Dangerous surfaces and mechanical problems
Questions and answers
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Which of these does the manual list as raising your chance of falling or crashing?
Riding across grooves and gratings
Uneven surfaces, slippery surfaces, railroad tracks, and grooves and gratings all raise the risk of a fall.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Handling dangerous surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is the first choice when you see an obstacle such as a pothole ahead?
Avoid it by slowing or going around it
Try to avoid an obstacle first. Ride over it only if you must and it is possible.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ↗PDF, 8 MB -
If you must ride over an obstacle, at what angle should you approach it?
As close to 90 degrees as possible
Meet the obstacle as close to head-on as you can, and look where you want to go.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How fast should you be going when you make contact with an obstacle you must cross?
As slow as possible
Slow down as much as you can before the tires reach the obstacle.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How should you sit when riding over an obstacle?
Rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footrests
Rising off the seat lets your knees and elbows absorb the shock and keeps you from being thrown off.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What should you do with the throttle just before contact with an obstacle?
Roll it on slightly to lighten the front end
A slight roll-on just before contact takes some weight off the front wheel.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What should you do after riding over an object on the street?
Pull off the road and check your tires and rims for damage
An object can damage a tire or rim, so stop and check before riding any farther.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When is wet pavement particularly slippery?
Just after it starts to rain, before surface oil washes away
At the start of a rain, oil on the road has not yet washed to the side.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Where do dirt and gravel tend to collect?
Along the sides of the road, especially on curves and ramps
Watch the road edge closely in sharp turns and on freeway ramps.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When are lane markings, steel plates, and manhole covers most slippery?
When they are wet
Painted lines and metal surfaces offer poor traction, especially in the wet.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why should you watch for oil spots when you stop or park?
Your foot may slip when you put it down
An oily patch under your foot can make you slip and fall at a stop.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why should you slow down before reaching a slippery surface?
Your motorcycle needs more distance to stop on it
Slowing first lessens the chance of a skid, since stopping takes longer on poor traction.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Before entering which kind of curve is it particularly important to reduce speed?
A wet curve
Wet curves combine reduced traction with the need to lean, so slow down before you enter.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Where do patches of ice tend to develop?
In low or shaded areas and on bridges and overpasses
Rain dries and snow melts unevenly, and ice lingers in cold spots and on bridges.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How slippery are wet leaves compared with ice?
Just as slippery as ice
Wet surfaces and wet leaves can be as slippery as ice, so slow down and pick the best part of the lane.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
On a slippery surface, what can a sudden change in speed or direction cause?
A skid
Be as smooth as possible when you speed up, shift, turn, or brake.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Is the front brake useful on a slippery surface?
Yes, it is still effective if applied gradually
Use both brakes. Squeeze the front lever gradually so the front wheel does not lock.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How should you apply the front brake on a slippery surface?
Squeeze the lever gradually to avoid locking the wheel
Gradual pressure on the front and gentle pressure on the rear keeps the wheels rolling.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which part of the lane does the manual warn can be hazardous when wet?
The center of the lane
When it starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks left by cars rather than the center.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
If you cannot avoid a slippery surface, how should you ride across it?
Keep the motorcycle straight up and go as slowly as possible
An upright motorcycle at a very low speed has the best chance of keeping traction.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
On a large surface so slippery that you must coast at a walking pace, what can you do?
Let your feet skim along the surface
With feet skimming the ground you can catch yourself if the motorcycle starts to fall. Stay off the brakes.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Slippery Surfaces ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How is it usually safest to cross railroad tracks that run across your lane?
Ride straight within your lane
Turning to take tracks head-on can carry you into another lane of traffic.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why can turning to take railroad tracks head-on be more dangerous?
Your path may carry you into another lane of traffic
Stay in your lane. Crossing straight within the lane is usually safer.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams ↗PDF, 8 MB -
To cross tracks or a pavement seam that runs parallel to your course, at what angle should you cross?
At least 45 degrees
Move far enough away from the seam to cross at 45 degrees or more, then turn deliberately.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why should you not edge across a seam or rut that runs parallel to your path?
It could catch your tires and throw you off balance
Make a deliberate turn across the seam instead of edging over it.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Your motorcycle weaves while crossing a bridge grating. How dangerous is that wandering feeling?
It is generally not hazardous
Rain grooves and gratings can make a motorcycle weave, but the feeling itself is usually harmless.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Grooves and Gratings ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How should you ride across rain grooves or a bridge grating?
Relax, keep a steady speed, and ride straight across
A steady speed and a straight path keep you in your lane.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Grooves and Gratings ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why is crossing a grating at an angle a bad idea?
It forces you to zigzag, which is far more hazardous
The zigzag needed to stay in the lane is more dangerous than the wandering feeling.
Handling dangerous surfaces · Grooves and Gratings ↗PDF, 8 MB -
If a tire goes flat while you are riding, what should you do first?
Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle, and keep a straight course
Keep a firm grip and a straight line while the motorcycle slows.
Mechanical Problems · Tire Failure ↗PDF, 8 MB -
With a flat tire, which brake should you use if you must brake?
Gradually, the brake of the tire that is not flat
If you are sure which tire is flat, brake gently with the other wheel, then edge to the side and stop.
Mechanical Problems · Tire Failure ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How does the steering feel if the front tire goes flat?
Heavy
A front flat is especially hazardous because it affects steering, which you need for balance.
Mechanical Problems · Tire Failure ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What may happen if the rear tire goes flat?
The back of the motorcycle may jerk or sway from side to side
A rear flat makes the back end unsteady. Pull off and check the tires.
Mechanical Problems · Tire Failure ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is the first thing to try if your throttle sticks?
Twist the throttle back and forth several times
Working the throttle back and forth may free a stuck cable.
Mechanical Problems · Stuck Throttle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
If the throttle stays stuck, what should you do?
Operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time
This removes power from the rear wheel. Once in control, pull off and stop.
Mechanical Problems · Stuck Throttle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
After you use the cut-off switch and clutch for a stuck throttle, what about the engine sound?
It may not drop right away
Power to the rear wheel is gone even if the engine still sounds the same for a moment.
Mechanical Problems · Stuck Throttle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is a wobble?
The front wheel and handlebars suddenly shake from side to side
A wobble can start at any speed.
Mechanical Problems · Wobble ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What causes most wobbles?
Improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure
Check the load, accessories, tire pressure, and suspension settings.
Mechanical Problems · Wobble ↗PDF, 8 MB -
If a heavy load is causing a wobble and you cannot lighten it, how should you shift it?
Lower and farther forward
Centering the weight low and forward makes the motorcycle more stable.
Mechanical Problems · Wobble ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why should you not apply the brakes during a wobble?
Braking could make the wobble worse
Close the throttle gradually to slow down instead.
Mechanical Problems · Wobble ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Where should you move your weight during a wobble?
As far forward and down as possible
Grip the bars firmly without fighting the wobble, and shift your weight forward and low.
Mechanical Problems · Wobble ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What can happen if a drive chain or belt slips or breaks while you ride?
The rear wheel could lock and the motorcycle could skid
If it breaks, power to the rear wheel is lost. Close the throttle and brake to a stop in a safe area.
Mechanical Problems · Drive Train Problems ↗PDF, 8 MB -
On a motorcycle with a drive shaft, what can cause the rear wheel to lock?
Loss of oil in the rear differential
A dry rear differential can lock the wheel, and you may not be able to prevent a skid.
Mechanical Problems · Drive Train Problems ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What usually causes an engine to lock or freeze?
Being low on oil
Without enough oil, moving parts cannot move smoothly and the engine overheats.
Mechanical Problems · Engine Seizure ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What should you do at the first sign of engine seizure?
Squeeze the clutch, then pull off the road and stop
Disengaging the clutch separates the engine from the rear wheel. Check the oil and let the engine cool.
Mechanical Problems · Engine Seizure ↗PDF, 8 MB -
If the engine seizes, what is the effect on the motorcycle?
The same as a locked rear wheel
That is why you squeeze the clutch at the first sign of trouble.
Mechanical Problems · Engine Seizure ↗PDF, 8 MB -
An animal runs into your path while you are in traffic. What should you do?
Remain in your lane
Hitting something small is less dangerous to you than hitting something big, like a car.
Animals · Animals ↗PDF, 8 MB -
A dog is chasing you. What should you do as you come close to it?
Accelerate and leave the animal behind
Downshift and approach slowly, then speed away. Keep control and look where you want to go.
Animals · Animals ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What should you do when you see a large animal such as a deer or cow ahead?
Brake and prepare to stop
Large animals are unpredictable, so be ready to stop.
Animals · Animals ↗PDF, 8 MB -
An insect or pebble strikes you while riding. What should you do?
Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the handlebars
Stay in control, and pull off to repair any damage when it is safe.
Flying Objects · Flying Objects ↗PDF, 8 MB -
You need to pull onto a roadside of soft grass or loose sand. What should you do?
Slow way down before you turn onto it
Make sure the roadside is firm enough to ride on. If unsure, slow way down first.
Getting off the road · Getting off the road ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why should you signal before pulling off the road?
Drivers behind might not expect you to slow down
Give a clear signal, check your mirror, and make a head check before you act.
Getting off the road · Getting off the road ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How far off the road should you pull when you stop at the roadside?
As far off the road as you can
A motorcycle by the roadside is hard to see, and others may pull off at the same spot.
Getting off the road · Getting off the road ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why should you park carefully on a roadside shoulder?
Loose and sloped shoulders make setting the stand difficult
Check that the ground will hold your side or center stand.
Getting off the road · Getting off the road ↗PDF, 8 MB