Author Topic: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//  (Read 10776 times)

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Offline cbparakeet

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #25 on: July 02, 2014, 01:09:49 PM »
I'm watching it right now, I just got to 'freeways'. Thanks again.

Offline KRONUS0100

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #26 on: July 02, 2014, 01:14:55 PM »
been down 3 times now hard................................5am in dark in pouring rain on way to work and slammed a dog coming out of a field.................................................................2pm in broad daylight on an 81 goldwing and had mechanical transmission failure at 75mph coming out of a sweeper curve..............................................................................................and just recently a few weeks ago ona back country winding up and downhill road...................................was run off the road by an idiot teenager in a wingding rice racer at the top of hill curve........... he was in my lane.
accidents happen real fast out of the blue
ALWAYS  do a pre-ride inspection
ALWAYS  keep both eyes open and on the road and scan your surroundings
other than that, learn your bike inside and out..................how much it weighs full tank and empty, learn what it feels like on a low tire so you know for future reference
you can never get enough balance practice or dodging objects in the road at speed practice.

MATT
current bikes:  1976 CB750F, 1981 GS1100E
bikes owned:1981 GL1100I, 1990 GS500E, 1981 GS850, 1977 and 1979 GS750, 1974 CB750, 1975 CB750, and a 1982 GS750E

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #27 on: July 02, 2014, 01:16:43 PM »
I'm watching it right now, I just got to 'freeways'. Thanks again.

Yeah buddy !  it also helps me when I'm riding to look far ahead and 'through the corner' when moving along on your bike;it's like throwing a baseball or aiming a weapon:what your eyes stay focused on is where you go...,as you spend more time on your bike you'll develop an 'extra sense' for who's going to invade your space. Think of yourself as 'Invisible' out there....  the auto operators always seem to say that common phrase like "I never saw him..."  :o ::) ::)  I'd make sure he 'Saw me' if I was still conscious after the accident  >:( That's for SURE ! !
I practice countersteering on all the roads I travel on continually and it may look like I'm 'weaving' a bit...but not really,I'm adjusting my 2 wheel 'tracking' on all the different road surface irregular 'angles';most roads aren't really flat and need continuous countersteering handlebar 'adjustments' to feel the correct 'angle of attack' for the weird road surfaces...continually getting the 'feel' of the surface even on the same roads I've traveled on many times.Think of it as drawing fresh 'lines' with your 2 wheels contact patch...,it keeps me from getting bored and gives me more 'line of sight'(line of best sight on the cars/traffic around you)down the road to notice how the other drivers are operating with you on the road and hope I can tell enough in a split second to avoid the accident; Keep all your senses keen and your eyes wide open to stay alive.
Motorcycles are so very maneuverable on 2 wheels you can literally 'see' a Lot more than you can from an automobile seat and that 'sight' will help you avoid an accident,I just wish some other drivers on the road would signal and then take a fully committed ACTION to their maneuvers... but I guess that's asking too much  ::) :o  Inattention at the wheel is the dumbest thing any driver can do in my opinion.
« Last Edit: July 02, 2014, 09:00:30 PM by grcamna2 »
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Offline Vicman

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #28 on: July 02, 2014, 01:30:11 PM »
Sound advice.
After riding for 30+ years I still haven't found someone who doesn't consistently make it a shootout.
Maybe it's me,  lol.
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Offline vfourfreak

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #29 on: July 02, 2014, 01:35:03 PM »
try and find some friends to ride with but not in too large groups 3 or 4 is plenty,dont ride with people who turn every outing into a race,dont try and ride as fast as someone with more experience than you.

+1

Don't try and race on the roads. If you really want to see what your bike can do, or how much faster / braver / stupider you are than your mates, book a track day. If you think you are really fast, go racing in properly regulated events.
Otherwise the road is a place where danger lurks at every turn, even in a straight line.
Accidents are rarely the result of a single event, they are normally caused by a chain of events that conspire to cause bad s**t. ALWAYS assume that everyone else on the road is out to get you and try not to add that final causal factor into the equation that results in an accident.

