NIGHT ONE: BRAKING EXCERCISES FRICTION ZONE AND TRAIL BRAKING STRAIGHT LINE BRAKING NIGHT 2: SLOW SPEED TURNING AND CLUTCH CONTROL CIRCLE IN A SQUARE ROLLING U TURNS NIGHT 3: CORNERING AND BRAKING TURNING FROM A STOP STOP AND GO NIGHT 4: EVADING SWERVING BRAKE AND EVADE NIGHT 5: TRANSITIONS AND PRACTICE W EXCERCISE FIGURE 8 AND OFFSET CONE WEAVE NIGHT 6: GRADUATION (WHITE MARKS) Color denotes field markings
NIGHT 1: EXERCISE FRICTION ZONE AND TRAIL BRAKING FRICTION ZONE: The use of the friction zone (slipping the clutch) is useful TRAIL BRAKING: when slow, controlled movement of the motorcycle is required. In addition, dragging the rear brake adds stability to the motorcycle allowing for precise maneuvers.. OBJECTIVE: REAL WORLD: RANGE SETUP: INSTRUCTIONS: NOTES:. OBSERVE: COACHING: To gain proficiency in slow, controlled maneuvers. Any situation where you need to move through, between or around obstacles. 4 slow speed lanes, two in each direction with begin and end cones. On signal and one at a time, begin at the start cones and ride as slowly as possible using the friction zone and rear brake to the end of the lane. Join the line at the next lane and repeat. The friction zone is the area of clutch lever movement that begins where the clutch starts to transmit power to the rear wheel and ends just prior to full clutch engagement. It is used to get underway from a stop and, to control speed when riding slowly Trail braking (as defined in this context) is the controlled application of the rear brake during slow speed maneuvers used to stabilize the motorcycle. Head up, eyes on the horizon Uses rear brake properly Maintains directional control Properly applies friction zone technique Keep head and eyes up Use the friction zone to control motorcycle speed, do not use the throttle to regulate forward motion. Apply a small amount of rear brake to stabilize the motorcycle. Do not use the front brake in slow speed paring lot situations
NIGHT 1: EXERCISE STRAIGHT LINE STOPPING STOPPING: OBJECTIVE: REAL WORLD: RANGE SETUP: INSTRUCTIONS: CAUTIONS: OBSERVE: COACHING: A proper stop is executed by applying both brakes without locking either wheel, shifting to first gear, keeping head up, maintaining eyes on the horizon, left foot down first. To gain proficiency in proper stopping. The truck in front of you just swerved revealing a stopped car directly in your path of travel, and with cars on both sides of you a swerve is not an option. Start cones and stopping chutes on each side of the range with a cone weave down the center. On signal and one at a time, begin at the start cones, shifting smoothly into second and attaining a speed between 15 and 18 MPH. When the front wheel crosses the two cones begin braking using both brakes, coming to a controlled stop A proper stop consists of using both brakes equally, shifting to 1 st gear and putting the left foot down first so that rear braking can be maintained. After coaching, begin the cone weave, proceed to the shortest line and wait to be signaled. When performing each stop, attempt to shorten your stopping distance as you feel comfortable. If the rear tire locks up, hold pressure on the rear brake until the bike is completely stopped. If the front tire locks up, immediately release and Reapply with proper pressure. Head up, eyes on the horizon Uses both brakes properly Maintain directional control Shifts to first gear on stopping Left foot down first Keep head and eyes up Overshooting the second pair of cones may be cured by applying more pressure to the brakes A sideways slide may be fixed by sitting straight on the seat, looking straight ahead and squaring the handlebars. If the engine over-revs this may be caused by riding with the wrist over the top of the handlebars Remind students to squeeze the front brake lever with the fingers while applying equal pressure on the opposite bar.
