
Proper motorcycle fit includes considering seat height and overall motorcycle size.

Health Concerns

Hypothermia relates to lower than normal body temperature, while dehydration and heat stroke result from not drinking enough water.
Earplugs can help reduce harmful wind noise while allowing essential sounds to be heard.

Group Riding and Community

When riding in groups, maintain personal riding standards and avoid peer pressure to ride beyond your capability.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on essential motorcycle riding concepts with these flashcards. Covering key terms such as tachometer, cornering strategies, and mirror types, this quiz is perfect for anyone looking to improve their riding skills safely. Perfect for those enrolled in the Basic Rider Course.