Related Manuals for Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE
Summary of Contents for Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE
- Page 1 V E R M O N T M O T O R C Y C L E M A N U A L 2012 Peter Shumlin, Governor State of Vermont Brian Searles, Secretary Agency of Transportation Robert Ide, Commissioner Department of Motor Vehicles...
- Page 3 This manual will help you become a more knowledgeable rider, make you aware of your limits and those of your motorcycle and increase your safety awareness. To learn to be a safe, defensive driver I would encourage all riders, especially beginners and those riders who haven’t ridden in some time, to...
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Page 4: Table Of Contents
Two-Wheel Motorcycle Test Course Layout Two-Wheel Motorcycle Exercises Three-Wheel Motorcycle Test Course Layout Three-Wheel Motorcycle Exercises Sample Rider Skill Test Score Sheet (Motorcycle) Sample Rider Skill Test Score Sheet (Three-Wheel) Eye and Face Protection Helmet Required in Vermont Deer and Moose on Vermont Highways Part II MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL –... - Page 5 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 application for a non- driver identification card, or in an application for motor vehicle registration, terrain vehicle,...
- Page 6 (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 card issued to him or her by the commissioner;...
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Page 7: Vermont State Holidays
VERMONT STATE HOLIDAYS New Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday in January Washington’s Birthday Monday in February Town Meeting Day Tuesday in March Memorial Day Last Monday in May Independence Day July 4 Bennington Battle Day... -
Page 8: Motorcycle Examination Locations
(Cash is NOT accepted at the mobile office locations) For further information relative to dates, times and a list of services, please call 802.828.2000 or check the Vermont DMV Web Site at: dmv.vermont.gov Practice driving at DMV skill testing courses is NOT permitted. These areas are to be used only when tests are being conducted by an examiner. -
Page 9: Skills Tests
VERMONT MOTORCYCLE SKILLS TEST: Upon satisfactory completion of the knowledge exam each applicant for a motorcycle endorsement will then be required to take and pass an off- road skills test before the endorsement will be issued. The applicant taking the skills test must be wearing an approved helmet and have eye protection, an Insurance Identification Card, and a motorcycle which is registered and (if required) inspected. -
Page 10: Appointments
He or she will end the test at that point. You can come back after you have taken more time to practice and have gained more confidence in handling your motorcycle. In the event that you terminate the test, the entire test must be administered when re-testing. (This also applies when an examiner stops a test). -
Page 11: Motorcycles Defined
3-Wheeled Motorcycles: operators of 3-wheeled motorcycles are required to take the motorcycle learner's permit examination and the motorcycle skills test. After passing the required exams, operators will receive a motorcycle endorsement (M) with a restriction limiting them to operation of 3-wheeled motorcycles only. - Page 12 HOW TO OBTAIN A MOTORCYCLE LEARNER PERMIT: A Vermont licensed resident who does not possess a motorcycle endorsement may obtain a Motorcycle Learner Permit to learn how to operate a motorcycle. To obtain a Motorcycle Learner Permit you must successfully complete a...
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Page 13: Motorcycle Learner Permit Is $17.00
If you hold a valid Motorcycle Learner Permit you may ride the motorcycle to the skill test area on the day of your appointment. If you fail the skills test and your permit has not expired you will, under most circumstances, be allowed to ride away. -
Page 14: Motorcycle Endorsement
Any Vermont licensed individual with a Motorcycle Learner Permit is required to successfully complete a skills test before the endorsement will be issued. There is a fee of $2.00 per year for the motorcycle endorsement. An explanation of the skills test, complete with diagrams, is contained in Part I of this manual. -
Page 15: Motorcycle Rider Training Program
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 valid Vermont Operator License, Junior Operator License or Commercial Driver License. - Page 16 Vermont driver’s license. Students successfully completing the Basic Rider Course will be exempt from taking the Vermont motorcycle knowledge and skill examinations to obtain their motorcycle endorsement . 2. Scooter Basic RiderCourse – (SBRC): This course is for those individuals that have made the decision to ride a scooter.
- Page 17 3. Intermediate Rider Course (IRC): This one-day course is designed for students who have completed the Basic Rider Course within the last 12-months and wish more range practice time on the motorcycle. Emphasis is placed on the skill requirements of the student.
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Page 18: Motorcycle Awareness Classroom Training
The operator of a motor-driven cycle must have a valid Vermont operator license. If you operate a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle on the highway, you are granted all privileges and are subject to all of the rules applicable to the driver of any other type of motor vehicle. -
Page 19: Hand Signals
Be sure to absorb all of its important information. A motorcycle will continue to ride like new if it is properly maintained and routine inspections become part of its maintenance cycle. -
Page 20: Annual Inspection
Leaks Annual Inspection: Your motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must be inspected once each year by an authorized motorcycle or motor-driven cycle inspection station. All uninspected motor vehicles, including motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, must be inspected within 15 days from the date of registration. - Page 21 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 or amber beam to the front and securely mounted on the right side of the sidecar.
