Motorcycle Touring 101by

David Bross a.k.a. Tatanka/Boy Scout

4 W’s Safety First Headlamp checkup Passenger Information Road Tips for Road Trips Top 10 failures Group Touring Video Hand Signals Interstate System Motorcycle Theft Prevention Bike Trip Preparation Check List Break Out Session-Optional Baggage Camping

Agenda

4W's

• Alone or Group• Review your itinerary• Bike Preparation• Review Weather Conditions

• Review your itinerary• Alone or Group• Review Weather Conditions

• Bike Preparation

• Bike Preparation• Review your itinerary• Alone or Group• Review Weather Conditions

• Review your itinerary• Bike Preparation• Alone or Group• Review Weather Conditions

Where to Go

When to Go

Who to Go

What to Go

Perform daily before ride

Live SafetyI take safety seriously…… all other successes

depend on it!

T: Tires.Make sure both tires are properly inflated, using an air pressure monitor that you bring with you on rides. Don't risk riding on tires that might need replacement; if suspect a tire will not last long enough for a ride, have it replaced. C: Controls.Are your cables (clutch and brakes) and controls intact and working? L: Lights.Make sure your headlights (high & low beam), turn signals, and brake lights work. O: Oils & fluids.Check everything from engine oil and coolant to brake fluid. C: Chassis.Ensure that the frame, suspension, chain, and fasteners are all secure and intact. S: Stands.Make sure the center stand and/or side stand isn't cracked or bent, and that springs properly hold the assembly away from the pavement when stowed.

Check headlamp for proper height and lateral alignment

1. Verify correct front and rear tire pressure

2. Place motorcycle on level floor in an area with minimum light.

3. Position motorcycle axle 25 ft away from a wall. (Fig 1)

4. Measure the distance from directly below the front axle to the base of the wall. (Fig 2)

5. Set mark for alignment purposes Draw a horizontal line above floor on wall Draw a Horizontal line level with center of the headlamp

6. Load vehicle with rider, passenger (if normally present) and any cargo. Weight will compress vehicle suspension slightly

7. Stand motorcycle upright with both tires resting on floor and with front wheel held straight alignment. (directly forward)

8. Turn ignition switch ON. Set handlebar headlamp switch to HIGH beam. (Fig 3)

9. Check light beam for alignment The main beam, which is a broad, flat pattern of light, should

be centered equally above and below the horizontal line. The main beam of light should also be directed straight

ahead. Properly adjust headlamps project an equal area of light to right and left of center.

Adjust headlamp alignment if necessary

10. Passing lamps should be adjusted the same except the distance from axle to wall is 30 ft. With low beam on.

11. Cover headlamp with paper so you can just see the passing lamps light on wall.

Headlight/Passing Lights

(Fig 1)

(Fig 2)

(Fig 3)

Riding on a motorcycle with a friend is one of the most fun things you can do. It can be an even more enjoyable experience if the passenger understands and follows a few simple rules. To be the kind of passenger riders want to ride with, remember the following:

Wear clothing that will give you some protection in the unlikely event of a spill. Footwear that protects your feet and your ankles (hiking boots are good). Durable pants--leather is best; lacking leather, you will have to make do with jeans,

work pants, or something similar. An abrasion resistant jacket that zips or buttons up close to the neck (again, leather is

best if you have it; a nylon flight jacket or parka are satisfactory, and a Levis-type jacket will do in a pinch).

Durable gloves. FULL FINGER Eye protection--ideally, the helmet you borrow or own should have a face shield for

comfort as well as protection. If it does not, goggles are good, and glasses (dark or prescription) will do.

Before you attempt to mount the motorcycle, make sure that the passenger foot pegs are down. (They fold up when not in use, and it is easy for the rider to forget to put them down for you.) If you don't know where the foot pegs are, have the rider point them out to you.

