Discussion
KumiSinghs said:
I'm afraid I'm not. Okay I'll be sure to do it next time, is there a technique to do a lifesaver so the wind doesn't knock your head back?
Instead of positioning yourself like a meerkat on a rock in a gale, keep your head lower and look more down and back. I think practice and familiarity sorts it out and finding the angle that works. I remember thinking the same as you when I did 60 on my 125, felt my head was going to fall off. Then after commuting for a bit it wasn't an issue at all plus I could see more.
Well I decided to change instructors to get a different angle, not because my previous instructor was bad, I just wanted a different opinion.
I certainly feel more comfortable now and I've slotted them into my routine appropriately. For instance, good road position before a turn can cut them down, particularly on left turns, you don't need to check the verge is still there and nothing will get past or infront if you hold the correct line. I just rode my test and passed comfortably, the pressure was off the second time round.
The ride back on the motorway highlighted particularly the importance of using them.
At the end of the day, examiners are looking for safe riders, not lifesavers.
I certainly feel more comfortable now and I've slotted them into my routine appropriately. For instance, good road position before a turn can cut them down, particularly on left turns, you don't need to check the verge is still there and nothing will get past or infront if you hold the correct line. I just rode my test and passed comfortably, the pressure was off the second time round.
The ride back on the motorway highlighted particularly the importance of using them.
At the end of the day, examiners are looking for safe riders, not lifesavers.
Have fun You should drill lifesavers until they become a reflex, an instinct. They should be muscle memory for you and used ALWAYS. The test may seem a faff, but they really are appropriately named. This isn't one of those things you should just do for the test and then drop. They really are vital.
Vincefox said:
You should drill lifesavers until they become a reflex, an instinct. They should be muscle memory for you and used ALWAYS. The test may seem a faff, but they really are appropriately named. This isn't one of those things you should just do for the test and then drop. They really are vital.
I think that’s dependent on your riding style/philosophy. They’re only vital if you are routinely going slower than other traffic, which you shouldn’t be. They’re useful if you ride defensively and largely redundant if you ride properly i.e. to make progress and stay alive. Riding to the letter of the test or the Highway Code will get you hurt, lifesavers or no.
308mate said:
I think that’s dependent on your riding style/philosophy. They’re only vital if you are routinely going slower than other traffic, which you shouldn’t be. They’re useful if you ride defensively and largely redundant if you ride properly i.e. to make progress and stay alive.
Riding to the letter of the test or the Highway Code will get you hurt, lifesavers or no.
Total rubbish!Riding to the letter of the test or the Highway Code will get you hurt, lifesavers or no.
FazerBoy said:
308mate said:
I think that’s dependent on your riding style/philosophy. They’re only vital if you are routinely going slower than other traffic, which you shouldn’t be. They’re useful if you ride defensively and largely redundant if you ride properly i.e. to make progress and stay alive.
Riding to the letter of the test or the Highway Code will get you hurt, lifesavers or no.
Total rubbish!Riding to the letter of the test or the Highway Code will get you hurt, lifesavers or no.
black-k1 said:
FazerBoy said:
308mate said:
I think that’s dependent on your riding style/philosophy. They’re only vital if you are routinely going slower than other traffic, which you shouldn’t be. They’re useful if you ride defensively and largely redundant if you ride properly i.e. to make progress and stay alive.
Riding to the letter of the test or the Highway Code will get you hurt, lifesavers or no.
Total rubbish!Riding to the letter of the test or the Highway Code will get you hurt, lifesavers or no.
BobSaunders said:
Just fegging look. It takes a split second to check nothing is in the blind spot of the mirrors before pulling away or changing lane/direction. That's all they are there for.. not for doing 180 degree scans looking for birds of pedigree falcon.
While I agree with the sentiment... what is birds of pedigree falcon?SMar said:
Spot on, I was talking to Gary Baldwin (Police accident investigator) from Rapid Training a couple of years ago about this very subject, and he agrees with this. He doesn't bother with Hi-Vis gear either.
Agree with the above as well.. in IAM training they are training you to minimize the shoulder checks since you should be fully aware of your surroundings prior to changing your position in the road. http://solent-advanced-motorcyclists.co.uk/riding-...
When riding through the city, slower speeds I find I often need to check more with cars/bike/cyclists moving around you since what is behind you is harder to judge from your mirrors.
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