COLORADO

Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

PUBLISHED BY THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

DR 2336 (08/27/12) Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

This Motorcycle Operator ’s Handbook has been The MOST program also offers the Advanced Rider
prepared to inform you of the basic knowledge Course for experienced riders. In this course you
and skills necessary for the safe operation of a will learn advanced riding techniques and defensive
2- or 3-wheel motorcycle. strategies. Call the telephone number listed on the back
cover of this manual or visit www.comotorcyclesafety.com
This handbook is a supplement to the Colorado Driver
to locate a MOST training site near you.
Handbook. For details on Colorado driving laws, please
refer to the Colorado Driver Handbook. This handbook also covers safe operation of a 3-wheel
motorcycle. It is important to understand there are
Motorcycling is fun and exciting. There is nothing like
differences between 2- and 3-wheel motorcycles.
seeing the world from behind the handlebars of your
Three-wheel motorcycle rider education is available
own motorcycle, but you need to know what you are
in Colorado. The curriculum used has been developed
doing. Unfortunately, many riders teach themselves
by Evergreen Safety Council Sidecar/Trike Education
or rely on tips from friends. Even after several years
Program. In the Novice course, you will learn 3-
of riding, many do not have the knowledge and skills
wheeling skills through classroom instruction as well
to avoid a crash.
as instruction on a 3-wheel vehicle. With the Advanced
If you are thinking about buying a 2- or 3-wheel motor- course, you will learn advanced techniques and
cycle for the first time, or if you have been riding for a defensive strategies.
while, think about motorcycle rider education now!
Keep this handbook for reference even after you have
The Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) become a licensed rider and refresh your knowledge
program is designed to prepare you to ride a occasionally to assure yourself and others that you are
motorcycle in the safest possible manner. In the a qualified rider.
Basic Rider Course you will learn motorcycling skills
For the purpose of this handbook, “motorcycle” will
through on-cycle training as well as in the classroom.
refer to both 2- and 3-wheel motorcycles, except where
The curriculum used has been developed by the
specific notations of 3-wheels are noted.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation and is based upon 25
years of research.

Cover photo courtesy Tomas Vojtek

www.mindandsoulimages.com

1
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR LICENSING....... 3 13. CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO...........14
13.1 Passengers.............................................................. 14
2. PREPARING TO RIDE......................................... 3
13.2 Carrying Loads...................................................... 14
2.1 Wear the Right Gear ............................................... 3
2.2 Check the Motorcycle............................................. 4 14. GROUP RIDING.....................................................14
2.3 Become Familiar with the Motorcycle ................ 5 14.1 Keep the Group Small.......................................... 14
14.2 Keep the Group Together..................................... 15
3. CONTROL FOR SAFETY..................................... 5 14.3 Keep Your Distance............................................... 15
3.1 Body Position and Posture..................................... 5
3.2 Turning .................................................................... 5 15. YOUR MOTORCYCLE....................................... 15
3.3 Braking ..................................................................... 6 15.1 The Right Equipment........................................... 15
3.4 Shifting Gears.......................................................... 6 15.2 Motorcycle Care ................................................... 16

4. SEE AND BE SEEN ............................................... 6 16. MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR SKILLS TEST.... 16

16.1 Sidecar/Trike Education Program
4.1 Using Your Mirrors ................................................ 7
(S/TEP) Skills Test................................................ 16
4.2 Head Checks............................................................ 7
General Motorcycle Test Course........ Inside Back
4.3 Horns ....................................................................... 7 Cover
5. LANE POSITION .................................................. 7

6. KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE ............................ 8

6.1 Distance in Front .................................................... 8
6.2 Distance Behind ...................................................... 8
6.3 Distance to the Side ................................................ 8

7. SIPDE ...................................................................... 9

8. DANGEROUS SURFACES.................................. 9
8.1 Slippery Surfaces..................................................... 9
8.2 Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ........................... 10

9. RIDING AT NIGHT............................................. 11

10. COLLISION AVOIDANCE............................... 11

10.1 Quick Stops ........................................................... 11
10.2 Swerving or Turning Quickly.............................. 11
10.3 Riding in a Curve ................................................. 12
10.4 Cornering............................................................... 12

11. MECHANICAL PROBLEMS............................. 12

11.1 Tire Failure ............................................................. 12
11.2 Stuck Throttle ........................................................ 12
11.3 Wobble.................................................................... 13
11.4 Chain Problems..................................................... 13
11.5 Engine Seizure....................................................... 13

12. SPECIAL SITUATIONS..................................... 13

12.1 Flying Objects........................................................ 13
12.2 Animals................................................................... 13
12.3 Getting Off the Road............................................. 13
12.4 Hills......................................................................... 13
2
 Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

1. MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR LICENSING sion to ride with another adult who meets the requirements
It is illegal for you to operate a motorcycle on a public street of having a valid driver’s license endorsed for motorcycles.
or highway in Colorado unless you have a valid license that The driving test is the most important part of the
specifically authorizes the operation of such vehicles. The examination because it provides you with the opportunity to
general motorcycle endorsement “M” qualifies you to ride demonstrate your ability to drive safely. You must provide a
a 2- or 3-wheel motorcycle. Colorado also issues a separate properly registered and insured motorcycle to be used in the
endorsement “3” that authorizes the operation of 3-wheel test. Make certain you are familiar with it and all the controls.
motorcycles, only. Low-power scooters (engine size of 50cc
or less or 4476 watts or less, if electric. 40 mph max.) do not For drivers under 18 years of age, the DR 2324, Drive Time
qualify as motorcycles but Colorado law requires that you Log Sheet, required for a regular license, is not necessary for
have at least a basic driver’s license to operate a low-power the addition of the M or 3 endorsement.
scooter on public streets. 2. PREPARING TO RIDE
The State of Colorado no longer issues new “Motorcycle As a rider, what you do before you start a trip goes a long
Only” licenses. The motorcycle endorsement will be part way toward determining whether or not you’ll get where
of a regular or CDL license, only. The “M” will no longer be you want to go safely. Before taking a trip, a safe rider makes
issued as a separate class of license. a point to:
To add a general or 3-wheel motorcycle endorsement to your • Wear the right gear.
existing Colorado driver’s license you must be at least 16
years of age and pass all required examinations: • Check the motorcycle equipment.

• Driving record review. • Become familiar with the motorcycle.

