Tailgating: What do you do?

[superman]

Had some terrible woman driving five metres behind me when I was going 80-100. Obviously she was in a hurry. I tried to wave her back but she didn't take the hint so I just got angry and slowed down to 60. She wasn't happy and held down on the horn for a good while before blitzing down some side road without indicating.

I'll definitely be getting an L plate up soon since cars obviously expect bikes to go bloody fast all the time. That would at least explain to them why I'm only going 80-100. :blink:

What do you more experienced guys do when you get tailgaters?

[The Everlasting]

I would let them pass as soon as it's safe.

[SMOKEU]

Don't bother with an L plate and if you really want to ride slow then pull over as soon as another vehicle comes up behind you.

[sinfull]

Take no notice, it'll only have you missing something important, like whats going on ahead !

[superman]

Take no notice, it'll only have you missing something important, like whats going on ahead !

I shall try control myself and ignore. Hard when it's taking up most of your mirrors though. I really wanted to find some way to educate that woman though... Tried flashing morse code through brake lights but obviously she barely even knows how to use the two pedals in her automatic cage.

[junkmanjoe]

i pull my pants down and stand up :shit:...........:sick: they soon back right off after that...:bye:...

JMJ

[phill-k]

Understand that in a car verses bike its the bike that gets hurt the most, you must learn to ride to survive, if you don't wish to out pace the tailgater move over, indicate to turn left or to stop but don't antagonize.

[Genie]

slowing down will annoy them, I tend to do that, but more so when in the family bus.....best thing, get out of the way. let them go, though, some really need encourging to pass:confused: not sure why?

do what will keep you safe.:yes:

[EJK]

Speed up</10char>

[sinfull]

I shall try control myself and ignore. Hard when it's taking up most of your mirrors though. I really wanted to find some way to educate that woman though... Tried flashing morse code through brake lights but obviously she barely even knows how to use the two pedals in her automatic cage.

Your original comment about the L plate would prob be wise if your gonna do 80 clicks too !
No morse code gonna have her back off it's just one of those things you get used to, tailgators come with the territory, an L sticker might get a few giving you more space but everyfucker is in a hurry !
Just be aware they're there and keep ya wits about ya, don't give em an inch to try and squeeze through, or guess who gets squeezed out if they try and then run out of room, make em wait till they have a clear pass in the oncoming lane !

The next phase after ya get ya full (and up ya speeds a touch lol) is sooo many drivers are over curtious these days, see ya coming and move over for ya, even if ya were quite happy in their draft on a quiet cruise ! (don't get me wrong here, i think it's great, but every now and then i think, sheesh man doncha think i'd be past by now if i wanted to)

[superman]

Speed up</10CHAR>

Gladly when I get used to corners. Only taken out my bike twice. :facepalm: But thanks for the advice.

[MaxCannon]

Move over - let them past. Then follow them with your high beams on.
When they stop drag them out of the car and give them a kicking.
Guarantees they won't do it again.

:)

[superman]

Move over - let them past. Then follow them with your high beams on.
When they stop drag them out of the car and give them a kicking.
Guarantees they won't do it again.

:)

I shall start hitting the gym. :yes:

[psycho22]

When i'm in a car i'll slow down to about 20kph.:innocent:

On a bike not so good an idea however.

I would suggest as others have just pulling over and letting them pass.

[PrincessBandit]

I'd be inclined to get that L plate on as it would seem you are meant to have it displayed, going by your OP comment.

An L plate won't automatically mean courteous driving by those around you, and there are times when it seems to attract assholes. However, most drivers will/should understand that while on an L plate you are restricted to certain speeds.

Survival - yours- is paramount when on two wheels and it is much better to leave your ego in the garage before taking the bike out. No matter what part of the GDL stage you are at, or how long or little you've been riding for, your number one concern is keeping yourself alive and in one piece. Fix the L, live with it, but don't treat it an invicibility device...

[pzkpfw]

How about: stay off roads where other users can do 100 k/hr, or make it easier for them to pass.

[Shadows]

How about: stay off roads where other users can do 100 k/hr, or make it easier for them to pass.

