president: doug tinsley vice president: steve weick sgt at arms: … · 2018. 4. 9. · riding in...
TRANSCRIPT
POST 194 RIDING GUIDE
President: Doug Tinsley Vice President: Steve Weick
Sgt at Arms: Sam Demao Edited By: Steve Weick
Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1
II. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................ 2
III. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................... 3
A. ROAD CAPTAIN ........................................................................................................ 3
B. SWEEP ..................................................................................................................... 4
C. CO-ROAD CAPTAIN ................................................................................................. 5
D. THE FORMATION ..................................................................................................... 5
IV. PARTICIPATING IN THE RIDE .............................................................................. 6
V. GROUP RIDING PRINCIPLES .............................................................................. 9
A. BASICS ..................................................................................................................... 9
SPACING – SEE APPENDIX B ........................................................................................ 10
B. GROUP PASSING - TWO LANE ROADS ................................................................ 10
C. GROUP PASSING -MULTI-LANE ROADS .............................................................. 11
D. WHEN BEING PASSED .......................................................................................... 12
E. KEEPING TOGETHER IN TOWN ............................................................................ 12
F. HAND SIGNALS-SEE APPENDIX C ........................................................................ 12
VI. CLOSING ............................................................................................................. 13
VII. APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................ 14
A. PRE RIDE INSPECTION - T-CLOCS ............................................................................. 14 T – TIRES & WHEELS ............................................................................................................ 14 C – CONTROLS ...................................................................................................................... 14 L – LIGHTS .............................................................................................................................. 14 0 – OIL/Other Fluids ................................................................................................................ 15 C – CHASSIS .......................................................................................................................... 15 S – STANDS ............................................................................................................................ 15
VIII. APPENDIX B ........................................................................................................ 16
A. SPACING ................................................................................................................... 16
IX. APPENDIX C ........................................................................................................ 16
A. HAND SIGNALS .......................................................................................................... 16
Page 1
I. INTRODUCTION
Group riding is the opportunity to share the open road and wonderful scenery with
other like-minded people. To ride safely, however, all riders in the group must
cooperate. It must be a team effort. When participating in a group ride, your thinking
must be adjusted to that of working together using certain guidelines rather than a
group of "solo thinking" riders riding together. The group's needs outweigh the
individual rider's needs.
This guide is intended to be an introduction to group riding for our new members and a
refresher in group riding basics for our long time members. Its purpose is to get
everyone on the "same page" when it comes to anticipating the role of each
rider/passenger on the ride. Knowing what to expect relieves most apprehension and
heightens the enjoyment of all participants.
Participating in a group ride is an activity that a lot of riders thoroughly enjoy. However,
many riders are somewhat intimidated and reluctant to participate because they are
not really sure how it's actually done. There is a good chance they have participated in
a group ride and have become aware that there is a lot more going on than readily
meets the eye. There is also the chance that they have been on some group rides that
were conducted by riders who were long on enthusiasm but short on planning and
leading know-how. This may have resulted in an unfavorable experience and left the
rider with very little desire to join another such event. That won't happen here.
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II. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
1. Safety is ALWAYS the first and foremost consideration! Minimum safety clothing for all
riders and passengers should include eye protection (windscreen, goggles, or face
shield), and hand and foot protection (preferably that cover the wrist and ankle).
Leather chaps are strongly recommended. Remember, you dress for the "fall", not for
the ride. Road rash, or worse, really takes the enjoyment out of any ride.
2. Riding in an unsafe manner just about guarantees much lower turnouts for future
events. Most riders are very quick to recognize when they're in an unsafe situation and
will normally avoid them in the future. Most of the "rules" that are discussed later are
really aimed at keeping everyone as safe as possible. ·
3. Planning and predictability are the keys to a safe ride. The "plan" makes the
"predictability", and those are the guiding principles for your Road Captains and their
crews. When selecting a route and the stops to make along the way, consider the
experience of the riders, the stamina of the group, and the limits of the motorcycles in
the group. Some riders have smaller bladders than other.
4. It is much better to get temporarily separated from the group than it is to end up as a
Buick hood ornament. Methods that will allow temporarily separated riders to rejoin the
group will be discussed. However, being separated and even lost is much better than
body casts, stainless steel bone pins, and skin grafts. All riders should be briefed of
the path of travel; it will make reuniting with the group easier. Do not feel obligated to
catch up to the group quickly; the group's next stop such as a gas station or restaurant
will give a separated rider enough time to safely catch up.
5. Should a Road Captain become aware that an unsafe or hazardous riding situation
has developed during a ride, it is his/her duty to correct it as soon as possible. Safety
is paramount, so if a Road Captain asks to have a word with you concerning your
riding habits, please do not "shoot the messenger''. Understand that it is for the overall
safety of the group. If the situation cannot be resolved, he/she has the authority to
remove the problem rider from the ride.
6. One last safety pointer: Less experienced and novice riders should ride toward the
back of the group, ahead of the Sweep, so they don't "feel pressured" by more
experienced riders behind them.
Remember, though, it is always better to drop out and go your own way if you feel
uncomfortable or unsafe for any reason. You need to "ride your own ride''. You, and
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you alone, should be the only authority on whether you feel safe, and you should act
accordingly. Always ride within your personal limits.
7. Always ensure your motorcycle is safe for the road. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation
has an acronym for a pre-ride inspection of the motorcycle known as T-CLOCS. (See
Appendix A)
8. Hold a riders' meeting. Discuss things like the route, rest and fuel stops, and hand
signals (See Appendix C). Assign a lead and sweep (tail) rider. Both should be Road
Captains, if available, or experienced riders who are well-versed in group riding
procedures. The leader should assess everyone's riding skills and the group's riding
style.
9. Keep the group to a manageable size, eight to ten riders maximum. If necessary,
break the group into smaller sub-groups, each with a lead and sweep rider.
10. Ride prepared. At least one rider in each group should pack a cell phone, first-aid kit,
and full tool kit, so the group is prepared for any problem that they might encounter
11. Today, it is important for motorcyclists to be more vigilant and perceptive than ever.
Devices that distract other drivers are on the increase, from cell phones that can be
used for talking or texting to video devices and navigation systems that create
inattention to the driving task. Most people recognize when they are visually or
mechanically distracted and seek to disengage from these activities as quickly as
possible. However, people typically do not realize when they are cognitively distracted,
such as taking part in a phone conversation
III. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. ROAD CAPTAIN
The Road Captain is the leader of the ride He/she will be following the ride plan while
simultaneously providing clear direction to the group, constantly monitoring the group
for signals being passed forward, trouble, or any situation which could result in an
unsafe condition.
1. The Road Captain always rides at the left front position so that he/she has the best
view of the route of travel.
2. The Road Captain will set the pace according to the ride plan that will indicate an
appropriate and comfortable speed.
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3. DO NOT set the pace of the ride from a position following the Road Captain. If
the pace seems to fast, drop out of the formation and go to the rear.
4. No one should pass the Ride Captain without prior agreement, and only then for a
specific reason. Safety considerations make this an absolute must.
5. The Road Captain will determine both the direction and lane of travel on a multiple
lane road or highway.
6. Everyone needs to understand that the Road Captain will continue on to a safe
turn-around location should he/she miss, or purposely go past, a turn in the interest
of safety. Riders should avoid second guessing the Road Captain and making
independent decisions that can put both themselves and other riders in danger.
7. The Road Captain and Sweep (discussed later) will individually, or divided between
them, carry some basic "emergency" type equipment such as a first aid kit, fire
extinguisher, flash light, road flares, canteen (water), portable phone, maps of the
general area, basic tools, and whatever else is appropriate for the particular ride.
8. If need be, the Road Captain may deviate from the ride plan as covered at the pre-
ride briefing if safety considerations so dictate.