There is no point getting to the pearly gates and telling the man "I was in the right / I had priority" because at that point you is dead, as in history.

I have been to too many funerals during my 20's, I learnt most from them.

Kev

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #30 on: July 02, 2014, 01:51:07 PM »


I meant scare tactics like, when your friend or something just tells you straight up the moment you mention you want to ride "oh you're gonna kill yourself" or the whole "donor cycle" #$%*, trying to "scare" me out of buying a motorcycle. Basically people with 0 experience riding telling me right off the bat that I'm going to die if I buy a motorcycle. I'm not saying there isn't a chance, but I don't like people telling me what I want to do


Now I understand Parakeet, you should have included this in your first post.  I would not like it either.
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Offline vfourfreak

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #31 on: July 02, 2014, 02:07:24 PM »


I meant scare tactics like, when your friend or something just tells you straight up the moment you mention you want to ride "oh you're gonna kill yourself" or the whole "donor cycle" #$%*, trying to "scare" me out of buying a motorcycle. Basically people with 0 experience riding telling me right off the bat that I'm going to die if I buy a motorcycle. I'm not saying there isn't a chance, but I don't like people telling me what I want to do


Now I understand Parakeet, you should have included this in your first post.  I would not like it either.

I went road racing in Ireland for 5 years. (Check Youtube for what THAT is like).
I had stupid dipsticks tell me that we were all mad daredevils with a deathwish. Fcukwits, actually roadracers are the most disciplined, calculated riders I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. The track is disciplined and is relatively safe, trust me. So don't listen to the idle bystanders.

However the road is quite different, it is populated by badly trained, badly disciplined, impetuous, ignorant, careless idiots. (and I don't refer specifically to France). A different ballgame entirely.

I am riding bikes now for 40 years (!!!!!) and nobody can tell me that there is anything more enjoyable in this life. But I do it with great care. Unlike skiing and lovemaking where I am renowned as something of a bit of a lad and take the odd risk.

Seriously, riding bikes is one of the last real freedoms we have, enjoy it now cos legislators don't like us, at least here in Europe.

Kev

fendersrule

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #32 on: July 02, 2014, 02:19:45 PM »
My father gave me huge scare tactics when I decided to ride.

After I got my CB750, he felt compelled to get back into it again after he stopped riding for 20 years so he bought a DOHC CB750 to have a "better" bike than me. :)

He kept telling me a story in the past where a car pulled out and ran into him on the highway because he couldn't see them (it was tall field grassy area). He flew over the hood of the car.

I've had the pleasure of riding with him, and he is NOT a good rider. It's obvious he had no training. He was riding out in the center of the lane most of the time (which is not where you should "stay" most of the time) when I was following him. This might explain why he had his accident in the past. See, training helps. Riding in center of the lane makes you harder to see not only for people making left turns, but even people driving behind you forget that you are there..

I blew up on him when I saw him pull out his cellphone to take a picture of something while riding....

How many vehicle accidents have you had since you started to drive a vehicle? If you got in "a few or more" accidents, then you shouldn't be riding.
« Last Edit: July 02, 2014, 02:29:50 PM by fendersrule »

Offline Vicman

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #33 on: July 02, 2014, 02:23:49 PM »
Quote
riding out in the center of the lane most of the time (which is not where you should "stay" most of the time)

I immediately rank a rider who does that as a hack.
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Offline demon78

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #34 on: July 02, 2014, 03:23:39 PM »
Ok I've driven a bike since 1959 from Matchless/AJS Honda S90/Cb750 Triumph/Bsa Norton/ Royal Enfield Bmw Jawa Harley Laverda, Yamaha Kawasaki and probably a few I forget I've mechaniced on most everything shop managed for a couple of dealerships and learned the hard way I drove a 175 Yamaha enduro all one winter to work and back at the dealership through one of the snowiest winters in Kitchener Ontario Canada (my wife would have to take the hair dryer to the zipper on my snow mobile suit so I could get it off) So my advice  to you take courses on safe riding, Positional awareness becomes one of your more important skills a gut feeling, have plan about what to do if a car/truck/tank goes through an intersection you hit wet leaves/sand gravel/ice dog #$%* in the inside of a corner, some #$%*/drunk tries to run you over or some chic in a Bikini jiggles in front of you and wants a ride, what I'm saying is plan plan plan for events and I'm not saying do it all at once but take small bites and think and plan about,,,,,,, The next thing is practice practice practice and the final thing is remember the danger time which is about 6-8 weeks into riding you've finally are comfortable and have mastered a bunch of skills and then you get careless BANG. If that seems over whelming this is a sport/hobby/life experience that gets better as you progress to each higher level Just like screwing the better you get at it the more fun it becomes.
Bill the demon.

