Are You Ready to Ride?
18 Before Riding
Are You Ready to Ride?
Before you ride your motorcycle for the first time,
we urge you to:
• Read this owner’s manual
• Make sure you understand all the safety
messages
• Know how to operate all the controls
Before each ride, be sure:
• You feel well and are in good physical and
mental condition.
• You are wearing an approved motorcycle
helmet (with chin strap tightened securely),
eye protection, and other protective clothing.
• You don’t have any alcohol or drugs in your
system.
This owner's manual and tool kit cannot be stored
on this motorcycle. Be sure to carry the owner's
manual and tool kit with you when riding.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you
always wear an approved motorcycle helmet, eye
protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-
sleeved shirt or jacket whenever you ride.
Although complete protection is not possible,
wearing proper gear can reduce the chance of
injury when you ride. Following are suggestions to
help you choose the proper gear.
Helmet and Eye Protection
Your helmet is your most important piece of riding
gear because it offers the best protection against
head injuries. A helmet should fit your head
comfortably and securely. A bright-colored helmet
and reflective strips can make you more noticeable
in traffic.
An open-face helmet offers some protection, but a
full-face helmet offers more. Always wear a face
shield or goggles to protect your eyes and help
your vision.
Lock for a DOT (Department of Transportation)
certification label on any helmet you buy (USA
only).
Additional On-road Gear
In addition to a helmet and eye protection, we also
recommend:
• Sturdy boots with non-slip soles to help protect
your feet and ankles.
• Leather gloves to help protect your hands.
• A motorcycle riding suit or jacket for comfort
as well as protection. Bright-colored and
reflective clothing can help make you more
noticeable in traffic. Avoid loose clothes that
could get caught on any part of your
motorcycle.
Additional Off-road Gear
On-road apparel may also be suitable for casual
off-road riding. But if you plan on any serious off-
road riding you will need more serious off-road
gear. In addition to your helmet and eye protection,
we recommend off-road motorcycle boots and
gloves, riding pants with knee and hip pads, a
jersey with elbow pads, and a chest/shoulder
protector.
Developing your riding skills is an on-going
process. Even if you have ridden other
motorcycles, take time to become familiar with
how this motorcycle works and handles. Practice
riding the motorcycle in a safe area to build your
skills. Do not ride in traffic until you get
accustomed to the motorcycle’s controls, and feel
comfortable with its size and weight.
We urge all riders to take a motorcycle operator
course. New riders should start with the basic
course, and even experienced riders will find the
advanced course beneficial.
Always carry this manual and tool kit
Protective Apparel
Not wearing a helmet increases the
chance of serious injury or death in a
crash.
Be sure you always wear a helmet, eye
protection and other protective apparel
when you ride.
Rider Training
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