Minnesota Motorcycle Permit Test

Secured loads should be low. Putting them too high up, such as on a sissy bar, can raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and upset its balance. Loads should be as evenly distributed as possible on each side of the motorcycle to avoid pulling the bike to one side.

Most motorcycle crashes happen on trips shorter than five miles, just a few minutes after the rider starts out.

Oily drippings from cars and trucks build up in the center of each lane. Unless the road is wet, this strip usually still provides enough traction more a motorcycle to operate safely. The strip is generally narrow enough that you can ride to either side of it and still be in the center portion of the lane.

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.

Because of the extra weight placed on a motorcycle by a passenger, you may need to adjust the motorcycle's shocks before carrying a passenger. Because the motorcycle will sit at a different angle, you should also adjust the headlight and mirrors to compensate for the additional weight.

If you borrow a motorcycle, make all of the same pre-ride safety checks that you would make on your own motorcycle. You should ride cautiously when using an unfamiliar motorcycle and allow yourself extra space when stopping.

A person who is of legal drinking age with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is considered legally intoxicated. It is both illegal and unsafe to ride a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol.

If you find yourself riding in a vehicle's blind spot, you should either speed up quickly or slow down and drop back to vacate the spot.