Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual

Download or browse on-line these Manual  for Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Motorcycle.

Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual Information:

This manual for Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE, given in the PDF format, is available for free online viewing and download without logging on. The guide contains 96 pages, and the size of the file at download is . The document type is Manual .

Download Manual

Summary of Contents:

[Page 1] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

VERMONT MANUAL 2012 Peter Shumlin, Governor State of Vermont Brian Searles, Secretary Agency of Transportation Robert Ide, Commissioner Department of Motor Vehicles MOTORCYCLE ...

[Page 2] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

...

[Page 3] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF MOTOR VEHICLES The motorcycle is a popular and powerful machine which demands skill and attention. As motorcyclists we must exercise extra caution in preparing to ride and while riding. The motorcyclist is ex...

[Page 4] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Part I 23 V.S.A. §202 and §203 1 Vermont State Holidays 3 Motorcycle Examination Locations 4 Skills Tests 5 Appointments 6 Motorcycles Defined 7 Motorcycle Learner Permit 8 Motorcycle Endorsement 10 Mo...

[Page 5] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 1  23 V.S.A. §202 - Impersonating another in an application, or aiding an applicant by false representation: A person who falsely impersonates another in an application for operator license or learner permit, or in an a...

[Page 6] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 2 (4) Display or represent as his or her own any operator license, permit, or nondriver identification card not issued to him or her; or (5) Permit any unlawful use of an operator license, permit, or nondriver identification c...

[Page 7] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 3 VERMONT STATE HOLIDAYS New Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 3 rd Monday in January Washington’s Birthday 3 rd Monday in February Town Meeting Day 1 st Tuesday in March Memorial Day Last Monday...

[Page 8] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 4 MOTORCYCLE EXAMINATION LOCATIONS PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE ONE CENTRAL NUMBER FOR SCHEDULING EXAMS - 802.828.2085 BENNINGTON 120 Depot St Monday – Friday 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 802.447.2756 NEWPORT 100 Main St...

[Page 9] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 5 SKILLS TESTS Skills Tests are given at the following locations: Bennington: AOT Facility, Bowen Road Colchester: AOT Facility, Barnes Avenue, Fort Ethan Allen Montpelier: AOT Facility, Industrial Lane, Berlin, VT Ru...

[Page 10] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 6 In addition, you can stop the test. If you do not feel comfortable attempting any exercise and do not feel you can perform it safely, tell the examiner. He or she will end the test at that point. You can come back after you hav...

[Page 11] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 7 MOTORCYCLES DEFINED 23 V.S.A. §4(18) defines what a motorcycle is. The operator of any vehicle that is considered a motorcycle must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license. Motorcycles: “Motorcycle�...

[Page 12] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 8 tax. An electric personal assistive mobility device is not a motor- driven cycle. Do I have a Motorcycle or a Motor-driven cycle? The vehicle must have a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel with no...

[Page 13] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 9 3. The fee for each knowledge examination is $7.00. The fee for a Motorcycle Learner Permit is $17.00. 4. After the permit is issued you may call 802.828.2085 to schedule an appointment for your skills test. The permit is ...

[Page 14] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 10 OBTAINING A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT HOW TO OBTAIN A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT ON A VERMONT DRIVER LICENSE: Every Vermont resident who operates a motorcycle on the highway in Vermont must hold a valid Vermont Operator, Commerc...

[Page 15] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 11 All applicants applying for a motorcycle endorsement must hold a valid Vermont license. The fee for the knowledge test is $7.00. The fee for the skills test is $18.00. Remember, no tests will be given unless you hold a val...

[Page 16] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 12 The course begins by familiarizing students with the location and operation of controls. Students learn riding skills by practicing on small motorcycles. Students must demonstrate they have the strength, balance and coordinati...

[Page 17] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 13 the course; over the ankle footwear; long sturdy pants; long sleeved shirt or jacket; sturdy full-fingered gloves; protective eyewear. Completion Requirements: Passing score on both the knowledge and skills tests. A mot...

[Page 18] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 14 motorcycle skills including braking, swerving, proper cornering techniques and slow speed maneuvers. MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS CLASSROOM TRAINING A bill passed by the General Assembly gave the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles th...

[Page 19] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 15 HAND SIGNALS: The law requires that all operators signal their intentions, either with a hand signal or with a mechanical or lighting device approved by the Commissioner, before slowing down, stopping or making a turn, pulli...

[Page 20] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 16 convenient reminder is T-CLOCS. It is recommended that you follow the T-CLOCS inspection before every ride. T – Tires and Wheels  Air pressure  Tread  Cracks, dents, loose spokes  Bearings  Brakes...

[Page 21] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 17 passenger is to be carried. High-rise handlebars with the hand grips over 15 inches above the saddle are not permitted. A sidecar attached to any motorcycle shall be equipped with an approved light showing either a white ...

[Page 22] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 18 Two-Wheel Rider Skill Test Course Layout ...

[Page 23] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 19 Two-Wheel Motorcycle Exercises  Exercise # 1 ~ Cone Weave & Normal Stop: From the start point ride to the right of the first cone, to the left of the second, and so on. After passing the last cone turn left ...

[Page 24] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 20  Exercise # 2 ~ Turn From a Stop & U-Turn: From the start point make a right turn between the boundary lines. After completing the turn, diagonally cross to the opposite side of the course and make a left U-Turn ...

[Page 25] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 21  Exercise # 3 ~ Quick Stop: From the start point accelerate straight up the path. Stabilize your speed between 12 – 20 m.p.h. by the time you reach the first line. Maintain a steady speed. When your front tire cros...

[Page 26] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 22  Exercise # 4 ~ Obstacle Swerve: From the start point accelerate straight up the path. Stabilize your speed between 12 – 20 m.p.h. by the time you reach the first line. Maintain a steady speed. When your front tire...

[Page 27] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 23 Three-Wheel Rider Skill Test Course Layout ...

[Page 28] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 24 Three-Wheel Motorcycle Exercises  Exercise # 1 ~ Left Turn & Normal Stop: From the start point ride straight ahead and make a sharp left turn between the boundary lines and the single cone marker. Then ride ...

[Page 29] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 25  Exercise # 2 ~ Cone Weave & Turn From a Stop: From the start point ride to the left of the first cone, to the right of the second and to the left of the third. After passing the last cone turn right at the end ...

[Page 30] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 26  Exercise # 3 ~ Quick Stop: From the start point accelerate straight up the path. Stabilize your speed between 12 – 20 m.p.h. by the time you reach the first set of cones. Maintain a steady speed. When your front t...

[Page 31] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 27  Exercise # 4 ~ Obstacle Swerve: From the start point accelerate straight up the path. Stabilize your speed between 12 – 20 m.p.h. by the time you reach the first set of cones. Maintain a steady speed. When your fr...

[Page 32] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 28 ...

[Page 33] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 29 ...

[Page 34] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 30 EYE AND FACE PROTECTION (CLARIFICATION OF “HELMET USE” SECTION IN PART II OF THIS MANUAL): In the “Helmet Use” section (in PART II of this manual) reasons are given why a face shield on a helmet gives the most eye a...

[Page 35] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part I - 31 DEER AND MOOSE ON VERMONT HIGHWAYS:  Moose and deer also share our roadways.  Their presence is most likely during the late evening, nighttime and early morning hours.  Deer are easiest to spot because their fur...

[Page 36] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Notes ...

[Page 37] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Part II MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL Published by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation The following Motorcycle Operator Manual should be studied in addition to Part I of this manual. ...

[Page 38] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL MSF LICENSING PROGRAMS a n m s f m a n u a l With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles 16 th Edition ...

[Page 39] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

2 Preface Welcome to the Sixteenth Edition of the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (MOM). Operating a motorcycle safely in traffic requires special skills and knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has made this manual available to ...

[Page 40] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

contents 3contents THE RIDER AND THE MOTORCYCLE ���������������������������4 PREPARING TO RIDE Wear the Right Gear �������������������������...

[Page 41] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

4 the rider and the Motorcycle Motorcycling is a unique experience. Compared to a car, you don’t sit in a motorcycle, you become part of it. Not as a passive driver, but as an active rider arcing into a string of smooth corners, playing...

[Page 42] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

PreParing to ride 5 What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to: 1� Wear the right gear� 2� ...

[Page 43] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

6 PreParing to ride Whatever helmet you decide on, keep it securely fastened on your head when you ride. Otherwise, if you are involved in a crash, it’s likely to fly off your head before it gets a chance to protect you. Eye and Face Prot...

[Page 44] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

7 • Gloves allow a better grip and help protect your hands in a crash. Your gloves should be made of leather or similar durable material. • Hearing protection reduces noise while allowing you to hear important sounds such as car horns or ...

[Page 45] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

8 PreParing to ride • Front and rear brakes� • Turn signals� • Horn� • Two mirrors� Borrowing and Lending Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles, beware. Crashes are fairly common among beginning riders — especially in the first ...

[Page 46] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

9 • Know the controls� Work the throttle, clutch, brakes, and shifter a few times before you start riding. • Ride very cautiously and be aware of surroundings. Accelerate gently, take turns more slowly and leave extra room for stopping. ...

[Page 47] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

10 PreParing to ride • Look underneath the motorcycle for signs of an oil or fuel leak. C — Chassis • Check the front suspension. Ensure there is no binding. The rear shocks and springs should move smoothly. • Be sure the chain is adju...

[Page 48] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

ride within your abilities 11 This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance. That’s something you can learn only through practice, preferably in a formal course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse. But control begins...

[Page 49] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

12 ride within your abilities for neutral, which is selected by either a “half lift” from 1st gear or a “half press” from 2nd gear. Most motorcycles have five gears, but some have four or six gears. As your motorcycle increases speed,...

[Page 50] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

13 slow or stop. The front brake is more powerful and can provide at least 70% of your total stopping power. The front brake is safe to use if you use it properly. Maximum straight-line braking is accomplished by fully applying both front an...

[Page 51] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

14 ride within your abilities Turning Approach turns and curves with caution. Riders often try to take curves or turns too fast. When they can’t hold the turn, they end up crossing into another lane of traffic or going off the road. Or, the...

[Page 52] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

15 KeePiNg YOUr DiStaNCe The best protection you can have is distance — a “cushion of space” — separating yourself from other vehicles on the roadway. This will provide you with a clear view of emerging traffic situations, so that if ...

[Page 53] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

16 ride within your abilities average center strip permits adequate traction to ride on safely. You can operate to the left or right of the grease strip and still be within the center third of the traffic lane. Avoid riding on big buildups of...

[Page 54] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

17 When behind a car, ride where the driver can see you in the rearview mirror. Riding in the center portion of the lane should put your image in the middle of the rearview mirror — where a driver is most likely to see you. Riding at the fa...

[Page 55] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

18 ride within your abilities Being Passed When you are being passed from behind, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding close to the passing vehicle could put you in a hazardous situation. Avoid being hit by: • The other vehicle �...

[Page 56] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

19 Merging blind sPots Merging Cars Drivers on an entrance ramp may not see you on the highway. Give them plenty of room. Change to another lane if one is open. If there is no room for a lane change, adjust speed to open up space for the mergi...

[Page 57] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

20 ride within your abilities considered enough time and space to swerve and/or brake for fixed hazards or for someone or something entering your path of travel. Finally, experienced riders search for hazards that are further out, looking ahe...

[Page 58] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

21 To reduce your reaction time, you should: A. Ride slower than the speed limit. B. Cover the clutch and the brakes. C. Shift into neutral when slowing. D. Pull in the clutch when turning. test yourself 5 Answer - page 47 • Hazardous road co...

[Page 59] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

22 ride within your abilities There are no guarantees that others see you. Never count on “eye contact” as a sign that a driver will yield. Too often, a driver looks right at a motorcyclist and still fails to “see” him or her. The only...

