California Motorcycle Handbook - Antevia

• Brakes—Try the front and rearbrake levers one at a time. Makesure each one feels firm andholds the motorcycle when thebrake is fully applied.• Horn—Make sure the hornworks.In addition to the checks beforeevery trip, check the followingitems at least once a week:Wheels, cables, fasteners, andfluids. Follow the manufacturer’srecommendations.KNOW YOURRESPONSIBILITIES“Accident” implies an unforeseenevent that occurs withoutanyone’s fault or negligence.Most often in traffic, that is notthe case. In fact, most peopleinvolved in a crash can usuallyclaim some responsibility forwhat takes place.Blame doesn’t matter whensomeone is injured in a crash.There is rarely a single cause ofany crash. The ability to beaware, make critical decisions,and carry them out separatesresponsible riders from all therest. It is up to you to keep frombeing the cause of, or anunprepared participant in, anycrash.As a rider, you can’t be sure thatothers will see you or yield theright of way. To reduce thechances of a crash:• Be visible. Wear properclothing, use your headlight,ride in the best lane position tosee and be seen.• Communicate your intentions.Use the proper signals, brakelight, and lane position.• Maintain an adequate spacecushion. Allow yourselfenough space when following,being followed, lane sharing,passing, and being passed.• Scan your path of travel. Lookat least 10 to 15 seconds ahead.• Identify and separate multiplehazards.• Be prepared to act. Remain alertand know how to carry outproper crash-avoidance skills.RIDE WITHIN YOURABILITIESThis manual cannot teach youhow to control direction, speed,or balance. You learn this onlythrough practice and by knowingyour abilities and riding withinthem.BASIC VEHICLE CONTROLBody PositionTo control a motorcycle well:• Posture—Sit so you can useyour arms to steer themotorcycle rather than to holdyourself up.• Seat—Sit far enough forwardso your arms are slightly bentwhen holding the handlegrips.Bending your arms permits youto press on the handlebars10