SECTION 4. ABOUT BASIC OPERATIONSQ
This section provides basic knowledge for learning to ride. The information will help when you first learn to operate a motorcycle in this course.
ENGINE START AND STOP
A procedure called FINE-C is used as an engine pre-start routine. It stands for
Fuel, Ignition, Neutral, Engine Cut-off Switch, and Choke/Clutch.
BRAKING TO A STOP
33 You should be in first gear by the time you stop. 34 It is important to square the handlebars (center the steering) so the motorcycle is easier to hold up. Be sure not to release the clutch lever until you are ready to move out. When braking to a stop, roll off the throttle, and squeeze in the clutch lever and the front brake lever while pressing on the rear brake pedal.
SHIFTING
39Use a three-step process to shift to a higher gear:
1. Roll off the throttle as you squeeze in the clutch lever,
2. Lift the shift lever firmly as far as it will go, then release it to allow it to reset,
3. Ease out the clutch lever and roll on the throttle smoothly to match engine and road speed.
40 Use a three-step process to shift to a lower gear:
1. Roll off the throttle as you squeeze in the clutch lever,
2. Press down the shift lever firmly, then release it to allow it to reset,
3. Ease out the clutch lever as you roll on the throttle. If you roll on the throttle slightly as you ease out the clutch lever, you can help engine speed come up to road speed, making the downshift process smoother.
42When making a complete stop, the clutch lever must be fully squeezed to disconnect power from the rear wheel. The clutch lever remains squeezed until you are ready to start out in 1st gear.
FINE-C
A procedure called FINE-C is used as an engine pre-start routine. It stands for Fuel, Ignition, Neutral, Engine Cut-off Switch, and Choke/Clutch.
Fuel: If equipped, turn the fuel supply valve On.
Ignition: Turn ignition switch to the On position. Some indicator lights should come on.
Neutral: Be in neutral. The green light in the instrument cluster indicates neutral. When in neutral, the motorcycle will roll forward and backward with the clutch lever, front brake lever, and rear brake pedal released.
Engine Cut-off Switch: Put the switch in the Run/On position.
Choke/Clutch: Set the choke as needed (On for a cold engine). Some motorcycles do not have a choke. Also, many motorcycles require the clutch lever to be squeezed to start the engine.
CLUTCH LEVER AND FRICTION ZONE
24 The friction zone is a small area in the travel of the clutch lever that controls the connection between the engine and the rear wheel. 25 Fully squeezing in the clutch lever removes power from the rear wheel. 26 If you lose control of the motorcycle while riding in this course, you should squeeze in the clutch lever fully and use the brakes as needed.
RIDING POSTURE
Good posture helps you control the motorcycle.
28 Keep your back straight and head and eyes up. Keep both feet on the footrests and near the controls. Keep your knees and elbows in. Arms should be relaxed and bent. 27 Keep your fingers around the throttle with your wrist flat.
BASIC TURNING - POSTURE
29 At higher speeds, you initiate a change of direction by first pressing (forward or down) the handgrip on the same side of the intended turn.
Slow, Look, Press, Roll
30As you learn the skills needed to change direction, you want to consider: (1) speed, (2) where to scan, (3) handlebar movement, and (4) throttle use. Think about it in this order: Slow, Look, Press, and Roll.
Search - Setup - Smooth
A good overall cornering strategy to use is 31 Search-Setup-Smooth. Search: while approaching and going through a curve, scan for key information. Setup: adjust speed and lane position as necessary before entering. Smooth: operate the controls so there are no jerky movements.
Square the Handlebars
34 It is important to square the handlebars (center the steering) so the motorcycle is easier to hold up.
Braking Power
It is important to develop the habit of using both brakes so you can use them properly if a quick stop is needed.
Shifting Gears
You change gears to match engine speed (rpm) to road speed. Lower gears are used for lower speeds, and higher gears are used for higher speeds. Shifting to a lower gear and easing out the clutch lever has an effect similar to using the brakes.