• Physical aptitude review. 2.1 WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR: When you ride, your gear
is right if it protects you. In any crash, you have a far better
• Vision test. chance of avoiding serious injury if you wear:
• Pass a motorcycle written test (pass the basic written test • An approved helmet.
requirements if you do not have a valid driver’s license).
• Face or eye protection.
• Pass the motorcycle operator’s driving skill test at a State
• Protective clothing.
Driver’s License Office or with a certified third-party
tester. State Driver’s License Offices are equipped to test HELMET: Crashes are not rare events-particularly among
2/3-wheel motorcycles. If you pass a skills test on a three- beginning drivers. One of every five motorcycle crashes
wheel motorcycle, the endorsement “3” will appear on reported results in head or neck injuries. Head injuries
your license. are just as severe as neck injuries, and far more common.
Research shows that wearing a helmet reduces your risk of
• Pay the required fees. neck or head injury. Colorado Revised Statute 42-2-1502 (4.5)
If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must states that a person shall not operate or ride as a passenger on
sign an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship for you to be a motorcycle or low-power scooter unless each person under
issued your instruction permit. You must hold your motor- 18 years of age is wearing an approved motorcycle helmet.
cycle instruction permit for 12 months and be 16 years of age An approved helmet lets you see as far to the sides as neces-
before you can add the endorsement to your driver’s license. sary. A study of more than 900 motorcycle crashes, where 40
If you are between 15 and 16 years of age, you must have percent of the riders wore helmets, failed to find even one
completed a Motorcycle Operator Skills Training (MOST) case in which a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger.
program, and show proof of completion, prior to receiving
your instruction permit. Most crashes happen on short trips (less than five miles long)
just a few minutes after starting out.
A motorcycle instruction permit allows you to oper-
Even low-speed crashes can be fatal. Most riders are going
ate a motorcycle while under the immediate, proximate
slower than 30 M.P.H. when they get hurt. At these speeds,
supervision of an adult who is at least 21 years of age
helmets can cut both the number and the severity of head
and holds a valid COLORADO license endorsed for
injuries by half.
motorcycles. If you are under the age of 18, per Colorado Re-
vised Statute 42-2-106, if you are not riding with your MOST No matter what the speed, unhelmeted riders are three
instructor or the parent or guardian who signed your Affidavit times more likely to die of head injuries than are riders
of Liability, you must have your parent or guardian’s permis- who are wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
3
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

HELMET SELECTIONS: There are two primary types of warm and dry, as well as protect you from injury. You can-
helmets, providing two different levels of coverage, three- not control a motorcycle well if you are numb from cold.
quarter and full face. 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 rain
suits designed for riding resist tearing apart or ballooning
up at high speeds.
Jacket and pants should cover your arms and legs com-
pletely. They should fit snugly, yet loosely enough to move
freely. Leather offers the most protection, but heavy denim
does an adequate job in most cases. Sturdy synthetic mate-
Whichever style you choose, you can receive the most rial provides a lot of protection as well. Wear a jacket even
protection out of that type helmet by making sure it meets in warm weather. Many jackets are designed to protect you
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Hel- without getting you overheated, even on summer days.
mets with labels from the American National Standards
Boots or shoes should be high enough to cover your ankles
Institute (ANSI), or the Snell Memorial Foundation give
and sturdy enough to give them support. Soles should be
you added assurance of quality. It should fit snugly all the
made of hard, durable material. Heels should be short, so
way around and have no obvious defects such as cracks,
they do not catch on rough surfaces. Tuck laces in so they
loose padding, or frayed straps.
won’t catch on your motorcycle.
Whatever helmet you decide on, make sure to keep it
Gloves give you a better grip and help protect your hands
securely fastened on your head when you ride. Otherwise,
in a crash. Your gloves should be made of leather or heavy
if you are involved in a crash, the helmet is likely to fly off
cloth.
your head before it has a chance to protect you.
2.2 CHECK THE MOTORCYCLE: Make a complete
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION: A plastic face shield can
check of your motorcycle before you ride.
help protect your whole face in a crash. The helmet also
protects you from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, and stones TIRES: Check the air pressure.
thrown up from cars ahead. FLUIDS: Oil and fuel levels. Look under the motorcycle
Goggles protect your eyes, but they won’t protect the rest for signs of oil and gas leaks.
of your face the way a face shield does. A windshield is no HEADLIGHT AND TAILLIGHT: Test your dimmer
substitute for a face shield or goggles. Most windshields switch to make sure both high and low beams are working.
will not protect your eyes from wind.
TURN SIGNALS: Turn on both right and left turn signals.
Tinted eye protection should not be worn at night or any Make sure all four lights flash.
other time when little light is available.
BRAKE LIGHT: Try both controls and make sure each one
To be effective, eye or face shield protection must: turns on the brake light.
• Be free of scratches. CLUTCH AND THROTTLE: Make sure they work
• Be made of shatterproof material. smoothly. The throttle should snap back when you let go.

• Give a clear view to either side. MIRRORS: Clean and adjust both mirrors before starting
out.
• Fasten securely, so it does not blow off.
BRAKES: Try the front and rear brake one at a time. Make
• Allow air to pass through, to reduce fogging. sure each one feels firm and holds the motorcycle when
the brake is fully applied.
• Allow enough room for eyeglasses/sunglasses if
needed. HORN: Make sure the horn works.
EYE PROTECTION FOR MOTORCYCLE 2.3 BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE MOTORCYCLE:
OPERATORS AND PASSENGERS IS REQUIRED BY Make sure you are completely familiar with the motor-
COLORADO LAW cycle before you take it out on the street. Over half the
motorcycle accidents occur to riders with less than six
CLOTHING: Adequate clothing can help protect you in a months experience on the cycle. If you are going to use
crash. In cold or wet weather, your clothes should keep you an unfamiliar motorcycle:
4
 Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

• Make all the checks you would on your own cycle.

• Find out where everything is, particularly the turn
signals, horn, headlight switch, fuel control valve and
engine cutoff switch. Make sure you can find and oper-
ate them without having to look for them.
KNEES: Keep your knees against the gas tank. This will
• Know the gear pattern. Work the throttle, clutch and help you keep your balance as the motorcycle turns. This
brakes a few times before you start riding. All controls is not necessary on a 3-wheel motorcycle.
react a little differently. FEET: Keep your feet firmly on the foot pegs to main-
• Ride more cautiously until you become more familiar tain balance. Don’t drag your feet. If your foot catches
with the motorcycle. on something, you could lose control of the motorcycle.
Keep your feet near the controls so you can get to the
controls quickly if needed. Also, don’t let your toes point
downward - they may get caught between the road and
foot peg.
BASIC 3-WHEEL VEHICLE CONTROL: Tipover lines.
It is possible when operating a 3-wheeler to have only
two wheels contacting the ground. This condition exists
whenever enough weight is transferred outside what are
known as “tipover lines.” The figure below illustrates the
tipover line on trikes and sidecar-equipped motorcycles.

