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Safety Home
Video: how cars see/don't see riders Motorcycle Operator Manual: PDF format A former course instructor gives you the five key points to remember when approaching test time! Measurements for BRC exercises: from a course instructor! Motorcycle Skills Test Practice Guide 50 Ways to Save Your Life: August 2006 article in Motorcyclist
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2009Dear VTwin Mama, My husband and I ride with another couple, friends in our neighborhood. We like them a lot, but I am having concerns about safety when we ride with them. We're all fairly new bikers with under 1 year street experience. My husband picked up riding again after a long time; he's a very good rider. I took the safety course (now required in our state) - it was actually pretty tough; I passed it with some errors and got my license. My woman friend - who has the same size and type bike as I do - also took a course (not the same one I did). I really don't think the course she took was as strict as mine! When we ride with them, if they are out in front of us, there is almost a timid-like take off from a stop, very slow, and frequent stall outs. I realize stalls happen from time to time, but the other day a car almost ran into her! There have been some serious errors, like turning in the middle of a busy road without looking for a proper place to make the turn. At the time, we were behind her and cars were coming up behind us - I was really scared! VTwin Mama, we want to stay friends with this couple, and would like to continue riding with them, but I think they need some more practice and definitely need to work on their skills. What would you advise? Thanks so much! – Beth Dear Beth, My thought is that it can be difficult to just come right out and say what's on your mind. A "sideways" method would be to suggest going halves on purchasing the Ride Like a Pro (RLAP) and Surviving The Mean Streets DVDs as an extension to your continuing riding education. This could be worded any way you would like. Then you can get together as couples for viewing evenings. The first DVD would open discussion on polishing basic slow maneuver skills and the second would bring to light the various road situations you all face while riding. Everyone would benefit. Then you could schedule a few practice sessions to work on the RLAP drills together (even 1/2 hour before a "real" ride is useful) ... and when a traffic safety issue crops up it would be easier to say something like, "Didn't we see that on the DVD? I'd like to watch that again!" I will simply add that these DVDs are available in the Lending Tree Library, an extension of the VTwin Mama Message Board. Registered board members can add themselves to the list of interested viewers and it only requires a nominal cost to ship it to the next person in line. – Mama Thursday, May 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Rocky, While it may seem that contacting a local women's riding group, before one even has a license, is counter-intuitive, in fact, why not benefit from these women's knowledge on getting started?! My Women's Sites page lists a lot of national level organizations, with local chapters, as well as independent groups. Send an email, say hi, and then attend a meeting. You'll find out that not only are you not alone, but that there are people standing by to help you! Pursuing a dream is just that ... taking baby steps towards something you think you might enjoy. No matter how it turns out, you'll never have to wonder "what if I had tried that." Because you did! Wednesday, August 5 Hello VTwin Mama, Dear Karen, So, I can think of several ways to approach this (I'm assuming you have your own motorcycle at this point). One, contact the course provider and inquire whether any of their instructors offer private lessons. You'll want to start in a big empty parking lot with your trainer so they can see your basic skills and work on those and then head out for short area runs to get your road training underway. Another path to explore is The Riding Center of New Jersey, as they specifically state that they'll train for road riding. Although based in north NJ, I'd still call and explore options with them. It's possible you took your original course with them ... Again, if you have your own motorcycle, you could also check for women's riding organizations in your area (I know Tink runs Sisters in Spirit in the NJ area). Make contact, attend a monthly meeting, let them know you need a mentor. If anything, these gals are going to be "in the know" about what's available in your area for more training! If, in fact, you have not purchased your own motorcycle, I would advise that you get something used, small, cheap, but running. The thought here is that you need something serviceable to practice on for 6 months or so ... then you can resell it and be in great position to shop for the dream bike! – Mama Tuesday, August 11 Hello VTwin Mama, I have a question in reference to a MSF course I recently attended. While I did pass the course and received a little certificate, I still need to test with the local Secretary of State today for my official M Class license status...and I know I am not ready. I don't believe I SHOULD have been given a passing grade in the class. The MSF class was taught by a reputable private agency (they're endorsed by MSF). Due to time constraints, I opted for the place, because they taught the typical 3-5 day class in two 10-hr days (turned into two 11+ hr days). The bike I was issued had a super choppy run in 1st gear (which I hear is typical), a need to very forcefully kick the thing down to first gear and down from second, and a friction point that was non-existent until a half a centimeter before the clutch was fully released. The class itself was a blur; very fast and chaotic...and probably