[Page 60] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

23 stoP signs Parked cars the intersection, move away from the vehicle. Do not change speed or position radically, as drivers might think you are preparing to turn. Be prepared to brake hard and hold your position if an oncoming vehicle turns ...

[Page 61] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

24 ride within your abilities A bigger problem can occur if the driver pulls away from the curb without checking for traffic behind. Even if he does look, he may fail to see you. In either event, the driver might cut into your path. Slow down...

[Page 62] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

25 have the headlights on when running). Studies show that, during the day, a motorcycle with its light on is twice as likely to be noticed. Use low beam at night and in fog. Signals The signals on a motorcycle are similar to those on a car. T...

[Page 63] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

26 ride within your abilities from behind. If the drivers aren’t paying attention, they could be on top of you before they see you. • Before you change lanes� Make sure no one is about to pass you. • Before you slow down� The driver b...

[Page 64] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

27 Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s horn isn’t as loud as a car’s — therefore, use it, but don’t rely on it. Other strategies, like having time and space to maneuver, may be appropriate along with the horn. Riding at Night At night it...

[Page 65] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

28 ride within your abilities Stopping Quickly in a Curve If you know the technique, using both brakes in a turn is possible, although it should be done very carefully. When leaning the motorcycle some of the traction is used for cornering...

[Page 66] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

29 Front-Wheel Skids If the front wheel locks, release the front brake immediately and completely. Reapply the brake smoothly. Front- wheel skids result in immediate loss of steering control and balance. Failure to fully release the brake lever...

[Page 67] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

30 ride within your abilities a curve or turn and colliding with the roadway or a fixed object. Every curve is different. Be alert to whether a curve remains constant, gradually widens, gets tighter or involves multiple turns. Ride within your...

[Page 68] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

31 The best way to stop quickly is to: A. Use the front brake only. B. Use the rear brake first. C. Throttle down and use the front brake. D. Use both brakes at the same time. test yourself 8 Answer - page 47 obstacles can cause a skid. Be a...

[Page 69] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

32 ride within your abilities Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams Usually it is safer to ride straight within your lane to cross tracks. Turning to take tracks head-on (at a 90˚ angle) can be more dangerous — your path may car...

[Page 70] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

33 MeChaNiCaL PrOBLeMS You can find yourself in an emergency the moment something goes wrong with your motorcycle. In dealing with any mechanical problem, take into account the road and traffic conditions you face. Here are some guidelines ...

[Page 71] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

34 ride within your abilities Drive Train Problems The drive train for a motorcycle uses either a chain, belt, or drive shaft to transfer power from the engine to the rear wheel. Routine inspection, adjustment, and maintenance makes failure a ...

[Page 72] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

35 • Pull off the road — Get as far off the road as you can. It can be very hard to spot a motorcycle by the side of the road. You don’t want someone else pulling off at the same place you are. • Park carefully — Loose and sloped sh...

[Page 73] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

36 ride within your abilities If you are chased by a dog: A. Kick it away. B. Stop until the animal loses interest. C. Swerve around the animal. D. Approach the animal slowly, then speed up. test yourself 11 Answer - page 47 As you prepare fo...

[Page 74] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

37 Passengers should: A. Lean as you lean. B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat. C. Sit as far back as possible. D. Never hold onto you. test yourself 12 Answer - page 47 Tips for Traveling with Passengers and Cargo • Keep the load forward. P...

[Page 75] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

38 ride within your abilities Pre-Ride Test Prior to starting out, take a test ride with your fully loaded motorcycle through some familiar neighborhood roads to get a feel for the operation of your motorcycle. Be sure the suspension settings...

[Page 76] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

39 Keep Your Distance Maintain close ranks, but at the same time, maintain an adequate space cushion to allow each rider in the group time and distance to react to hazards. A close group takes up less space on the highway, is easier to see, an...

[Page 77] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

40 ride within your abilities When riding in a group, inexperienced riders should position themselves: A. Just behind the leader. B. In front of the group. C. At the tail end of the group. D. Beside the leader. test yourself 13 Answer - page...

[Page 78] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

41 Ten Rules of Group Riding • Base the length of the route and segments on ability of the least experienced rider. • Take timely breaks to prevent loss of concentration and reduce fatigue. • Adjust the pace through curves to the abili...

[Page 79] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

42 being in shaPe to ride being in shaPe to ride 42 Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders pay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle, identifying potential hazards, making good judgments ...

[Page 80] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

43 43 Blood Alcohol Concentration Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC is the amount of alcohol in relation to blood in the body. Generally, alcohol can be eliminated in the body at the rate of almost one drink per hour. But a variety of other...

[Page 81] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

44 being in shaPe to ride – Four drinks over the span of two hours, you would have at least two (4 – 2 = 2) drinks remaining in your system at the end of the two hours. You would need at least another two hours to eliminate the two remainin...

[Page 82] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

45 Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’t controlled your drinking, you must control your riding. • Leave the motorcycle — so you won’t be tempted to ride. Arrange another way to get home. • Wait — If you exceed your limit, wait until ...

[Page 83] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

46 earning your license Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilitie...

[Page 84] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

47 Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages) 1-C, 2-D, 3-D, 4-A, 5-B, 6-C, 7-D 8-D, 9-C, 10-C, 11-D, 12-A, 13-A, 14-C Answers to Knowledge Test (left): 1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-C, 5-B On-Motorcycle Skill Test Basic vehicle control and...

[Page 85] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

48 three-wheel suPPleMent SUPPLeMeNtarY iNFOrMatiON FOr three-WheeL MOtOrCYCLeS Many states require a separate license endorsement to operate a three-wheel motorcycle. This requires the rider to pass both a written and a skills test. The purp...

[Page 86] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

49 Three-Wheel Motorcycle Designs Three-wheel motorcycle designs vary among manufacturers. Unlike traditional motorcycles, which are considered single-track motorcycles, three-wheel motorcycles could be either dual or triple track design. Du...

[Page 87] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

50 three-wheel suPPleMent • Operate all the controls before you start riding. Know the gearshift pattern and operate the throttle, clutch and brakes a few times. Controls react differently on different motorcycles, and exact locations of con...

[Page 88] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

51 tip-over line. The reduced weight over the opposite side wheel can cause it to lift slightly. The weight of a three-track motorcycle is distributed almost equally between the two front or two rear wheels. These motorcycles handle the same ...

[Page 89] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

52 three-wheel suPPleMent Lane Position The track of the dual wheels of a three-wheel motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecar is almost the same width as some automobiles. Unlike a motorcycle, you are limited, therefore, in lane positioning. Ke...

[Page 90] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

53 always slow before entering a corner. The best path to follow in the curve may not be the one that follows the curve of the road. Following the center of the lane may actually increase the tip over forces. Check opposing traffic carefully,...

[Page 91] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

54 ...

[Page 92] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

hand signals 3 Stop – arm extended straight down, palm facing back. 7 You Lead/Come– arm extended upward 45 degrees, palm forward pointing with index finger, swing in arc from back to front. 6 Follow Me – arm extended straight u...

[Page 93] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

hand signals ad Turn Signal On– open and close hand with fingers and thumb extended. aa Comfort Stop– forearm extended, fist clenched with short up and down motion. 9 Highbeam– tap on top of helmet with open palm down. 8 Hazard i...

[Page 94] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

EMERGENCY INFORMATION Rider's Name __________________________________________________________Blood Type ________________ Allergies/Medical Conditions _______________________________________________________________________ Doctor's Name/Phon...

[Page 95] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Motorcycles Make sense – so does Professional training Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate, fun to ride and easy to park. Unfortunately, many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safely. Professional training for beginning and ex...

[Page 96] Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE

Motorcycle Safety Foundation 2 Jenner, Suite 150 Irvine, CA 92618-3806 www�msf-usa�org ...