1. Turn-Signal Switch 7. Clutch Lever

2. Gear-Change Lever 8. Engine Cut-Off Switch
3. Tachometer 9. Light Switch
4. Speedometer 10. Kick Starter
5. Rear Brake Pedal 11. Front Brake Lever
6. Throttle 12. Horn Button

3. CONTROL FOR SAFETY

This manual cannot teach you how to control direction,
speed or balance. That’s something you can learn only 3.2 TURNING: Riders often try to take curves or turns too
through practice. Control begins with knowing your fast. When they can’t hold the turn, they end up crossing into
abilities and riding within them and the rules of the road. another lane of traffic or going off the road, or they overreact
and brake too hard causing a skid and loss of control. Until
3.1 BODY POSITION AND POSTURE: Sit far enough
you learn to judge how fast you can safely take a curve, ap-
forward with your arms slightly bent when you hold proach all turns with caution. Use the following four steps
the handle grips so that you can use your arms to steer for better control: SLOW, LOOK, LEAN, ROLL.
the motorcycle rather than hold yourself up. Bending
your arms lets you turn the handlebars without having SLOW: Reduce speed before the turn by closing the
to stretch. throttle and, if necessary, applying both brakes.

HANDS: Hold the handle grips firmly. Keep your grip LOOK: Look through the turn to where you want to go.
over rough surfaces. Start with your right wrist down. Turn just your head, not your shoulders and keep your
This will help you keep from accidentally using too much eyes level with the horizon.
throttle - especially if you need to reach for the brake LEAN: To turn, the motorcycle must lean. To lean the
suddenly. Also, adjust the handlebars so your hands are motorcycle, push on the handgrip in the direction of the
even with, or below your elbows. This allows you to use turn. Press left, lean left, go left. Press right, lean right,
the proper muscles for precision steering. go right.

5
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

In normal turns, the rider and motorcycle should lean rear brakes together by applying the rear brake pedal.
together. In slow tight turns, lean the motorcycle only and Using the front brake incorrectly on a slippery surface
keep your body straight. Higher speeds and/or tighter may be hazardous.
turns require more lean.
3.4 SHIFTING GEARS: Learning to use the gears
correctly when downshifting, turning, or starting on hills
is important for safe motorcycle operation.
Shift down through the gears as you slow down or stop.
Remain in first gear while you are stopped so you can
move out quickly if you need to.
Make certain you are going slowly enough when you
shift into a lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will lurch
and the rear wheel may skid. When riding downhill or
shifting into first gear, you may need to use the brakes
to slow down enough to downshift slowly.
It is best to change gears before entering a turn,
however, sometimes shifting in a turn is necessary. If so,
Unique to a 3-wheel motorcycle is the need to remember to do so smoothly. A sudden change in power
adjust your upper body position during cornering. to the rear wheel can cause a skid.
It is necessary to lean in the direction you intend to
turn to avoid raising the inside wheel and, possibly, 4. SEE AND BE SEEN
flipping over. Leaning like this is sometimes referred to as A motorcycle’s outline is much smaller than a car’s out-
“hanging off.” This will be very important with a sidecar- line. In crashes with motorcyclists, car drivers often say
equipped motorcycle if the sidecar has no weight in it. that they never saw the motorcycle. You can do many
ROLL: Roll on the throttle through the turn. Maintain steady things to make it easier for others to recognize you and
speed or gradually accelerate. Avoid deceleration while in your cycle.
the turn.
CLOTHING: Most crashes occur in daylight. Wear
Three-wheel motorcycles CAN tip over. To turn a 3-wheel bright clothing to increase your chances of being seen.
motorcycle, you point the front wheel in the direction Remember, your body is half the visible surface area of
you want to go, lean your body into the turn, roll on the rider/cycle unit.
the throttle to pull the 3-wheeler through the turn. On a
sidecar outfit, when accelerating, compensate for yaw Bright orange, yellow or green jackets, or vests are your
by steering towards the left. When decelerating, best bets for being seen. Your helmet can do more than
compensate for yaw by steering to the right. Yaw is veer- protect you in a crash. Brightly colored helmets or reflec-
ing to the left or the right. tive material can help others see you.
3.3 BRAKING: Your motorcycle has two brakes, one for HEADLIGHT: The best way to help others on the road see
the front wheel and one for the rear wheel(s). Some side- your motorcycle is to keep the headlight on at all times.
car rigs also have a brake on their wheel. Use both brakes Use of the high beam in daylight increases the likelihood
at the same time. The front brake on a 2-wheel motorcycle that you will be seen by oncoming drivers.
and on a sidecar rig provides the most power, while the
SIGNALS: Use your signals anytime you plan to turn,
rear brake provides the most power on a trike. The front
change lanes, or when using a freeway entrance/exit
brake is safe to use if you use it properly.
ramp. Use them even when you think no one else is
Apply both brakes at the same time. Using both brakes around or even when what you plan to do is obvious.
for even “normal” stops will permit you to develop the Once you’ve made your lane change or turn, check your
proper habit or skill of using both brakes in an emergency. signal to make sure it is off.
To completely stop a motorcycle, roll off the throttle, apply
BRAKE LIGHT: Your motorcycle’s brake light is usually
the brakes and squeeze the clutch.
not as noticeable as the brake lights on a car. Help others
When leaning the motorcycle, some of the available trac- notice you by flashing the foot brake lightly before you
tion is used for cornering. So if you use the brakes when slow down, especially, when slowing more quickly than
leaning, less traction is available for stopping. A skid can others expect (e.g. turning off a highway, turning into
occur when too much brake is applied. Some motorcycles driveways, when others are following too closely).
have integrated braking systems which link the front and
6
 Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

