Know Your Motorcycle - Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual


• 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 sirens. Long term exposure to
engine and wind noise can cause
permanent hearing damage even
if you wear a full face helmet.
Whether you choose disposable
foam plugs or reusable custom
molded devices, be sure you adhere
to state laws regarding hearing
protection.
In cold or wet weather, your clothes
should keep you warm and dry, as
well as protect you from injury. You
cannot control a motorcycle well if
you are numb. Riding for long periods
in cold weather can cause severe chill
and fatigue. A winter jacket should
resist wind and fit snugly at the neck,
wrists and waist. Good-quality rainsuits
designed for motorcycle riding resist
tearing apart or ballooning up at high
speeds.
clothing
KNOW YOUr
MOtOrCYCLe
There are plenty of things on the
highway that can cause you trouble.
Your motorcycle should not be one
of them. To make sure that your
motorcycle won't let you down:
• Start with the right motorcycle
for you.
• Read the owner's manual.
• Be familiar with the motorcycle
controls.
• Check the motorcycle before
every ride.
• Keep it in safe riding condition
between rides.
• Avoid add-ons and modifications
that make your motorcycle harder
to handle.
The Right Motorcycle For You
First, make sure your motorcycle is
right for you. It should "fit" you. Your
feet should reach the ground while
you are seated on the motorcycle, and
the controls should be easy to operate.
Smaller motorcycles are usually easier
for beginners to operate.
At a minimum, your street-legal
motorcycle should have:
• Headlight, taillight and
brakelight�
testyourself
A plastic shatter-resistant face
shield:
A. Is not necessary if you have a
windshield.
B. Only protects your eyes.
C. Helps protect your whole face.
D. Does not protect your face as well
as goggles.
7
1
Answer - page 47