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vehicle, it is essential to adopt a "defensive" riding attitude, particularly in the adverse weather conditions
described above.
When riding down long hills, reduce the speed of your motorcycle by closing the throttle and using a low
gear ratio to take advantage of engine braking. Use the front and rear brakes as little as possible to
maintain your speed, in order to prevent brake overheating and fade.
Special attention should be given to the braking system, which plays a key role in ensuring safety. When
braking, always take account of the speed of the vehicle and the condition of the road surface.
The braking action should always be applied gently and gradually to both wheels.
Performing this operation and, more in general, riding the vehicle always requires the utmost care. The-
refore, caution should be exercised by all users, and in particular by inexperienced riders.
When you make a turn, avoid sudden braking. Failure to observe this warning could lead to the sliding of
the wheels and the loss of control of the vehicle. Always operate the brakes before starting a turn.
When you are laterally blown by a sudden gust of wind (as it may happen when you're overtaken by a
vehicle of great dimensions, when you come out of a tunnel or when you're driving in a hilly zone), you
could lose control of the vehicle. While driving under the above mentioned conditions, reduce your
speed and be careful to avoid sideways gusts of wind.
Maintain a safe distance behind vehicles in front of you and adjust your speed to the weather and traffic
conditions. Remember that, as your bike picks up speed, stopping distances increase and the motor-
cycle becomes more difficult to control. In any case, never exceed the speed limits imposed by the
Highway Code.
It is strictly forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs before riding. Even very small amounts
of these substances adversely affect the rider's ability to control the vehicle.
HELMET
Wearing the helmet when you ride a motorcycle in many countries, including Italy, is compulsory. Howe-
ver, wherever this obligation doesn't exist, it is absolutely advisable to wear a helmet, taking care of cho-
osing a homologated and of the right size one. If the helmet has no visor take care of wearing
appropriate protective glasses during your riding.
The helmet has to be always laced up. If you carry a passenger you better make sure that he wears cor-
rectly a homologated helmet. Never wear light helmet DGM (they can be used in Italy only for riding
mopeds).
2.1.6
Protective clothing
Always wear suitable protective clothing.
In particular, the following items should be worn:
• A close fitting jacket, made of tough material and easy to fasten.
• Supple, reinforced gloves providing both sensitivity and protection.
• Strong, close-fitting trousers covering the legs completely.
• Soft, reinforced boots providing both sensitivity and protection.
In any case, the clothes must allow complete freedom of movement and not hamper the rider in any way.
In addition, they must have no loose parts capable of catching in the control levers, the footrests, the
wheels, the drive chain, etc., in order to avoid dangerous situations.
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