Page 25 - Final GA Motorcycle Operators Manual Updated June 2021

SECTION 4

VEHICLE CONTROL Mounting the Motorcycle Riding Posture
SKILLS To mount the motorcycle, stand on the left
side of the motorcycle. Keep your eyes up
toward the horizon. Grasp both handgrips,
This Section Covers squeeze the front brake to keep the motorcycle
from rolling, and swing your right leg over the
Getting Started ..........4.1 seat. Sit and straighten the bike; raise the side
stand with your foot.
Riding in a Starting the Engine
Straight Line .............. 4.2 1. Turn the fuel valve (if equipped) and ignition
Shifting Gears ........... 4.3 switch ON.
2. Shift to NEUTRAL. Do not rely on the indi-
Stopping .....................4.4 cator light. Rock the motorcycle back and
forth without squeezing the clutch lever. If
Turning ...................... 4.5 the motorcycle rolls freely, it’s in neutral. Handgrip Position
3. Turn the engine cut-off switch to ON.
4. Turn the choke ON for cold starts. Many
The following section offers basic riding motorcycles require squeezing the clutch
information on getting started, shifting gears, before the starter will operate. This is also a
stopping, straight-line riding and turning. These good precaution against accidentally starting
basic skills are important to learn before mov- the bike in gear and reduces the load on the
ing onto more complex skills. starter motor.
5. Press the starter button. Avoid using the
throttle; the motorcycle should start without
4.1 – Getting Started it. Many motorcycles have a safety mecha-
nism that cuts power to the motor if the bike
Pre-trip Inspection - “TCLOCS is placed in gear with the side stand down; so
if you haven’t brought the side stand up, do
(TCLOCS is a Service Mark of MSF) it now. If the motor doesn’t start in the first 5 Friction Zone
to 8 seconds, stop and repeat the steps above.
T = Tires and Wheels
Stopping the Engine, Dismounting
• Air pressure
and Securing the Motorcycle
• Tread
1. Turn the engine cut-off switch to OFF. Turn
• Cracks, dents, loose spokes the ignition OFF. Turn the fuel valve OFF
if your motorcycle has one. Make sure all
• Bearings
lights are off.
• Brakes
2. To dismount, put the side stand down. Lean
C = Controls the motorcycle onto the side stand. While Gearshift Pattern
looking up and grasping both handgrips
• Levers squeeze the front brake and swing your right
leg over. Turn the handlebar fully toward the
• Switches
side stand for stability.
• Cables
3. After dismounting engage the fork lock or
• Hoses other security device, and then remove igni-
tion key.
• Throttle
L = Lights and Electrics 4.2 – Riding in a Straight Line
• Working condition
Riding Posture
O = Oil and Other Fluids
To properly control a motorcycle: the controls so you can easily and quickly
(Coolant, hydraulic fluid, fuel)
• Posture – Keep your back straight and head use them.
• Levels and eyes up. Sit so you can use your arms
to steer the motorcycle rather than to hold Friction Zone
• Leaks
yourself up.
Since most motorcycles have a manual trans-
C = Chassis • Hands – Hold the handgrips firmly. Start mission, you will need to use the “friction zone”
with your right wrist flat. This will help you to start the motorcycle moving and to prevent
• Suspension
to control the throttle. stalling. The friction zone is the point on the
• Drive components (chain, belt, or driveshaft) clutch where the engine’s power begins to trans-
• Knees – Keep your knees close to the gas
tank when the motorcycle is moving. mit to the rear wheel. As you reach the friction
S = Stands zone, roll on the throttle and the motorcycle will
• Feet – Keep your feet on the footrests when start moving forward. Do not fully release the
• Side stand
the motorcycle is moving and avoid point- clutch lever until your motorcycle is moving
• Center stand ing your toes down. Keep your feet near and stable.
Georgia Motorcycle Operators Manual 23