Offline petercb750

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #35 on: July 02, 2014, 03:28:13 PM »
He was riding out in the center of the lane most of the time (which is not where you should "stay" most of the time) when I was following him. This might explain why he had his accident in the past. See, training helps. Riding in center of the lane makes you harder to see not only for people making left turns, but even people driving behind you forget that you are there..

Oh really.... :o
Sorry mate, that's really not good advice. Would you prefer someone rides off centre so they are in a blind spot...?
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Offline cbparakeet

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #36 on: July 02, 2014, 03:38:47 PM »
Ok I've driven a bike since 1959 from Matchless/AJS Honda S90/Cb750 Triumph/Bsa Norton/ Royal Enfield Bmw Jawa Harley Laverda, Yamaha Kawasaki and probably a few I forget I've mechaniced on most everything shop managed for a couple of dealerships and learned the hard way I drove a 175 Yamaha enduro all one winter to work and back at the dealership through one of the snowiest winters in Kitchener Ontario Canada (my wife would have to take the hair dryer to the zipper on my snow mobile suit so I could get it off) So my advice  to you take courses on safe riding, Positional awareness becomes one of your more important skills a gut feeling, have plan about what to do if a car/truck/tank goes through an intersection you hit wet leaves/sand gravel/ice dog #$%* in the inside of a corner, some #$%*/drunk tries to run you over or some chic in a Bikini jiggles in front of you and wants a ride, what I'm saying is plan plan plan for events and I'm not saying do it all at once but take small bites and think and plan about,,,,,,, The next thing is practice practice practice and the final thing is remember the danger time which is about 6-8 weeks into riding you've finally are comfortable and have mastered a bunch of skills and then you get careless BANG. If that seems over whelming this is a sport/hobby/life experience that gets better as you progress to each higher level Just like screwing the better you get at it the more fun it becomes.
Bill the demon.

Thanks Bill!

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #37 on: July 02, 2014, 04:00:18 PM »
He was riding out in the center of the lane most of the time (which is not where you should "stay" most of the time) when I was following him. This might explain why he had his accident in the past. See, training helps. Riding in center of the lane makes you harder to see not only for people making left turns, but even people driving behind you forget that you are there..

Oh really.... :o
Sorry mate, that's really not good advice. Would you prefer someone rides off centre so they are in a blind spot...?

Agreed, It always worries me when inexperienced riders start giving advice to inexperienced riders, especially without the years it takes to become an experienced rider... :o  Ride where you are most visible, its fairly easy to work out, watch what most drivers are doing by watching their mirrors, this only helps , it is NOT a rule as idiots do what idiots want, usually without warning, but it may just be that little glance in the mirror you spot that stops you from being run off the road, you'll also know if they have seen you. Don't ride paranoid but ride alert, always. Watch everyone and learn how to use the brakes to 100% of their capacity, feel is very important on a motorcycle, everyone that rides should know the limits of themselves and their machine and ride appropriately. Riding in the center of the lane is probably the BEST place to ride, you will be more visible to most other road users and there is more distance between you and traffic in the other lanes, and as Peter mentioned, you won't end up in anyone's blind spot until you are passing traffic and you should also be aware of this...  And Fenders, before you blow up, Peter is a  RIDER TRAINER... ;D
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Offline madmtnmotors

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #38 on: July 02, 2014, 04:28:02 PM »

Oh really.... :o
Sorry mate, that's really not good advice. Would you prefer someone rides off centre so they are in a blind spot...?