4.1 USING YOUR MIRRORS: While it’s most important including the center. Unless the road is wet with rain, even
to keep track of what’s happening ahead, you can’t afford the average oily strip gives enough traction to ride safely.
to ignore situations behind. Frequent mirror checks should
be part of your normal scanning routine. Make a special
point of using your mirrors in these situations:
• When you are stopped at an intersection, watch cars
coming up from behind. If the driver isn’t paying atten-
tion, he could be right on top of you before seeing you.
• Before you change lanes make sure no one is about to
Do not ride next to cars or trucks in other lanes if you do
pass you.
not have to. A car in the next lane could switch into your
• Before you slow down, check to see if the driver behind lane without warning. Do not ride in other vehicle’s blind
expects to slow or if he may be unsure about exactly spots. Either pass the other vehicle or
where you will slow. For example, he might see you drop back.
turn and think you plan to slow for a turn at a distant
Let the driver ahead see you. When be-
intersection, rather than a nearby driveway.
hind a car, try to ride where the driver
Many motorcycles have rounded convex mirrors. These can see you in his rearview mirror. Rid-
give you a wider view of the road behind than do flat ing in the center portion of the lane
mirrors. They also make cars seem farther away than they should put your image in the middle
really are. Practice with your mirrors until you become a of the rearview mirror, where it’s most
good judge of distance. likely to be seen. Riding at the far side of a lane may let
you be seen in a side view mirror. But most drivers don’t
4.2 HEAD CHECKS: Motorcycles have blind spots like
look at their side view mirrors nearly as often as they check
cars. Before you change lanes, turn your head and look at
the rearview mirror.
traffic to the side to spot a car about to pass you.
As a motorcycle rider, you can put yourself in a position
On a road with several lanes, make sure to check the far
to see things that a car driver cannot see.
lane as well as the one next to you. A driver in the far lane
may head for the same space you plan to take.
4.3 HORNS: Be ready to use your horn whenever you
need to get someone’s attention. It is a good idea to give a
quick beep before you pass anyone you think may move
into your lane. In an emergency, press the horn button
loud and long. Be ready to stop or swerve from the danger.
Here are some situations:
CURVES: You can move from one portion of a lane to
• A driver in the lane next to you is getting too close to another to get a better view through a curve. Moving to
the vehicle ahead and may want to pass. the center portion of your lane before a curve, and staying
there until you come out of the curve, lets you spot traffic
• A driver opening a door on a parked car.
coming toward you as soon as possible. This also allows
• Someone is riding a bicycle or walking in the street. you to adjust for traffic that is crowding the center line or
for debris that is blocking part of your lane. With a 3-wheel
5. LANE POSITION
motorcycle on a curve, follow a path of travel that makes
You can make the size of the motorcycle work to your the most gradual turn.
advantage. A car driver has very little choice about ROADSIDE: Angle your motorcycle so that you can see
where he positions his car in a lane. However, each in both directions without straining and without having
marked lane gives a motorcyclist three possible paths any part of the cycle in the lane of travel. A clear view in
of travel as indicated in the diagram. Remember, both directions is particularly important if you plan to turn
3-wheeled vehicles are larger than 2-wheel motorcycles across a lane of traffic.
and require more space in a lane, similar to an automobile.
6. KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
In general, there is no best position for riders to
be seen. Ride where it will be easiest for drivers to The best protection you can have is distance, a cushion of
see you. No portion of the lane need be avoided - space - all around your cycle. If someone else makes a mis-
take, distance gives you time to react and room to maneuver.
7
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
6.1 DISTANCE IN FRONT: Usually motorcycles do not **Remember, passing must be completed within posted speed
need as much distance to stop as do cars. Use the two limits, and only where permitted.
second following rule as a guide. This leaves you enough BEING PASSED: When you are being passed from behind
time to stop or swerve if the driver ahead of you stops or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of
suddenly. It also gives you a better view of potholes and your lane. Do not move into the portion of the lane that
other dangers in the road. is furthest from the passing vehicle. It might invite the
In some situations, you should open up a three-second other driver to cut back into your lane too early. If you
following distance. This larger cushion of space is needed ride any closer to them, you could be hit by the other
if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop vehicle, something thrown from the windows, extended
(i.e. if the pavement is slippery with rain) or if you cannot mirrors, or blasts of wind from large vehicles.
see around the vehicle ahead.
Keep well behind the vehicle ahead even when you are
stopped. This will make it easier to get out of the way if
someone bears down on you from behind. It will also
give you a cushion of space if the vehicle ahead starts to
back up for some reason.
6.2 DISTANCE BEHIND: If someone tailgates you, don’t
try to lose them by speeding up. You’ll just end up being
tailgated at a higher speed.
A better way to handle tailgaters is to get them in front
of you. When someone is following too closely, change
lanes and let them pass. If you can’t do this, slow down
and open up extra space ahead of you. This will encour- PARKED CARS: When passing parked cars, stay toward
age them to pass. If they don’t pass, you will have given the left of your lane. You can avoid problems caused by
yourself and the tailgaters more time and space to react doors opening, drivers getting out of cars, people step-
in case an emergency does develop. ping from between cars and cars pulling away from the
curb. A car making a sudden U-turn may cut you off
6.3 DISTANCE TO THE SIDE: By shifting from one entirely, blocking the whole roadway and leaving you
portion of a lane to another you can keep a safe cushion with no place to go.
of space on both sides. An experienced rider changes
position within the lane as traffic conditions change. Here LANE SHARERS: Cars and motorcycles need a full lane
are some conditions that require changes in lane position. to operate safely. Don’t ride between rows of stopped
cars in the same lane. Discourage lane sharing by riding
PASSING: in a center lane position whenever other drivers might
• Ride in the left portion of be tempted to squeeze by you. Drivers are most tempted
the lane at a safe follow- to do this in heavy traffic, when passing, when you are
ing distance to increase preparing to turn and at freeway entrance and exit ramps.
your line of sight and MERGING CARS: Drivers on
make you more visible. an entrance ramp may not see
Signal and check for on- you on the highway. Give them
coming traffic. Use your plenty of room. Change to an-
mirrors and turn your other lane, if it is open. If there is
head to look for traffic no room for a lane change, adjust
behind. speed accordingly to open up
• Move into the left lane and accelerate. Select a lane space for the merging driver to
position that doesn’t crowd the car you are passing and pull into.
provides space to avoid hazards in your lane. 7. SIPDE
• Ride through the blind spot as quickly as possible. Good experienced riders remain aware of what is going
on around them. They improve their riding strategy by
• S
 ignal again, and complete mirror and head checks
using Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute (SIPDE).
before returning to your original lane.
This is a five-step process used to make judgments and
take action in traffic.
8
 Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
SCAN: Search aggressively ahead, to the sides and be- uneven surfaces or obstacles, railroad tracks, grooves
hind to avoid potential hazards. Scanning provides you and gratings.
with the information you need to make your decisions
8.1 SLIPPERY SURFACES: Motorcycles handle better
in enough time to take action.
when ridden on surfaces with good traction. Surfaces
IDENTIFY: Locate hazards and potential conflicts. The that provide poor traction include:
hazards you encounter can be divided into three groups
• Wet pavement, particularly just after it starts to rain
based on how critical their effect on you may be.
and before surface oil washes to the side of the road.
• Vehicles and other motorcycles: May move into your
• Gravel roads, or where sand and gravel collect.
path and increase collision impact.
• Mud, snow, and ice.
• Pedestrians and animals: Are unpredictable and make
short quick moves. • Lane markings, steel plates and manhole covers, es-
pecially when wet.
• Stationary objects: Potholes, guard rails, bridges,
roadway signs, hedges, or rows of trees won’t To ride safely on slippery surfaces:
move into your path, but may influence your riding
• REDUCE SPEED: Slow down before you get to a slip-
strategy.
pery surface to lessen your chances of skidding. It is
PREDICT: Consider space and direction of a potential particularly important to reduce speed before entering
hazard. Anticipating a vehicle moving away from you wet curves.
is not as critical as a vehicle moving into your path.
• AVOID SUDDEN MOVES: Any sudden change in
Predict where a collision might occur. This is the “What speed or direction can cause a skid. Be as smooth as
if...?” phase of SIPDE that depends on your knowledge possible when you speed up, shift gears, turn or brake.
and experience.
• USE BOTH BRAKES: The front brake is still more ef-
DECIDE: Decide when, where, and how to act based on fective than the rear brake, even on a slippery surface.
types of hazards you encounter: Apply it gradually and avoid locking up the front
• Single Hazard • Stationary wheel.

