It is important to become familiar with the motorcycle’s controls,
whether you’re learning to ride or you’re an experienced rider
driving an unfamiliar motorcycle. In fact, you should first check
that the motorcycle isn’t too heavy or too large for you to operate
comfortably. When sitting on the seat, you should be able to
place your feet flat on the ground.
The same controls may not be found in the same places on all
motorcycles. Check your owner’s manual for the exact location
and precise way to operate all controls and devices. The first
step in learning to ride a motorcycle is to learn the controls used
to operate the machine. You must be able to reach any control
without looking for it. With practice, you will be able to operate all
controls by reflex. Automatic response is required before you can
venture out into traffic.
Instruments
The following instruments are grouped in the centre of the
handlebars on most motorcycles:
— The speedometer indicates riding speed in kilometres per
hour or miles per hour.
– The odometer indicates total kilometres or miles accumulated
on the motorcycle.
– The tripmeter indicates kilometres or miles accumulated since
the last time it was set at zero.
– The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute (RPM) and shows with a red line the maximum RPM
the engine can safely attain.
– The high beam indicator light appears red or blue when the
headlight is on high beam.
– The neutral indicator light appears green when the
transmission is in neutral.
– The turn signal indicator light flashes amber when either left or
right signals are operating.
Ignition switch
The ignition key goes into the ignition switch located near the
centre of the handlebars or below one side of the fuel tank. ON
and OFF positions are standard. Some switches also have
LIGHTS and PARK positions. When the ignition is on, the engine
can be started in either the ON or LIGHTS position. The LIGHTS
position turns on the headlight and the taillight. The PARK
position turns on only the taillight. The key can be removed only
in the OFF or PARK position.
Light switches
If the ignition switch does not have a LIGHTS position, your
motorcycle will have a separate switch with which to turn on the
headlight and taillight. On all newer motorcycles, the headlight
and taillight come on automatically when the ignition is switched
ON and the engine is running.
A dimmer switch, generally located on the left handlebar and
operated by the left thumb, can be used to set the headlight on
low or high beam.
9
3)