 Riding in the center of the lane is probably the BEST place to ride


If you had to boil it down to a general rule this might apply. I find myself moving from one side to the other, even riding the center if appropriate. For instance, as I approach an intersecting side street I will usually shift to the side of my lane furthest from the nearest potential approaching vehicle. We drive on the right here in the states (as God intended  :o  ;) ) so I typically shift to the left side of my lane to give myself as much room as possible to avoid any stop sign or red light runners approaching from the right. Now if there were a vehicle to my immediate left I would likely just shift to the center of the lane (sometimes combined with a change in speed). With vehicles to my left (on a multi-lane highway) I would tend to favor the right side of my lane. On two-lane roads I tend to favor the left side of my lane (furthest from intersecting side streets) unless there is oncoming traffic from the opposite direction, then I tend to favor the right side of my lane, so when they look down to start texting (and cross the center line) I have a little "cushion". The more distance between me and potential trouble is that much more reaction time I am afforded (even if only a fraction of a second).

There are way too many scenarios to declare one "best" lane position, at least for me, the "best" lane position depends upon current conditions and which position provides me the largest "cushion".  8)
TAMTF...


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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #39 on: July 02, 2014, 04:40:57 PM »

Oh really.... :o
Sorry mate, that's really not good advice. Would you prefer someone rides off centre so they are in a blind spot...?


 Riding in the center of the lane is probably the BEST place to ride


If you had to boil it down to a general rule this might apply. I find myself moving from one side to the other, even riding the center if appropriate. For instance, as I approach an intersecting side street I will usually shift to the side of my lane furthest from the nearest potential approaching vehicle. We drive on the right here in the states (as God intended  :o  ;) ) so I typically shift to the left side of my lane to give myself as much room as possible to avoid any stop sign or red light runners approaching from the right. Now if there were a vehicle to my immediate left I would likely just shift to the center of the lane (sometimes combined with a change in speed). With vehicles to my left (on a multi-lane highway) I would tend to favor the right side of my lane. On two-lane roads I tend to favor the left side of my lane (furthest from intersecting side streets) unless there is oncoming traffic from the opposite direction, then I tend to favor the right side of my lane, so when they look down to start texting (and cross the center line) I have a little "cushion". The more distance between me and potential trouble is that much more reaction time I am afforded (even if only a fraction of a second).

There are way too many scenarios to declare one "best" lane position, at least for me, the "best" lane position depends upon current conditions and which position provides me the largest "cushion".  8)

I agree, I was specifically referring to traffic riding whilst moving, or on a multi lane road, I would never condone sitting in the right  side of a lane when turning left, or even center, that makes no sense, making your movements obvious is a good thing, ..Lets just say, "generally", thats how it was meant to be read... ;)
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fendersrule

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #40 on: July 02, 2014, 04:49:02 PM »
He was riding out in the center of the lane most of the time (which is not where you should "stay" most of the time) when I was following him. This might explain why he had his accident in the past. See, training helps. Riding in center of the lane makes you harder to see not only for people making left turns, but even people driving behind you forget that you are there..

Oh really.... :o
Sorry mate, that's really not good advice. Would you prefer someone rides off centre so they are in a blind spot...?

Agreed, It always worries me when inexperienced riders start giving advice to inexperienced riders, especially without the years it takes to become an experienced rider... :o  Ride where you are most visible, its fairly easy to work out, watch what most drivers are doing by watching their mirrors, this only helps , it is NOT a rule as idiots do what idiots want, usually without warning, but it may just be that little glance in the mirror you spot that stops you from being run off the road, you'll also know if they have seen you. Don't ride paranoid but ride alert, always. Watch everyone and learn how to use the brakes to 100% of their capacity, feel is very important on a motorcycle, everyone that rides should know the limits of themselves and their machine and ride appropriately. Riding in the center of the lane is probably the BEST place to ride, you will be more visible to most other road users and there is more distance between you and traffic in the other lanes, and as Peter mentioned, you won't end up in anyone's blind spot until you are passing traffic and you should also be aware of this...  And Fenders, before you blow up, Peter is a  RIDER TRAINER... ;D

That's great and all, but I actually know the correct answer. Aside from one condescending remark in your post (usually it exceeds 10) your post was rather "tame". Thank you.

