Discussion
I've advised advanced training before the Pistonheads who are bikers...Here's a bit more info:
THINK! - take control: give your machine the skills it deserves
Sports bike riding is on the increase. As motorcyclists take advantage of the relative emptiness of rural roads to test their vehicle's - and their own - full potential, the risk can be far too high. Last year some 347 riders were killed and 2,464 seriously injured in accidents on non built-up roads. In many of these accidents no other vehicles are involved. Too often riders don't have the skills to handle their machines.
The campaign, 'Take control', reminds riders that even the best can benefit from advanced assessment sessions which will help keep skills sharp and technique up-to-date.
It's a jungle out there
Every year bikes get faster, more complex and more expensive. Every year the roads get more crowded with boy racers, white van men and lane-hogging trucks. Every year you need to be sharper, more aware, at the top of your game every time you pull on your leathers and hit the starter button. Unfortunately every year most of us get a bit lazier, a bit more complacent and our skills get rustier. Instinct and quick reactions on their own aren't enough - they were designed for running away from woolly mammoths, and the road is far more dangerous... You need to THINK!
It doesn't matter if you've been riding for years or if you've just come back to biking - what you need is up to date bike handling skills, inside information and a head stuffed with riding know-how. Get that lot from somewhere and you'll ride safer AND get more out of your bike.
But I'm already a good rider - it's other road users who cause the problems
Oh really? Does any of this sound familiar?
I often find that corners suddenly tighten up on me.
I sometimes find I only just get away with overtaking manoeuvres.
When I ride with my mates, I seem to have to thrash my bike to keep up, although I know they're not going any quicker than I usually do when I ride on my own.
People are always pulling out on me and forcing me to take avoiding action.
I'm not sure how to set my suspension up for the kind of riding I do.
I worry about how secure my bike is, even when it's locked up.
As soon as it rains all my confidence disappears.
A different approach
They're all common complaints, and its easy to blame most of them on outside influences. In fact they're mostly problems that can be solved with a different approach. For example, corners don't suddenly tighten up - if it's tighter than you thought it's because you didn't THINK! and pick up the clues early enough to assess what was coming up.
Similarly, when people pull out in front of you it's often not because they haven't seen you, but because you were going a lot faster than they expected - the average car driver has no conception whatsoever of the performance of a modern bike.
Putting the emphasis on yourself to avoid trouble rather than on others to avoid you is the first step towards getting more out of your bike, and keeping it shiny side up. The second step is improving your riding skills.
Learning curves
So you need to learn, and there are three ways to get the skills you need to control today's bikes on today's roads.
1. You can learn from your mistakes. But every mistake hurts. Life's too short, and likely to get even shorter if you take this option.
2. You can learn from your mates. But how good are they anyway? How do you choose what's good and bad advice?
3. Or you could learn from an expert. Someone who spends all day every day in the saddle, who knows every trick in the book AND who knows how to pass that knowledge on to others. You might even end up with discounts on insurance, clothing and accessories.
Ok, so what do I do about it?
Before deciding on a training course, it's worth finding out just where you're at and what you need to know, and there are plenty of organisations that can help. Assessments are carried out by professional riders who know how to analyse your riding and come up with a programme that's right for you - no point learning how to get your knee down on a track day if you're a died in the wool two-up tourer, and vice versa.
Be assessed by the best
Any of these organisations will point you in the right direction for a professional assessment:
The Driving Standards Agency (tel: 0115 901 2500);
The Motorcycle Rider Training Association (tel: 01788 538303);
British Motorcyclists Federation (tel: 0116 254 8818);
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (tel: 0121 248 2000);
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (tel: 0208 996 9600);
The Police's "Bike Safe" programme (www.bikesafe.co.uk);
or check The Yellow Pages.
What next?
Once you've been assessed, you'll have a better idea of which areas of your riding will need working on. You can then focus on finding the course that's right for you.
For most people the bare minimum is a refresher on road positioning, planning ahead and what to do if someone you're riding with has an accident. However, there's always plenty more to learn, and look at it this way - you may be going back to school but the homework's going to be superb!
