WANDERERS MC MOTORCYCLE SAFETY
 
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL

ENGINE SEIZURE When the engine "locks" or "freezes" it is usually low on oil.  The engine's moving parts cannot move smoothly against each other, and the engine overheats.  The first sign may be a loss of engine power or a change in the engine's sound.  Squeeze the clutch lever to disengage the engine from the rear wheel.  Pull off the road and stop.  Check the oil.  If needed, oil should be added as soon as possible or the engine will seize.  When this happens, the effect is the same as a locked rear wheel.  Let the engine cool before restarting.

ANIMALS Naturally, you should do everything you safely can to avoid hitting an animal.  If you are in traffic, however, remain in your lane.  Hitting something small is less dangerous to you than hitting something big like a car. Motorcycles seem to attract dogs.  If you are chased, downshift and approach the animal slowly.  As you approach it, accelerate away and leave the animal behind.  Do not kick at an animal.  Keep control of your motorcycle, and look to where you want to go. For larger animals (deer, elk, cattle) brake and prepare to stop, they are unpredictable.

GETTING OFF THE ROAD If you need to leave the road to check the motorcycle (or just to rest for a while), be sure you: Check the roadside Make sure the surface of the roadside is firm enough to ride on.  If it is soft grass, loose sand, or if you are just not sure about it, slow way down before you turn onto it. Signal Drivers behind might not expect you to slow down.  Give a clear signal that you will be slowing down and changing direction.  Check your mirror and make a head check before you take any action. Pull off the road Get as far off the road as you can.  It can be very hard to spot a motorcycle by the side of the road.  You do not want someone else pulling off at the same place you are. Park carefully Loose and sloped shoulders can make setting the side or center stand difficult.

CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO Only experienced riders should carry passengers or large loads.  The extra weight changes the way the motorcycle handles, balances, turns, speeds up, and slows down.  Before taking a passenger or heavy load on the street, practice away from traffic.   EQUIPMENT To carry passengers safely: Equip and adjust your motorcycle to carry passengers. Instruct the passenger before you start. Adjust your riding technique for the added weight.   Equipment should include: A proper seat large enough to hold both of you without crowding.  You should not sit any farther forward than you usually do. Foot rests for the passenger.  Firm footing prevents your passenger from falling off and pulling you off, too. Protective equipment the same protective gear recommended for operators. Adjust the suspension to handle the additional weight.  You will probably need to add a few pounds of pressure to the tires if you carry a passenger. (Check your owner's manual for appropriate settings.) While your passenger sits on the seat with you, adjust the mirror and headlight according to the change in the motorcycle's angle.

INSTRUCTING PASSENGERS Even if your passenger is a motorcycle rider, provide complete instructions before you start.  Tell your passenger to: Get on the motorcycle only after you have started the engine. Sit as far forward as possible without crowding you. Hold firmly to your waist, hips, or belt. Keep both feet on the pegs, even when stopped. Keep legs away from the muffler(s), chains or moving parts. Stay directly behind you, leaning as you lean. Avoid unnecessary talk or motion. Also, tell your passenger to tighten his or her hold when you:     Approach surface problems.     Are about to start from a stop.     Warn that you will make a sudden move.

RIDING WITH PASSENGERS Your motorcycle will respond more slowly with a passenger on board.  The heavier your passenger, the longer it will take to slow down, speed up, or turn especially on a light motorcycle. Ride a little slower, especially when taking curves, corners, or bumps. Start slowing earlier as you approach a stop. Open up a larger cushion of space ahead and to the sides. Wait for larger gaps to cross, enter, or merge in traffic. Warn your passenger of special conditions when you will pull out, stop quickly, turn sharply, or ride over a bump.  Turn your head slightly to make yourself understood, but keep your eyes on the road ahead.

CARRYING LOADS Most motorcycles are not designed to carry much cargo.  Small loads can be carried safely it positioned and fastened properly. Keep the Load Low Fasten loads securely, or put them in saddle bags.  Piling loads against a sissybar or frame on the back of the seat raises the motorcycle's center of gravity and disturbs its balance. Keep the Load Forward Place the load over, or in front of, the rear axle.  Tank bags keep loads forward, but use caution when loading hard or sharp objects.  Make sure the tank bag does not interfere with the handlebars or controls.  Mounting loads behind the rear axle can affect how the motorcycle turns and brakes.  It can also cause a wobble. Distribute the Load Evenly Load saddlebags with about the same weight.  An uneven load can cause the motorcycle to drift to one side. Secure the Load Fasten the load securely with elastic cords (bungee cords or nets).  Elastic cords with more than one attachment point per side are more secure.  A tight load will not catch in the wheel or chain, causing it to lock up and skid.  Rope tends to stretch and knots come loose, permitting the load to shift or fall. Check the Load Stop and check the load every so often to make sure it has not worked loose or moved.

GROUP RIDING If you ride with others, do it in a way that promotes safety and doesn't interfere with the flow of traffic.   KEEP THE GROUP SMALL Small groups make it easier and safer for car drivers who need to get around them.  A small number isn't separated as easily by traffic or red lights.  Riders will not always be hurrying to catch up.  If your group is larger than four or five riders, divide it up into two or more smaller groups.   KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER Plan The leader should look ahead for road changes and signal early so "the word gets back" in plenty of time.  Start lane changes early to permit everyone to complete the change. Put Beginners Up Front Place inexperienced riders just behind the leader.  That way the more experienced riders can watch them from the back. Follow Those Behind Let the tailender set the pace.  Use your mirrors to keep an eye on the person behind.  If a rider falls behind, everyone should slow down a little to stay with the tailender. Know the Route Make sure everyone knows the route.  Then, if someone is separated they will not have to hurry to keep from getting lost or taking a wrong turn.  Plan frequent stops on long rides. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE Maintain close ranks but at the same time keep a safe distance to allow each rider in the group time and space to react to hazards.  A close group takes up less space on the highway, is easier to see and is less likely to be separated.  However, it must be done properly. Don't Pair Up Never operate directly alongside another rider.  There is no place to go if you have to avoid a car or something on the road.  To talk, wait until you are both stopped. Staggered Formation This is the best way to keep ranks close yet maintain an adequate space cushion.  The leader rides in the left side of the lane, while the second rider stays one second behind in the right side of the lane. A third rider maintains in the left position, two seconds behind the first rider.  The fourth rider would keep a two-second distance behind the second rider.  This formation keeps the group close and permits each rider a safe distance from others ahead, behind and to the sides. Passing in Formation Riders in a staggered formation should pass one at a time. First, the lead rider should pull out and pass when it is safe.  After passing, the leader should return to the left position and continue riding at passing speed to open room for the next rider. After the first rider passes safely, the second rider should move up to the left position and watch for a safe chance to pass.  After passing, this rider should return to the right position and open up room for the next rider. Some people suggest the leader should move to the right side after passing a vehicle.  This is not a good idea.  It encourages the second rider to pass and cut back in before there is a large enough space cushion in front of the passed vehicle.  It is simpler and safer to wait until there is enough room ahead of the passed vehicle to allow each rider to move into the same position held before the pass. Single-File Formation It is best to move into a single-file formation when riding curves, turning, entering or leaving a highway.

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