APRILIA RS 50 - 1999 Manual page 18

The instructions given below cover normal
operation of your motorcycle and must be
carefully observed. By following these
rules you will enhance your own safety and
the safety of those around you. You will
also maximize the life and utility of your
motorcycle.
Motorcycles obviously do not provide some
of the protection provided by automobiles,
therefore it is essential that you wear ap-
propriate protective clothing. Especially,
never operate your motorcycle without
wearing your helmet, gloves, eye protec-
tion, a heavy jacket, sturdy footwear, and
sturdy full length pants.
However, do not assume that even the
best clothing and helmet will protect you in
the event of an upset or a crash with anoth-
er motorcycle. At best, this gear provides
some protection from scrapes and scratch-
es, but very little, if any, impact protection.
Be sure that you meet all the requirements
prescribed by local law, including driver's li-
cense, minimum age, training, insurance,
taxes, motorcycle registration, license plate,
etc.
When you first receive your motorcycle,
practice by riding in areas where there is
little traffic. Do not attempt to ride in heavy
traffic until you are thoroughly experienced
and riding your motorcycle has become
second nature to you.
Most states prohibit the operation of this
size motorcycle on freeways or express-
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18 use and maintenance RS 50
ways, be sure that it is legal to use your
motorcycle before you take any particular
road.
A new motorcycle must be carefully broken
in, see p. 53 (RUNNING-IN).
Before starting the engine, make sure that
the brakes, clutch, transmission and throt-
tle controls function properly and that the
fuel and oil supply is adequate.
The exhaust system, brakes, and some
other parts of the motorcycle become very
hot during operation. Do not touch any of
these parts.
Some medicines or drugs, illegal or pre-
scription, and alcohol significantly increase
the risk of accidents. Do not ride while you
are under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
be they illicit or prescription. Make sure
you are in good physical condition and not
ill before riding your motorcycle. Do not
ride your motorcycle when you are particu-
larly tired or fatigued. Alcohol, drugs and
fatigue are leading causes of motorcycle
accidents.
Many accidents are caused by the rider's
inexperience and lack of training. Do not
ride your motorcycle until you have re-
ceived training from a recognized training
organization such as the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation. Remember that riding a mo-
torcycle, though easy and fun, is quite dif-
ferent from driving a car. Do not assume
that you can operate your motorcycle safe-
ly just because you are a competent auto-
mobile driver.
Never lend your motorcycle to others unless
you are sure that they are competent and
properly licensed motorcycle operators.