WWW.RIDESAFEINDIANA.COM Motorcycle

1 MotorcycleOperator Manual2ND 1, 2017 BMV0005 PREFACEW elcome to the Seventeenth Edition of the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (MOM). Operating a Motorcycle safely in traffic requires special skills and knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has made this manual available to help novice motorcyclists reduce their risk of having a crash. The manual conveys essential safe riding information and has been designed for use in licensing programs. While designed for the novice, all motorcyclists can benefit from the information this manual original Motorcycle Operator Manual was developed by the National Public Services Research Institute (NPSRI) under contract to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and within the terms of a cooperative agreement between NHTSA and the MSF.

2 The manual and related tests were used in a multi-year study of improved Motorcycle operator licensing procedures, conducted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles under contract to purpose of this manual is to educate riders and to help them avoid crashes while safely operating either a standard two-wheel Motorcycle or a three-wheel Motorcycle . This latest edition has undergone significant improvements, and contains new, more in-depth information, designed to: Guide riders in preparing to ride safely Develop effective street strategies Give riders more comprehensive understanding of safe group riding practices Describe in detail best practices for carrying passengers and cargoIn promoting improved licensing programs, the MSF works closely with state licensing agencies.

3 The Foundation has helped more than half the states in the nation adopt the Motorcycle Operator Manual for use in their licensing licensing, along with high quality Motorcycle rider education and increased public awareness, has the potential to reduce crashes. Staff at the Foundation are available to assist governmental and private agencies in efforts to improve Motorcycle Buche President, Motorcycle Safety Foundation MAKE SENSE SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAININGM otorcycles are inexpensive to operate, fun to ride and easy to park. Unfortunately, many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for real-world traffic situations. Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursesSM teach and improve such skills as: Effective turning Braking maneuvers Protective apparel selection Obstacle avoidance Traffic strategies MaintenanceThe Motorcycle Safety Foundation s (MSF) purpose is to improve the safety of motorcyclists on the nation s streets and highways.

4 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. A national not-for-profit organization, the MSF is sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those who have an interest in riding motorcycles. The infor mation has been compiled from publications, interviews and observa tions of individuals and organizations familiar with the use of motorcycles, accessories, and training. Because there are many differences in product design, riding styles, federal, state and local laws, there may be organizations and individuals who hold differing opinions.

5 Consult your local regulatory agencies for informa tion concerning the operation of motor-cycles in your area. Although the MSF will continue to research, field test and publish responsible viewpoints on the subject, it disclaims any liability for the views expressed the basic or experienced RiderCourse nearest you, call toll free: or visit SKILLS EXAMA pplicants must possess a valid indiana driver s license and Motorcycle learner s permit. Applicants must provide the Motorcycle used for the skills exam. Prior to taking the Motorcycle skills exam, the applicant will be required to sign a Waiver of Motorcycle skills exam consists of several elements to measure an applicant s basic control of the Motorcycle and response to hazardous situations, to include: Overall control Starting Sharp right turn Stopping at designated points Cone weave U-turn Quick stop Obstacle swervePoints will be assessed if the applicant fails to properly execute any of the maneuvers above.

6 The applicant will fail the Motorcycle skills exam if he or she: Accumulates more than 10 points Falls or drops the Motorcycle Commits an intentional unsafe act Disregards or fails to understand instructions of the examinersExams will be administered at a Motorcycle skills exam site by an approved ride safe indiana provider. Only one skills exam may be attempted during any business day. Applicants will be required to pay an exam fee for each attempt. Once an applicant successfully completes a Motorcycle skills exam, the results are valid for the duration of the holder s Motorcycle learner s permit. Each applicant is allowed three attempts to pass the skills exam. After the third failed attempt, the applicant must wait two months from the date of the last failed skills exam before taking another skills PERSONNELA ctive duty military members who are indiana residents, but are stationed outside of the state, may obtain a Motorcycle endorsement after completing the following steps: Successfully complete a Motorcycle safety course through the military or a program where you are stationed within the last year; Submit a copy of a ride safe indiana Motorcycle Safety Course Completion document proving successful completion of Motorcycle safety course; Submit a copy of indiana driver s license.

7 And Submit a copy of military ID or ordersNEW indiana RESIDENTSNew indiana residents who hold a valid Motorcycle endorsement from another state may transfer their Motorcycle endorsement to their indiana driver s license after passing a Motorcycle knowledge safe indiana is the State of indiana s approved Motorcycle safety program within the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Our mission is to train more motorcyclists and educate motorists in order to decrease Motorcycle fatalities and accidents. For more information about ride safe indiana , visit To operate a Motorcycle on a public roadway, an individual must hold a valid indiana driver s license with a Motorcycle endorsement or possess a valid Motorcycle learner s permit. An applicant is not eligible for a Motorcycle learner s permit or a Motorcycle endorsement if the applicant s driving privileges are revoked, suspended or ENDORSEMENTA Motorcycle endorsement may be issued to indiana residents who are at least 16 years and 180 days of age and hold a valid indiana driver s license.

8 To add a Motorcycle endorsement to your indiana driver s license, you must complete one of the following two options: 1. Provide proof you have successfully completed an approved ride safe indiana Motorcycle safety training course2. Pass a Motorcycle knowledge exam to obtain a Motorcycle learner s permit. Pass a Motorcycle skills may also be required to pass a standard vision screening exam. If you are less than 18 years of age when you apply for a Motorcycle endorsement, you must have a parent or guardian sign an Agreement of Financial safe indiana Motorcycle SAFETY TRAININGA pproved ride safe indiana providers offer courses for beginning and advanced motorcyclists who want to learn or improve their riding skills. Five hours of classroom instruction prepares you for 10 hours of practical riding exercises in a controlled, off-street environment.

9 The course concludes with a knowledge and skills evaluation. Motorcycles are provided free of charge for your use during the course. Training course completion documents issued by an approved ride safe indiana provider are valid for one year from date of issuance. For more information regarding Motorcycle safety training, visit LEARNER S PERMITTo obtain a Motorcycle learner s permit, an applicant must pass a Motorcycle knowledge exam and a vision screening. A Motorcycle learner s permit may only be renewed one time. Anyone not obtaining a Motorcycle endorsement prior to the second permit expiring must wait for a period of one year before applying for another permit to take a Motorcycle skills exam. However, individuals can participate in an approved ride safe indiana Motorcycle safety training course at any time to receive an endorsement upon successful completion.

10 A person operating a Motorcycle while in possession of a Motorcycle learner s permit must, by law, abide by the following: Hold a valid indiana driver s license. May operate a Motorcycle on public roads for the duration of the one-year permit, under the following restrictions: Must wear a helmet that meets the standards established by the United States Department of Transportation under Operate a Motorcycle only during daylight hours. Must not carry safe IndianaTHE RIDER AND THE Motorcycle 1 PREPARING TO RIDEWear the Right Gear 2 Know Your Motorcycle 4 Know Your Responsibilities 7 ride WITHIN YOUR ABILITIESB asic Vehicle Control 8 Keeping Your Distance 12 SEE 17 Intersections 18 Increasing Conspicuity 21 Crash Avoidance 24 Handling Dangerous Surfaces 27 Mechanical Problems 30 Animals 31 Flying Objects