Shifting to a lower gear causes an effect similar to using the brakes. For this reason, downshifting is also known as engine braking.

If either of your tires go flat and you must brake, gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat (if you are certain of which tire that is).

The best way to handle a tailgater is to change lanes and let them pass you. Speeding up may cause them to tailgate you at a higher speed, only increasing the danger.

Riding in cold weather for long periods of time can cause severe chill, fatigue, and even hypothermia. Be sure to wear proper clothing to protect you from the elements.

A following distance of at least four seconds is recommended for beginning riders. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than perfect.

Before setting off on any ride, you should do a thorough check of your motorcycle. Inspect the tires, oil and fluid levels, headlight, tail light, turn signals, brake light, clutch and throttle, mirrors, brakes, and horn.

Use both the front and rear brakes every time you slow or stop.

Passengers should sit directly behind the operator and lean as the operator leans. They should sit as far forward as they can without crowding the operator, holding onto the operator's waist, hips, or belt.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers' blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise. Choose a lane position that maximizes your space cushion.

While a staggered formation is usually best under normal riding conditions, a group of riders should switch to a single-file formation when taking curves, turning, or entering or exiting a highway.

Because motorcycles are small in stature and have fewer and smaller lights than other vehicles, they can be difficult to see. For your safety, it is best to ride defensively and assume that others on the road do not see you.

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

Wearing a helmet is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce the risk of head or neck injuries in the event of a crash.

The clutch lever of a motorcycle is usually located on the left handgrip.

If you are not riding slowly enough when shifting into a lower gear, your motorcycle may lurch and the rear tire may skid, causing you to lose control of your motorcycle. Be sure that you are moving slowly enough before shifting into a lower gear.

Use both brakes every time you slow or stop, regardless of the condition of the road.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions.

A passenger should lean with the operator through turns and curves. They should sit as far forward as possible, without hindering the operator's control of the motorcycle, and hold onto passenger handholds or the operator's waist, hips, or belt.

To brake, squeeze the front brake lever and press down on the rear brake pedal. Always use both brakes when slowing or stopping.

The cornering characteristics of a three-wheeled motorcycle or a motorcycle with a sidecar differ from those of a two-wheeled motorcycle. The best path for a three-wheeler to take through a curve may not actually follow the curve. For example, you may need to move from the outside of the curve to the inside of the curve before straightening out your path.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake. The front brake supplies at least 70 percent of a motorcycle's total stopping power.

When you are being passed from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to the passing vehicle can put you in danger.

You should use your low beam headlight when riding in foggy conditions. Do not use your high beams when riding near other vehicles.

There is no single lane position that you always need to avoid. Adjust your position in response to changing conditions on the road.

The best way to deal with a tailgater is to get them in front of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Increasing your speed may only encourage the driver to tailgate you at a higher speed.