Page 30 - Georgia Motorcycle Operators Manual 2020

4SECTION

VEHICLE CONTROL Mounting the Motorcycle Riding Posture
SKILLS To mount the motorcycle, stand on the left Handgrip Position
Friction Zone
This Section Covers side of the motorcycle. Keep your eyes up Gearshift Pattern
toward the horizon. Grasp both handgrips,
Getting Started...........4.1 squeeze the front brake to keep the motorcycle
Riding in a from rolling, and swing your right leg over the
Straight Line............... 4.2 seat. Sit and straighten the bike; raise the side
Shifting Gears............ 4.3 stand with your foot.
Stopping......................4.4
Turning....................... 4.5 Starting the Engine
1. Turn the fuel valve (if equipped) and ignition
The following section offers basic riding
information on getting started, shifting gears, switch ON.
stopping, straight-line riding and turning. These 2. Shift to NEUTRAL. Do not rely on the indi-
basic skills are important to learn before mov-
ing onto more complex skills. cator light. Rock the motorcycle back and
forth without squeezing the clutch lever. If
4.1 – Getting Started the motorcycle rolls freely, it’s in neutral.
3. Turn the engine cut-off switch to ON.
Pre-trip Inspection - “TCLOCS 4. Turn the choke ON for cold starts. Many
(TCLOCS is a Service Mark of MSF) motorcycles require squeezing the clutch
T = Tires and Wheels before the starter will operate. This is also a
• Air pressure good precaution against accidentally starting
• Tread the bike in gear and reduces the load on the
• Cracks, dents, loose spokes starter motor.
• Bearings 5. Press the starter button. Avoid using the
• Brakes throttle; the motorcycle should start without
C = Controls it. Many motorcycles have a safety mecha-
• Levers nism that cuts power to the motor if the bike
• Switches is placed in gear with the side stand down; so
• Cables if you haven’t brought the side stand up, do
• Hoses it now. If the motor doesn’t start in the first 5
• Throttle to 8 seconds, stop and repeat the steps above.

Stopping the Engine, Dismounting
and Securing the Motorcycle
1. Turn the engine cut-off switch to OFF. Turn

the ignition OFF. Turn the fuel valve OFF
if your motorcycle has one. Make sure all
lights are off.
2. To dismount, put the side stand down. Lean
the motorcycle onto the side stand. While
looking up and grasping both handgrips
squeeze the front brake and swing your right
leg over. Turn the handlebar fully toward the
side stand for stability.
3. After dismounting engage the fork lock or
other security device, and then remove igni-
tion key.

L = Lights and Electrics 4.2 – Riding in a Straight Line the controls so you can easily and quickly
• Working condition use them.
Riding Posture
O = Oil and Other Fluids To properly control a motorcycle: Friction Zone
(Coolant, hydraulic fluid, fuel) Since most motorcycles have a manual trans-
• Posture – Keep your back straight and head
• Levels and eyes up. Sit so you can use your arms mission, you will need to use the “friction zone”
• Leaks to steer the motorcycle rather than to hold to start the motorcycle moving and to prevent
yourself up. stalling. The friction zone is the point on the
C = Chassis clutch where the engine’s power begins to trans-
• Suspension • Hands – Hold the handgrips firmly. Start mit to the rear wheel. As you reach the friction
• Drive components (chain, belt, or driveshaft) with your right wrist flat. This will help you zone, roll on the throttle and the motorcycle will
to control the throttle. start moving forward. Do not fully release the
S = Stands clutch lever until your motorcycle is moving
• Side stand • Knees – Keep your knees close to the gas and stable.
• Center stand tank when the motorcycle is moving.

• Feet – Keep your feet on the footrests when
the motorcycle is moving and avoid point-
ing your toes down. Keep your feet near

28 2019-2020 GEORGIA MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS MANUAL