NIGHT 2: EXERCISE CIRCLE IN A SQUARE SLOW SPEED CORNERING: OBJECTIVE: REAL WORLD: RANGE SETUP: INSTRUCTIONS: OBSERVE: Turning a motorcycle at slow speeds is most easily accomplished through use of the clutch friction zone and the rear brake. The rider must slow to the proper Speed, look through the turn and lean the motorcycle. This is a first gear exercise, shifting is not required. To gain proficiently in proper slow cornering technique.. You just pulled into a busy gas station and have your mind set on the first pump on your right. Suddenly a microbus filled with retirees slides into your intended spot. Rather then waiting for this pump to become available, you spot one on another island that is free, so you execute a tight U turn and pull up to the free spot. Two 30 foot squares painted on the range, with start cones on one side of each box. Each box is also marked with a cone at each corner for ease of identification. On signal and one at a time enter the circle in first gear. Turn your head in the direction of the turn, lean the motorcycle using the friction zone and the rear brake to control your speed and balance. Keep your gaze moving forward as you turn the circle do not fixate on any given point, rather let your eyes move with the motorcycle. After two of three circles, exit the range on the opposite side of your entry point and proceed to the starting line for the next box. Head up, eyes on the horizon Look through turn keep the eves moving around the circle Use all the space as you become more comfortable tighten your turn radius. COACHING: Keep head and eyes up and look where you want to go Stress use of the rear brake if the student seems to be losing control if a rider is not looking through the turn, it may help to stand in the center of the circle and have the student fixate on you Look at me.keep looking at me. As a rider gains proficiency have then tighten their turn radius and increase the lean angle of the motorcycle.
NIGHT 2: EXERCISE ROLLING U TURNS SLOW SPEED CORNERING: OBJECTIVE: REAL WORLD: RANGE SETUP: INSTRUCTIONS: OBSERVE: Turning a motorcycle at slow speeds is most easily accomplished through use of the clutch friction zone and the rear brake. The rider must slow to the proper Speed, look through the turn and lean the motorcycle. This is a first gear exercise, shifting is not required. To gain proficiently in proper slow cornering technique. Every ride has parts that require proficiency in executing tight turns. Gas station stops, Dairy Queen replenishments, non-alcoholic beverages at your favorite watering hole and the frequent stops to pick up a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk at the Quick and Dirty. Rather than duck-walking your thousand pound bike and to avoid the risks of a fall-over or running over your own foot, learning proper slow speed cornering techniques will enhance your ride. Two sets of 4 figure eight U-Turn courses. On signal begin your ride past the two cones on your left and then begin a left turn around the second cone finishing with a right turn around the first cone. Repeat this process for the next three sets of cones then proceed to the start line for the next set of figure eight U turns. Turn your head in the direction of the turn, lean the motorcycle using the friction zone and the rear brake to control your speed and balance. Keep your gaze moving forward as you turn the circle do not fixate on any given point, rather let your eyes move with the motorcycle. Head up, eyes on the horizon Look through turn keep the eves moving around the circle Use all the space as you become more comfortable tighten your turn radius. COACHING: Keep head and eyes up and look where you want to go Stress use of the rear brake if the student seems to be losing control As a rider gains proficiency have then tighten their turn radius and increase the lean angle of the motorcycle.
NIGHT 3: TURNING SHARP TURNS SHARP TURNS OBJECTIVE: REAL WORLD: RANGE SETUP: INSTRUCTIONS: OBSERVE: COACHING:. Practicing sharp turns allows the motorcyclist to more easily pull away from stoplights, parking spots or driveways. Sharp turns from a stop can also help in preventing rear-end accidents. To gain proficiently in sharp turns from a stopped position. You are stopped behind a car at a light when you notice a car approaching from the rear at a high rate of speed. Believing that the car will not be able to stop before crashing into your bike, you execute a sharp turn from your stopped position and evade the potential accident. Two start cones, four feet apart and a wall of cones 10 feet from the start line.. From a stopped position execute a sharp turn in the direction of your choice. Return to the starting line and repeat to the other direction. Head up, eyes on the horizon Look through turn Turn the handlebars and lean the motorcycle in the direction of the turn. Use the clutch friction zone when making these sharp turns. Gently accelerate when going through the turn. If a student has trouble from the 12 foot line, move them back to a point where they can complete the turn, then gradually move them forward as they gain proficiency. Keep head and eyes up and look where you want to go. Maintain power to the rear wheel. Stress use of the rear brake and the friction zone. Maintain throttle opening or gently accelerate through turns Stress using motorcycle lean ability to make crisp turns.