But how much does it cost?
How long's a piece of string? A couple of one hour sessions could cost you less than a tank of fuel, or a residential course over several days could run into hundreds. Whatever level you go for, it'll be the most cost-effective way of spending your biking pound this side of renting a time machine to get next week's roll-over lottery numbers.
Every year you need to be sharper, more aware, at the top of your game every time you pull on your leathers and hit the starter button.
Stay safe..
Street
THINK! - take control: give your machine the skills it deserves
Sports bike riding is on the increase. As motorcyclists take advantage of the relative emptiness of rural roads to test their vehicle's - and their own - full potential, the risk can be far too high. Last year some 347 riders were killed and 2,464 seriously injured in accidents on non built-up roads. In many of these accidents no other vehicles are involved. Too often riders don't have the skills to handle their machines.
The campaign, 'Take control', reminds riders that even the best can benefit from advanced assessment sessions which will help keep skills sharp and technique up-to-date.
It's a jungle out there
Every year bikes get faster, more complex and more expensive. Every year the roads get more crowded with boy racers, white van men and lane-hogging trucks. Every year you need to be sharper, more aware, at the top of your game every time you pull on your leathers and hit the starter button. Unfortunately every year most of us get a bit lazier, a bit more complacent and our skills get rustier. Instinct and quick reactions on their own aren't enough - they were designed for running away from woolly mammoths, and the road is far more dangerous... You need to THINK!
It doesn't matter if you've been riding for years or if you've just come back to biking - what you need is up to date bike handling skills, inside information and a head stuffed with riding know-how. Get that lot from somewhere and you'll ride safer AND get more out of your bike.
But I'm already a good rider - it's other road users who cause the problems
Oh really? Does any of this sound familiar?
I often find that corners suddenly tighten up on me.
I sometimes find I only just get away with overtaking manoeuvres.
When I ride with my mates, I seem to have to thrash my bike to keep up, although I know they're not going any quicker than I usually do when I ride on my own.
People are always pulling out on me and forcing me to take avoiding action.
I'm not sure how to set my suspension up for the kind of riding I do.
I worry about how secure my bike is, even when it's locked up.
As soon as it rains all my confidence disappears.
A different approach
They're all common complaints, and its easy to blame most of them on outside influences. In fact they're mostly problems that can be solved with a different approach. For example, corners don't suddenly tighten up - if it's tighter than you thought it's because you didn't THINK! and pick up the clues early enough to assess what was coming up.
Similarly, when people pull out in front of you it's often not because they haven't seen you, but because you were going a lot faster than they expected - the average car driver has no conception whatsoever of the performance of a modern bike.
Putting the emphasis on yourself to avoid trouble rather than on others to avoid you is the first step towards getting more out of your bike, and keeping it shiny side up. The second step is improving your riding skills.
Learning curves
So you need to learn, and there are three ways to get the skills you need to control today's bikes on today's roads.
1. You can learn from your mistakes. But every mistake hurts. Life's too short, and likely to get even shorter if you take this option.
2. You can learn from your mates. But how good are they anyway? How do you choose what's good and bad advice?
3. Or you could learn from an expert. Someone who spends all day every day in the saddle, who knows every trick in the book AND who knows how to pass that knowledge on to others. You might even end up with discounts on insurance, clothing and accessories.
Ok, so what do I do about it?
Before deciding on a training course, it's worth finding out just where you're at and what you need to know, and there are plenty of organisations that can help. Assessments are carried out by professional riders who know how to analyse your riding and come up with a programme that's right for you - no point learning how to get your knee down on a track day if you're a died in the wool two-up tourer, and vice versa.
Be assessed by the best
Any of these organisations will point you in the right direction for a professional assessment:
The Driving Standards Agency (tel: 0115 901 2500);
The Motorcycle Rider Training Association (tel: 01788 538303);
British Motorcyclists Federation (tel: 0116 254 8818);
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (tel: 0121 248 2000);
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (tel: 0208 996 9600);
The Police's "Bike Safe" programme (www.bikesafe.co.uk);
or check The Yellow Pages.