Yep. I thought the whole idea behind the 70k restriction was to keep learner riders off the open road and not tangling with high speed traffic.

[superman]

How about: stay off roads where other users can do 100 k/hr, or make it easier for them to pass.

Why would I have to stay off the road if I'm going 80? I drive at 80 in my car when I'm fuel saving. And we're talking about in the country here, very few straights. Lots of blind corners and thin roads. I have to either pull over or make them wait for a straight.

This is the kind of driver where if I was doing 100 she would have been up my ass anyway wanting to go 120-140.

[Berries]

Nah, she was probably like most people on here who want to ride/drive at the speed limit and get pissed off when someone is dawdling along holding them up (like doing 80 to save fuel). L plates on your second ride might have been a good idea. She might not know about the 70km/h rule, but may have excused you for holding up the traffic.

If you get tailgated in a car it is fine, and sometimes funny, to slow down to 20km/h to wind them up. I would never do it on a bike, you are asking to get pushed off the road.

If you can't, or won't, ride at the open road speed then you need to learn how to pull over and get out of the way. Otherwise you may find yourself in a ditch wondering what happened.

[superman]

Nah, she was probably like most people on here who want to ride/drive at the speed limit and get pissed off when someone is dawdling along holding them up (like doing 80 to save fuel). L plates on your second ride might have been a good idea. She might not know about the 70km/h rule, but may have excused you for holding up the traffic.

If you get tailgated in a car it is fine, and sometimes funny, to slow down to 20km/h to wind them up. I would never do it on a bike, you are asking to get pushed off the road.

If you can't, or won't, ride at the open road speed then you need to learn how to pull over and get out of the way. Otherwise you may find yourself in a ditch wondering what happened.

20km/h under the speed limit is holding up traffic? :shit: The road code didn't tell me that.

Remind me to aim for the speed limit everytime I drive/ride my car/motorcycle/bicycle/horse/tractor so as to please people who drive dangerously.

I'll pull over when it's safe to do so, as it tells me to do in the road code. There however wasn't an oppurtunity on this piece of road, but obviously this lady didn't understand how to best assess the situation because her small brain was too busy thinking about how she needs to get home in a rush to try on her new dresses from her weekend shopping.

I don't understand why you seem to be backing up her tailgating me!?

I'm sure most drivers on here don't get pissed off at people doing 80. If I'm behind a tractor doing 60 do I get fucked off and tailgate and overtake dangerously? If I'm behind a cyclist on a thin peace of road do I shoot around the blind corner nudging him off the road, or follow him at 10-20km/h till there is an open stretch of road? You seem to think that it's ok to expect a car/motorcycle to do the maximum speed legal and that there is no good reason for them to ever be below the speed limit. Which just seems like absolute ignorant thinking and makes me wonder if you ever managed to finish high school.

My sincerest apologies to you and anyone who hates getting behind a car doing 80, I'm sorry I hate to waste fuel. I was brought up to efficiently use things I buy. I'm sorry but you must wait behind me for three minutes till a straight comes along (OMG I KNOW THAT'S FOREVER RIGHT!) travelling at 80 instead of 100 if I wasn't there. Losing you half a minute of time?! :weird:

WHY ARE PEOPLE SO FRUSTRATING! :brick:

[popelli]

What do you more experienced guys do when you get tailgaters?

Pull over and let them past

you don't want these sort of idiots behind you - they usually can't drive for shit and are potential killers

better they are in front of you and you can control the distance between them and yourself

[Berries]

20km/h under the speed limit is holding up traffic? :shit: The road code didn't tell me that.
Nah, that's what your mirrors are for.


I don't understand why you seem to be backing up her tailgating me!?
I wasn't. She was an idiot who didn't give you enough room.


I'm sure most drivers on here don't get pissed off at people doing 80. If I'm behind a tractor doing 60 do I get fucked off and tailgate and overtake dangerously? If I'm behind a cyclist on a thin peace of road do I shoot around the blind corner nudging him off the road, or follow him at 10-20km/h till there is an open stretch of road? You seem to think that it's ok to expect a car/motorcycle to do the maximum speed legal and that there is no good reason for them to ever be below the speed limit. Which just seems like absolute ignorant thinking and makes me wonder if you ever managed to finish high school.
Not yet, I am only 12.