NIGHT 2: EXERCISE STOP AND GO SQUARE SLOW SPEED CORNERING: OBJECTIVE: REAL WORLD: RANGE SETUP: INSTRUCTIONS: OBSERVE: COACHING: Turning a motorcycle at slow speeds or from a stop is most easily accomplished through use of the clutch friction zone and the rear brake. The rider must look where they want to go, start the motorcycle using the friction zone, complete the desired turn and then come to a stop. To gain proficiently in proper slow start cornering technique.. You re stuck in traffic because of multiple accidents. To negotiate the jumbled piles of cages you must stop, start, turn and stop again a number of times to clear all the debris. Two 30 foot squares marked on the range with a 6 wide lane on all four sides. On signal and one at a time enter the lane in first gear and stop between the corners. Turn your head in the direction of the turn, use the friction zone and the rear brake to control your speed negotiate the turn and come to a stop. Repeat the turn three more times, completing one complete revolution of the box then exit and proceed to the starting line for the next box. Head up, eyes on the horizon Look through turn Use friction zone and rear brake for stability Keep head and eyes up and look where you want to go Stress use of the rear brake if the student seems to be losing control
NIGHT 4: BRAKE and EVADE BRAKE & EVADE: OBJECTIVE: REAL WORLD: RANGE SETUP: INSTRUCTIONS: OBSERVE: COACHING: Braking and evading maneuvers, when performed properly, can keep a rider from being involved in situations beyond their control. Quick transitions from right turns to left turns and left turns to right turns are basics of quick evasive moves. Often, a swerve is not the best solution to a problem, while braking and then turning to a safer path of travel will afford the most safety to the rider. Develop skills to control motorcycle and avoid hazards utilizing brakes and evasive techniques. The car in front of you just rear-ended a truck. If you stop behind them there is a danger of your being hit from the rear, so you brake hard, turn to clear the accident and regain your path of travel Two sets of start cones, a wall of cones indicating the turn point and a set of cones forming an opening for escape followed by a slow cone weave. On signal begin riding towards the wall of cones at 20-25mph. Brake to avoid barrier then make a hard turn to exit through the gate and begin the slow cone weave, exiting to the left to the next starting position Head up, eyes on the horizon look where you want to go Use both brakes properly for hard braking Use rear brake for turning through the gate and for the cone weave Lean the motorcycle Keep head and eyes up and look through the turn In the cone weave, look at least two cones ahead Make sure the speed is high entering so that hard braking is required but not so high as to be dangerous Remember, this is a slow turn following hard braking: it is NOT a swerve
NIGHT 4: SWERVING The SWERVE OBJECTIVE: REAL WORLD: RANGE SETUP: INSTRUCTIONS: OBSERVE: COACHING: By the book, a swerve is two consecutive counter steers: The first to avoid an obstacle and the second to return you to your path of travel. To gain proficiently in avoiding hazards through the use of the swerve technique. You are motoring along the freeway, following two seconds behind the pick-up truck in front of you when the refrigerator in the bed of the truck breaks loose and falls directly into your path of travel. There is no time to brake, but since you have been diligent in your riding you know that there is no one beside you, so you execute a swerve by counter steering to the right to avoid the refrigerator and then to the left to continue on your way. Two start cones and two boxes each 20 feet long offset from one another. On signal begin riding towards the first box, shifting smoothly into 2 nd gear and reaching a speed of 15 to 20 mph. As you exit the first box execute a swerve using counter steering to align yourself with the second box. After traversing the 2 nd box, come to a proper stop beside the instructor. When swerving, avoid braking of any kind, including engine braking. Maintain your head and eyes in a straight-forward position. After coaching, perform the cone weave through the middle of the range and switch sides. Head up, eyes on the horizon Makes no speed adjustments during swerve Does not lean or drive through the maneuver Comes to a proper stop by the instructor Does not use Body English to initiate swerve Keep head and eyes up and look straight ahead Stress the push-push aspect of the swerve Maintain throttle opening do NOT slow down Don t lean with the bike: Body lean is independent of motorcycle lean Make sure the speed is sufficient to swerve but not so high as to be dangerous.