B. SWEEP
The Sweep is the Sgt. at Arms or a Road Captain who brings up the rear of the ride
Group.
1. The Sweep always rides at the left rear position, regardless of the position of the
motorcycle ahead, so that he/she has the best view of the Group and route of
travel
2. No one is allowed to fall behind the Sweep. Any rider who is not experiencing
difficulties and still cannot maintain the established pace should drop out of the
Group and proceed on his/her own.
3. The Sweep is responsible for determining when the group is ready to leave the
start location. He/she signals to the Road Captain to proceed, and watches out for
traffic until the entire group is underway.
4. The Sweep is responsible for, and provides assistance to, any rider who encounter
problems and has to either slow down or drop out of the ride. No more than one
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other rider should stop to help the Sweep provide assistance, as it is generally not
safe for a larger group to park along the side of the road.
5. Should the Pack get divided, the Sgt at Arms becomes the Road Captain for the
following group until the groups are rejoined, either on the road or at the next
scheduled stop point.
6. The Sweep should always have a cell phone with him/her to call for assistance
C. CO-ROAD CAPTAIN
A very large group may make it advisable to divide the riders into logical groups and
name one or more Road Captains to lead them. To contend with very crowded streets
and multi-lane highways, ALR will break the ride down into groups of no more than ten
motorcycles each (as a guide) for ease of traffic management and safety. Should this
be necessary, just follow the Road Captains' guidance as the groups are separated.
1. The setup is the same for succeeding groups. That is, there will be a Road Captain
and a Sweep for each group with the roles and responsibilities as covered in Ill A
and B. above.
2. You can expect the succeeding Group Road Captains to maintain a spacing of not
closer than five minutes or no further back than ten minutes behind the last
motorcycle of the group immediately ahead. The idea here is to break a single
large riding group into more manageable smaller ones, not to create several
individual rides.
D. THE FORMATION
The formation will be arranged as follows: (This is modified due to The Pres. and
Sec/Tres. riding Trikes and Side Cars)
Road Captain - Front Left
President - Front Right
Vice President - Second Left
Then staggered Members-staggered
Guests-Staggered
Sergeant at Arms-Sweeper-Rear Left
Chase Vehicle if used
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IV. PARTICIPATING IN THE RIDE
1. Dress and pack according to the weather you may encounter during the ride.
"Layering" of clothes is the key. Being too hot, too cold; or uncomfortable from a
sun or wind burn will make you a less safe rider and can lead to an unfortunate
situation not only for you but others on the ride. A heated or cooling vest may
be warranted. However, your protective outer garments are always the guiding
factor, keeping in mind that it's more desirable to sweat than to bleed. Carrying
water bottle is always a good idea.
2. Riders should ensure that their motorcycles are in a safe operating condition
and are generally ready to go (e.g. tire pressure and oil checked, properly
leaded, etc.). It is no fun to crash because of a bad tire on your motorcycle or
someone else's. It is also very embarrassing to be asked to leave the ride
because you are riding a rolling disaster and constitute a danger to everyone
else.
NOTE: It is always bad form to arrive for a ride without having first topped off
your gas tank.
3. Riders should be punctual with regard to arrival for the pre ride meeting and
departure time.
4. All riders are responsible for knowing as much as possible about the route,
times, stops, etc. You should arrive at the departure point ten to fifteen minutes
before start time to hear everything discussed at the pre-ride briefing and to
familiarize yourself with any maps or written instructions that may be provided.
This contributes to a safer ride and adds to the enjoyment. It is less fun just
following people around not knowing where you are going, not knowing when
you will be able to take care of the last cup of coffee, or where (or when) the
next gas stop is. Speaking of gas stops, the Ride Captains will expect you to fill
your tank at each gas stop regardless of how much fuel you have remaining.
NOTE: If maps and ride instructions were included in the ride announcement email,
please print them out and bring them with you.
5. All Riders are responsible for their own safety at all times and will be required to
ride in a safe manner, or leave the ride.