What next?
Once you've been assessed, you'll have a better idea of which areas of your riding will need working on. You can then focus on finding the course that's right for you.
For most people the bare minimum is a refresher on road positioning, planning ahead and what to do if someone you're riding with has an accident. However, there's always plenty more to learn, and look at it this way - you may be going back to school but the homework's going to be superb!
But how much does it cost?
How long's a piece of string? A couple of one hour sessions could cost you less than a tank of fuel, or a residential course over several days could run into hundreds. Whatever level you go for, it'll be the most cost-effective way of spending your biking pound this side of renting a time machine to get next week's roll-over lottery numbers.
Every year you need to be sharper, more aware, at the top of your game every time you pull on your leathers and hit the starter button.
Stay safe..
Street
Good post, I'm signed up for the next bikesafe course and I've been riding 15 years, you never stop learning.
I'm all for advanced training etc on a bike, but we are still letting numpty's pass the driving test and loose on our roads in all sorts of other vehicles, why not target everyone? (question not aimed at SC, just thinking out loud)
A better standard of driving on the roads would be beneficial for all
Dave (Biker, LGV class 1 driver and ordinary motorist)
>> Edited by Abnormal on Sunday 15th August 23:39
I'm all for advanced training etc on a bike, but we are still letting numpty's pass the driving test and loose on our roads in all sorts of other vehicles, why not target everyone? (question not aimed at SC, just thinking out loud)
A better standard of driving on the roads would be beneficial for all
Dave (Biker, LGV class 1 driver and ordinary motorist)
>> Edited by Abnormal on Sunday 15th August 23:39
Pigeon said:Lol, I took this to mean how secure it is on the road, even if a wheel is locked up. I can see it in both contexts now.
Agreed, a good post. Only bit that puzzles me is this: Streetcop said:why should that be taken as an indicator of a need for advanced training?
I worry about how secure my bike is, even when it's locked up.
I see our old friends at BRAKE are proposing retests for "born again" bikers. They'd be far better off focusing on properly training people in the first place in my opinion (and that applies to users of four and two-wheeled vehicles).
I sense that bikers are about to become flavour of the month at the DoT and that we may be about to attract some highly unwanted attention at legislative level...
www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?page=motorcyclenews.articles.articleCategory.article&resourceId=1152771&articleCategory=NEWS_OTHER-NEWS
Born Agains to re-test?
Should ‘born again bikers’ go through a re-test before being allowed to return to two wheels? If you think they should, how do you define a ‘born again’ biker?
The national road safety charity, Brake, wants to know what us motorcyclists think of the idea of re-tests and refresher courses and how we think they could or should be applied.
Click here to post your views.
Motorcyclenews.com will collate what you have to say to pass it all on directly to the charity.
Some of the issues we think are worth considering are:
Is there really a road safety issue with ‘Born Again’ riders at all?
What is a ‘Born Again’ rider? Is it someone who has taken a break of five years from riding? 10 years? 15?
How would the authorities know who is a ‘Born Again’ to force them to take a retest or refresher?
Is the solution to force every road user to take a regular refresher test in all categories of licence they wish to continue to hold (RoSPA makes even Gold-standard Advanced Riders retake the advanced test every three years). That way all motoring standards improve and riders aren't singled out.
Would ‘Born Agains’ volunteer to attend refresher courses before going back on two wheels if they didn’t have to pay?
Click here to add your comments. You have to be a registered user to post. Registering is free and simple. Click here to do it.
I sense that bikers are about to become flavour of the month at the DoT and that we may be about to attract some highly unwanted attention at legislative level...
www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?page=motorcyclenews.articles.articleCategory.article&resourceId=1152771&articleCategory=NEWS_OTHER-NEWS
Born Agains to re-test?
Should ‘born again bikers’ go through a re-test before being allowed to return to two wheels? If you think they should, how do you define a ‘born again’ biker?
The national road safety charity, Brake, wants to know what us motorcyclists think of the idea of re-tests and refresher courses and how we think they could or should be applied.
Click here to post your views.