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Page 22: Two-Wheel Motorcycle Test Course Layout
Two-Wheel Rider Skill Test Course Layout Part I - 18... -
Page 23: Two-Wheel Motorcycle Exercises
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 and ride toward the opposite side of the course. - Page 24 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 inside the painted box at the far end of the course.
- Page 25 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 crosses the second line, stop as fast as you safely can using both brakes.
- Page 26 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 passes the second line, swerve to the left or right as directed.
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Page 27: Three-Wheel Motorcycle Test Course Layout
Three-Wheel Rider Skill Test Course Layout Part I - 23... -
Page 28: Three-Wheel Motorcycle Exercises
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 toward the opposite end of the course. Make a smooth, non-skidding stop with your front tire inside the box. - Page 29 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 of the course and stop at the Start “T”...
- Page 30 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 tire crosses the second set of cones, stop as fast as you safely can using both brakes.
- Page 31 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 front tire passes the second set of cones, swerve to the left or right as directed.
- Page 32 Part I - 28...
- Page 33 Part I - 29...
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Page 34: Eye And Face Protection
23 V.S.A. §1257: If a motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield or screen, the operator of the motorcycle shall wear either eye glasses, goggles, or a protective face shield when operating the vehicle. The glasses, goggles, or face... -
Page 35: Deer And Moose On Vermont Highways
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 and eyes reflect light from vehicle headlights. - Page 36 Notes...
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Page 37: Motorcycle Safety Foundation
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 a n m s f m a n u a l Edition otorcycle perator anual With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles MSF LICENSING PROGRAMS...
- Page 39 Public Services Research Institute (NPSRI) has helped more than half the states under contract to the National Highway in the nation adopt the Motorcycle Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Operator Manual for use in their and within the terms of a cooperative licensing systems.
- Page 40 Important ���������������������������������������42 PREPARING TO RIDE Alcohol and Other Drugs in Wear the Right Gear ����������������������������5 Motorcycle Operation ��������������������42 Know Your Motorcycle ������������������������7 Alcohol in the Body ����������������������������42 Know Your Responsibilities ���������������10 Alcohol and the Law ��������������������������44 Minimize the Risks �����������������������������44 RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES Step in to Protect Friends ������������������45...
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Page 41: The Rider And The Motorcycle
Along with that freedom comes Successfully piloting a motorcycle is a responsibility. All states require much more involved task than driving a some form of license endorsement car. -
Page 42: Preparing To Ride
And one out of every five motorcycle crash. The single most important thing crashes results in head or neck injuries. you can do to improve your chances of... - Page 43 If you have to deal debris and hot and moving parts of the with them, you can’t devote your full motorcycle. It can also make you more attention to the road. visible to others. Goggles protect your eyes, though •...
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Page 44: Know Your Motorcycle
It should “fit” you. Your designed for motorcycle riding resist feet should reach the ground while tearing apart or ballooning up at high you are seated on the motorcycle, and speeds. the controls should be easy to operate. Smaller motorcycles are usually easier for beginners to operate. -
Page 45: Motorcycle Controls
• Make all the checks you would on And if you lend your motorcycle to your own motorcycle. friends, make sure they are licensed and know how to ride before allowing them •... -
Page 46: Check Your Motorcycle
• Try the horn. Make sure it works. inconvenience for the driver. The same • Clean and adjust your mirrors failure on a motorcycle may result in a before starting. It’s difficult to ride crash or having to leave your motorcycle with one hand while you try to parked on the side of the road. -
Page 47: Know Your Responsibilities
PreParingtoride • Look underneath the motorcycle for responsibility to look before pulling out. signs of an oil or fuel leak. Both of you are at fault. Someone else might be the first to start the chain of C — Chassis events leading to a crash, but it doesn’t... -
Page 48: Ride Within Your Abilities
• Feet — Keep your feet firmly on the This helps you bond with your footrests to maintain balance. - Page 49 Your motorcycle gear. If not, the motorcycle will lurch, has two brake controls: one for the and the rear wheel may skid. When front wheel and one for the rear wheel.
- Page 50 As you slow, you can reduce To do this:...
- Page 51 Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon. • PRESS — To turn, the motorcycle must lean. To lean the motor- cycle, press on the handgrip in In slow, tight turns, counterbalance by the direction of the turn.