Also, beware of the hot exhaust pipes. Make sure you know where they are, and don't let your leg or any part of your body touch them as you mount or dismount the motorcycle. They can give you a severe burn right through the heaviest pants.

TIPS FOR THE MOTORCYCLE PASSENGER

MOTORCYCLE PASSENGER On/Off

It is customary to get on or off the motorcycle from the left side. Always wait for the rider to tell you it's okay to mount or dismount. Here is the best way to get on a motorcycle, and the method almost all passengers should use:

1. Put your left foot on the left passenger foot peg, put your left hand on the drivers left shoulder, lean your body way over the motorcycle, and gently step up until you can swing your right leg over the seat and ease yourself down.

2. You must keep your body low and lean over the motorcycle as much as possible while you get on, to help the rider keep the motorcycle balanced. The weight of your body, if it is too far out of line with the weight of the motorcycle, could pull the bike over.

3. To dismount, just reverse the process you used to get on. With a little practice, getting on and off will become second nature.

• Once you are on the motorcycle, plant your feet on the passenger foot pegs and keep them there.

• Place your hands on the rider's hips. That is the best way to hold on to the rider, and it keeps you in touch with the rider's movements.

• Keep your weight centered over the motorcycle. Try not to move around any more than is necessary, particularly when the motorcycle is stopped, as it affects the balance of the motorcycle.

• Motorcycles turn by leaning (banking like an airplane) So don't be alarmed when the motorcycle leans over to go around a corner.

• To position yourself perfectly for a turn, just look over the rider's shoulder in the direction of the turn.

• If the motorcycle is turning right, look over the rider's right shoulder; if it is turning left, look over the rider's left shoulder.

You don't have to do anything else; looking naturally over the rider's inside shoulder will automatically put your weight right where it belongs in a turn. Keep your body in line with the rider's body to prevent the motorcycle from leaning more than the rider intends. (When going straight, it doesn't matter which shoulder you look over.)

• Never lean out of a turn; you could cause an accident that way, which is another big no-no.

that brings it to the rider's attention.

You can also help the rider scan for animals that may run into the road. Dogs and deer are particularly unpredictable, and you may see a deer on a hillside above the road, or a dog in somebody's front yard, before the rider. (After all, the rider is concentrating primarily on the road.)

• If you spot a hazard of any sort that you think the rider is unaware of, rap the rider on the appropriate shoulder, and point at the hazard in a way or Describe the HAZARD such as

“Deer 10 O clock”

MOTORCYCLE PASSENGER Do/Do Not

Test out any new accessories or gear before the trip. Upgrade your tool kit before heading out. Pack wisely Dress appropriately Know your limits. Don’t rely on Caffeine to keep you awake Eat right Get gas before you need it. Plan ahead Never be too proud to take a safety course Use your brain, protect your head. Get a full face helmet Never let anyone convince, coerce, or shame you into riding without a

helmet if that's your choice. Don’t dress for the ride; dress for the fall. Never get in a hurry. Never be afraid to slow down Keep it fun

Road Tips for Road Trips

10. Internal Motor Problems9. Oil Pump10. Stator11. Electrical12. Clutch Cable13. Throttle Cable14. Battery15. Flat Tire2. Out of Gas1. Lack of Preventative Maintenance

Dave's Top 10 Reasons Why Your Motorcycle Will Break Down

Group Touring Video

Group Riding Etiquette Hand Signals

Group Riding Etiquette Hand Signals

Group Riding Etiquette Hand Signals

Group Riding Etiquette Hand Signals

The Interstate System

Lock your ignition. Most cycle thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked. - Lock the forks or disk brakes with large, brightly colored tags. The bright color will remind

you to unlock your cycle and tell would-be thieves that your cycle is protected. - If traveling with other riders, lock motorcycles together when not in use. - If you are riding alone, lock your cycle to a secure, stationary object that can't be easily

dismantled, such as a light pole. - When traveling and spending the night at a hotel, locate outdoor security cameras and park

your cycle in the cameras' view. If this is not possible, park your cycle close to your room. This allows you to hear if a burglar tampers with or starts your cycle.

