2008 Manual of Motorcycle Sport - Motorcycling Australia

• Not sneaking out to ride after hours.
• If you see riders abusing these guidelines, let
us or the police know.
Remember safety first, ride responsibly.
rider’s etiquette…passing other riders
There are times when you’ll meet another rider
who is travelling slower than you. Here are some
simple pointers to follow, which will make passing
safe for both of you:
• Don’t crowd the other rider. The rider you’re
following may panic and brake suddenly.
• Pace yourself – This could be a good time to
catch your breath & plan the next part of your
ride.
• Be ready when the slower rider gives you room.
• A quick thankyou wave never goes astray.
• Let faster riders pass you – don’t take it
personally.
• Remember, you’re both there to have fun, not
get hurt.
investing in the right off-road riding gear
Buying a bike is only a start. To ride your bike,
you need to invest money in the right safety gear.
Riding at an MA event requires you to have and
wear a full complement of safety gear.
Each of us only gets the one head and brain. A
helmet which meets Australian Standards is a good
start.
Goggles designed for off-road riding will keep
dust out of your eyes and if there’s likely to be mud,
don’t forget to get tearoffs; plastic film over your
goggles will allow you to maintain a clear view.
Off-road pants or leathers must be durable
enough to protect
your legs from
the engine, the
bush, and the
occasional fall.
Boots specially
designed for offroad
riding will
protect you and
could save your
foot and lower
leg from being
damaged in a
fall.
You’ll also
need a long
enjoy the ride
sleeved jersey or jacket to protect your arms if
you fall, and from passing branches. An off-road
chest protector will not only help deflect the rocks
and debris other riders kick up, but may also help
protect your ribs during a fall.
Good gloves will help keep your hands from
getting ripped apart during the almost inevitable
falls you’ll have.
Some events require you to wear a full range
of protective gear, you’ll need to read the entry
requirements carefully.
getting wet
One important part of every athletic sport or
recreation is staying properly hydrated.
You’ll being using up a lot of fluid as you sweat,
so make sure you drink plenty of liquid before riding.
On an event, it is critical you bring your own water.
Just keep sipping on the water; if you wait ‘til you
are thirsty, you’ve waited too long. There are many
ways to bring the water you need, but the best are
the drinking systems that strap onto your back that
are available in many places.
tips for off-road ride setup
With climates ranging from rain-forest to desert,
alpine to tropical, Australia offers a huge range of
environments and terrains to ride in. Add to that wildlife,
large roots, gravel, sand, and rocks, and setting up
your bike can become a critical safety item.
Choosing the right tyre and tyre pressure can do
a lot to improve your bike’s performance.
If you expect a lot of sand, soft terrain tyres with
reduced air pressure might be the ticket. If the
budget doesn’t run to new tyres for every trail type,
choose a good intermediate tyre and adjust the air
pressure to accommodate the conditions.
Some engines can be affected by altitude, fuel,
temperature and exhaust changes. Trouble signs
can include frequently fouled plugs, hard starting,
inconsistent throttle response, and stuttering at high
rpm. Sometimes problems can be helped through
tuning or carburettor jetting changes.
The great thing about being on an MA ride is that
there’ll probably be someone else there who’s had
similar problems and can help you with advice.
following the route
MA events can use a combination of roads, trails
and tracks on public land, private property and public
roads. Well-run events need a lot of preparation in
laying out, mapping and preparing the course.
2008 RIDERS’ DIVISION MANUAL
RIDERS’ DIVISION MANUAL