SWM SM 500 R E4 2018 Handbuch Seite 82

SAFE RIDING AND MOTORCYCLE SAFETY
Here are some basic principles for riding your mo-
torcycle safely.
- Remember that your safety and the safety of
your passenger come first. Reaching your desti-
nation safely must be your main aim.
- The rider and the passenger must wear appropri-
ate protective clothing, such as suit, gloves, shoes
and helmet homologated for motorcycle use..
- The rider must be seated on the motorcycle in a
position that gives the best possible visibility of
the road ahead.
- Ride the motorcycle carefully and set the speed
according to traffic and the type of road.
Smooth riding helps you to assess danger and en-
ter bends more precisely.
- Always observe road signs and adjust your speed
accordingly.
- Always observe speed limits.
EN - 4
- Always assess the road conditions and adjust
your speed accordingly.
- Reduce speed if it is raining and especially if there
are puddles of water on the road.
- When riding on wet or low grip surfaces (snow,
ice, mud, etc.) keep a moderate speed and avoid
sudden braking and manoeuvres.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicles in front of
you.
- Before overtaking, check there are no obstacles
in front of the vehicle you want to overtake and
always check in the rear-view mirrors that there
are no vehicles coming up from behind.
- Brake using both the front and the rear brake at
the same time: this helps to maintain the stability
of the vehicle.
- Release the clutch gradually when downshifting.
- If you feel tired or sleepy, take a break.
- Downshift in the following instances:
When going downhill and when braking to in-
crease the braking action through engine com-
pression; using only brakes when going downhill
could cause the brake pads to overheat and re-
duce the braking action;
When going uphill or on the flat when the gear
does not match the speed of the motorcycle (high
gear and low speed);