The correct answer is to ride where you are most seen, and where you can most see. That's an undeniable fact. That's the answer you have to mark on your endorsement test to pass.

The correct answer is "It depends". I'm only speaking "in general". I am usually on the left side of the lane 80% of the time while riding because that's the best spot for others to see me based on simply geometry! But I fluctuate to other areas to where I can BEST see and be seen at all times depending on the circumstances. When I approach an intersection that's "busy", I will scoot over to the center of the lane so that I am most seen by traffic. Sometimes I scoot to the right side of the lane to keep myself seen in a side mirror when I'm questioning if a vehicle is going to pass without seeing me. It all depends on the circumstances.

What defines a good rider is their vigorous behavior of moving around to the best lane position so that they are in the position best see and be seen at all times. I find this to be slightly on the left side of the lane the most of the time!
« Last Edit: July 02, 2014, 04:58:47 PM by fendersrule »

fendersrule

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #41 on: July 02, 2014, 05:06:47 PM »
Tell him, Peter!

Tell me what? This?:

http://www.mctourguide.com/lane-positioning/



Lane Position 1                                                                                                                                                           

All things being equal, lane position 1 would be the default lane position on a two lane road. The rider is able to scan further ahead and behind to determine hazards. Drivers ahead and behind have the rider in the primary rear view mirror and in full frontal view respectively. Most importantly, oncoming traffic can see the rider far sooner than if the rider is hidden by a car in front.  Something else I personally feel is that there is more “room to run” than anywhere else on the road. There is more pavement left and right of the rider to use to avoid hazards. To put these considerations to the test, watch as you drive or ride, for a rider who has chosen lane position 3  behind a car or some vehicle large enough to hide the bike (there are unfortunately plenty out there). The rider only becomes visible at the last instant as the car in front passes you. For that rider, it is not unusual for a driver coming the other way, itching to pass the car in front, to move out into the oncoming lane only to see there is a bike right where they thought there was nothing. Bad news for the bike. To sum up, as a general rule lane position 1 gives you the highest conspicuity, highest visibilty and the most dominance of any other position on the roadway. As a single rider, you are in the  best position for a left turn, however must move to lane position 3 for the best position for a right turn. 

Lane Position 2

The center of the road is often  described by some as “the grease strip” and that it should be avoided at all times. Except for very particular circumstances, this is not true. Unfortunately the statement malignes what can be the safest place to be. Certainly at or near intersections the roadway can be covered in oil dripping from countless cars waiting at red lights. On the open road and less busy city streets clear of intersections, this is not the case. This means a rider must survey his or her situation if considering riding in lane position 2. The advantages of lane position 2? You are farther away from oncoming traffic and the curb. It is a decent place to be when rounding a blind curve or approaching a blind hill, allowing fair visibility and conspicuity at the same time and at the same time allowing “room to run” if things change on either side (i.e. driver over the line or car parked on the side of the road). Disadvantages? You are hidden by cars ahead from on-coming traffic to some degree, there is sometimes more debris in the center of the road, you are not in the primary mirror of the driver in front and perhaps less visible to following drivers. To make safer left and right turns you must move to positions 1 and 3 respectively. 

Lane Position 3

This position is usually the least desireable position for normal riding because of poor visibility, conspicuity and dominance. You are close to the curb or parked cars and there is usually a lot of debris (read: gravel or sand) in that position if there is a curb. It is a very good place to be in blind corners and approaching blind hills, although it must be kept in mind that there can also be hidden hazards on the curb side once rounding the corner or cresting the hill. It is the best position to make a right turn, claiming the lane as your own prior to the turn (bicycles and even cars will tend to deek in between you and the curb if they think they can). It is often suggested to move over to lane position 3 when being approached by a large truck, bus or other that may produce a significant wind blast. Something to consider is that if the wind blast is that strong that it may disturb the bike, being in lane position 3 only places you about four feet further away (negligeable reduction in wind blast) but also four feet closer to the curb. If the wind blast is that bad, I personally don’t like being too close to the side of the road. Thankfully, unless there is a severe cross wind, it is not usually all that bad and in all cases, easy to manage using counter steering. Junk falling off a truck is more of an issue and again, lane position 3 leaves you very little “room to run”. 

