New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Motorcycle Manual
Edited for the Internet 1/11
Complete text and images.
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New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Motorcycle Manual |
| MV-21 MC (1/05) Edited for the Internet 1/11 Complete text and images. |
Motorcycling is a popular choice for economical and convenient travel. More than 241,000 New Yorkers use motorcycles for commuting, touring and recreational activities. The New York State Motorcycle Safety Program is dedicated to improving motorcycle safety. We recognize the need to promote rider education and motorcycle awareness for all motorists. Through education and greater public awareness, motorcycling can be a safe and enjoyable activity. This manual will help to make your motorcycle traveling safer. I urge you to read it carefully and to follow its good advice: keep your motorcycle in good condition, wear a helmet and protective clothing, drive defensively, always obey the rules of the road and never drink and drive.
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The chances of being involved and seriously injured in a traffic crash are greater riding a motorcycle than driving a car. The purpose of this manual is to educate the reader to help avoid crashes while safely operating a motorcycle. This manual contains what you need to know to pass the motorcycle knowledge test and shows safe riding techniques. Since you must share the road with many types of vehicles, your written test will be based on this manual and the Driver's Manual. Studying the manuals, taking a motorcycle rider course and practicing your riding skills can reduce your risk and increase your safety. Drive alert and enjoy the ride. Barbara J. Fiala, Commissioner |
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NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Motorcycle Safety Program Visit our Internet Office at http://www.dmv.ny.gov |
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| MOTORCYCLE LICENSES, OWNERSHIP, SPECIAL RULES | ||
| Licenses | Registration, Inspection, Insurance | Special Rules and Required Equipment |
| PREPARING TO RIDE | ||
| Wear the Right Gear | Clothing | Know Your Motorcycle Controls |
| Helmet Use | Know Your Motorcycle | Check Your Motorcycle |
| Helmet Selection | The Right Motorcycle For You | Know Your Responsibilities |
| Eye and Face Protection | Borrowing and Lending | |
| RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES | ||
| Basic Vehicle Control | Increasing Conspicuity | Tire Failure |
| Body Position | Clothing | Stuck Throttle |
| Shifting Gears | Headlight | Wobble |
| Braking | Signals | Chain Problems |
| Turning | Brake Light | Engine Seizure |
| Keeping Your Distance | Using Your Mirrors | Animals |
| Lane Positions | Head Checks | Flying Objects |
| Following Another Vehicle | Horn | Getting Off The Road |
| Being Followed | Riding at Night | Carrying Passengers and Cargo |
| Passing and Being Passed | Crash Avoidance | Equipment |
| Lane Sharing | Quick Stops | Instructing Passengers |
| Merging Cars | Swerving or Turning Quickly | Riding With Passengers |
| Cars Alongside | Riding a Curve | Carrying Loads |
| SEE | Handling Dangerous Surfaces | Group Riding |
| Intersections | Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles | Keep the Group Small |
| Blind Intersections | Slippery Surfaces | Keep the Group Together |
| Passing Parked Cars | Railroad Tracks, Grooves and Gratings | Keep Your Distance |
| Parking at the Roadside | Mechanical Problems | |
| BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE | ||
| Why this Information is Important | Alcohol and the Law | Don't Ride |
| Alcohol and Other Drugs in Motorcycle Operation | Consequences of Conviction | Step in to Protect Friends |
| Alcohol in the Body | Minimize the Risks | Fatigue |
| Blood Alcohol Concentration | Don't Drink | |
| EARNING YOUR LICENSE | ||
| Knowledge and Skill | Knowledge Test | On-Cycle Skill Test |
| MOTORCYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM | ||
| Rider Education | ||
Copyright © 2013, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. All rights are reserved.