Key facts from the motorcycle handbook — memorize these
Helmet Requirements
Required by law for all riders and passengersU.S. DOT compliant
A DOT helmet reduces head injuries at speeds under 30 mph by50%
Chance of surviving a head injury wearing DOT helmet vs not3x more likely
DOT lettering on helmet should beManufacturer-applied, not stick-on
Full-face helmet — best protection forBack and sides of head
When NOT to use tinted eye protectionAt night or in low light
Braking
Front brake stopping power75% (three-quarters)
Which brakes to use for normal stopsBoth front and rear together
If front wheel locks during brakingRelease immediately, then reapply
Can you keep rear brake locked on good traction?Yes — if going straight
Never do this while swervingApply the front brake
Following Distance
Normal following distance for motorcycles2 seconds
Following distance in poor conditions (slippery, heavy traffic)3 seconds or more
Following distance when riding at night3 seconds or more
When towing a trailer — following distanceIncrease beyond normal
Lane Positioning
Number of lane paths available to a motorcyclist3 (left, center, right)
Width of oily center strip to avoidAbout 2 feet wide
When being passed — stay inCenter portion of lane
When passing parked vehicles — ride inLeft portion of lane
When to use single-file formation in a groupCurves, turns, entering/leaving highway
Staggered formation: leader rides inLeft portion of lane
Second rider: distance behind leader1 second
Third rider: distance behind first rider2 seconds
Passengers & Cargo
Motorcycle towing trailer — max speed55 mph
Motorcycles towing — must stay inRight lane (or right 2 on 4-lane)
Motorcycles towing — carpool lanesNot allowed
Experienced riders only should carryPassengers or large loads
Passenger should get on motorcycleOnly after engine is started
Alcohol & BAC
Illegal BAC for riders 21 and over0.08% or above
Illegal BAC for riders under 210.01% or above (zero tolerance)
Illegal BAC for commercial vehicle drivers0.04% or above
Alcohol eliminated by body per hourApproximately 1 drink/hour
One standard drink equals1.5 oz 80-proof, 12 oz 5% beer, or 5 oz 12% wine
Max hours experienced riders should ride per dayAbout 6 hours
Rest stop frequency recommendedAt least every 2 hours
License Requirements
M1 permit restrictions (all ages)No passengers, no freeway, no nighttime
CMSP course required for riders under21 years old
DL 389 (CMSP certificate) valid for12 months from issue date
Motor-driven cycle cannot be ridden onFreeway or expressway (if signs posted)
Collision report to DMV required within10 days — if injury or $1,000+ damage
Evading a peace officer — misdemeanor — max jailUp to 1 year county jail
Turning & SEE Strategy
Four steps for better cornering controlSlow, Look, Press, Roll
SEE stands forSearch, Evaluate, Execute
How far ahead should you scan your path?10 to 15 seconds ahead
To turn left — press which handlegrip?Left handlegrip (countersteering)
When crossing railroad tracks running parallel — cross at minimum45-degree angle
Approach obstacles at what angle?As close to 90 degrees as possible