shouldn't be a 2-day class. It was exhausting. There just wasn't enough time to practice what I had just learned, before moving onto the next exercise. I did terrible with the figure 8 (AKA not-even-close) and dropped the bike a couple times throughout the first day (thankfully not while moving). And I feel so so uncomfortable with tight right turns and that dastardly "figure 8." I wasn't the only one suffering, but somehow we all passed the class. I almost feel we all passed, simply because we paid the registration fee. (one student laid his bike out twice on day two...while it was moving). Is this normal for these classes? I can go back to the facility to practice, but I'm wondering if perhaps I should register elsewhere or take a couple hours of private lessons? On their behalf, I should confess I do feel very comfortable with upshift/downshift/normal turn left-right/break normally (sudden break with a little more practice) and the offset weave 90% of the time. I just don't feel consistent or confident. My goal is to develop into a safe and confident rider, not to cut corners. I know any MSF class will only get me so far. I feel I am close to having the skills to pass the SOS test, then spend hours practicing in a parking lot on my own, but need some advise as to how I should proceed to confidently get that M status. Thanks so much for all you do!! – Very Very Thankful Dear Very Very Thankful, And while the learning curve was steep, it's apparent that you gained control of many of the basic skills, and since continued practice is available at no additional charge, I would take advantage of that. I'm also not surprised that left turns were more easily managed than the right turn. My theory is two-fold: 1) spatial tasks are thought to be set in the right side of the brain, which controls the left side of the body and since we have to look where we go, the left turn is easier; 2) in a left turn our right hand, which controls the touchy throttle, is extended outward, where as in a right turn the whole arm must be pulled in towards our body, thus "cramping" up our wrist while trying to keep the throttle under perfect use. Of course all of this becomes less noticeable with more practice. The dreaded figure 8 is just that ... one of the toughest drills to master and I can guarantee that most experienced riders wouldn't be able to do it ... mainly because in normal riding it's a skill rarely needed ... at most a rider could use the skill in a tighter U-turn, but most often you'll see riders with their feet down "walking" the bike around the tight turn. Some don't have the skill while most I suspect don't want an oopsie to occur, especially if there are a lot of other motorcycles around (it really isn't good etiquette to crash into a line of bikes that are parked!). The key is to trust that you can do it ... easier said than done ... but imagining a positive outcome really does make a difference. On the Ride Technique: Riding Course/Safety page, you'll find a number of links in the left hand column to previous letters that spell out some key techniques for handling the figure 8 and approaching test day. So, head back for some more practice. If you do opt to try the test today, remember that a flubbed figure 8 only costs so many points, and a pass will be awarded if everything else is under control. Remember ... see yourself calmly and smoothly riding the test course and toss out any negative thoughts! One reason to just go ahead and take the test today is that if the cost of taking it is not prohibitive to you, then you get a chance to work through their test, learn what level of jitters you have, and exactly where more practice is needed. Remember, it's all about learning, and you might surprise yourself! – Mama Friday, February 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Sadly, at the end of the season (without me) the bike met a truck. All the people survived but the bike was totaled. As the 2010 riding season approaches I am considering a riders course to learn how to ride my own bike. Knowing the risks first hand (and how very lucky he was) I am considerably nervous. How do I shake those fears? Are there women out there who prefer to be on the back of a bike even if they know how to ride their own? Where do I get started? – Kristen Dear Kristen, The same goes for learning to ride a motorcycle. First you have to be totally honest with yourself about the risks inherent with riding. I've been riding for 30 years now and I am still constantly reviewing my skills and fine-tuning my handling of my bike. The learning should never stop. By doing this I know that I'm training my brain to quickly react to the endless nuances of risk out there and am prepared to handle whatever comes up to the best of my ability. However, no matter how accomplished a rider is, we too often read about how another vehicle turned into the rider's pathway, etc. This risk factor is simply not for everyone and that's why not everyone rides a motorcycle. You note that you are hooked ... to me this means that you've decided that the joy factor is on it's way to balancing with the risk factor and you've taken responsibility for your choice. Fear is not your enemy; it's your ally. Fear becomes carefully thought out risk assessment and management. With proper training and continued learning, fear keeps you sharp and focused at all times. We do, however, tend to refer to it more often as nervous tummy butterflies. It sounds nicer! Many women ride pillion and are happy with that choice. Pillion riders have their own skill sets. And yes, some will come off the back, take riding classes, get their own bike, and then decide that it's not as joyful for them as they thought it would be. Still, in taking the class they gained a lot of knowledge about what it takes to ride. In this way they become even better pillion riders because they have formed