MAIN PARTS
FUEL TANK
A fuel tank is a safe container for flammable fluids such as fuel or petrol to provide energy for the bike to move. It is the primary source of energy that the bike uses.
ENGINE
A motorbike engine runs on petrol, where its main function is to use the oil in the fuel tank and convert it into energy and power for the bike to move.
TYRES
The wheels of a motorbike are fitted with tyres for the following purposes:
- To cushion the vibrations from the road surface to provide comfort while riding.
- To increase friction between the wheels and the road for stability, better grip of the road and to heighten braking efficiency of the motorbike.
- To provide easy handling of the motorbike.
- It is essential for motorcyclist to ensure and check their tyres for correct air pressure. Too much or little pressure may result in poor stability of the motorbike and can lead to accidents.
GEAR SHIFT PEDAL
This pedal is operated with the left foot. It is used to select the correct gear to match the speed and power of the motorbike. Most motorbike has five gears (1st to 5th) but some may have six gears. The purpose of the gears is to drive the motorcycle forward. Gears changing involves the co-ordination of the gearshift pedal, throttle and clutch. A good co-ordination of these controls is necessary to have a smooth change of gears. To change gears;
1. Close throttle
2. Squeeze the clutch lever quickly and fully.
3. Step down on the gear shift pedal to change to a lower gear or lift the pedal with your toes to change to a higher gear.
4. Release the clutch lever gradually after you have selected the correct gear.
5. Turn the throttle grip toward you to increase speed.
FOOT BRAKE PEDAL
This pedal operates the rear wheel brakes. To operate:
1. Rest the ball of your right foot lightly on the brake pedal
2. Press the pedal downwards with your foot using ankle movement to reduce speed or to stop the motorcycle.
3. The greater the pressure on the pedal, the greater the braking effect.
CLUTCH
The purpose of the clutch lever is to connect and disconnect engine power to the rear wheel. It is used when changing gears. To operate:
1. Grip the clutch lever fully with your left hand using all four fingers with your thumb holding the handlebar
2. Squeeze the clutch lever quickly and hold.
3. Release it gradually after you have selected the correct gear.
THROTTLE
The throttle is a device that increases or decreases engine speed. To operate:
1. Hold the centre part of the throttle grip with your right hand
2. Do not grip it too tightly.
3. Turn the throttle gradually towards you to increase speed and away from you to reduce speed.
FRONT BRAKE PEDAL
This lever operates the front wheel brake. To operate:
1. Hold the handlebar grip with your thumb and the front brake lever with your four fingers.
2. Squeeze the lever gently with the fingers.
3. The more you pull-in the lever, the greater the braking effect.
LIGHT
There are three types of light:
1. Head lamp – It is compulsory to turn it on every time when you travel with the bike to make the road more visible in front of you.
2. Turn signals – It indicates to those vehicles behind you on where you are turning such as lane changing.
3. Tail & Brake lamp - Each time the brake pedal is depress, the brake warning lamp lights up thus giving vehicles behind ample warnings of your intention to stop. This method of braking should not be done when stopping in an emergency.