• Multiple Hazards • Moving The center of a lane can become dangerous when wet.
When it starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks left by cars.
EXECUTE: In high potential risk situations, such as in- Often the left tire track will be the best position, depend-
tersections, cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce ing on traffic and other roadway conditions. Watch for
the time you need to react. To create more space and oil spots when you put your foot down to stop or park.
minimize risk from any hazard: You may slip and fall.
• Communicate your presence with lights and/or horn. Dirt and gravel collect along the sides of the road - espe-
cially on curves and ramps leading to and from highways.
• Adjust your speed by accelerating, stopping or slowing.
Stay away from the edge of the road, particularly when
• Adjust your position and/or direction. making sharp turns at intersections and when getting on
or off freeways at high speed. Rain dries and snow melts
Most motorcycle/automobile collisions occur at inter-
faster on some sections of a road than on others. Ride in
sections. An intersection can be anywhere other traffic
the least slippery part of the lane at all times.
may cross your path of
travel. Your use of SIPDE VERY SLIPPERY SURFACES: Cautious riders steer clear
at intersections is critical. of roads covered with ice or snow. You may find yourself
on a road with scattered patches or ice or snow. Patches of
Be especially alert at in-
ice tend to develop in low or shaded areas and on bridges
tersection with limited
and overpasses. If you encounter wet surfaces or wet leaves
visibility. Be aware of vi-
in the fall, these are just as slippery as an ice patch.
sually busy surroundings
that could camouflage Avoid all of these surfaces if at all possible. If you can’t,
you and your motorcycle. keep your bike straight up and proceed as slowly as pos-
sible, letting your feet skim along the surface so you can
8. DANGEROUS SURFACES
catch yourself if the bike starts to fall. Be sure to keep off
Your chance of falling or being involved in a crash the brakes and squeeze the clutch and coast while you
increases whenever you ride across slippery surfaces, are on a very slippery surface.
9
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
An advantage of a 3-wheel motorcycle over a 2-wheel the rider to zigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzag is far
motorcycle is the inherent stability. A 3-wheel motorcycle more dangerous than the weaving feeling.
can slide sideways without falling down, similar to an
automobile. Slick pavement, unpaved roads or off-road
situations are quite manageable on a 3-wheel motorcycle.
8.2 UNEVEN SURFACES AND OBSTACLES: Watch
for uneven surfaces such as bumps, broken pavement,
potholes. If you have to ride over them, or obstacles such
as a piece of tire tread or tailpipe, slow down to reduce
the jolt, make sure the motorcycle is straight up and rise
slightly off the seat with your weight on the foot pegs so
you can absorb the shock with your knees and elbows.
Rising off the seat will cut your chances of being thrown
9. RIDING AT NIGHT
off the bike. However, controlling the throttle can be
somewhat tricky. Practice this technique in a safe area At night it is harder for you to see and be seen. Other
(such as a deserted parking lot) before you try to do it drivers may have a hard time picking your headlight or
on-street. taillight out of the greater number of car lights around
you. To compensate you should:
If you ride over an object on the street, pull off the road
and check your tires and rims for damage before going REDUCE YOUR SPEED: Ride more slowly at night than
any further. you would during the day, particularly on roads you
don’t know well.
RAILROAD TRACKS: A motorcycle can cross tracks
at an angle as sharp as 45 degrees without difficulty. INCREASE DISTANCE: Distances are harder to judge at
Changing your course to take tracks head-on can be night than day. Your eyes rely upon shadows and light
more dangerous than crossing at an angle (It may carry contrasts to judge both how far away an object is and how
you into another lane of traffic). fast you are approaching. These contrasts are missing
or distorted under the artificial light at night. Open up
a three-second following distance. Allow more distance
in which to pass.
USE THE CAR AHEAD: The headlights of the car ahead
can give you a better view of the road ahead than even
your high beam can. Taillights bouncing up and down
can alert you to bumps or rough pavement.
USE YOUR HIGH BEAM: Get all the light you can.
Use your high beam whenever you are not following
or meeting a car.
You do need to change direction, however, to cross some-
thing that runs in the same direction you are going. For LANE POSITION: Be flexible about lane position, chang-
example, you may wish to cross trolley tracks, ruts in the ing to whatever portion of the lane is best able to help
middle of the road, or pavement seams that run parallel you see, be seen, and keep an adequate space cushion.
to your course. 10. COLLISION AVOIDANCE
To cross these safely, move far enough away to be able No matter how careful you are, there will be times when
to cross them at an angle as close to 90 degrees as pos- you find yourself in a tight spot. Your chances of getting
sible. Then, make a quick, sharp turn across. Do not try out safely depend upon your ability to react quickly and
to edge across. The tracks or seam could catch your tires properly.
and throw you off balance.
Knowing when and how to stop or swerve are two skills
GROOVES AND GRATINGS: Riding over rain grooves critical to avoiding a collision. It is not always desirable or
or metal bridge gratings will cause the motorcycle possible to stop quickly to avoid an obstacle. Riders must
to weave. It’s an uneasy feeling, but it’s generally not also be able to swerve around an obstacle. Determining
dangerous. Relax, stay on course, maintain speed, and the skill necessary for the situation is important as well.
ride straight across. Trying to cross these surfaces at an
angle may reduce the uneasy feeling, but it also forces Studies show that most collision-involved riders un-
10
 Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
der brake the front tire and over brake the rear tire and
swerve at the same time.
10.1 QUICK STOPS: To stop quickly, apply both brakes
at the same time. Don’t be shy about using the front
brake, but don’t ‘grab’ at it, either. Squeeze the brake le-
ver steadily and firmly, applying the front brake as fully
as you can without locking the front wheel. At the same
time, apply the rear brake hard, without locking it.
If you are on a straight-away, even with a locked
rear wheel, keep it locked until you have completely 10.3 RIDING A CURVE: A primary cause of single-
stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can vehicle collisions is motorcyclists running wide in a curve
control a 3-wheel motorcycle on a straightaway if it is or turn and colliding with the roadway or a fixed object.
going in a straight line. Hard braking in a straight line is
less likely to result in a tipover. If you must stop quickly Every curve is different. Be alert to whether a curve re-
while turning or riding in a curve, conditions may not mains constant, gradually widens, gets tighter, or involves
always permit you to straighten up the motorcycle and multiple turns.