a more intimate connection to a bike and it's rider. Most new riders now take an official riding course ... you can find this information on my Get Started page. There is also an 18 page article available ($3.95) about what you should consider before signing up for a course (should it be of interest). The article includes a wide variety of tips and thoughts from the many people who have written in to the VTwin Mama site over the last nine years. Early spring classes fill up fast, so get going on your research into this. Can you get a motorcycle and learn on your own? Yes. I did. But even I eventually ended taking a course because in order to ride on a military base (I'm a Navy vet) I had to take their course. It served me well. I hope in my long-winded way that I have shown you how to move forward in your adventure in riding. Good luck and happiness to you! – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, I have always wanted to drive a bike, but let everything and everyone talk me out of it ... mostly I convinced myself that I wasn’t the type to learn to ride ... that was for some other person. Two months ago I was talking to another women and she and I talked about bikes. I told her that I always wanted to drive one ... not be behind someone driving it ... she said she had always wanted the same thing. You know, I think secretly most women want to have their own bike and be able to ride and not depend on anyone else. Anyway, something snapped in my head and I began to get on the Internet and see what classes I could go to. To be honest I was so afraid of my husband’s reaction if I told him that I wanted to do this ... that he would put his foot down and I knew I would be defeated and go along with him ... and I would feel miserable that I didn’t at least try. Well, I got online and registered for the BMC at our local community college and then paid online by credit card. I sensed a thrill inside of me but also a sense of dread because what I thought my husband would say and how he would react. I basically told him this is what I have always wanted and this is what I am going to do. He wasn’t angry ... more shocked that anything ... he now feels the BMC is the best way. I think deep down inside he thinks I will fail, so isn’t too bothered about it at the moment. Anyway, next month I will see how I do and I can tell you I am excited and very scared at the same time. If anyone has any pointers on the course please let me know. I need all the help I can get. This is a great site. Thank you, – Diane B. Dear Diane, It is quite normal to be both excited and nervous about your upcoming class, and it's also natural that the closer you get to that date, the more nervous you'll feel. The trick to get those feelings under control IMHO is to do six things. 1) Go to my Get Started page ... here you will find a number of video clips that will show you the things you'll be doing in the riding portion of the class ... it's a great way to preview things so you don't walk into that class "cold." Even if you don't understand everything there you see, you'll be a step ahead! 2) As you are watching those clips, visualize yourself happily learning new skills ... positive thoughts are key. Any time you feel yourself slipping into negative thoughts about what might happen, immediately replace them with positive visualization. See yourself succeeding. There's no reason to shoot yourself in the foot before you even start! 3) A lot of DMVs offer the motorcycle handbook online as a download ... you can pre-read basic road rules specific to motorcycle riding and be that much more prepared for the written test. I just realized I have some sort of copy, along with a bunch of other excellent links, on my Riding Safety page. Take a look in the left hand column. Read, read, read. 4) On a piece small piece of paper that can tuck into your pants or jacket pocket, write down a note to yourself. Something like, "This is for me! You go girl!" So every time you start having doubts, you pull your note to yourself out and read it. Lots of gals have reported that this really can make a difference ... some even laminate the note. Do it now! 5) Before the class, eat light but nutritious. Minimize caffeine. Bring water to the class and even small energy snacks. If you're struggling with a skill, stop, take a deep breath, and try again. Remember, you are there to learn ... passing the class is a bonus! Many new riders don't pass the first time. Some get a small 250cc bike for practice and then take the course again. Learn, learn, learn. Some instructors are of the drill sergeant variety and can seem harsh. Keep your cool and have a snappy retort at the ready (i.e. hey, I'm not deaf, just learning ... humor is absolutely useful!). 6) Immediately register on the VTwin Mama Message Board. You will be welcome with open arms by women who know exactly how you are feeling. It's a great way to journal and get those feelings out so they don't get stuck in your tummy, where butterflies are manufactured. Ok, off you go to make your 58th year one of the most interesting ever! I guarantee that if you do these six steps that by the time the class starts you'll be the one who can't wait to give it a try! – Mama Monday, April 19 Diane, I just wanted to congratulate you on taking this step to do something that you have wanted to do! I am a 56 year old grandma who took a motorcycle safety class last year. I hadn’t ridden before. It was a fulfillment of a dream. I now have a Honda Shadow 600 – not a huge bike, but one I love and am comfortable on. I love riding with my husband who also has a slightly larger Shadow. I am still learning and probably will for the rest of my riding life. Like you, I hadn’t done it before because 1) what would my family say (this was more when I was younger and my parents were still alive – my mother would have disapproved) 2) what