Idaho Motorcycle Gear and Pre-ride Checks Practice Test

What the Idaho Motorcycle Rider’s Handbook says about gear and pre-ride checks

• Riding Gear

  Idaho's handbook says riding gear is right if it gives comfort, protection and visibility; in a crash you have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury wearing a DOT-compliant helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing, gloves and sturdy footwear. p. 19

• Helmet Selection

  Idaho's handbook describes three helmet types (half, three-quarter and full-face); whichever you choose, it should meet DOT standards (Snell and ECE labels add assurance of quality), fit snugly all the way around and have no defects like cracks, loose padding or frayed straps. p. 20

• Clothing

  Long exposure to engine and wind noise causes hearing loss even inside a well-fitting helmet; tests show earplugs cut sound levels by about 30 decibels and help prevent hearing loss. p. 22

• Required Equipment

  Idaho Code requires a motorcycle headlight that reveals a person or vehicle at least 100 feet ahead below 25 mph, 200 feet at 25–34 mph and 300 feet at 35 mph or more. p. 25

• Checking the Motorcycle

  A motorcycle needs more frequent maintenance than a car, because a minor failure can leave you stranded or cause a crash: precheck it before every ride, checking tire pressure, wear and tread, and at a minimum checking the oil, hydraulic fluids and coolant weekly and looking underneath for leaks. p. 27

• Know Your Responsibilities

  To lessen your chances of a crash: be visible (bright or retro-reflective gear, headlight on low beam in daylight, best lane position), communicate your intentions (signals, brake light, lane position), keep a space cushion, scan your path, identify and separate hazards, and be prepared to act. p. 30

Where it is in the Idaho Motorcycle Rider’s Handbook

• p. 18–30Chapter 2 · Preparing to ride: gear, the motorcycle and responsibilities

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