1. A windshield will not always protect you from rocks, insects and other road debris.c
   
2. Face protection includes helmet shields, goggles and shatterproof glasses.c
   
3. Prescription eyeglasses do not provide adequate protection on a motorcycle.c
   

1. Choose clothing this is impact and abrasion resistant, as well as highly visible, including gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, motorcycle jacket and hard-soled boots.
   
2. Clothing should fit comfortable within binding, but not be so loose than it can become entangled in the motorcycle.c
   

Before you start to ride, you should do a quick inspection of the motorcycle to be sure it is in proper working order. You can obtain a checklist from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation called T-CLOCS, which stands for:

• T - Tires and Wheels
  
• C - Controls
  
• L - Lights and Electrics
  
• O - Oil
  
• C - Chassis
  
• S - Stands
  

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation also uses a checklist called FINE-C for turning on motorcycles. This acronym stands for:

• F - turn on the Fuel valve.
  
• I - turn on the Ignition.
  
• N - make sure the motorcycle is in Neutral.
  
• E - turn the Engine cut-off switch to the run/on position.
  
• C - set the Choke as necessary and squeeze the Clutch lever.
  

Most motorcycles have a linear "1 down, 5 up" shifting pattern, meaning neutral is located halfway between first and second gear.

1. Press down to shift into first gear and up to shift into second through sixth gear.
   

1. Make sure the motorcycle is in neutral and start the engine.
   
2. While holding the clutch lever down, use your left foot to press down on the gear shift until you reach first gear.
   
3. Apply some throttle while slowly releasing the clutch. Give it enough throttle to keep the motorcycle from stalling, but not too much to cause it to overrev.
   
4. Once your motorcycle begins to move forward, place your feet on the foot pegs.
   
5. Don't forget to make sure the kickstand is up.
   

1. Place your left toe under the gear shift.
   
2. Pull in the clutch as you release the throttle.
   
3. Move the gear shift up one notch by lifting up your left foot, putting you into second gear.
   
4. Let out the clutch smoothly while applying throttle.
   

When you down shift, you must be going slow enough or else your motorcycle will lurch and the rear wheel may skid.

1. Squeeze the clutch.
   
2. Apply the throttle slightly to let it catch the lower gear.
   
3. Press down on the shift lever.
   

Motorcycles have a front and a rear brake. 

The front brake is a lever located on the right side opposite the clutch. This is more powerful than the rear brake and provides 3/4s of your total stopping power.

The rear brake is a peddle located opposite the gear shift.

Braking tips include:

1. Always used both brakes when you want to slow or stop.
   
2. Apply both brakes at the same time.
   
3. Don't apply the brakes too hard or the wheels will lock up and the motorcycle will skid.
   
4. Always squeeze the brake lever, don't grab it.
   

In the event you need to brake quickly:

1. Close the throttle or shut off the accelerator.
   
2. Apply the front brake.
   
3. Apply the rear brake.
   
4. Increase front brake pressure by pressing firmly.
   
5. Apply the clutch to avoid stalling.
   

1. As you approach a turn, reduce your speed by closing the throttle and/or applying the brakes.
   
2. Look through the turn to where you want to go, keeping your shoulders straight, eyes level and only turning your head.
   
3. Press the handlebar in the direction of the turn, causing your motorcycle to lean. 
   
4. Keep your feet on the pegs and grip the bike with your knees.
   
5. Let your body lean with the motorcycle.
   
6. Keep an even throttle through the turn or accelerate slightly to stabilize suspension.
   
7. As you reach the end of the turn, roll on the throttle as you straighten your motorcycle.