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6. Remember you are representing ALR and everyone on two wheels during an
ALR Group ride. Be a courteous rider; give cars, trucks and your fellow riders
every consideration.
7. The normal riding formation is the staggered formation. Keep at least a 2
second cushion from the bike directly in front of you and at least a 1 second
cushion from the bike immediately to your right or left. Do not ride side by side.
This formation provides the best safety margin of reaction time and space as
each rider only uses one third (either right or left side depending on the stagger
position) of the lane. Heavy, very slow traffic or at intersection may require that
a side-by-side column of twos for a very short distance to keep the group tight.
This will only be performed a very low speeds. The staggered formation,
complete with the proper safe interval, should be resumed as soon as
conditions allow. (See Appendix B)
8. Trikes, motorcycles with sidecars, and motorcycles pulling trailers will normally
be positioned at the back of the Group and use the center of the lane.
9. All riders and passengers are responsible for knowing what the hand signals
mean and for immediately passing back all signals to the following riders. (See
Appendix C)
10. Riders should not speed up suddenly should a gap develop between them and
the motorcycle ahead. Rather, they should accelerate slowly until they catch up
and are back in position. This will help prevent the riders in back from over
reacting and possibly running into the Group when they suddenly catch up. If
someone drops out of the Group of the motorcycle ahead of you changes
position, adjust your lane position to maintain the staggered formation.
11. Riders should not set the pace from a following position. If a Rider feel
uncomfortable, He/she should feel free to adjust his/her position to the rear of
the group. Slower leading riders may be passed to maintain the integrity of the
formation when done in a safe manner. The formation should adjust the stagger
accordingly.
12. Unless you are one of the leaders setting the pace, it is not good idea . to use
cruise control or a throttle lock while on a group ride as it is one of the main
causes of the yo-yo or rubber band effect.
13. Riders should signal the Road Captain when they have to pullover for an
emergency by flashing their lights. All other riders are responsible for passing
this signal forward until the Ride Captain acknowledges that he/she has seen it.
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14. Remember that it is normally the Sweep's responsibility to stop and render
assistance and that no more than one other rider should stop to help the
Sweep. The Road Captain will signal the Group when it is safe to pull off the
road should he/she feel it is necessary.
15. Riders should clearly signal the Sweep if they decide to leave the ride for
any reason. Do not make him/her wonder if you are having trouble and follow
you to see if you need help. A "Thumbs Down" or a "Thumbs Up" hand signal
will indicate to the Sweep that you do, or do not, need assistance. Expect the
Sweep to follow you should you need assistance. If it is a problem not requiring
assistance (e.g. tightening a storage bag or shedding some clothes) give a
"Thumbs Up" to Groups that pass you so they know you're OK. Rejoining the
Group normally should be done at the next scheduled Group stop. This avoids
confusion and maximizes safety.
16. Turning at an intersection, each rider should stay in his/her respective lane
position throughout the arc of the turn unless a single file formation is required
and signaled for by the leader. A single file formation should be called for when
there is a decreasing radius turn, a blind turn, or road conditions are less than
optimal.
17. When entering a parking area, get the group off the roadway as quickly as
possible. All bikes should park together if possible. Take note of what the Road
Captain does (e.g. parallel park, back-in, etc.) and do the same. The Road
Captain will attempt to park so the group stays together and can pull through to
arrive and depart. Departures should be single file. Avoid parking downhill or
nose in for obvious reasons.
18. If you are in back of the group, ride with your headlight(s) on low beam, and
turn off your highway lights to facilitate the counting of motorcycles by the Road
Captains ahead as they keep track of everyone.
I have found that it is easier for me to keep track of the group if there is a big
bike (like an Electra Glide or Goldwing) with the highway lights on 4 bikes from
the last position. That way I can easily spot that bike and then look for the 4
remaining bikes in my mirror.
