Preparing to Ride Flashcards
Cover Section 1 of PA Motorcycle Operator Manual
Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:
1. Wear the right gear. You must wear a helmet and eye protection if riding on a permit. 2. Become familiar with the motorcycle. 3. Check the motorcycle equipment. 4. Be a responsible rider.
In any crash, you have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury if you wear:
- An approved helmet.
- Face or eye protection.
- Protective clothing.
A few notes:
-ATGATT => All The Gear, All The Time
There are 2 primary types of helmets
Three Quarter and Full Face
Make sure your helmet
- Designed to meet US Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. Helmets with A label from the Snell Memorial Foundation gives you An added assurance of quality.
- Fits snugly
- Has no obvious defects (cracks, loose padding, frayed straps)
To be effective, eye or faceshield protection must:
- Be free of scratches
- Be resistant to penetration
- Give A clear view to either side
- Fasten securely, so it does not blow off
- Permit air to pass through, to reduce fogging
- Permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed
What protective clothing should be worn?
- Jacket and pants
- Boots or shoes
- Gloves
At minimum, your street-legal motorcycle should have:
- Headlight, taillight and brakelight.
- Front and rear brakes.
- Turn signals.
- Horn.
- Two mirrors.
Before mounting the motorcycle make the following checks:
- Tires/Wheels - Check the condition of tread, Wheels, and air pressure.
- Fluids - Oil and fluid levels. At A minimum, Check hydraulic Fluids and coolants weekly. Look under the motorcycle for signs of An Oil or gas leak.
- Headlights and Taillight - Check them both. Test your switch to make sure both high and low beams are working.
- Turn Signals - Turn on both right and left Turn signals. make sure all lights are working properly.
- Brake Light - Try both Brake controls, and make sure each one turns on the Brake light.
- controls (levers, cables, Throttle) - Check the condition, operation, and routing.
Once you have mounted the motorcycle, complete the following checks before starting out:
- Clutch and Throttle - Make sure they work smoothly. The throttle should snap back when you let go. The clutch should feel tight and smooth.
- Mirrors - Clean and adjust both mirrors before starting. It’s difficult to ride with one hand while you try to adjust a mirror. Adjust each mirror so you can see the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder - but it’s the road behind and to the side that?s most important.
- Brakes - Try the front and rear brake levers one at a time. Make sure each one feels firm and holds the motorcycle when the brake is fully applied.
- Horn - Try the horn. Make sure it works
To lessen your chances of a crash occurring:
- Be visible - wear proper clothing, use your headlight, ride in the best lane position to see and be seen.
- Communicate your intentions - use the proper signals, brake light, and lane position.
- Maintain an adequate space cushion - following, being followed, lane sharing, passing and being passed.
- Search your path of travel 12 seconds ahead.
- Identify and separate multiple hazards.
- Be prepared to act - remain alert and know how to carry out proper crash-avoidance skills.
Rear break pedal
Kick Start Lever, if equipped
Gear change lever
Fuel supply valve, if equipped
A few notes:
For carborated bikes. You can turn fuel off (recommended when not riding, turn on or turn to emergency reserve)
Speedometer