Keeping in mind I've already given the answer "where you can best see and be seen", but the above clearly states my point. Thanks for the brash remarks to some. Some of you that disagree with the above have been in many accidents. I wonder if it's starting to make sense now?  ???
« Last Edit: July 02, 2014, 05:11:15 PM by fendersrule »

Offline BobbyR

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #42 on: July 02, 2014, 05:59:48 PM »
You have gotten some solid advice and some war stories. You understand there is is risk inherent in riding. To sum all this us you must learn how to "manage the risk".  You have a better chance of contracting Cancer or having Heart attack than being killed on a bike, if you approach it properly.

The first thing you must decide if you are willing to assume the risk and think you can manage it.

I was told this a long time ago and it fits:

If a superior helicopter pilot uses his superior judgment he will not be called on to use his superior skills.
 
Dedicated to Sgt. Howard Bruckner 1950 - 1969. KIA LONG KHANH.

But we were boys, and boys will be boys, and so they will. To us, everything was dangerous, but what of that? Had we not been made to live forever?

Offline petercb750

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #43 on: July 02, 2014, 08:01:43 PM »
Fenders, you made a statement, and was giving a new rider advice (and i note the post has been edited) that you shouldn't ride in the centre of the lane most of the time. It takes 2 or 3 people to point out that that is pretty sh1t advice. Then you copy some instructional stuff that explains lane positioning etc etc to justify what you said....but your opening statement had no such info, just a blanket unqualified and ill informed "advice". And it's that what people reacted to.
The centre of the lane is pretty well the safest place to be most of the time, particularly on multi laned busy roads as it gives you maximum buffer zones on each side. None of this other stuff you cough up will convince me otherwise.
Yes there are times you could/should be off centre, but each situation is different and needs to be treated as such.

One last piece of advice....don't make blanket statements to new riders without explanation or some degree of knowledge....it can end on tears.
1972 750/4 K2 (his), 1976 400/4 (hers)
1982 CB1100RC (ours)

fendersrule

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #44 on: July 02, 2014, 09:16:52 PM »
Whoa, whoa. I did not edit my original statement. You should NOT ride in the center of the lane most of the time. That's always been said. What I referenced shows it too. If you disagree, that's fine. But don't tell me I'm wrong or that I don't know #$%*.

I disagree with your contention that riding in the center of the lane is safest most of the time. Maybe I ought to strap on my Go-Pro and show what it looks like to ride in the center of the lane and be blocked by vehicles in front of you and not being able to be seen at all by oncoming traffic. Sorry, that's my advice. You can take it, or leave it. Just like the OP can. Let him learn from his instructors. It would be great for him to take the class and then report back and tell us who's right. I already know from the 8 professionals that I ride with who have been on the road as long as anyone else.

Btw, 3 posters above me have said what I've been saying in just a different way. Telling someone to ride in the center of the lane most of the time WILL end in tears. I hope that's not what you're saying.

I already said the overarching principle is ride where you are most seen and can be seen. That's the truth. On most common rural roads that I travel to work on (which is like the vast majority of roads that I've been on) I am SEEN and can SEE the MOST on the left portion of the lane.
« Last Edit: July 02, 2014, 09:28:30 PM by fendersrule »

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #45 on: July 02, 2014, 09:27:18 PM »
been down 3 times now hard................................5am in dark in pouring rain on way to work and slammed a dog coming out of a field.................................................................2pm in broad daylight on an 81 goldwing and had mechanical transmission failure at 75mph coming out of a sweeper curve..............................................................................................and just recently a few weeks ago ona back country winding up and downhill road...................................was run off the road by an idiot teenager in a wingding rice racer at the top of hill curve........... he was in my lane.
accidents happen real fast out of the blue
ALWAYS  do a pre-ride inspection
ALWAYS  keep both eyes open and on the road and scan your surroundings
other than that, learn your bike inside and out..................how much it weighs full tank and empty, learn what it feels like on a low tire so you know for future reference
you can never get enough balance practice or dodging objects in the road at speed practice.

+1    especially "balance practice" & "scanning"  :)
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  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline petercb750

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #46 on: July 02, 2014, 10:01:33 PM »
Whoa, whoa. I did not edit my original statement. You should NOT ride in the center of the lane most of the time. That's always been said. What I referenced shows it too. If you disagree, that's fine. But don't tell me I'm wrong or that I don't know #$%*.

I disagree with your contention that riding in the center of the lane is safest most of the time. Maybe I ought to strap on my Go-Pro and show what it looks like to ride in the center of the lane and be blocked by vehicles in front of you and not being able to be seen at all by oncoming traffic. Sorry, that's my advice. You can take it, or leave it. Just like the OP can. Let him learn from his instructors. It would be great for him to take the class and then report back and tell us who's right. I already know from the 8 professionals that I ride with who have been on the road as long as anyone else.

Btw, 3 posters above me have said what I've been saying in just a different way. Telling someone to ride in the center of the lane most of the time WILL end in tears. I hope that's not what you're saying.

I already said the overarching principle is ride where you are most seen and can be seen. That's the truth. On most common rural roads that I travel to work on (which is like the vast majority of roads that I've been on) I am SEEN and can SEE the MOST on the left portion of the lane.

Please read what I said again.
Thats all from me.
1972 750/4 K2 (his), 1976 400/4 (hers)
1982 CB1100RC (ours)

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #47 on: July 02, 2014, 10:40:11 PM »
Whoa, whoa. I did not edit my original statement. You should NOT ride in the center of the lane most of the time. That's always been said. What I referenced shows it too. If you disagree, that's fine. But don't tell me I'm wrong or that I don't know #$%*.

I disagree with your contention that riding in the center of the lane is safest most of the time. Maybe I ought to strap on my Go-Pro and show what it looks like to ride in the center of the lane and be blocked by vehicles in front of you and not being able to be seen at all by oncoming traffic. Sorry, that's my advice. You can take it, or leave it. Just like the OP can. Let him learn from his instructors. It would be great for him to take the class and then report back and tell us who's right. I already know from the 8 professionals that I ride with who have been on the road as long as anyone else.

Btw, 3 posters above me have said what I've been saying in just a different way. Telling someone to ride in the center of the lane most of the time WILL end in tears. I hope that's not what you're saying.

I already said the overarching principle is ride where you are most seen and can be seen. That's the truth. On most common rural roads that I travel to work on (which is like the vast majority of roads that I've been on) I am SEEN and can SEE the MOST on the left portion of the lane.

Quote
That's great and all, but I actually know the correct answer

Not from experience but because "someone told you", Thats arrogant as hell and an attitude that will get you killed, you're far too young and inexperienced to mouth off like that, we have a saying for that here, its called "flirting with fate"...

You seem to have a knack for arguing with people with far more experience and knowledge than you mate, and I doubt anyone else here with 2 years limited experience would proclaim as loudly as you whats right and wrong. {the fact you can't work that out amazes me and most others here} You have an accredited rider trainer telling you {as well as others}, with years of actual experience riding and training and you still don't listen. A pattern emerged with your arrogant approach a while back, nothing has changed...I referred to you as "inexperienced" and less than 2 years riding says you are, why is that condescending, I thought it was pointing out the obvious..? {because you don't want to hear it obviously} Riding in the center of the lane is the safest place to ride most of the time, if your riding so close that on coming traffic can't see you then you are already doing something wrong.. Most of your assumptions are plain bullsh1t, no one really gives a damn what you "think" as you haven't been riding long enough to give anyone solid advice, when you've graduated from a few hundred near misses and the inexplicable idiot running you down or off the road {and your skills save your butt} you may start to get it and maybe share your "real life" experiences.  Anyone can read from a pamphlet, the real world is far different, most of us have the scars to prove it....
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

fendersrule

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #48 on: July 02, 2014, 11:08:10 PM »
Wait, so I should come back and post after I've had a "few hundred" near misses? Jeeze, that should really tell me why I should be riding in the center of the lane…I need more near misses…hundreds of them! That will show me!

