Riding a motorcycle on slopes
SPF Riding Theory Booklet guidance on approaching and climbing slopes, choosing gears downhill, engine braking, hill-crest visibility, following distance, and stopping and moving off on inclines.
Primary source: https://www.police.gov.sg/-/media/SPF/Advisories/RTTEN24.pdf
Riding uphill
SPF’s Riding Theory Booklet advises approaching an incline at a higher speed than on a flat road. If the motorcycle begins losing speed, it says to change quickly to a lower gear and accelerate. For a steep hill, the booklet gives shifting from third to second gear before climbing as its example, and advises not following the vehicle ahead too closely (SPF, Riding Theory Booklet, paras. 171–173).
Near the top of a slope, the booklet advises extra care because the rider cannot see what is approaching from the other side. It says to keep left, proceed carefully and leave more space from the vehicle ahead (SPF, Riding Theory Booklet, para. 174).
Riding downhill
The booklet advises selecting a gear before descending: third or second gear on a low slope, and second or first gear on a steep slope. On a long descent, it recommends using engine braking rather than continuous foot braking because the brakes can overheat and fade; it says to use the foot brake only when necessary (SPF, Riding Theory Booklet, paras. 175–176).
The booklet says an ascending vehicle has the right of way over one descending, and advises riders to keep a greater following distance when travelling downhill (SPF, Riding Theory Booklet, para. 176).
Stopping and moving off on an incline
For a planned stop on an incline, the booklet advises checking mirrors and the blind spot, signalling left, moving to the left, and gradually applying both brakes; pull in the clutch just before stopping. Once stopped, cancel the left signal and keep pressure on the brake pedal when releasing the brake lever (SPF, Riding Theory Booklet, para. 280).
To move off, the booklet says to hold the brake pedal, pull the clutch fully in, select first gear, and hold a slightly higher throttle than on level ground at about 2,000–3,000 rpm. Release the clutch gradually to its biting point and hold it there. After checking the side mirror and right blind spot and signalling right, add throttle and release the clutch further until the motorcycle starts to move; then release the brake and gradually add throttle while fully releasing the clutch. If the engine stalls, apply the brake pedal promptly to prevent rolling back, select neutral, restart the engine and repeat the procedure (SPF, Riding Theory Booklet, paras. 279 and 281).
Coverage debt
- The booklet gives gear examples for low and steep slopes but does not specify a gradient threshold for either description.