Motorcycle

 

Motorcycles have been around since the 19th century. From the hand crank and steam powered machines of the past to the sound of rumbling power hogs and screaming sportbikes of today, people have always been attracted to these beautiful, yet dangerous machines. Just seeing a motorcycle cruisin' down the street can be exhilarating; RIDING ONE is even more of a thrill, but only if it’s done safely and respectfully.

 

Motorcycle Mentorship Program
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 The Requirement For A MMP

Per MCIEAST-MCB CAMLEJ Order 5100.2, Commanders will establish installation/command-sponsored motorcycle clubs designed to mentor less experienced riders by taking advantage of the skill and experience of seasoned riders. These clubs should emphasize sound judgment, PPE, maintenance, training, defensive driving, and how to safely enjoy the riding experience.  These clubs are open to all employees, military and civilian.  If participation is during normal duty hours, military service members must receive supervisory approval prior to attending.  Civilian employees must be in a leave status to participate.
 

 Sample MMP Documents (Charter, Appt Letter)
 Motorcycle Inspection Checklists
 Group Ride Information
Motorcycle Safety Courses
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 The Requirement For Motorcycle Training

Per MCO 5100.29C Marine Corps Safety Management System


Initial (Level l) Training. Initial training teaches the basic principles and skills of riding. All military personnel who plan to purchase or operate a motorcycle, regardless of intent to ride on a DoD installation, are required to successfully complete an initial motorcycle rider safety course.

A. Commanders will ensure riders requesting motorcycle safety training are scheduled for the earliest available class.

B. Military personnel are not required to attend Level 1 training if the member possesses a valid state or host nation motorcycle endorsement. The Level 2 training requirement begins when the member is initially identified as a licensed rider.

C. New, unlicensed riders must be properly licensed prior to riding a motorcycle, on or off base. This requirement should be satisfied by taking a Level 1 course and then obtaining a license with motorcycle endorsement, but the requirement can be satisfied by successfully passing the drivers skills test required to obtain a license with motorcycle endorsement.

D. Commanders may authorize operators who possess a valid motorcycle learner’s permit to ride on and off base subject to the restrictions of the learner’s permit.

E. New, unlicensed riders are encouraged to take an initial safety course, and must obtain a valid license with motorcycle endorsement before proceeding to higher level training.

F. Commanders will accept an instructor signed completion card from any military or state motorcycle training course.

G. Level 1 training provided at Marine Corps/DoD installations will be at no cost to the member.


Motorcycle Follow-on (Level II) Training.  Intermediate or mid-level rider training provides sustainment training for licensed riders.

A. All military motorcycle riders will complete Level 2 motorcycle training within 180 days of completing Level 1 training or being identified as a licensed rider.

B. Level 2 training provided at Marine Corps/DoD installations will be at no cost to the member.

Motorcycle Follow-on (Level III) Training.  Advanced rider training provides skills practice at realistic speeds with street cornering scenarios in a controlled environment.

A. Level 3 training is highly recommended for all military motorcycle riders who have completed Level 2 training.

B. Level 3 training provided at Marine Corps/DoD installations will be at no cost to the member.


Refresher Training. All military riders will take refresher training at least every five years from their last date of training. Military riders are strongly encouraged to take refresher training annually. Refresher training provided by the Marine Corps is at no cost to the participant.

A. Refresher training can be any Level 2 or 3 training that includes classroom and on-motorcycle skills-based instruction offered at Marine Corps/DoD installations. Online training does not meet this requirement.

B. Military riders may obtain Level 2 or 3 training from civilian providers at the member’s own expense. Riders completing civilian Level 3 training must present a course completion card or certificate to S-3/Training for entry into MCTIMS/MCTFS.

C. Military motorcycle safety training coaches and instructors will be exempt from refresher training as long as they maintain their certification.

 Level I Initial Training (BRC)


Basic Rider Course (BRC)

3-Hour Online Course
15 Hours

Prerequisites
Parental permission (for students under 18), ability to balance a bike, and a completed waiver form (first class).  Note: if rider already has a motorcycle endorsement on his/her driver's license, then BRC is not required.  Must take Level II Advanced Rider Course (ARC).


Ranges
Classes will be held at one of the two ranges located at Base Safety Bldg 41 on Main Side and at Camp Johnson Bldg M147.

Call 451-1916 for more information and assistance in registering.

 Level II Follow-On Training (Advanced Rider Course - ARC)

Advanced Rider Course (ARC)
8 Hours

Prerequisites
This course is designed for all motorcycles types (cruisers, sport, dual sport).  Students must own a street legal motorcycle (loaners accepted with written authority to operate) and pass the T-CLOC inspection by the instructor. Students must also provide proof of ownership and insurance, motorcycle endorsement on driver's license or a motorcycle permit and a BRC card, parental permission (for students under 18), and a completed waiver form (issued at beginning of first class).

Eligibility
Open to all active duty and reserve component service members from any branch, dependents (space available), and DoD civilians.

Ranges
Classes are held at one of three ranges:  1) Bldg 41, Base Safety, MCB Camp Lejeune, 2) Bldg M147, Camp Johnson, 3) Bldg AS-425, MCAS New River.

Call 451-1916 for more information and assistance in registering.
 

 Refresher Training

Refresher Training

Hours dictated by course chosen.

Requirement.  All military motorcycle riders must receive refresher training/continuing education.  For Marines and Sailors, refresher training is required every 5 years.

Option to Choose

To complete this requirement, motorcycle riders may choose to re-take the Level II Follow-On Training (ARC) OR attend other advanced motorcycle rider training (Level III) such as an Advanced Rider Track Day (ARTD), California Superbike School-based training (AMOS), Total Control-based training or other advanced motorcycle training approved by CMC (SD), Circuit Riders Course (CRC), and Yamaha Supercamp.