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V. GROUP RIDING PRINCIPLES
A. BASICS
1. One objective of practicing motorcycle Group riding basics is to safely facilitate the
use by others of the shared highway.
2. Each rider should be aware of the road conditions in front of his/her motorcycle and
anticipate possible moves by others. It's especially important on poor roads, when
passing, or in traffic congestion. This is the essence of good situational awareness:
the art of staying abreast of what is going on around you so that you are ready to
react quickly if you need to. Keep up with your "scan and plan" and always be
ready to take evasive action, if required.
3. Staggered Riding - The staggering begins with the Road Captain who will be in the
left 1/3'd of the lane (left tire track); the second motorcycle should be in the right
1/3'd of the lane. From there on the stagger continues to the back of the group.
Remember, the Sweep will always ride in the left 1/3'd of the lane even though
he/she may not be staggered with the rider ahead.
4. Stay in line with the motorcycle in front of you and do not switch between the left
and right tire tracks unless there is a road hazard in your path or you are adjusting
position due to a rider having left the group. The objective is to keep as tight a
group as possible and yet have enough separation to allow for required safe lateral
maneuvering room.
5. Each rider should be very familiar with his/her motorcycle's handling characteristics
in various situations (e.g. bikes loaded for traveling don't handle the same as when
empty; or heavy braking on dry pavement is quite different from wet). In addition,
familiarity with the motorcycle itself is always a plus (e.g. some bikes don't have
selfcanceling turn signals, requiring human intervention).
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SPACING – SEE APPENDIX B
1. The Road Captain rides in the left tire track of the lane with the second motorcycle
riding to the right and behind in a staggered formation. The third rider will strive to
maintain a two-second interval between his/her motorcycle and the motorcycle
immediately ahead in the same tire track. This two-second timing will provide a
safe distance between motorcycles regardless of speed (the faster you go the
more distance the two-second spacing provides because you are covering more
ground) as well as providing a margin of lateral safety should it be needed.
2. The second motorcycle (right tire track) should "key off'' the motorcycle in the left
tire track and strive to maintain a one-second interval behind. The one-second
spacing between motorcycles, regardless of speed, provides a safe distance with
lateral spacing as well. Again, the faster you are traveling the more distance the
one-second spacing provides.
3. Each rider will still need that one-second spacing on the motorcycle in the adjacent
tire track (to provide lateral maneuvering safety room) even if that rider is lagging a
bit behind the motorcycle ahead.
4. There will be times when the Road Captain signals for single file riding (e.g. rough
road, twisty, wet or icy roads, sightseeing, etc.). This is an automatic change to a
single file with a two-second interval between motorcycles.
Note: Timing spacing is easily accomplished by choosing something the motorcycle
ahead (the one you taking spacing on) passes (such as a pavement break, a shadow,
a light pole, etc.) then counting your one or two seconds. If you pass the same place
before you get to your count, you're too close. If it takes longer than your count to get
there then you're too far back. Adjust your spacing accordingly then count again. The
timing exercise should be done, as a minimum, as the Group's speed changes, but
should also be accomplished periodically to maintain the proper safe spacing.
B. GROUP PASSING - TWO LANE ROADS
1. Before passing, move to the tire track of the side you want to pass (usually the left.)
If you can see the driver's face in his rearview mirror, he can see you and your
headlight. This should alert him that you intend to pass. When you have
determined it is safe to pass the vehicle or vehicles ahead, you should signal your
intentions (turn signal and had), check your mirror for other vehicles, turn your
head to clear your blind spot then pull out into the passing lane and accelerate as
required by the situation.
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2. When passing, spend the shortest amount of time possible in the passing lane.
Once well past the vehicle (don't "dive bomb" it by pulling back in too soon) you
repeat your earlier actions of signal, mirror check, head check, and then pull back
into the travel lane.
Note: A good "Rule of Thumb" for spacing before you pull back in is when you can see
both headlights of the passed vehicle in your mirror without moving your head.