Motorcyclenews.com will collate what you have to say to pass it all on directly to the charity.
Some of the issues we think are worth considering are:
Is there really a road safety issue with ‘Born Again’ riders at all?
What is a ‘Born Again’ rider? Is it someone who has taken a break of five years from riding? 10 years? 15?
How would the authorities know who is a ‘Born Again’ to force them to take a retest or refresher?
Is the solution to force every road user to take a regular refresher test in all categories of licence they wish to continue to hold (RoSPA makes even Gold-standard Advanced Riders retake the advanced test every three years). That way all motoring standards improve and riders aren't singled out.
Would ‘Born Agains’ volunteer to attend refresher courses before going back on two wheels if they didn’t have to pay?
Click here to add your comments. You have to be a registered user to post. Registering is free and simple. Click here to do it.
The re test for born agains wont reduce accidents. The motorcycles test is about simple and basic machine control up to the speed limit.
Born agains come unstuck after a few months of ownership of their new sports bike, when confidence increases but knowledge and experience of such machines doesn't
Street
Born agains come unstuck after a few months of ownership of their new sports bike, when confidence increases but knowledge and experience of such machines doesn't
Street
Streetcop said:
The re test for born agains wont reduce accidents. The motorcycles test is about simple and basic machine control up to the speed limit.
Born agains come unstuck after a few months of ownership of their new sports bike, when confidence increases but knowledge and experience of such machines doesn't
Street
Streetcop, what are the actual statistics for born again accidents, injuries and fatalities? How do our esteemed legislators define a BAB? A year off bikes? Five years? Ten years? Is somebody who has been using the same CB750 since 1982, who then decides to get a new Fireblade, A BAB?
I do regularly see the sub-species on sunny weekends - brand new (too tight!) leathers, the latest blade/R1/GSXR1000/Ducati 999. But, I have to say, they are generally conspicuous by appearing scared to death and reaching nowhere near the limit of the bike's capability. Training would certainly help them to relax and enjoy the bike's capability more than anything else. I wonder how many fall off on corners just because they don't realise how far they can lean, how hard they can brake and what general liberties they can take.
I'm not saying that the syndrome is a myth, but I do have a concern that it is something being spun way out of context as a convenient means of having a go at bikers in general.
There isn't any real hard statistics that I can get hold of regarding 'born again' bikers.
Presumably because there is not rule, like you say, as to what is born again.
I'm a biker, as you are aware, member of MAG, IAM and ROSPA. I also do my best to enlighten other Bib about bikers in the hope that my two wheel cousins are 'targetted' unnecessarily.
Having said that, there are a number of bikers who really give our pastime a bad name. I obviously tend to see more of them when I'm on my days off and it's no wonder that the public in gerneral have some bad opinions of bikers; Tailgaiting, very loud pipes, filtering too fast, daft overtakes etc etc.
Street
>> Edited by Streetcop on Monday 16th August 11:36
Presumably because there is not rule, like you say, as to what is born again.
I'm a biker, as you are aware, member of MAG, IAM and ROSPA. I also do my best to enlighten other Bib about bikers in the hope that my two wheel cousins are 'targetted' unnecessarily.
Having said that, there are a number of bikers who really give our pastime a bad name. I obviously tend to see more of them when I'm on my days off and it's no wonder that the public in gerneral have some bad opinions of bikers; Tailgaiting, very loud pipes, filtering too fast, daft overtakes etc etc.
Street
>> Edited by Streetcop on Monday 16th August 11:36
I remember reading an article in MCN some time ago about how Carole Nash has rejigged their actuarial tables with regards to born agains.
They had found that whilst the risk on paper was less given that they were 40+, lots of safe car driving experience and long term bike license holders that in fact, given the increase in performance and critically the change in traffic dynamics that they were actually a bigger risk than a 16 year old on a moped.
Dont know whether there was widescale adoption of this but certaintly enlightening research from an insurer...
They had found that whilst the risk on paper was less given that they were 40+, lots of safe car driving experience and long term bike license holders that in fact, given the increase in performance and critically the change in traffic dynamics that they were actually a bigger risk than a 16 year old on a moped.
Dont know whether there was widescale adoption of this but certaintly enlightening research from an insurer...
I did bikesafe last month - bloody exellent. and the push is to get more training with rospa etc..
except they will stick to speedlimits. the police bikers don't
exellent fun wizzing down the lanes or even the M1 for 2 miles.. at 120mph ; following a police bike. drivers must thought I was mad!
lots of good skills. Most bikers I meet don't seem to get it, but I can't wait to get more and more training. Every course I go on, I leaqrn to get more and more from my bike, and feel less and less at risk.
I have certainly reduced the "near misses" I seemd to get all the time. Now Ive avoided, tutted at the idiot and moved on without giving the heart a good workout!
as for re-tests; I agree. same should apply for cars, although its not as common, anyone that hasn't used ANY machinery for several years should be sent on assesment.
The EASY way to enforce it, is through the insurance firms. They already ask how long you have been riding for in the past X years.
If you say 0 - policy loaded.
If you say 0 but been on assesment here's my certificate; 10% discount (which covers the course cost at LEAST.
everyone would do it!!
except they will stick to speedlimits. the police bikers don't
exellent fun wizzing down the lanes or even the M1 for 2 miles.. at 120mph ; following a police bike. drivers must thought I was mad!
lots of good skills. Most bikers I meet don't seem to get it, but I can't wait to get more and more training. Every course I go on, I leaqrn to get more and more from my bike, and feel less and less at risk.
I have certainly reduced the "near misses" I seemd to get all the time. Now Ive avoided, tutted at the idiot and moved on without giving the heart a good workout!
as for re-tests; I agree. same should apply for cars, although its not as common, anyone that hasn't used ANY machinery for several years should be sent on assesment.
The EASY way to enforce it, is through the insurance firms. They already ask how long you have been riding for in the past X years.
If you say 0 - policy loaded.
If you say 0 but been on assesment here's my certificate; 10% discount (which covers the course cost at LEAST.
everyone would do it!!
Yep...track days can be very useful to back up what you already know..
IAM website will have your local IAM club.
It cost about £85 to join. That's £45 test fee and the rest in membership and a couple of self aid training books. When you are allocated an 'observer' it's etiquette at my club to give your 'observer' £5 towards his petrol and buy him/her breakfast whilst out. Training is about 2-3 hours on a Sunday morning, or elsewhere in the week if it suits you and your 'observer.'
Street
>> Edited by Streetcop on Monday 16th August 11:27
IAM website will have your local IAM club.
It cost about £85 to join. That's £45 test fee and the rest in membership and a couple of self aid training books. When you are allocated an 'observer' it's etiquette at my club to give your 'observer' £5 towards his petrol and buy him/her breakfast whilst out. Training is about 2-3 hours on a Sunday morning, or elsewhere in the week if it suits you and your 'observer.'
Street
>> Edited by Streetcop on Monday 16th August 11:27
Whilst I acknowledge that we as bikers need to improve our competance, there is also a responsibility from the car driver. I'm thinking more towards how motorcycles and their vulnerablity is highlighted during the time that car drivers are taking their lessons and eventual test.
New car drivers (and lots of existing licence holders), need to know the followin:
Most motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle, usually with a car, but large vehicles also feature strongly. Although, there is much motorcyclists can do to avoid such collisions, the behaviour of drivers is equally crucial.
There are many accidents in which the motorcyclist is using the road responsibly and safely, but is put at risk because a driver fails to do the same. Drivers need to be aware of the characteristics, needs and vulnerability of motorcyclists.
The Booth report concluded that nearly two-thirds (62%) of motorcycle accidents were primarily caused by the other road users. Half of the accidents were caused by car drivers, and 10% by pedestrians. Two-thirds of motorcycle accidents where the driver was at fault were due to the driver failing to anticipate the action of other traffic.
