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SAFETY INFORMATION 2
2
Before changing lanes, besides using the
rearview mirror, turn your head slightly and glance
back to make sure that the road is clear.
Relying on the rearview mirror alone puts the rider
at risk of misjudging the distance and speed of the
vehicles at the back or not seeing them at all.
Change gears as necessary to ensure that the
proper gear ratio is chosen in all riding conditions,
allowing the engine to revolve at optimum speed
at all times.
Avoid high gear ratios when travelling at reduced
speed (excessively low rpm) as well as low gear
ratios when travelling at high speed (excessively
high rpm).
Special attention should be given to the brak-
ing system, which plays a key role in ensuring
safety. When braking, always take account of the
speed of the vehicle and the condition of the road
surface.
The braking action should always be applied gen-
tly and gradually to both wheels, an ability that
can only be learned from experience.
Performing this operation and, more in general,
riding the vehicle always requires the utmost care.
Therefore, caution should be exercised by all
users, and in particular by inexperienced riders.
When covering long distances downhill,
reduce the speed of the vehicle by closing the
throttle and using a low gear ratio to take advan-
tage of the exhaust brake. The front and rear
brakes should also be used with moderation, in
order to prevent them from overheating and
reduce their effectiveness.
When rapid acceleration is required (e.g. when
overtaking), change down to obtain better pickup.
When the engine is running at high speed,
gearing down several times in rapid succession
can cause the engine to race. As a result, the rear
driving wheel may lock, making the vehicle diffi-
cult to control and causing damage to the engine.
