Safety
Safe Riding Practices
• Reduce speed when:
- the weather is windy, rainy or otherwise causing slippery or rapidly changing conditions.
- traffic is heavy, congested, not allowing sufficient space between vehicles or otherwise not flowing smoothly.
- you are being passed in either direction by a large vehicle that produces a wind blast in its wake.
• To maximize braking effectiveness, use the front and rear brakes together. Improper braking may cause loss of con-
trol or may not slow the vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Be aware of the following important braking facts and
practices:
- The rear brake provides 40% of the motorcycle's stopping power, at most. Use the front and rear brakes
together.
- To avoid skidding, apply the brakes gradually when the road is wet or rough, or contains loose or other slip-
pery substances.
- If possible, avoid applying the brakes while making a turn. Motorcycle tires have less traction during turns, so
braking will increase the possibility of skidding. Bring the motorcycle to the upright position before applying
the brakes.
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