As the visible areas of a motorcyclist is smaller than that of other motor vehicles, drivers seem to find it harder to see them. While motorcyclists can help themselves by increasing their conspicuity, it is essential that drivers are aware that motorcyclists may be present on any road, at any time. Given that motorcyclists are more difficult to spot, drivers must be aware of the need to look carefully for them. The slogan “Think Bike” is as relevant today as it ever was.
A large proportion of motorcycle accidents occur when a vehicle emerges from a junction into the path of the motorcyclist. It is also essential that drivers give motorcyclists sufficient room on the road, especially at junctions.
When overtaking a small engined motorcycle or moped, drivers should give the rider the same amount of passing space as if overtaking another four-wheeled motor vehicle. Drivers of large vehicles in particular need to give motorcyclists plenty of room when overtaking them, as two wheelers are easily affected by side wind and the draught created by overtaking vehicles.
Two wheelers may need to suddenly avoid a pot hole, debris or spillage on the road, and drivers should be prepared for unexpected movements, and keep a safe distance between themselves and motorcyclists.
Every year thousands of people are killed or seriously injured on our roads. Motorcyclists suffer disproportionately. They represent less than 1% of road traffic but account for almost 18% of deaths and serious injuries. They are 45 times more likely to be killed than a car driver and the figures are rising.
Street
>> Edited by Streetcop on Monday 16th August 11:10
New car drivers (and lots of existing licence holders), need to know the followin:
Most motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle, usually with a car, but large vehicles also feature strongly. Although, there is much motorcyclists can do to avoid such collisions, the behaviour of drivers is equally crucial.
There are many accidents in which the motorcyclist is using the road responsibly and safely, but is put at risk because a driver fails to do the same. Drivers need to be aware of the characteristics, needs and vulnerability of motorcyclists.
The Booth report concluded that nearly two-thirds (62%) of motorcycle accidents were primarily caused by the other road users. Half of the accidents were caused by car drivers, and 10% by pedestrians. Two-thirds of motorcycle accidents where the driver was at fault were due to the driver failing to anticipate the action of other traffic.
As the visible areas of a motorcyclist is smaller than that of other motor vehicles, drivers seem to find it harder to see them. While motorcyclists can help themselves by increasing their conspicuity, it is essential that drivers are aware that motorcyclists may be present on any road, at any time. Given that motorcyclists are more difficult to spot, drivers must be aware of the need to look carefully for them. The slogan “Think Bike” is as relevant today as it ever was.
A large proportion of motorcycle accidents occur when a vehicle emerges from a junction into the path of the motorcyclist. It is also essential that drivers give motorcyclists sufficient room on the road, especially at junctions.
When overtaking a small engined motorcycle or moped, drivers should give the rider the same amount of passing space as if overtaking another four-wheeled motor vehicle. Drivers of large vehicles in particular need to give motorcyclists plenty of room when overtaking them, as two wheelers are easily affected by side wind and the draught created by overtaking vehicles.
Two wheelers may need to suddenly avoid a pot hole, debris or spillage on the road, and drivers should be prepared for unexpected movements, and keep a safe distance between themselves and motorcyclists.
Every year thousands of people are killed or seriously injured on our roads. Motorcyclists suffer disproportionately. They represent less than 1% of road traffic but account for almost 18% of deaths and serious injuries. They are 45 times more likely to be killed than a car driver and the figures are rising.
Street
>> Edited by Streetcop on Monday 16th August 11:10
streetcop said:
nearly two-thirds (62%) of motorcycle accidents were primarily caused by the other road users. Half of the accidents were caused by car drivers
Two-thirds of motorcycle accidents where the driver was at fault were due to the driver failing to anticipate the action of other traffic.
I would love to know the stats of how many of the car drivers had a bike entitlement on their licence.
can't be too hard for a scan through the dvla database search engine.
My theory is, everyone does a CBT (or 12 months on a bike) as part of their car test.. might make for more awareness and less accidents?
A few more motorcycle tips for you two wheelers:
1) Town Riding. Not often but nearly always too fast. Cutting trough moving traffic expecting to have somewhere to go! By all means, have somewhere to go and get there! Do not be in such a rush to crush such expensive machinery and break a limb… you will! A couple of seconds are not worth to dying for. Beside… you will get stopped for speeding
2) Slow speed. Foot control of rear brake - always- especially on loose surfaces. Practice, practice and practice slow speed with feet on footrests. No dragging the right foot in the air after setting off: it should be on the footrest! Paddling with feet down, using the front brake at slow speed will result in disaster!
3) Do not leave the indicators flashing after a manoeuver. Cancel them! Sooner or later someone will misread/get the wrong impression and hit you because of it. Remember if it can happen - it will happen.
4) Sometime a little late in picking up the smooth line for the next hazard resulting in a "sweepy - swoopy" line that looks untidy and it slows us down. By raising our observations into the far distance we can choose the smoothest flowing line and prepare ourselves early for the next bend we can't see. Round by gently shoving on the right bar to ease right - left bar to ease left, and so into position. We must travel at a speed where even if we can't stop for something around the bend we can still do something about.
5) For tight corner, we cannot see around and for tight corners we can see around stay wide - stay late keeping the maximum and best view until the corner opens up. Come in too soon and we exit wide. Fact. Or as I like to say.."Slow in quick out....Quick in shit out"..
6) Often too close to the vehicle in front: it closes the view and it obliges to poke our nose in and out. Untidy- risky and not smooth. Stays a little further behind - and out - keep your view open (with your options) and then, with the performance of the modern bikes, we can… Whhooshsss… pass.
7) Do not swerve around, past and then back in again in front vehicle while overtaking. Keep it smooth, glide past and look professional!
8) Acknowledge a courtesy. When another driver gives you room, when a truck moves to its offside to let you go… raise the arm and thank them. They will then do it again for the next motorcyclist! It will spread the good world of motorcycling! Always acknowledge a courtesy and when you stop take time to explain and answer their question. Sell the good points of motorcycling, the advantages, and the pleasures.
Ride safe...
Street
>> Edited by Streetcop on Monday 16th August 11:26
1) Town Riding. Not often but nearly always too fast. Cutting trough moving traffic expecting to have somewhere to go! By all means, have somewhere to go and get there! Do not be in such a rush to crush such expensive machinery and break a limb… you will! A couple of seconds are not worth to dying for. Beside… you will get stopped for speeding
2) Slow speed. Foot control of rear brake - always- especially on loose surfaces. Practice, practice and practice slow speed with feet on footrests. No dragging the right foot in the air after setting off: it should be on the footrest! Paddling with feet down, using the front brake at slow speed will result in disaster!
3) Do not leave the indicators flashing after a manoeuver. Cancel them! Sooner or later someone will misread/get the wrong impression and hit you because of it. Remember if it can happen - it will happen.
4) Sometime a little late in picking up the smooth line for the next hazard resulting in a "sweepy - swoopy" line that looks untidy and it slows us down. By raising our observations into the far distance we can choose the smoothest flowing line and prepare ourselves early for the next bend we can't see. Round by gently shoving on the right bar to ease right - left bar to ease left, and so into position. We must travel at a speed where even if we can't stop for something around the bend we can still do something about.
5) For tight corner, we cannot see around and for tight corners we can see around stay wide - stay late keeping the maximum and best view until the corner opens up. Come in too soon and we exit wide. Fact. Or as I like to say.."Slow in quick out....Quick in shit out"..
6) Often too close to the vehicle in front: it closes the view and it obliges to poke our nose in and out. Untidy- risky and not smooth. Stays a little further behind - and out - keep your view open (with your options) and then, with the performance of the modern bikes, we can… Whhooshsss… pass.
7) Do not swerve around, past and then back in again in front vehicle while overtaking. Keep it smooth, glide past and look professional!
8) Acknowledge a courtesy. When another driver gives you room, when a truck moves to its offside to let you go… raise the arm and thank them. They will then do it again for the next motorcyclist! It will spread the good world of motorcycling! Always acknowledge a courtesy and when you stop take time to explain and answer their question. Sell the good points of motorcycling, the advantages, and the pleasures.
Ride safe...
Street
>> Edited by Streetcop on Monday 16th August 11:26
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