Motorcycle Training

NEWPORT BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT MOTORCYCLE TRAINING COURSE CONTROL NUMBER : 6830 -32250 REVISED: JUNE 22, 2021 Page 1 of 10 Purpose : To provide the trainees with the knowledge, skills and proficiency to safely operate a police motorcycle during the performance of their traffic duties. I. ADMINISTRATIVE A. Course Objectives 1. Safe Operation of a Police Motorcycle 2. Confidence on a Police Motorcycle 3. Enforcement on a Police Motorcycle B. Safety Orientation 1. Always complete a pre -ride inspection of the motorcycle . 2. Ride only when instructors are present . 3. Any time the motorcycle is running, operator must wear approved helmet securely attached , gloves, eye protect ion, and boots . 4. If a whistle, air horn, or siren is sounded, students are to immediately stop their motorcycle, turn off the engine, and await further instruction s from an instructor . 5. Speeds will be set – instructors and studen ts will not exceed that limit . 6. If a motorcycle goes down, immediately shut off the engine using the ignition . 7. When aiding an operator who is down, ensure the ignition has been turned off . 8. At least two people will lift a downed motorcycle during training exercises . 9. Immediately notify an instructor of any unsafe condition . 10. Immediately notify an instructor of any injury . a. A trauma kit and fire extinguisher will always be at the training site . b. Instructors will al ways have a police radio and cellular telephone immediately available for emergency calls . 11. Reckless riding will result in immediate dismissal from the course . C. This training course will not be available to outside agency personnel. Students will be sworn NBPD police officers only. II. PRACTICAL EXERCISES A. Intro duction to the Motorcycle NEWPORT BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT MOTORCYCLE TRAINING COURSE CONTROL NUMBER : 6830 -32250 REVISED: JUNE 22, 2021 Page 2 of 10 1. Control and G auges 2. Lighting Equipment 3. Emergency E quipment 4. Side S tand 5. ABS I ndicator 6. Fuel C ap 7. Detachable S addlebags 8. Retractable W indshield B. Motorcycle Maintenance 1. Daily – Check oil level, tire pressure/tread, lights, horn, and controls . 2. Keep motorcycle clean and presentable . C. Down Motorcycle 1. Lay Bike Down – Demo by I nstructor a. Immediately turn ignition off b. Assist rider – check for injuries c. If motorcycle is on its right side, put side stand down d. Demonstrate metho ds used to pick-up the bike (single person) e. During future training exercises bike , will be picked -up by two people 2. Practical Demo by S tudents a. Student will demonstrate procedures detailed above to lift motorcycle b. Pass/Fail – If a student is not able to lift the motorcycle from a downed position , they cannot continue in the NBPD Motor Academy. III. LECTURE ON BASIC RID ING CONCEPTS A. Balance 1. Counte r Balancing vs. Leaning Into a T urn 2. Proper Seat P osition B. Head and Eyes 1. Head U p 2. Look Where You Want to G o 3. Look Before T urning C. Clutch and Throttle 1. Smooth Transition From Clutch to T hrottle 2. Use the Minimum Amount of T hrottle D. Look Where You Want to G o 1. Don’t Look Down – Look Down, Go D own NEWPORT BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT MOTORCYCLE TRAINING COURSE CONTROL NUMBER : 6830 -32250 REVISED: JUNE 22, 2021 Page 3 of 10 2. Scan A head E. Leaning 1. Aids in T urning 2. High Speed vs. L ow S peed F. Braking 1. Front Brake Equals A bout 80% of Stopping P ower 2. Interlinked Braking S ystem 3. Both Brakes ABS C ontrolled 4. Braking in T urns IV. LECTURE ON STREET AND FREEW AY RIDING / SHORT AN D LONG RIDE CONCEPTS A. Lane Choice 1. Decide which lane makes you most visible to other traffic 2. Which lane prov ides the widest range of view; i ncludes large vehicles and other obstacles/conditions blocking view 3. Anticipated turns 4. Which lane allows for safety (evasive) movements 5. Generally the #1 lane is preferred B. Lane P lacemen t 1. Never use center of the lane due to oil buildup and debris 2. #1 track in generally preferred 3. Use the track that provides the most safety C. Speed 1. Match flow of traffic 2. Maintain safe distance from vehicle ahead of you 3. While Code 3, speed should not prevent evasive maneuvers D. Apex 1. Enter high, Low at 2/3, Exit high 2. Accelerate upon exiting turn 3. Look ahead for oncoming traffic E. Surface Appraisal 1. Be aware of debris, fluid, glass, dirt, loose asphalt, etc. 2. Condition of surface: