Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Owners Manual: If a collision is imminent, do something
Many riders fear locking up their brakes or haven't learned to swerve to avoid an accident.
Many inexperienced riders (and too many seasoned riders) use only their rear brake in an emergency, resulting in unnecessary impacts in some cases and unnecessarily high impact speeds in other cases. Your rear brake can only provide about 30% of your motorcycle's potential stopping power. The front and rear brakes can and should be used together to maximize braking effectiveness.
Experienced motorcyclists learn to "cover" the front brake lever by lightly resting a couple of fingers over the lever when riding in traffic and near intersections to give their reaction time a head start.
Emergency stopping and swerving are techniques that you should practice and master before you find yourself in an emergency situation. The best place to practice such techniques is in a controlled environment such as the motorcycle safety foundation's (msf) rider training courses. The msf's motorcycle rider courses (fundamental techniques) and experienced rider courses (advanced strategies) present hands-on instruction of the bas1c principles of motorcycling and a variety of accident-avoidance maneuvers. Even a seasoned motorcyclist can improved his or her riding skills, and pick up a few new skills, through these courses.
Some insurance companies even offer discounts to course graduates.
If you don't have a helmet, buy a helmet and wear it every
time you ride
Most accidents occur within a few
miles of home, and almost half
occur at speeds of less than 30
mph. So even if you're just going
on a quick errand, be preparedstrap
on your helmet before you
t ...
Special situations require special care
Of course, there are some times
when full-force braking is not the
correct technique. When the road
surface is wet, loose, or rough,
you should brake with care. When
you're leaned over in a corne ...
Other materials:
Rear brake light switch inspection and adjustment
Check the rear brake light switch so that the brake light
will come on just before pressure is felt when the brake
pedal is depressed. If the brake light switch adjustment
is necessary, turn the adjuster nut (1) in or out while
holding the brake pedal.
Brake fluid level check
Refer to “bra ...
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle
has a defect which could cause a
crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately
inform the national highway traffic
safety administration (nhtsa)
in addition to notifying american
suzuki motor corp.
If nhtsa receives similar complaints,
it ma ...
Loading guidelines
This motorcycle is primarily
intended to carry small items
when you are not riding with a
passenger. Follow the guidelines
below to carry a passenger or
cargo:
balance the load between the
left and right side of the motorcycle
and fasten it securely.
Place cargo weight as ...