• Starting with the right motorcycle for you.
• Being familiar with the motorcycle controls.
• Checking the motorcycle before every ride.
• Keeping it in safe riding condition between rides.
• Avoiding add-ons and modifications that make your cycle harder to handle.

THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

The first thing is to make sure to have the motorcycle right for you. If you are a beginner, stay with a smaller cycle–no more than 250cc– until you have ridden several hundred miles. Don't try a "big bike" until you have been riding for a year or more. Make sure the motorcycle "fits" you. Your feet should be able to reach the ground while sitting on the seat.

There are a few items of equipment that are necessary for safe operation. California requires that the following items be in good working order:

• headlight and taillight
• front and rear brakes
• turn signals and horn
• at least one rearview mirror

These are just minimum requirements. To survive in traffic, you should have a mirror on each side on the handlebars. It is also a good idea to have reflectors along the side of the motorcycle.

New motorcycles and equipment sold in California meet the equipment requirements specified in the Vehicle Code. If you are importing a motorcycle, or buying a second-hand cycle, check the equipment to make sure that it is working and meets the Vehicle Code requirements.

Every motorcycle must have an adequate muffler in constant operation. The exhaust system must be properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise and must not be modified to cause more noise. No exhaust system may have a cutout, bypass, or similar device. In other words, don't do anything that will increase the noise of your motorcycle. These rules also apply to off-highway use.

Motorcycles are issued only one license plate which is displayed at the rear. A sticker on the license plate shows the latest month and year of registration. The plate must be kept clean and clearly readable.

MAINTENANCE

Your motorcycle needs more frequent attention than a car. With a car, you can usually wait until something goes wrong and then fix it. When something goes wrong with the motorcycle, it may cause an accident.

There is only one way to spot problems before they cause trouble. Inspect the motorcycle carefully and fix things right away. Checks that should be made each time you ride are listed in section " CHECK THE MOTORCYCLE." Here are some things to check once each week.

Tires

Check the tread for the amount and kind of wear. If the wear is uneven, have the wheels balanced and the alignment checked. Many blowouts are due to low air pressure. Also, check for cuts and scrapes that could lead to a blowout.

Wheels

Check both wheels for missing or loose spokes. Check the rims for cracks or dents. Lift the wheel off the ground and spin it. Watch its motion and listen for noise. Also move it from side to side to check for looseness.

Controls

Check the controls for smooth operation. Check the cables for kinks or broken strands. Lubricate the control mechanisms at each end of the cables.

Chains and sprockets

Oil the chain and check the sprockets for worn teeth.

Shock absorbers

Does the motorcycle bounce several times after it crosses a bump? Do you hear a "clunk?" If the answer is yes, the shock absorbers may need to be adjusted or replaced.

Fastenings

Check for loose or missing nuts, bolts, or cotter pins. If you keep the motorcycle clean, it is easier to spot missing parts.

Brakes

Adjust the brakes so they lock the wheel when fully applied. If the wheel will not lock, or if you hear a scraping sound when trying to stop, have the linings checked.

ACCESSORIES AND MODIFICATIONS

A safe motorcycle can be quickly turned into a menace. If you add the wrong accessories or make changes in the motorcycle, it can make the motorcycle much harder to handle. Here are a few things to avoid.

Highway pegs

These are pegs mounted on the front of the motorcycle to allow the rider to lean back. The pegs may make the rider more comfortable, however, the problem is:

• It takes too long to reach the foot brake in an emergency.
• The operator doesn't have the footing needed to maintain balance.

Sissy bar

This is a high bar or frame mounted on the back of the seat. The problem is:

• When loaded, they change the motorcycle's center of gravity and affect its balance.
• They make it harder for the operator and passenger to get off the motorcycle in a hurry.

Ape hangers

These are high handlebars that extend above the operator's shoulders. The problem is:

• They are illegal in many states, including California.
• They put stress on handlebar mounts.
• They cause your vision to be blocked.

Some riders like to make modifications to their cycles, such as extending the front fork. The wrong modifications can make the motorcycle harder to handle. They can also put excess strain on parts.

Engineers spend years designing a motorcycle that handles well. Don't make any changes unless you know what they can do to the motorcycle.

TRANSPORTING YOUR MOTORCYCLE

When a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is carried on the front or rear of another vehicle, it must be safely loaded and must not interfere with the headlights, signal lights, taillights, or stop lights of that vehicle. No part of the cycle may project more than three feet beyond the front bumper and the bumper may not extend more than two feet forward of the front part of either the fenders, cab front, or radiator, whichever extends furthest toward the front of the vehicle. The motorcycle must not interfere with the driver's view to the front or sides. On a passenger vehicle, the motorcycle must not extend beyond the line of fenders to the left, nor more than six inches beyond the line of fenders to the right.

If the cycle is to be towed, it must be licensed. The towing device must be securely mounted and strong enough for the weight of the towed motorcycle. The motorcycle must be connected to the towing vehicle by a chain or cable, in addition to the towing device. During darkness, a towed motorcycle must display a red taillight and a license plate light.

MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FACTS

The financial responsibility sections of the Vehicle Code apply to all two-wheel vehicle owners and operators.

If you, as an operator, are involved in an accident which causes more than $500 in property damage to one person, including yourself, or in which anyone, including yourself, is injured, no matter how slightly, you or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative must report the accident to DMV. The CHP or police will not make this report.

You must make this report, whether you caused the accident or not and even if the accident occurred on private property. Report the accident within 10 days. Make the report on a special DMV form (called Traffic Accident Report or SR1). You can get this form from any DMV or CHP office. If you don't make this report, your driving privilege will be suspended. If you do not have the proper insurance coverage, your driving privilege will be suspended for one year. To get your license reinstated, you will need to provide proof of financial responsibility and maintain it for an additional three years. Using the information you give in the accident report, the department will check the insurance protection you had at the time of the accident.

Every accident you are involved in will appear on your driving record. It does not matter who caused the accident. The law says DMV must keep this record.

Check with your insurance company about your coverage before you buy or ride a motorcycle. Find out if your insurance policy will insure you while you are riding a friend's motorcycle or a rented motorcycle.

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and California Department of Parks and Recreation would like you to TREAD LIGHTLY!

HOW TO TREAD LIGHTLY

• Obtain a Travel Map from your local USFS or BLM office, or regulations from other public land agencies. Learn the rules and follow them.
  
• Avoid running over young trees, shrubs, and grasses– damaging or killing them.
  
• Stay off soft, wet roads and trails readily torn up by vehicles. Repairing the damage is expensive.
• Travel around meadows, steep hillsides, or streambanks and lakeshores easily scarred by churning wheels.
• Resist the urge to pioneer a new road or trail, or to cut across a switchback.
• Stay away from wild animals that are rearing young–or suffering from food shortages. The stress they experience can quickly use up their limited energy reserves.
• Obey gate closures and regulatory signs. Vandalism costs tax dollars.
• Stay out of designated wilderness areas. They are closed to all vehicles. Know where the boundaries are.
• Get permission to travel across private lands. Respect landowner rights.

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