Motorcycle Controls, Pre-Ride Inspection, and Basic Operation
Control layout
The left hand operates the clutch; the right hand operates the throttle and front brake. The left foot shifts gears; the right foot works the rear brake. Turn signals, horn, headlight, and kill switch must be located and tested before riding.
Pre-ride inspection
Use T-CLOCS: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and fluids, Chassis, Stands. Check tire pressure and tread, chain or belt tension, leaks, brake lever and pedal feel, throttle return, mirrors, signals, and horn. A motorcycle that starts is not automatically safe.
Basic operation
At low speed, control the bike with the clutch friction zone and rear brake while keeping your head and eyes up. Above walking speed, use countersteering: press the grip in the direction of the turn. Look through the turn, not down at the controls.
Worked example
A rider making a slow U-turn grabs the front brake. The bike dives and nearly falls. The correction is to stay in the friction zone, drag the rear brake lightly, turn the head to the exit, and avoid abrupt front-brake use at low speed.
Traps that cost marks
- Reversing the brake controls: right hand is the front brake, right foot is the rear brake.
- Skipping inspection because the engine starts.
- Grabbing the front brake during slow-speed maneuvers.
- Looking down at the controls instead of through the turn.
- Forgetting that the kill switch and clutch are emergency tools.