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Page 52: Keeping Your Distance
In likely to be seen and you can maintain some ways the size of the motorcycle a space cushion around you. Change can work to your advantage. Each traffic position as traffic situations change. -
Page 53: Following Another Vehicle
A larger cushion of space is needed Following Another Vehicle if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement “Following too closely” is a factor in is slippery, if you cannot see through crashes involving motorcyclists. -
Page 54: Being Followed
Passing When behind a car, ride where the driver can see you in the rearview mirror. 1� Ride in the left portion of the Riding in the center portion of the lane lane at a safe following distance should put your image in the middle of to increase your line of sight and the rearview mirror —... -
Page 55: Lane Sharing
ridewithinyourabilities Being Passed Do not move into the portion of the lane farthest from the passing vehicle. It When you are being passed from might invite the other driver to cut back behind, stay in the center portion of into your lane too early. your lane. -
Page 56: Merging Cars
Merging Cars Cars Alongside Drivers on an entrance ramp may Do not ride next to cars or trucks in not see you on the highway. Give them other lanes if you do not have to. You plenty of room. Change to another lane might be in the blind spot of a car in the if one is open. -
Page 57: See
ridewithinyourabilities riderradar Good, experienced riders are always aware of what is going on around them. They reduce their risk by using MSF’s three- step SEE strategy: • Search • Evaluate • Execute SEE will help you assess what is going on in traffic so you can plan and implement the safest course of action as traffic... -
Page 58: Intersections
Visually Adjust speed to permit two hazards “busy” surroundings could hide you to separate. Then deal with them one and your motorcycle from others. at a time as single hazards. Decision- making becomes more complex with Evaluate three or more hazards. - Page 59 “see” him traffic. Provide a space cushion around or her. The only eyes that you can count the motorcycle that permits you to on are your own. If a car can enter your take evasive action. When approaching path, assume that it will.
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Page 60: Blind Intersections
the intersection, move away from the blindintersections 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 in front of you, especially if there is other traffic around you. -
Page 61: Increasing Conspicuity
Parking at the Roadside you and your motorcycle. Clothing If parking in a parallel parking space next to a curb, position the motorcycle Most crashes occur in broad daylight. at an angle with the rear wheel to the Wear bright-colored clothing to increase curb. -
Page 62: Brake Light
• You slow more quickly than Studies show that, during the day, a others might expect (turning off a motorcycle with its light on is twice as high-speed highway). likely to be noticed. Use low beam at • You slow where others may not night and in fog. -
Page 63: Head Checks
ridewithinyourabilities from behind. If the drivers aren’t usingMirrors 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 behind may not expect you to slow, or may be unsure about where you will slow. -
Page 64: Crash Avoidance
CraSh aVOiDaNCe Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s horn isn’t as loud as a car’s — therefore, use it, No matter how careful you are, there but don’t rely on it. Other strategies, like will be times when you find yourself in a having time and space to maneuver, may tight spot. - Page 65 This will help you keep and gradually. As you slow, you can the motorcycle in as straight a line as reduce your lean angle and apply more possible, minimizing lean angle and the brake pressure until the motorcycle is likelihood of the wheels losing traction.
- Page 66 Even Rear-Wheel Skids slight misalignment can result in a high- A skidding rear tire is a dangerous side crash.
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Page 67: Handling Dangerous Surfaces
Ride within your skill level and posted speed limits. • Make sure the motorcycle is straight. Your best path may not always follow • Rise slightly off the seat with your the curve of the road. - Page 68 Often, the left tire track will the surface. If the motorcycle starts to be the best position, depending on fall, you can catch yourself. Be sure to traffic and other road conditions.
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Page 69: Grooves And Gratings
— your path may carry you into another lane of traffic. Grooves and Gratings Riding over rain grooves or bridge gratings may cause a motorcycle to crosstracks—right weave. The uneasy, wandering feeling is generally not hazardous. Relax, maintain a steady speed and ride straight across. -
Page 70: Mechanical Problems
You must be able to or incorrect tire pressure. If you are tell from the way the motorcycle reacts. carrying a heavy load, lighten it. If you If one of your tires suddenly loses air, can’t, shift it. -
Page 71: Animals
If you need to leave the road to check smoothly against each other, and the the motorcycle (or just to rest), be sure to: engine overheats. The first sign may be • Check the roadside — Make sure... -
Page 72: Carrying Passengers
• Pull off the road — Get as far off the motorcycle about 10 feet from a the road as you can. It can be very wall in an unlighted garage and mark hard to spot a motorcycle by the the headlight beam location on the side of the road. -
Page 73: Riding With Passengers
As you prepare for your ride, tell your • Approach surface hazards such as bumps or uneven road surfaces. passenger to: • Get on the motorcycle only after • Are about to start from a stop or you have started the engine and begin moving into traffic. - Page 74 A. Lean as you lean. obstruct your view of the controls B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat. or instruments. If necessary, pack it C. Sit as far back as possible. only partially full. When strapping D.