then stop. Apply the brakes and start slowing the mo- Ride within your skill level and posted speed limits.
torcycle. As you slow down, you can reduce your lean
angle and apply more brake pressure until the motorcycle Your best path may not always follow the curve of the
is straight and maximum brake pressure is possible. If road. Change lane position depending on traffic and road
you straighten the handlebar in the last few feet of stop- conditions. If no traffic is present, and your riding abilities
ping, you know the motorcycle will be straight up and are up to it, you may choose to start at the outside of a
in balance. curve to increase your line of sight and the effective radius
of the turn. As you turn, move toward the inside of the
10.2 SWERVING OR TURNING QUICKLY: Some- curve, and as you pass the center, move to the outside to
times, you may not have enough room to stop, even if exit. For 3-wheel motorcycles, following the center of the
you use both brakes properly. An object might appear lane may produce the greatest tipover forces.
suddenly in your path or the car ahead might suddenly
stop. The only way to avoid a collision would be to turn Another alternative is to move to the center of your lane
quickly, swerve, or ride over the obstacle. before entering a curve, and stay there until you exit. This
permits you to spot approaching traffic as soon as pos-
A swerve is any sudden change in direction. It can be sible. You can also adjust for traffic crowding the center
two quick turns, or a rapid shift to the side. Apply a line, or debris blocking part of your lane.
small amount of hand pressure to the handgrip in your
intended direction of escape. This will cause the motor-
cycle to lean quickly. The sharper the turn(s), the more
the bike must lean.
Keep your knees against the tank and your feet solidly
on the pegs. Let the bike move underneath you. Make
your escape route the target of your vision. Press on the
opposite handgrip, once you clear the obstacle to return
to your original direction of travel. To swerve to the left,
press left, then right to recover. To swerve to the right,
press right, then left.
Try to stay in your own lane. Change lanes only if you
have enough time to make sure there are no vehicles in
the other lane. You should be able to squeeze by most
obstacles without leaving your lane. 10.4 CORNERING: Cornering with a 3-wheel
motorcycle has unique characteristics that must be
If braking is required, separate it from swerving. Brake considered. You must keep in mind that a 3-wheel
before or after, never while swerving. On a 3-wheel mo- motorcycle can tip over if it is turned too sharply
torcycle, you should be leaning your body into corners when going too fast for the corner. It is essential that
normally; this may help to avoid a rollover when swerv- the operator slow before entering a corner to avoid
ing with an empty sidecar. this. When operating a sidecar-equipped motorcycle,
11
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
additional consideration needs to be given to the direction 11.2 STUCK THROTTLE: Twist the throttle back and
of the turn and the amount of weight in the sidecar. Since forth, this may free it. If the throttle stays stuck, im-
the sidecar generally sits on the right side of the motorcycle, mediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in
left turns are less difficult because the sidecar wheel bears the clutch. This will remove power from the rear wheel
the additional cornering forces or weight. A right-hand though engine noise may not immediately decline. Once
turn, however, may cause the sidecar wheel to lift off the you have the motorcycle “under control,” pull to the side
ground or “fly” if the corner is taken at too great a speed of the road and stop.
or taken when braking. This is best avoided by slowing
After you have stopped, check the throttle cable carefully
before entering the turn, but can be controlled if the op-
to find the source of the trouble. Make certain the throttle
erator understands how to steer a 2-wheel motorcycle.
works freely before you start to ride again.
The change from 3-wheel steering to 2-wheel steering
is called steering reversion. This happens if the sidecar 11.3 WOBBLE: A wobble occurs when the front wheel
is high off the ground and the entire rig is at the balance and handlebars suddenly start to shake from side-to-side
point. Turning the handlebars in the direction you want at any speed.
to go turns 3-wheeled motorcycles, but 2-wheel turning is Most wobbles can be traced to improper loading, the use
accomplished by counter steering. To bring a sidecar that is of unsuitable accessories, or the use of incorrect tires or tire
“flying,” or has its wheel in the air, to the ground, the op- pressure. If you are carrying a heavy load, lighten it. If you
erator needs to counter-steer to the right or steer to the left. can’t lighten the load, shift it. Center the weight lower to
Other unique characteristics of 3-wheel motorcycles in the ground and farther forward on the cycle. Make sure
corners are drifting and sliding. Both of these characteris- tire pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks, and dampers are
tics are related to tires not holding traction or slipping on at the levels recommended by the manufacturer for carry-
the pavement. Sliding is the front tire slipping, resulting ing that much weight. If you have a windshield or fairing,
in a loss of steering. Drifting is the slipping of the rear make sure it is mounted properly.
wheel of the motorcycle and/or sidecar wheel. Drifting is In addition to the above items, other things that may
unique to sidecar-equipped motorcycles. To initiate drift- contribute to wobble are poorly adjusted steering, worn
ing, the operator shifts weight, rolls on the throttle while steering parts, a front wheel that is bent, misaligned, or out
applying some front brake while turning (off camber turn). of balance, loose wheel bearings, loose spokes and swing
Done carefully, this technique may help to sharpen turns, arm bearings.
particularly in left turns. Caution must be used while at-
tempting to drift in a right turn since too much throttle DO NOT try to “accelerate” out of the wobble. That will
and/or braking may cause the sidecar to fly. only make the cycle more unstable. Instead:
11. MECHANICAL PROBLEMS • Grip the handlebars firmly, but don’t try to fight the
wobble.
You can find yourself in an emergency the moment some-
thing goes wrong with your motorcycle. In dealing with • Close the throttle gradually, and let the motorcycle slow
any mechanical problem, take into account the road and down. Do not apply the brakes; braking could make the
traffic conditions you face. Here are some guidelines that wobble worse.
can help you handle some mechanical problems safely.
• Move your weight as far forward and down as
11.1 TIRE FAILURE: If the cycle starts handling differently, possible.
pull off to check the tires. You will seldom hear a tire go
• Pull off the road as soon as you can to fix the
flat. You must be able to tell when a tire has lost air sud-
problem.
denly from the way the cycle reacts.
If the front tire goes flat, the steering will feel “heavy.” If 11.4 CHAIN PROBLEMS: If your chain slips or breaks
the rear tire goes flat, the back of the motorcycle will tend while you’re riding, it could lock the rear wheel and cause
to jerk from side to side. your cycle to skid.