- Keep an eye on your cycle. When parking at a public event, check your motorcycle periodically, especially immediately after leaving your cycle, to make sure there are no suspicious individuals lurking about. Thieves need only two minutes to steal your cycle. Don't give them the opportunity.

- Don't store your title in your cycle's storage compartment, tank bag or saddle bag. The safest place for your title is at home.

- Keep your cycle registration and insurance identification card on you when you ride. Should a theft occur, this quickly establishes you as the cycle owner and allows law enforcement to file a report immediately.

If you have a Camera Cell Phone, take a picture of where your parked. Could come in Handy.    

If you use a trailer to transport your cycle, many of the same precautions apply.

- Park the trailer in a well-lit location near security cameras or in an area easily seen by restaurant, hotel or event staff.

- Lock the trailer doors and hitch. - Secure doors by backing up to a wall, so there's not enough room for doors to be opened. - Know your trailer identification number and license plate registration.

Easy Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Theft

Can be found on the Central Website under Chapter/Useful Stuff

Count offBreak into groupsYou have 15 minutes to determineWhere

Daytona-First Week of MarchSturgis-First Week of AugustLaconia NH-Middle of May

Type of BikesWho brings what (Initial Items)Group Leader presents Lets compare groups

Breakout Groups - Optional

Why the Right First Mark inside Saddle Bag lids w/masking tape Cut up some inner tubes for large rubber bands for

wrapping items. Get different sizes from car tires to bike tires.

Pack heavy items toward bottom. Pack quick access stuff on right side bag Tools, Electrical kit, disk lock, spare keys Jumper Cables, Arkansas Credit Card Bun gee's Oil Sunscreen in a bag Rain gear (Wal-Mart Bags) Separate Ziploc bag for Insurance, road assistance card Side stand pad, clear glasses, NP book, compass

Right Saddle Bag 1st

► Soft Lowers►Proper Riding Gear► Coat with Liners► Chaps

Left Saddle Bag 2nd

Outside pockets Camera w/ fi lm in Ziploc bag, Laundry soap & Quarter’s(3) Bandana’s, Cell Phone w/chargerSwipe those shower caps from the motel, they are great for putting your packed shoes, fl ip flops in. Put a waterproof bag inside the T-BagPut your heavy items toward bottom – Roll your JeansRoll your shirts, short and long sleevesStuff Undergarments, socksKeep a long sleeve shirt toward the top for easy accessBathroom stuff in small travel bag - Ziploc what you canSpare Trash BagDon’t Max out the bag- your going to buy stuffSnake Bite Kit No room for the curling iron

Touring-Bag When Buying a Touring-Bag, Pick the bag that gives you multiple ways of

attaching to your bike Buy the correct Height Sissy Bar Buy a Luggage Rack Buy Extra Straps

Top Roll/Day PackLight weight wind breaker

First Aid Kit - w/non drowsy Sudafed, Special itemsGloves,

• Rain

• Cold Weather

• Liners

Balaclava, Ear plugs, Maps

Windshield BagTylenol

Lip Balm

Sun Glasses

Need more Room

Know where you're going, even if it means taping directions to the tank. Review your map at every gas stop.You only need to remember directions from gas stop to gas stop.

Tank bags can attach via a magnet or straps, and often feature clear windows for maps.

Camping Go Buy a waterproof Duffle Bag to sit on Passenger seat Pack all camping items in bag to minimize shifting Bun gee to bike and t-Bag

8 x 8 tent

2-sleeping bags

Air mattress w/pump 12V

Small camp pots

metal cups, utensils

Instant coffee bags

2-small camp stool

TP

Dryer Lint for starting fires

Camping Check list

Turn on your Lights Turn on your Head

Laugh at the Rain Be Safe

Questions & Answers