California Motorcycle Handbook - Antevia

lean the motorcycle some of thetraction is used for corneringand less traction is available forstopping. A skid can occur ifyou apply too much brake.Also, using the front brakeincorrectly on a slipperysurface may be hazardous. Usecaution and squeeze the brakelever, never “grab” it.• Some motorcycles haveintegrated braking systems thatlink the front and rear brakestogether when you apply therear brake pedal. (Consult yourowner’s manual.)TurningRiders often try to take curves orturns too fast. When they can’thold the turn, they end upcrossing into another lane oftraffic or going off the road. Or,they overreact and brake too hardcausing a skid and loss ofcontrol. Approach turns andcurves with caution.Use four steps for better control:1 Slow—Reduce your speedbefore the turn by closing thethrottle and, if necessary,applying both brakes.2 Look—Look through the turnto where you want to go. Turnonly your head, not yourshoulders, and keep your eyeslevel with the horizon.3 Press—To turn, themotorcycle must lean. To leanthe motorcycle, press on thehandlegrip in the direction ofthe turn. Press left—lean left—go left. Press right—leanright—go right. Higher speedsand/or tighter turns require themotorcycle to lean more.4 Roll—Roll on the throttlethrough the turn to stabilizesuspension. Maintain steadyspeed or accelerate graduallythrough the turn. This will helpkeep the motorcycle stable.In normal turns, the rider and themotorcycle should lean togetherat the same angle.In slow tight turns, the ridershould keep his/her body straightand only lean the motorcycle.KEEPING YOUR DISTANCEThe best protection you can haveis distance—a “cushion ofspace”—all around yourmotorcycle. If someone elsemakes a mistake, distance givesyou:• Time to react.• Space to maneuver.Lane PositionsIn some ways the size of themotorcycle can work to youradvantage. Each traffic lane givesa motorcycle three paths of travel,as indicated in the illustration.Your lane position should:• Increase your ability to see andbe seen.• Avoid others’ blind spots.• Protect your lane from otherdrivers.12