If either tire goes flat while riding: SLIPPAGE: If the chain slips when you try to speed up
quickly while riding uphill, pull off the road, and check
• Hold the handle grips firmly and keep a straight course. the chain sprockets. Tightening the chain may help. If
• If you know which tire is flat, gradually apply the the problem is a worn or stretched chain or worn or bent
other brake. sprockets, replace the chain, the sprockets, or both before
riding again.
• When the motorcycle slows, edge to the side of the road
BREAKAGE: You’ll notice an instant loss of power to the
and stop.
wheel. Close the throttle and brake to a stop.
12
 Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
11.5 ENGINE SEIZURE: Engine seizure means that the amount of braking force required to stop or slow a
engine locks or freezes. Engines seize when they are low 3-wheel motorcycle. It is important to slow even earlier
on oil. Without oil, the engine’s moving parts can’t move for cornering or stopping.
smoothly against each other, and the engine overheats.
13. CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO
The first sign may be a loss of engine power or a change
in the engine’s sound. Only experienced riders should carry passengers or large
loads. The extra weight changes the way the motorcycle
Squeeze the clutch lever to disengage the engine from
handles, balances, turns, speeds up and slows down.
the rear wheel. Pull off the road and stop. Let the engine
Before taking a passenger or heavy load on the street,
cool. You may be able to add oil and restart the engine.
practice in a safe, off-road area.
12. SPECIAL SITUATIONS
13.1 PASSENGERS: To carry passengers safely you must
12.1 FLYING OBJECTS: From time to time riders are make sure your motorcycle is equipped and adjusted to
struck by insects, cigarettes thrown from cars, or rocks carry passengers.
kicked up by the tires of the vehicle ahead. If you aren’t
• A proper seat. The seat should be large enough to hold
wearing face protection, you could be hit in the eye, face,
both you and your passenger without crowding. You
or mouth. If you are wearing face protection, it might get
should not sit any further forward than
smeared or cracked, making it difficult for you to see.
you usually do.
Whatever happens, keep your eyes on the road and your
hands on the handlebars. As soon as it is safe, pull off the • Foot pegs. The passenger must have his own set of
road and repair the damage. foot pegs. Without a firm footing, your passenger can
fall off and pull you off too.
12.2 ANIMALS: Naturally, you should do everything
you can to avoid hitting an animal. However, if you are • Protective gear. Passengers should have the same type
in traffic, don’t swerve out of your lane to avoid a small of protective gear and clothing recommended for op-
animal. Hitting something small is less dangerous to you erators.
than hitting something big, like a car.
You should adjust the shocks to handle the extra weight.
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. If you are chased, don’t While your passenger sits on the seat with you, adjust the
kick at the animal, shift down and approach the animal mirror and headlight to the change in the motorcycle’s
slowly. As you reach it, speed up quickly. You will leave angle. It is a good idea to add a few pounds of pressure
the animal behind. to the tires if you carry a passenger. Then adjust the sus-
12.3 GETTING OFF THE ROAD If you need to leave the pension to handle the additional weight. (Check your
road to check the motorcycle (or just to rest for awhile), owner’s manual.)
be sure you: INSTRUCT PASSENGERS: Even if your passenger is a
• Check the roadside. Make sure the surface of the road- motorcycle rider, provide complete instructions before
side is firm enough to ride on. If it is soft grass, loose you start. Instruct your passenger to:
sand, or if you’re just not sure about it, slow • Get on the motorcycle after you have started the engine.
way down before you turn onto it.
• Sit as far forward as possible without crowding you.
• Signal others. Drivers behind might not expect
you to slow down. As soon as you can, give a clear • Hold firmly to your waist, hips, or belt.
signal that you will be slowing down and changing • Keep both feet on the pegs, even when the motorcycle
direction. Make sure to check your mirror and make is stopped.
a head check before you take any action.
• Keep legs away from the muffler.
• Pull well off the road - Get as far off the road as you
can. It can be very difficult to spot a motorcycle by the • Stay directly behind you, leaning as you lean.
side of the road. You don’t want someone else pulling • Avoid unnecessary talk or motion.
off at the same place you are.
• For 3-wheel motorcycles, keep hands inside the sidecar.
12.4 HILLS: When riding uphill on a 3-wheel motor-
cycle, some weight will shift to the rear, causing the RIDING WITH PASSENGERS: Tell your passenger
front to be lighter. This weight shift means there is to tighten his/her hold when you approach surface
less traction on the front tire for steering and braking. problems, or are about to start from a stop. Your mo-
Riding downhill means that gravity increases the torcycle will respond more slowly with a passenger on
board. The heavier your passenger, the longer it will take
13
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
to slow down, speed up or make a turn, especially on a 14.2 KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER:
light cycle.
PLAN AHEAD: The leader should look ahead for
• Ride a little slower, especially when taking curves, changes. Give signals early so “the word” gets back in
corners, or bumps. plenty of time. Start lane changes early enough to allow
everyone to complete the change.
• Start slowing earlier as you approach a stop.
PUT BEGINNERS UP
• Open up a larger cushion of space ahead and to the FRONT: Place inexperi-
sides. enced riders behind the
• Wait for larger gaps when you want to cross, enter or leader, where they can be
merge with traffic. watched by more experi-
enced riders.
• Warn your passenger of special conditions ahead such
as when you will pull out, stop quickly, turn sharply FOLLOW THOSE BE-
or ride over a bump. Turn your head slightly to make HIND: Let the tailrider set
yourself understood, but keep your eyes on the road the pace. Use your mirrors
ahead. to keep an eye on the per-
son behind. If a rider falls
13.2 CARRYING LOADS: Most motorcycles are not de- behind slow down a little,
signed to carry much cargo, however, small loads can be so the group will stay with
carried safely if they are positioned and fastened properly. the tailrider.
KEEP THE LOAD LOW: Fasten loads to the seat, or put KNOW THE ROUTE: Make sure everybody knows the
them in saddle bags. Placing a load high against a bar route. Then, if someone is separated for a moment, he or
or frame raises the cycle’s center of gravity and disturbs she won’t have to hurry to avoid getting lost or taking
its balance. a wrong turn.
KEEP THE LOAD FORWARD: Place the load over or 14.3 KEEP YOUR DISTANCE : Maintain close ranks at
in front of the rear axle. Tank bags keep loads forward, a safe distance. A close group takes up less space on the
but use caution when loading hard or sharp objects. highway, is easier to see, and is less likely to be separated.
Mounting loads behind the rear axle can affect how the However, it must be done properly.
motorcycle turns and brakes. It can also cause a wobble.
DON’T PAIR UP: Never operate directly alongside an-
DISTRIBUTE THE LOAD EVENLY: Load saddle bags other motorcycle rider. If one of you has to avoid a car
with about the same weight. An uneven load can cause or something on the road, there would be no place to go.
the motorcycle to drift to one side. To talk, wait until you are both stopped.
SECURE THE LOAD: Fasten the load securely with STAGGERED FORMATION: Riding in a staggered
elastic cords (bungee cords). A loose load can catch in formation is the best way to keep ranks close and yet
the wheel or chain and the rear wheel may lock up and maintain an adequate space cushion. The leader rides
skid. Do not use rope as it tends to stretch and knots come to the left side of the lane, while the second rider stays a
loose, permitting the load to shift or fall off. little behind and rides to the right side of the lane. A third
CHECK THE LOAD: Stop and check the load often to rider would take the left position, a normal two-second
make sure it has not worked loose or moved. distance behind the first rider. The fourth rider would be
a normal two-second distance behind the second rider.
14. GROUP RIDING This formation keeps the group close and keeps each
If you ride with others, you must do it in a way that pro- rider a safe distance from the others ahead, behind, and
motes safety and doesn’t interfere with the flow of traffic. to the sides.
14.1 KEEP THE GROUP SMALL: A large group A staggered formation can be used safely on an open
tends to interfere with traffic. It makes it necessary highway. However, it is best to move into a single
for cars to pass a long line of motorcycles at a time. file formation when taking curves, making turns, or
Also, large groups tend to get separated easily by traf- entering or leaving a highway.
fic or red lights. Those who are left behind often ride PASSING INFORMATION: Riders in a staggered forma-
unsafely trying to catch up. If your group is larger than tion should pass one at a time. First, the lead rider should
four or five riders, divide it into two or more smaller pull out and pass when it is safe. After passing, the leader
groups. should return to the left position and continue riding at
14
 Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
a passing speed until he has opened up room for the next your owner’s manual for proper care and maintenance.
rider. When the first rider has passed safely, the second
16. MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR SKILLS TEST
rider should move up the left position and watch for a
safe chance to pass. After passing, this rider should return The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a state
to the right position and open up room for the next rider. approved Skill Test for both two and three wheel vehicles.
The test consists of exercises that evaluate your ability to
perform basic vehicle control, riding judgment, and hazard
response skills.
Prior to being tested, you must show valid proof of
insurance and valid registration for the motorcycle you
will be using on the test. A safety check of your motorcycle
will include; headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn
signals, mirrors, and tire tread depth. The engine size of
the motorcycle must be rated at over 50 C.C.
The test consists of six riding exercises that measure your
vehicle control and hazard response skills. You will be
scored on time and distance standards as well as path
violations and foot down violations. The test may be ended
NOTE: Some people suggest that the leader should move for point accumulation, committing an unsafe act, stalling
to the right side after passing a vehicle. This is not a good the vehicle four times, or failure to understand or follow
idea. It encourages the second rider to pass and cut back instructions. You may stop the test at any time, but you
in before a large enough cushion of space has been opened must complete the entire test to pass it.
up in front of the passed vehicle. It’s simpler and safer if
each rider waits until there is enough room ahead of the You will be tested on the following exercises:
passed vehicle to allow the rider to move into the same 2-Wheel Motorcycle
position held before the pass.
• Cone Weave: There are five cones spaced 12 feet apart
15. YOUR MOTORCYCLE in a straight line. Do not skip or touch any cones or put
There are plenty of things on the highway that can cause your foot down.
you trouble. Your motorcycle should not be one of them. • Normal Stop: Make a smooth, non-skidding stop.
To make sure your motorcycle won’t let you down,
start with the right equipment, keep it in a safe riding • Turn from a Stop: Make a right turn between the bound-
condition and avoid add-ons or modifications that make ary lines. Do not touch either line or put a foot down.
your cycle harder to handle.
• Left U-Turn: Do not put your foot down or touch the
15.1 THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT: First, make sure your solid line or dashed line (depending on the size of your
motorcycle is right for you. It should “fit” you. Your feet motorcycle).
should be able to reach the ground while you are seated
• Quick Stop: From approximately 12 to 18 MPH, stop
on the cycle.
the motorcycle safely but as quickly as you can. You
Accidents are fairly common among beginning riders, are not marked down if you skid, but will loose points
especially in their first six months of riding. Don’t try a if you lose control.
“big bike” until you have a lot of riding experience. No
matter how experienced you may be, ride extra carefully • Obstacle Swerve: From approximately 12 to 18 MPH,
on any bike that’s new or unfamiliar to you. More than swerve the motorcycle safely to the right or left of the
half of all accidents occur on cycles their riders have used obstacle line, staying inside the indicated boundaries.
for less than six months. Do not touch the obstacle line or the boundaries.