NIGHT 5: TRANSITIONS and PRACTICE TRANSITIONS: OBJECTIVE: REAL WORLD: RANGE SETUP: INSTRUCTIONS: OBSERVE: COACHING: Quick transitions from right turns to left turns and left turns to right turns are basics of quick evasive moves.. Develop skills to control motorcycle and avoid hazards utilizing quick evasive maneuvers. You round a blind mountain corner and find wreckage of multiple vehicles in your path. There is no time to brake, but since you were careful not to carry too much speed into the turn, you are able to first dodge between the first two wrecks, then turn sharply to the left and right to avoid a third and come to a stop well out of the range of danger. Two 30 and an offset cone weave providing practice in transitions between right and left turns.. On signal enter the first circle in a direction of your choice. After a full circle, exit to circle number 2 in the opposite Direction and complete one full circle before exiting. Upon exiting the circles proceed to the first gate of the cone weave and complete the exercise with right and left turns through each of the gates before returning to the original starting position. Head up, eyes on the horizon look where you want to go Use rear brake and friction zone for turning through the circles and for the offset cone weave Lean the motorcycle Look ahead to the next gate, then as soon as you near The gate look ahead to the next. Keep head and eyes up and look through the turn In the cone weave, look at least two cones ahead Use an S turn pattern to give yourself more room in The offset cone weave Keep the head turning in the circles Don t look down at the cones.
NIGHT 5: The W Exercise The W OBJECTIVE: REAL WORLD: RANGE SETUP: INSTRUCTIONS: OBSERVE: COACHING: Quick transitions from right turns to left turns and left turns to right turns are basics of motorcycling. Develop skills to control motorcycle, avoid hazards, and enjoy the experience. You re being chased by a herd of rabid criminals through A dense, downtown area when you spot a cactus maze in the distance. Throwing caution to the winds, you accelerate into the maze, and successfully elude your pursuers by faultlessly executing a series of right left right U Turns and proceed to your original destination a Dairy Queen on the strip. (Well, it could happen.) A W box is depicted on the range. Each leg of the W is 30 feet by 60 foot allowing for gentle turns to complete the W. On signal enter the W and make a right turn into the the first leg. Continue through each of the four legs, and complete a 360 degree circle in the first leg before exiting. Head up, eyes on the horizon look where you want to go Use rear brake for turning through the legs of the W Lean the motorcycle Look ahead to the next turn, then as soon as you near the turn look ahead to the next. Keep head and eyes up and look through the turns Use all the available space don t short yourself Keep the head turning in the legs of the W and In the circle Don t look down at the cones
NIGHT 6: GRADUATION (WHITE MARKS) (1) Figure 8 (Night 5 exercise) to (2) Cone weave (Night 5 exercise) to (3) Sharp turn from stop (Night 3 exercise) to (4) 3 circle snowman (New for graduation) to (5) Fast cone weave (New for graduation) to (6) W (Night 5 exercise) to (7) Slow cone weave (new for graduation) to (8) Brake and evade (Night 4 exercise) to (9) Swerve (Night 4 exercise) to (10) Stop (Night 1 exercise)