would my friends and coworkers say – rather totally out of character for what they thought I was 3) would I be able to do it? You may be right that more women than we realize harbor a real desire to learn to ride but are trapped by expectations – their own or others and fear. My family now (husband, kids, brother, etc) think it is awesome that I have learned to ride. My coworkers/friends still think I am a little wacky – but that’s ok. I wish you the best from your training and if you do go ahead to get that “M” on your license, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment and a great sense of freedom. Best to you and please join us on the VTwin Mama message board. You will find a wonderful support system and lots of wonderful experience and knowledge. – Kathy, aka DaisyMae (note from Mama: there's nothing like a similar first-hand account to help someone realize their dream ... just a reminder that you can visit the message board and read, read, read without registering ... for those that like to check things out first!) Monday, April 19 Dear VTwin Mama, My insurance agent laughed, they laughed at motor vehicles and my colleagues and friends think I'm nuts, but I have persevered. A gal from work came by tonight to show me a few things and 'get me started'. What a dismal failure <LOL>. Just going up and down my street ... it is much harder than I thought. I am lurching, I can't steer worth crap and, you guessed it, I dropped it. I was able to pick it up myself and get going again. Am I going to be able to do this or are there some people that are just not coordinated enough? Should I consider getting a scooter - no gears (I hate to, I love the V Star and am flat footed on it) or do I just wait until I take the course and hope it gets better. I am told that going slow is the hardest - do I just keep trying to drive up and down the street? I'm looking for any advice. Today is not my day <LOL> - I couldn't even get registered in the forum because I couldn't get the security code right <ROTFL>. – CM Dear CM, It's time for some Diva Duck empowerment!
It's called duck walking (quack, quack) and it's the very first skill to work on. You give the motorcycle a bit of steady gas and slowly let the clutch lever out, just enough to get the bike moving forward, while you walk your feet along the ground. Yes, you'll stall ... that means you don't have enough throttle power. Yes, you'll lurch ... that means you're not giving it steady gas. You are aiming to duck walk your feet nice and steady as you move forward, using the right combination of throttle and clutch engagement. When you come to the end of your street, you duck walk it to turn around and then duck walk some more. This can go on for days! Here's a video clip to show you duck walking ... I love it that the instructor discusses the importance of your head position and that your eyes look at where you want to go. That's a biggee ... you know the ground is below you, so stop looking at it! You go where you look. Ok, give that a try ... when your hands are cramping from all of this you know you're on your way! Instead of cursing as you're learning, quack under your breath! It's funny and will keep your sense of humor at the ready. And don't label yourself uncoordinated, in need of an auto tranny scooter, or anything else. I have some inspirational sayings taped on my computer screen. One is a line from the movie A League of Their Own ... it says, "The hard is what makes it great." As to the VTwin Mama Message Board registration ... in order to thwart spammers, the password must be a combination of upper and lower case letters and include one number and one symbol. That keeps those idiots from posting naked boob pictures and telling you about cheap meds! Off you go to quack, I mean, duck walk. I've heard from a gazillion gals in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who learned to ride for the first time ... you're going to be in good company! I wish you the best on your upcoming class! – Mama Tuesday, May 18 Good Morning Mama, My question, though you probably felt it coming ... we both ride 600 GSXRs, both on small size, wondering what the exact measurements of the box (for Massachusetts) is ... or are they all supposed to be the same? Are they different for a different style bikes? Thank you, thank you! – D. Stearns and Future Wife Dear D. and FW, You are right ... who needs that ol' poopy figure 8 in real life?!?! What the testers are checking is your ability to control the bike ... it's mostly about confidence and trusting yourself and the bike. Be sure to understand the point system for grading and whether you can go outside of the box. If you can, then it's better to go wide once rather than going out just a bit and still having to stomp your foot down. I had a friend with a Ducati who could not pass the test for a license because the front end of a sport bike, like yours, isn't designed with the same type of turning radius as a standard cruiser. He hopped on my Honda Shadow 750 and aced the test with no problem. In checking your state's info, I read, "The Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) administratively oversees and supports a network of eight (8) motorcycle safety schools that offer Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) approved courses. These schools operate thirteen (13) sites across the state." To me this suggests that the DMV test course would be identical to the MSF course ... but unfortunately the MSF has now pass-coded access to the course layout ... but info I found suggests that the figure 8 box is 20' x 60'. Here's another suggestion ... take the MSF course on little standard 250cc bikes, get your endorsement and present that to the DMV for your "M." Sure, it'll cost about $100 a piece, but you would be done with it in a weekend. – Mama
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