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Page 75: Group Riding
The sweep You will also find that the perfor- rider is the last rider in the group, and mance of a fully loaded motorcycle will sets the pace for the group. Place inexperienced riders just behind the be different than what you are used to. -
Page 76: Keep Your Distance
Keep Your Distance Interstate Highways and Freeways Maintain close ranks, but at the same time, maintain an adequate space A staggered formation is essential cushion to allow each rider in the group when riding on freeways and interstates. time and distance to react to hazards. However, enter in single file and form up A close group takes up less space on only after all riders have safely merged... - Page 77 ridewithinyourabilities Passing in Formation grouPPassing (stage1) When the group wants to pass slow traffic on a freeway or interstate, the group may pass as a unit. On a two-lane highway, riders in a staggered formation should pass one at a time. •...
- Page 78 Ten Rules of Group Riding • Do not pass in the group, except in the case of emergency. • Base the length of the route and • Place inexperienced riders just segments on ability of the least behind the leader so they can keep experienced rider.
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Page 79: Being In Shape To Ride
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 and executing decisions quickly and skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road and traffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. - Page 80 Blood Alcohol Concentration A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed drink with one shot (1.5 ounces) of liquor, Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC and a 5-ounce glass of wine all contain is the amount of alcohol in relation to the same amount of alcohol. blood in the body.
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Page 81: Alcohol And The Law
beinginshaPetoride – Four drinks over the span of two If you are convicted of riding under hours, you would have at least two the influence of alcohol or drugs, (4 – 2 = 2) drinks remaining in your you may receive any of the following system at the end of the two hours. -
Page 82: Step In To Protect Friends
• Leave the motorcycle — so you resist. While you may not be thanked at won’t be tempted to ride. Arrange the time, you will never have to say, “If... -
Page 83: Earning Your License
earningyourlicense 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 abilities. It’s even harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. Licensing exams are designed to be scored more objectively. - Page 84 • Selecting safe speeds to perform maneuvers. You may be tested for your ability to: • Choosing the correct path and • Know your motorcycle and your staying within boundaries. riding limits. • Completing normal and quick • Accelerate, brake and turn stops.
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Page 85: Three-Wheel Supplement
4� The vehicle meets all applicable is provided in addition to that offered in federal on-road vehicle standards. the first part of this Motorcycle Operator Manual (MOM), so when preparing The following vehicles are not to take the written test, begin by... - Page 86 Make sure your three-wheel valve, and cut-off switch. Locate motorcycle or sidecar-equipped and operate these items without motorcycle is right for you. You should having to search for them. be able to comfortably reach and operate all of the controls, and be...
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Page 87: Basic Vehicle Control
Turning The tendency of the rear inside wheel to lift during turning is greater with increased speed and tighter curve radii. During a turn, inertia causes the center of gravity of the motorcycle to shift sideways and outward toward the... - Page 88 • Apply the brakes enough to slow wheel of the motorcycle to lift off the the motorcycle to a speed at which ground. you can ride safely through the...
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Page 89: Lane Position
A swerve and motorcycle length, it is not practical is any sudden change of direction. It can to park your motorcycle at a 90 degree be two quick turns or a rapid shift to the angle with your rear wheel touching side when maneuvering the motorcycle. -
Page 90: Carrying Passengers And Cargo
If a passenger is being carried, the passenger will sit directly behind the rider. On a motorcycle with a sidecar, the best place for a passenger is in the sidecar. Never put a single passenger on the saddle; the added weight on the tip-over-line will increase the instability always slow before entering a corner. -
Page 92: Hand Signals
handsignals 1 Single File – 2 Double File – arm and index arm with index finger extended and middle finger straight up. extended straight up. 4 Speed up – 3 Stop – arm extended arm extended straight out, straight down, palm facing up, palm facing swing upward. - Page 93 handsignals 8 Hazard in roadway – on the left, point with left hand; on the right, point with right foot. 9 Highbeam – ap Fuel – tap on top of arm out to side helmet with open pointing to tank with palm down.
- Page 95 The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) purpose is to improve the safety of motorcyclists on the nation’s streets and highways. In an attempt to reduce motorcycle crashes and inju ries, the Foundation has programs in rider education, licensing improve ment, public information and statistics. These programs are designed for both motorcyclists and motorists.
- Page 96 Motorcycle Safety Foundation 2 Jenner, Suite 150 Irvine, CA 92618-3806 www�msf-usa�org...