Page 38 - Georgia Motorcycle Operators Manual 2020
P. 38
6SECTION
ROADWAY Stopping Quickly in a Curve Swerving
MANAGEMENT If you must stop quickly while turning or rid- Swerving to avoid a crash may be appropri-
This Section Covers ing in a curve, the best technique is to straighten ate if stopping is not an option. A swerve is any
the motorcycle, square the handlebars and then sudden change in direction. Be sure you have
Crash Avoidance......... 6.1 stop. There may be conditions that do not allow enough time and space to swerve. It can be two
Cornering....................6.2 straightening first, such as running off the road quick turns or a rapid shift to the side. To swerve:
Sharing the Road in a left-hand curve or dealing with oncoming • Apply firm forward pressure to the handgrip
with Commercial traffic in a right-hand curve. In such situations,
Vehicles.......................6.3 apply the brakes smoothly and gradually. As located on the side you want to turn. This
you slow, reduce your lean angle and apply will cause the motorcycle to lean quickly. The
On the road, situations change constantly. more brake pressure until the motorcycle is sharper the turn, the more the motorcycle
As a responsible rider, you know how important straight and maximum brake pressure is pos- must lean.
it is to be in full control of the motorcycle. A sible. You should “straighten” the handlebars • Press forward on the opposite handgrip once
responsible rider knows that good road man- in the last few feet of stopping; the motorcycle you clear the obstacle to return to your origi-
agement starts with knowledge and practice should then be straight up. nal direction of travel.
of SEE. Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) • Keep your body upright and allow the motor-
cycle to lean in the direction of the turn while
6.1 – Crash Avoidance Some motorcycles use this technology to keeping your knees against the tank and your
prevent wheel lock-up. If your motorcycle is feet solidly on the footrests.
No matter how careful you are, there will equipped with anti-lock brakes apply maximum If braking is required, separate it from
be times when you find yourself in a difficult pressure on both the front and rear brakes as swerving. Brake before or after – never while
spot. Your chances of avoiding a crash and pos- quickly and firmly as you can. You may feel a swerving.
sible injury will depend on your ability to react pulsation in the brakes; continue to hold brake Brake, then Swerve
quickly and properly. Two critical crash avoid- pressure until you have completely stopped.
ance skills you will need to learn and practice Most ABS systems are designed to reduce or Swerve, then Brake
are stopping quickly and swerving. prevent wheel lock-up only while riding in a
Stopping Quickly straight line; ABS may not prevent wheel lock-
up while leaned over in a curve or turn.
Stopping a motorcycle quickly and safely is Handling Skids
a skill that requires a lot of practice.
Sometimes a skid cannot be avoided. Here’s
This is accomplished by applying controlled what to do:
pressure to both the front and rear brakes at the • Front-Wheel Skids – If the front wheel
same time without locking either wheel.
locks, release the front brake immediately
To do this: and completely. Reapply the brake smoothly.
• Squeeze the front brake lever and apply Front-wheel skids result in immediate loss
of steering control and balance. Failure to
pressure to the rear brake pedal at the same fully release the brake lever immediately will
time. Do not apply maximum pressure to the result in a crash.
front brake lever and rear brake pedal all at • Rear-Wheel Skids – A skidding rear wheel
once. Gradually increase pressure to the front is a dangerous condition, caused by too much
brake lever as weight is transferred forward rear brake pressure, which can result in a vio-
to the front tire. lent crash and serious injury or death. If the
• Keep your knees against the tank and your rear wheel is skidding, keep the rear brakes
eyes up, looking well ahead. Good riding applied and the front tire pointed straight
posture will help you stop the motorcycle ahead, until you have come to a complete
in a straight line. stop. Do not release the rear brake.
• If the front wheel locks up, release pressure
on the front brake lever to get the tire rolling, Rear-Wheel Skids
then immediately reapply with controlled
gradual pressure. Proper braking. Excessive rear brake
• If the rear wheel locks up, keep it locked until Neither wheel pressure locks rear
you have come to a complete stop. Maintain is locked and wheel. Motorcycle is out
pressure on the rear brake pedal and keep motorcycle is in of alignment and control.
your knees against the tank and your eyes alignment
up. You can still bring the motorcycle to a
controlled stop in a straight line if the rear
wheel locks up.
36 2019-2020 GEORGIA MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS MANUAL