15.2 MOTORCYCLE CARE: A motorcycle needs 3-Wheel Motorcycle

more frequent attention than a car. A minor mechanical • Left Turn: Mark a sharp left turn between the outside
failure in a car seldom leads to anything more than an
boundary line and the cone marker. Do not touch the
inconvenience for the driver. When something goes wrong
with a motorcycle, it may cause an accident. outside line or the cone.

The only way to head off problems before they cause • Normal Stop: Make a smooth, non-skidding stop with
trouble is to inspect your motorcycle carefully and often. your front tire inside the box (left front tire on vehicles
If you find something wrong, fix it right away. Refer to with two front tires).
15
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

• Cone Weave: There are three cones spaced at 18 feet Part 4 – Swerving
apart in a straight line. Do not skip or touch any cones.
Objective: To demonstrate your ability to swerve the
• Turn From A Stop: Make a right hand turn between the outfit.
outside boundary line and the cone. Do not touch the Do not touch the obstacle line or the boundaries.
outside boundary lines or the cone. Note: You must not stall the engine on any exercise.
• Quick Stop: From approximately 12 to 18 MPH, stop Remember if at any time you feel an exercise is too
the motorcycle safely but as quickly as you can. You difficult, you may stop the testing. You, as the rider,
are not marked down if you skid, but will loose points are aware of your abilities and your experience on the
if you lose control. motorcycle. The examiner is not. However, for safety’s
• Obstacle Swerve: From approximately 12 to 18 MPH, sake, the examiner may also stop the testing if it becomes
swerve the motorcycle safely to the right or left of the apparent that you need more practice on the motorcycle.
obstacle line, staying inside the indicated boundaries. Three-wheel motorcycle information was developed
Do not touch the obstacle line or the boundaries. through the joint cooperation of Evergreen Safety Council
16.1 SIDECAR/TRIKE EDUCATION PROGRAM and the Sidecar/Trike Education Program (S/TEP).
(S/TEP) SKILLS TEST
This skills test is for 3-wheel motorcycles. Extra wide,
extra long custom 3-wheelers are not suitable for this test.
The S/TEP skills test is four parts and is administered
only by state-authorized, third-party testers. You will be
tested on the following:
Parts 1 and 2 – Offset Weave and Cornering
Objective: To demonstrate your ability to properly judge
the width of the vehicle, while steering through an offset
weave, and utilize proper cornering techniques.
Part 3 – Braking
Objective: To demonstrate your ability to perform a con-
trolled stop of the rig in the shortest distance.

16
 Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

2-Wheel Motorcycle Test Course

Rider Skill Test – 2 Wheel

1 - Cone Weave, Normal Stop 2 - Turning from a

Stop, U-turn

3 - Quick Stop 4 - Obstacle

Swerve

r3.0

17
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

3-Wheel Motorcycle Test Course

Rider Skill Test – 3 Wheel

1 - Left Turn, Normal Stop 2 - Cone Weave, Turn from a Stop

3 - Quick Stop 4 - Obstacle Swerve

v3.0

18
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook

19
 Make the most of your ride

Experience the joys and thrills of motorcycle riding in Colorado.

If you are a new rider begin with the Basic Rider Course:
Motorcycles, helmets, and study material provided.
Successful completion waives the skills test for your
motorcycle endorsement.

The Experienced Rider Course:

For the experienced rider there is always more to
learn to increase your riding enjoyment and safety.

Office of Transportation Safety

For a Colorado Department of Transportation MOST tester in your area,

please visit www.comotorcyclesafety.com