Prerequisites
Students must own a street legal motorcycle (loaners accepted with written authority to operate) and pass the T-CLOC inspection by the instructor. Students must also provide proof of ownership and insurance, and have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license.

Eligibility
Open to all active duty and reserve component service members from any branch and DoD civilians.

Ranges
Level II Follow-On Training (ARC) classes are held at one of the two ranges located at Base Safety Bldg 41 on Main Side and at Camp Johnson Bldg M147.  Level III classes are typically held at Foxtrot Taxiway, MCAS Cherry Point (dates, times, and locations for Level III events will be advertised prior to the event).

Register
- For Level I and II Motorcycle Training, report to S-3/Training and the MMP President to register riding status, schedule training, and record training completion.
- For Level III Advanced Motorcycle Training, registration guidance will be provided prior to the event.

Call 451-1916 for more information and assistance in registering.

 

Requirement for Base Registration
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 The Requirement to Register

Military personnel who own or purchase a motorcycle and are currently assigned or transfer in to a MCIEAST installation or their tenant commands are required to register their motorcycle(s) with the respective Provost Marshal’s or Chief of Police’s Vehicle Registration office on the installation.  DoD decals are no longer issued.

 3-Day Pass

Motorcycle owners who are enrolled but have not yet attended the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course (BRC) will register their motorcycle(s) with the installation Vehicle Registration office and receive a 3-day pass.  *Note:  "Loaner Motorcycles" are available at the training site on the installation to take the BRC.  There is no requirement for an individual to use their privately owned motorcycle for the training.

REQUIRED PPE
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 Required Motorcycle PPE 

The following minimum PPE is mandatory for all operators and passengers on a motorcycle, to include three-wheeled motorcycles and auto-cycles, when on a Marine Corps installation. Military personnel will wear at least the minimum PPE as directed in this Order while operating a motorcycle off installation and regardless of less restrictive state laws. Riders participating in training will wear at least the minimum PPE and full-fingered gloves designed for motorcycle riding. Fingerless gloves are not authorized to be worn while participating in training.  "Dress for the Slide, not the ride."

Head Protection.  A helmet, certified to meet or exceed standards outlined in references (o-q), Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 (DOT), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Standard 22.05, British Standard 6658, or Snell Standard M2005 or higher, shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin.

Eye Protection. Goggles, glasses, or a full-face shield designed to meet or exceed standards outlined in references (r-s), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z87.1, UNECE 22.05, or BS6658 in effect when manufactured, will be properly worn. A windshield does not constitute proper eye protection.

Protective Clothing. Wearing of a garment or jacket that fully covers the arms, long trousers, and full-fingered or fingerless gloves or mittens designed for motorcycle riding is required. Gloves or mittens will be made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material. Wearing a motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of abrasion-resistant materials and containing impact absorbing padding is strongly encouraged. Riders are encouraged to select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and reflective material.

Foot Protection.  Riders will wear sturdy, above the ankle shoes or boots that provide support and traction when stopping or starting. Any shoe or boot that has an open toe, open foot/heel design, an extensive heel over 2 inches, or a total canvas or rubber material construction is unacceptable. Most importantly, the footwear should protect the rider in the event of a crash. Dress for the crash.

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 10 Biggest Dangers to Motorcyclists on the Road
 10 Things Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles
Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles

1.There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some
drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look
for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.

2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may
also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an
intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it
looks.

3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots
(door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes,
fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether
you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.

4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it
really is. Don't assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.

5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus
not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At
intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders,
(especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane
change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.

7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to
minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that
motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to
allow you to share the lane with them.

8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at
slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to
always be able to dodge out of the way.

9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery
pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a
motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."

10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a
person.
 Be Careful How You "Finance" Your Motorcycle

"Creative Financing"
If you are considering purchasing a motorcycle and need financing, be careful how you finance it.  There have been some instances where Marines and Sailors in the local area are being encouraged by local dealers to purchase new and used motorcycles with revolving credit (credit cards and personal loans). What is happening is a Marine/Sailor goes to the dealer and wants to purchase a motorcycle but realizes he cannot afford the motorcycle he wants (not to mention the insurance that is required to finance under conventional means).  The dealer talks to the Marine/Sailor about "creative financing" telling him that if he uses a credit card or personal loan he does not have to carry the expensive full coverage insurance and/or he can simply make the minimum payment on the credit card.

Two Stories:
1.  A Marine used "creative financing" to purchase a motorcycle, but after 6 months, it was stolen out of his front yard.  He was left with a $12,000 credit card bill and nothing to show for it.

2.  A Marine used "creative financing" to purchase a motorcycle, then wrecked it after just a few weeks.  He still owed over $10,000 on a motorcycle that was not fully covered by insurance and he could not afford to fix it (out of pocket).

Be careful out there folks!

Links

 


To find the best
motorcycle roads,
routes, rides, and trips
.


To find information on DOT-
compliant helmets from any
helmet manufacturer.
 


Advocates for
motorcyclists' interests
.



Provides information on
rider training, licensing,
and government relations.

 

An online community
of U.S. Military
Motorcycle Riders

 



View live dirt biking

 
Provides information about the
required PPE for Military
Motorcycle riders and riders
that will be riding on a
U.S. Military Installation.


BikeSafe NC invites motorcyclists
 to participate in Rider Skills
Days that offer assessment
on present skills and advice
from  motor officers to help
make riding in North Carolina
safer and more enjoyable.