3. Continue the overtake speed for a few moments to allow the other riders passing to
pull in behind you. Make sure you do not leave those riders passing behind you to
"hang out to dry" by not allowing them sufficient room to re-enter the travel lane.
Resume the normal travel speed when appropriate.
NOTE: The above holds true, too if the need arises to pass another rider in the Group.
C. GROUP PASSING -MULTI-LANE ROADS
1. When the group needs to pass a slower vehicle it should be done as a series of
individual rider passes using the same techniques discussed in C above. This
allows the safest possible way to advance with the greatest safety margin between
vehicles. It is also the most expeditious method regardless of the number of lanes
on the road.
2. Sometimes it may be prudent and safer to slightly delay a pass. The "rule" here is
that if there is not enough room to safely pass, then there is not enough room. Do
not attempt it.
3. When viewed from above, group passing would resemble a snake slithering around
the vehicle then returning to its original lane.
4. A rider at the rear of the group or the Sweep can/should pull out into the passing
lane and "block" the passing lane to traffic approaching from the rear.
5. If a vehicle wants to break through the group on a multi-lane road, give them space
to safely do so. Close formation once the vehicle exits the lane. If the vehicle does
not move, cautiously and carefully pass the vehicle and reform with the group.
Remember Bikers do not own the road, we share the road.
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D. WHEN BEING PASSED
1. Allow the vehicle to pass you safely. The gap created by the two second spacing
(accompanied by a little adjustment on your part) should allow the passing vehicle
room to pull in ahead of you and, if necessary, to pass in segments rather than by
trying to make it all at one jump.
2. Passing or getting passed anytime can be hazardous so use common sense and a
safe approach. Keep your mirrors in your scan and watch for vehicles that try to
crowd you during their pass.
E. KEEPING TOGETHER IN TOWN
1. The two-second rule for spacing normally takes care of itself as you slowdown in
town. The slower you go the closer the two-second puts you to the rider ahead in
your tire track.
2. Don't worry too much if you get stopped at a stoplight or a stop sign, separating
you from your group. Pulling to one side and waiting or continuing at a reduced
speed are viable options for your Road Captain, so you can expect that. Knowing
the route really helps here. If you do become separated at a traffic light and the
Sweep is with you, the Sweep should assume the lead bike position in the Group
until the group reforms. The Sweep would then fall back to the rear of the group.
F. HAND SIGNALS-SEE APPENDIX C
1. It is very important to be well aware of the common hand signals and what they
mean.
2. As soon as you see a signal given, you and/or your passenger should
immediately repeat the same signal so the rider(s) behind you can see it and
have the maximum amount of time to react.
3. Also, note that for safety reasons all signals are given with the left hand or
either foot if there is an object in the roadway, so as to allow the right hand to
have full control of the throttle and front brake.
4. Hazards on the road surface are indicated by pointing with the appropriate foot
that there is a road surface hazard.
5. The follow riders should then be aware that a hazard exists and pass the signal
back.
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6. Also, pointing to an off road surface hazard such as bicyclists, Parked or broken
down cars, or road construction barriers on your right side with your left hand
pointed to the right over your head is advisable.
7. Tapping your head with your left hand repeatedly and rapidly announces the
presence of Law Enforcement.
8. The "single finger salute" should be used sparingly and judiciously and should
definitely not be directed towards any Law Enforcement Officers. (joke)
VI. CLOSING
These are generally accepted guidelines used by most MC Clubs or Organized
Groups to make rides safe, fun, and predictable for all participants. I hope has been
informative and helps you to understand what you can expect while participating in an
ALR Group ride, and just as important, what is expected of you. This is not designed
nor is it intended to meet every on the road situation or crisis you may confront when
riding your Scooter. Common sense must still apply. If followed even minimally, it will
make the ride easier and more enjoyable.
Ride Safe, Ride Hard.
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VII. Appendix A
A. Pre Ride Inspection - T-CLOCS
T – TIRES & WHEELS
Tires Tread depth, wear, weathering, evenly seated, bulges,
embedded objects.
