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Surface Features
1. Rain Slick Surface - Avoid riding in the rain. Avoid
riding especially during the first
few minutes of rainfall when road oil, and
dirt combine to create a slippery surface.
Avoid
hydroplaning by using the treads left by vehicles ahead of
you. This should
reduce
skid and slippery surfaces.
2. Worn Pavement - Avoid riding on road surface that other
vehicles have frequently
road on. These
surfaces may be worn down and accumulate water. This could
cause
hydroplaning.
3. Loose Surfaces and Debris - Includes such things as sand,
grave, rocks, trash, fuel,
oil, coolant, branches, road
kill, furniture, etc. Avoid objects like nails and sharp
metal parts.
4. Crack Sealant and Tar Strips - These can be slippery,
especially in hot weather. Avoid
them and change lanes.
5. Ice/Snow Patches, Mud, Moss, Algae - These areas can be
very slippery. Identify
them and avoid as necessary.
Do not lean when going over these surfaces. Squeeze
your clutch.
6. Crowned Roads - Roads that are higher in the middle to
provide drainage. Use
caution when making turns
and watch for ground clearance.
7. Rain Grooves and Bridge Gratings - These factors case your
bike to feel “loose” but
no harm. Stay calm and
ride as normal.
8. Bumps, Cracks and Tracks - Treat them like obstacles and
cross them at a 90-degree
angle. Keep your
momentum steady and rise off your seats and use your legs as a
cushion. Cross
railroad tracks at 45 - 90 degree angles.
Passengers and
Cargo
1. Having a passenger on your bike will change the dynamics of the
weight and handling
of your motorcycle.
2. You’ll have to give yourself added time and space in order to
create a proper margin
of safety.
3. Stability could be affected in your turning.
4. Starting and going on your bike will be more challenging.
5. Adjust the tire pressure and suspension as required by your
owner’s manual.
6. Be sure your passenger is properly suited up to ride.
Helmet is a must.
7. Keep both feet on the ground and the brakes applied while your
passenger mounts.
8. Have your engine started and the engine on neutral.
9. Avoid quick accelerations and decelerations and go easy on your
turns.
10. Have your passenger follow these rules:
a. Hold the
rider’s waist or hips.
b. Keep your feet on the passenger
foot rests at all times.
c. Keep
hands away from hot and away from moving parts.
d. Look over the rider’s shoulder in
the direction of the turn.
e. Avoid leaning or turning around.
Do not do anything that may make the bike
unstable.
f. When
crossing an obstacle, rise slightly from your seat. Use your
legs as cushion.
11. Cargo - Consider the following factors when
carrying loads: Weight, Location and
Security.
a.
Weight - Every motorcycle has its own weight load criteria.
Check your owner’s
manual for the exact specifications. Each bike is
different. The total
load will include yourself, passengers, bags, luggage's and
anything
else you put on the bike.
For maximum load capability, make sure
your tire pressure and suspension
is tuned.
b.
Location - The location of your weight is also very important.
Where you place
the objects on your bike can make the difference between a
stable
and an unstable ride. Try to keep your heaviest
weights centered on
the bike, where the weight is evenly distributed between
both tires.
Also distribute any weight evenly on both sides, left and
right. Avoid
too much weight on the rear wheel as this will interfere with
the front
tires ability to maneuver. And avoid any weight on the
handlebars,
this will seriously hinder stability.
c.
Security - Make sure your weight is properly secured to your
bike. We don’t want
anything falling off or wiggling during your ride. Use
accessory racks,
bungee cords and web straps. Keep all items away from
any
motorcycle moving parts, away from hot exhausts. Keep
all items
secure so they are not blowing around in the wind.
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