Know Your Responsibilities - Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual

10
• 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 adjusted
according to the manufacturer's
specifications and that the sprockets
are not worn or damaged.
S — Stands
• Ensure the side stand operates
smoothly and that the spring holds
it tightly in the up position. If
equipped, the center stand should
also be held firmly against the frame
whenever the motorcycle is moving.
Additionally, regular maintenance
such as tune-ups and oil changes are as
important for a motorcycle as routine
checkups by your doctor are for you.
Wear and tear is normal with use;
routine maintenance will help prevent
costly breakdowns. The schedule for
regular upkeep for motorcycle parts
and controls is contained in your
motorcycle's owner's manual.
KNOW YOUr
reSPONSiBiLitieS
"Accident" implies an unforeseen
event that occurs without fault or
negligence. In traffic, that is not the
case. In fact, most people involved in a
crash can claim some responsibility for
what takes place.
Consider a situation where someone
decides to drive through an intersection
on a yellow light turning red. Your
light turns green. You pull into the
intersection without checking for
possible traffic. That is all it takes for the
two of you to crash. It was the driver's
responsibility to stop, and it was your
PreParingtoride
responsibility to look before pulling out.
Both of you are at fault. Someone else
might be the first to start the chain of
events leading to a crash, but it doesn't
leave any of us free of responsibility.
As a rider you can't be sure that other
operators will see you or yield the right
of way. To lessen your chances of a
crash occurring:
• Be visible — wear proper clothing,
use your headlight, ride in the best
lane position to see and be seen.
• Communicate your intentions —
use the proper signals, brake light
and lane position.
• Maintain an adequate space
cushion — when following, being
followed, lane sharing, passing and
being passed.
• Search your path of travel 12
seconds ahead.
• Identify and separate hazards.
• Be prepared to act — remain alert
and know how to carry out proper
crash-avoidance skills.
Blame doesn't matter when someone
is injured in a crash. The ability to ride
aware, make critical decisions and carry
them out separates responsible riders
from the rest. Remember, it is up to you
to keep from being the cause of, or an
unprepared participant in, any crash.
testyourself
More than half of all crashes:
A. Occur at speeds greater than
35mph.
B. Happen at night.
C. Are caused by worn tires.
D. Involve riders who have less than
five months of experience on their
motorcycles.
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Answer - page 47