Gloves should be made of leather or another durable material to provide proper protection for the wearer.

A motorcycle must lean to make a turn. To make it lean in the appropriate direction, press the handgrip in the direction you want to turn.

When riding, you should wear sturdy footwear that is high enough to cover and support your ankles. Short-heeled footwear is best because taller heels may catch on rough surfaces. Laces should be tucked in so that they can't be caught on anything.

The main psychoactive substance in marijuana is called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.

Most drugs taken to ease headaches, colds, hay fever, allergies, or nerves can make the consumer drowsy and may impair their ability to ride safely. When taking a medication, it is important for a rider to know how the drug affects their body before riding.

Reflective material on a vest or on the sides of your helmet can make you more visible to other drivers and should be used both day and night.

When approaching a blind intersection, move into the part of the lane that will bring you into an oncoming driver's field of vision at the earliest possible moment. For example, when approaching a blind corner to your right, you may be seen sooner if you are in the left portion of your lane and not in the center portion.

Motorcycles generally have two brakes, one for the front wheel and one for the rear wheel.

Leather garments can provide the greatest level of protection to motorcyclists. It is important to wear clothing that covers your legs and arms entirely when riding a motorcycle.

After mounting your motorcycle, you should make sure the clutch, throttle, horn, and brakes all work properly. Clean and adjust the mirrors and make sure that the fuel supply valve is open.

To discourage automobile drivers from trying to share your lane, ride in the center portion of the lane.

Maximum straight-line braking is accomplished by fully applying both the front and rear brakes without locking either wheel. You should always use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

Motorcycles often seem to attract dogs. If you are being chased by a dog, downshift and approach it slowly. Then, as you approach the dog, accelerate and leave it behind.

Before beginning a ride, you should ask your passenger to mount the motorcycle only after the engine has been started. They should sit as far forward as they can without crowding you and hold onto the motorcycle's passenger handholds or onto your waist, hips, or belt. They should keep their legs away from the muffler, chains, and other moving parts.

Taking a corner too fast may cause you to cross into another lane or go off the road. Be sure to decelerate before beginning to take a turn or curve.

Passengers should get on a motorcycle only after the engine has been started and the transmission is put in neutral. They should sit as far forward as possible without hindering the operator's control of the motorcycle and should hold onto the operator's waist, hips, or belt.

While a properly chosen lane position can offer several advantages, you should be certain that your lane position will allow you to be seen by others and have an adequate space cushion.

If you cannot avoid riding over an obstacle or uneven surface, you should approach it at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Slow down as much as you can, make sure that your motorcycle is upright, and rise slightly off your seat so your knees can absorb some of the force of impact. Just before contact, roll on the throttle slightly to lighten the front end.

The two primary types of helmets are three-quarter and full-face. A full-face helmet can provide the best possible protection to a rider.

A motorcycle carrying a passenger will sit differently than usual due to the additional weight. You may need to adjust the tire pressure, suspension, shocks, headlight, and mirrors to compensate for the shift.

Maintaining an adequate following distance ensures that you will have enough space to stop or swerve out of the way if the vehicle ahead of you stops suddenly. A space cushion also provides you with a better view of any hazards on the road surface, such as potholes.

You must use proper turn signals every time you turn or change lanes, even if you think your intentions are obvious. Signals are always important, even if no one else seems to be around to see them. There may be other vehicles nearby that you can't see or haven't yet noticed.

Because road and traffic conditions are always changing, the safest lane position is also always changing. Choose the position that will maximize your space cushion and allow other drivers to see you most easily.

Strategies for safe riding on slippery surfaces include reducing your speed, avoiding sudden moves, staying away from the edge of the road, and riding in the tire tracks left by other cars.

The gearshift lever of a motorcycle is located in front of the left footrest and is operated by the rider's left foot.