California Motorcycle Handbook - Antevia

should fit snugly enough tokeep from flapping in the wind,but still allow you to movefreely. Leather or a sturdysynthetic material offers themost protection. Wear a jacketeven in warm weather toprevent dehydration. Many aredesigned to protect withoutgetting you overheated, evenon summer days.• Boots or shoes should be highand sturdy enough to coveryour ankles and support them.Soles should be made of hard,durable, slip-resistant material.The heels should be short sothey do not catch on roughsurfaces. Tuck in laces so theywon’t catch on yourmotorcycle.• Gloves allow a better grip andhelp protect your hands. Yourgloves should be made ofleather or similar durablematerial.In cold or wet weather, yourclothes should keep you warmand dry, as well as protect youfrom injury. You cannot control amotorcycle well if you are numb.Riding for long periods in coldweather can cause severe chill andfatigue. A winter jacket shouldresist wind and fit snugly at theneck, wrists, and waist. Goodqualityrain suits designed formotorcycle riding resist tearingapart or ballooning up at highspeeds.KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLEThere are many things on thehighway that can cause youtrouble. Your motorcycle shouldnot be one of them. To make surethat your motorcycle won’t letyou down:• Read the owner’s manual first.• Start with the right motorcyclefor you.• Be familiar with the motorcyclecontrols.• Check the motorcycle beforeevery ride.• Keep it in safe riding conditionbetween rides.• Avoid add-ons and modificationsthat make yourmotorcycle harder to handle.The Right MotorcycleFirst, make sure your motorcycle“fits” you. Your feet should reachthe ground while you are seatedon the motorcycle.At minimum, your street-legalmotorcycle must have:• Headlight, taillight, brake light,and turn signals.• Front and rear brakes.• A horn and two mirrors.Borrowing and LendingCrashes are fairly common amongnew riders. Riding an unfamiliarmotorcycle adds to the problem.If you borrow a motorcycle, getfamiliar with it in a controlledarea. If you lend your motorcycle,make sure the person is licensed8