Check Air Pressure when cold, adjust to load
Wheels Check for bent, broken, missing or loose spokes Wheel rims
cracks or dents.
Out of round/true = 5mm. Spin wheel, index against stationary.
pointer.
Check bearings by grabbing top and bottom of tire and flex: No
freeplay (click) between hub and axle, no growl when spinning.
Brakes Each brake alone should keep bike from rolling.
C – CONTROLS
Levers and Pedal Broken, bent, cracked, mounts tight, ball ends on handlebar
levers, proper adjustment and lubricated.
Cables Check for fraying, kinks, lubrication: ends and interior.
No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no
sharp angles, and wire supports in place.
Hoses Check for cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing, or deterioration.
No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no
sharp angles, hose supports in place.
Throttle Moves freely, snaps closed, no revving when handlebars are
turned.
L – LIGHTS
Battery Terminals; clean and tight, electrolyte level, held down
securely. Not kinked, routed properly, not plugged.
Headlamp Check for cracks, reflector, mounting and adjustment system.
Height and right/left.
Hi beam/low beam operation.
Tail lamp/brake lamp Check for cracks, clean and tight.
Activates upon front brake/rear brake application.
Turn signals Flashes correctly.
Mirrors Check for cracks, clean, tight mounts and swivel joints. Adjust
when seated on bike.
Lenses & Reflectors Check for cracked; broken, securely mounted, excessive
condensation.
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Wiring Check for fraying and chafing of insulation.
Pinched, no interference or pulling at steering head or
suspension, wire looms and ties in place, connectors tight,
clean.
0 – OIL/Other Fluids
Levels Check warm on center stand and level ground, dipstick, sight
glass. Transmission, rear drive, shaft.
Brakes, clutch, reservoir or sight glass.
Reservoir and/or coolant recovery tank -check only when cool.
Tank or gauge.
Leaks Gaskets, housings, seals.
Gaskets, seals, breathers. Hoses, master cylinders, calipers.
Radiator, hoses, tanks, fittings, pipes.
Lines, fuel valve, carbs.
C – CHASSIS
Frame Cracks at gussets, accessory mounts, look for paint lifting.
No detent or tight spots through full travel, raise front wheel,
check for play by pulling/pushing forks.
Raise rear wheel, check for play by pushing/pulling swingarm.
Suspension Smooth travel, equal air pressure/damping, anti-dive settings.
Smooth travel, equal pre-load/air pressure/damping settings,
linkage moves freely and is lubricated.
Chain or Belt Check at tightest point.
Side plates when hot. Note: do not lubricate belts.
Teeth not hooked, securely mounted
Fasteners Tight, missing bolts, nuts.
Broken, missing.
S – STANDS
Side stand Check for rust, bent (safety cut-out switch or pad equipped).
Springs in place, tension to hold position.
Center stand Check for rust or bent.
(if equipped) Springs in place, tension to hold position.
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VIII. A
PP
E
N
DI
X
B
A. Spacing
IX. APPENDIX C
A. Hand Signals
Stop - arm extended straight down, palm facing back
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Single File - arm and index finger extended straight u p
Turn Signal On - open and dose hand with fingers and thumb extended
Slow Down - arm extended straight out, pa lm facing down
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Double File - arm with index and Middle finger extended straight up
Fuel - arm out to side pointing to tank with finger ex tended
Speed Up - arm extended straight out, palm facing up
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Hazard Roadway - on the right, point with right foot; on the left, point with left hand
Refreshment Stop - fingers closed, thumb to mouth
You Lead/Come - arm extended upward 45 degrees, palm forward pointing with index
finger, swing in arc from back to front
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Highbeam - t ap on top of helmet with open palm down
Comfort Stop - forearm extended, fist clenched with short up and down motion
Follow Me - arm extended straight up from shoulder, palm forward
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Pull Off – arm positioned as for right turn, forearm swung toward shoulder