Ever question why you've had "hundreds" of near misses?

It's not just experience. It's experience + training, period. Reading what you just said is absolutely funny. Do you realize you could be doing things that are just plain WRONG so many times that you believe that they are right?

Yes, I've been riding for only a little over two years, every day. That's it. I'm not "making" up rules by my experience. I'm making up rules from my 50+ hours of gruesome motorcycle training with the best, and it wasn't cheap, either. I do my homework, and I learn hard.  15,000 miles and zero near misses in two years of riding. I guess I'm doing it all wrong so far?

I need more near misses is what I need. Good job on scaring the OP. OP, take the training and you will be fine. Safety is first. Or ride on the road without training until you get 200 near misses under your belt before you can have an opinion.

Sorry fellas, I can give tips any damned time I feel like it. I'm done with responding to this thread. Please do some research before you shoot the messenger. You can have your opinion, and I can have mine.
« Last Edit: July 02, 2014, 11:10:30 PM by fendersrule »

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//
« Reply #49 on: July 03, 2014, 02:04:04 AM »
Wait, so I should come back and post after I've had a "few hundred" near misses? Jeeze, that should really tell me why I should be riding in the center of the lane…I need more near misses…hundreds of them! That will show me!

Ever question why you've had "hundreds" of near misses?

It's not just experience. It's experience + training, period. Reading what you just said is absolutely funny. Do you realize you could be doing things that are just plain WRONG so many times that you believe that they are right?


 I've had hundreds of near misses because of the time i've spent in the saddle, I bought my first K1/750 when i was 16 from Phil Beaumont motorcycles in Brisbane city, I worked across the road from them, my work in motorcycle shops, my job as a motorcycle courier in Sydney, Riding motocross bikes,  track days and 100's of days at the track pit crewing for my mates that race, the fact that for the first 21 years on the road a motorcycle was my primary form of transport ,and I lived and worked in major cities here at the time, not to mention all the wheel stands, power slides, mad runs up Mount Tamborine in QLD and Maquarie pass and National park in NSW, or the countless days fish tailing our 750's in my mates dads trucking yard driveway when we were young and fearless, we did things on 750/4 Honda's that would make you cringe, and i put a lot of bigger more powerful bikes to shame in the twisties  with my early Honda's , thats how i know my old Honda's, apart from the fact i've owned around 20 odd 750/4's as well as another 20 odd bikes up to 1100cc,  but you see,  none of that matters to people like you, you "think" your always right,  nothing anyone else says makes any difference, you are a try hard, you can't stand being corrected, so you make sh1t up as you go and dispute people with far greater knowledge than your own. You may think what i wrote was funny, but its true, like it or lump it. Your bizarre premise that you are the only one doing things right here is the fcuking joke of the century, do you even read what you post, its absolute rubbish and anyone thats been around bikes for any length of time knows that... Anyway I Didn't read any further than the quote because you are an fool, the stupidity and lack of reasoning in your simple retorts bleeds lack of time and experience in the saddle. Training, training, training, woopee, Training is good for beginners {and some others} but its not training thats rides your bike mate,  training is in a neutral environment and its not meant to give anyone a false sense of security, Quite the opposite, You remind me of a girl in my music class when i was doing my music diploma, she was young and had been driving for 3 years, she was telling anyone that would listen that she was a great driver, I disputed that and she got all p1ssed off {just like you, couldn't be told anything}, she wrote her car off and nearly killed 2 other students that were in her car , she'd done her driver training courses as we do them at school here,  she lost control of her car and didn't know what to do, she soon realized that she was no where near a being a good driver and time is the only thing that makes you better, not courses, not bullsh1t stories, time and experience, so come back when you have something credible to add... Just for you , ANYONE thats done 100's of 1000's of miles in the saddle will have 100's of near misses, especially in the city, if i have to explain why to you then you really have no idea, you come across as being quite naive and ignorant which is kinda funny for a know it all...... :o
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.