The brake light of a motorcycle is usually not as noticeable as the brake lights of a car. Flashing your brake light before slowing or stopping can help other drivers notice that you are about to brake.

While riding in a staggered formation is generally the best option when traveling in a group, riders should move into a single-file line through curves, through turns, and when entering or exiting a highway.

Gloves designed for motorcycle riding are usually made of leather. In addition to improving your grip, gloves provide protection for a rider's hands and fingers.

To reduce the risk of a collision when riding at night, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use the headlights of vehicles ahead of you to see farther down the road. You should always be flexible about your lane position, especially when riding at night.

Trying to accelerate out of a wobble is dangerous and will only make your motorcycle more unstable. Instead, grip the handlebars firmly (without trying to fight the wobble), gradually close the throttle to slow down, and move your weight as far forward and downward as possible. Pull off the road as soon as you can.

When preparing to pass another vehicle on its left, you should ride in the left portion of the lane to increase your line of sight and make yourself more visible to oncoming traffic.

Slow to a safe speed before beginning a turn and lean in the direction of the turn. Don't drag your feet on the roadway, as you could lose control if they catch on something. Always scan the roadway for other traffic.

A passenger puts extra weight on a motorcycle, which causes the motorcycle to handle differently. Only experienced riders should carry passengers.

When riding in a group, it is generally best to use a staggered formation. Use your mirrors periodically to check on riders behind you. Both the lead and sweep riders should be experienced motorcyclists who know group riding procedures well. Maintain proper space cushions within the group of riders.

In Oregon, it is illegal for motorcycles and mopeds to pass between two moving vehicles on a multilane highway or one-way street.

When being passed, it is best to ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding on the side nearest to the passing vehicle increases the risk of a collision. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle is also dangerous because it may tempt them to merge back into your lane too soon. Stay in the center portion of the lane when being passed.

Shifting your motorcycle into a lower gear causes an effect similar to applying the brakes. This is known as engine braking.

Make sure that you are aware of the locations of all your motorcycle's controls before beginning to ride. The horn button on a motorcycle is usually located next to the left handgrip.

Instead of mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is extended straight out to the left, it means the operator plans to turn left or change lanes to the left.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear one, providing at least 70 percent of the total stopping power. Always use both brakes any time you slow or stop.

To reduce the risk of a crash, you should always ensure that you are visible to others. Communicate your intentions through proper use of your signals, brake light, and lane position. Maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle and consistently scan the road ahead of, behind, and next to your vehicle.

The gearshift lever is located in front of the left footrest and is operated with the left foot.

You should always use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

It is recommended that you change gears prior to entering a turn.

To ride safely on a slippery surface, you should use both brakes when braking is necessary, reduce your speed, and avoid making sudden moves. Be especially alert to oily areas, shaded areas, dirt, gravel, and bridges, as these surfaces may provide less traction than others.

Because of a passenger's additional weight, a motorcycle will respond more slowly with a passenger on board than with just one occupant. With a passenger, you should travel a bit more slowly than you normally would, start slowing sooner than you normally would, and increase your following distance. Always warn your passenger of any special conditions ahead.

You should never take eye contact as a guarantee that a driver will properly yield to you. It is not uncommon for drivers to look directly at a motorcyclist but fail to register that they are there.

If one member of a group wants to ride faster than the others, it is best to let them go ahead of the group and meet at a designated spot later.

Always use the proper turn signal before a turn or lane change. Use your mirrors and perform head checks before changing lanes to check for traffic surrounding your vehicle.

You should not ride alongside another motorcyclist because doing so will limit both of your possible routes of escape if you encounter a hazard.