Tractors and cyclists can't do the open road speed limit, so you have to put up with waiting until it is safe to pass. People fuel saving are a different matter. Perhaps the vehicles you are holding up are more fuel efficient at 100km/h ? Whatever, your first thoughts should be for your own safety and I believe that riding round at 80 on the open road is putting you at more risk than is necessary.


WHY ARE PEOPLE SO FRUSTRATING! :brick:
My point was this was your second ride on the bike, and you are a learner. You want to do everything you can to make your journey safe. An L plate on the back may have caused her to back off a bit. It would certainly have made me, high school graduate or not, give you more leeway, and even forgive the slow riding. But there is no point coming on here moaning about it when the exact same driving behaviour by cars leads to calls for more tickets for slow drivers and general "burn the cager" comments.

[Fatt Max]

People dont tailgate me that much at all,

I don't usually wear pants when I ride, preferring to go arse out.

So, they overtake me very quickly rather than sit behind and have to stare up my rusty sherrifs badge....not a nice thought or view

[davebullet]

I shall try control myself and ignore. Hard when it's taking up most of your mirrors though. I really wanted to find some way to educate that woman though... Tried flashing morse code through brake lights but obviously she barely even knows how to use the two pedals in her automatic cage.

Some people just hate motorcyclists. Might be for valid reasons, but they tar everyone with the same brush

My advice? Just let them past. Don't retaliate. Honestly - it's just not worth it. Think of it this way; Your life is a shit load more important than some stupid appointment they are late for.

I found the L plate increases frustration and removed it after my first deliberate shunting at some lights when I stalled the bike and a 4 wheel driver behind didn't like it so gave me a nudge :blink:

As your confidence grows as well as speed to match other traffic and you develop other skills (safe overtaking, lane splitting etc..), you'll find it less of an issue.

Don't slow down to prove a point. It only frustrates them further, reduces the gap even more and increases the risk that neither of you are looking at what is coming up ahead.

[Pascal]

Had some terrible woman driving five metres behind me when I was going 80-100.

....

I'll definitely be getting an L plate up soon since cars obviously expect bikes to go bloody fast all the time.


Gladly when I get used to corners. Only taken out my bike twice. :facepalm:

You are exceeding your Learner license speed limits on the open road after only having taken your bike out twice and you're not used to corners.

And you're worried about a woman tailgating you?

I'd recommend you put the L-plate on. It at least communicates to other assmunches on the road what your situation is. But if you're worried about your ability to control a motorcycle, perhaps you should be spending a bit more time practicing basic handling skills in a safer environment before you end up as a greasy smear because you tried to ride outside of your ability?

In situations where you get tailgated - indicate and pull over as soon as possible. In a car vs bike situation, even if you are in the right, you're going to come off second best.

[MSTRS]

How about: stay off roads where other users can do 100 k/hr, or make it easier for them to pass.


Yep. I thought the whole idea behind the 70k restriction was to keep learner riders off the open road and not tangling with high speed traffic.
We've had this 'conversation' before. It just doesn't fly. The speed restriction will be dropped when the other changes go through in 2011.


This is the kind of driver where if I was doing 100 she would have been up my ass anyway wanting to go 120-140.
Correct. The same people would never dream of asking you to move in a supermarket aisle...but put them in a car, and it's all on.



If you can't, or won't, ride at the open road speed then you need to learn how to pull over and get out of the way. Otherwise you may find yourself in a ditch wondering what happened.

OP, like many, lives in the sticks where EVERY road is 100kph.

My advice?
Let the person following know you are uncomfortable with them being so close by using you brake light.
Do not slow down, as that will only up the ante.
Own your bit of road, move to the left when YOU feel safe to do so.
Find a mentor on here, or an experienced rider you trust, to ride with you. They can ride shotgun and keep the turkeys off your back. They can show you what we call lines (where to be in the lane as you negotiate straights and corners).
They can show you where you should be braking, or changing gear up/down.
Most of all, they can show you how to ride just a little faster after a couple of sessions of the above, which will put you in a better space when on your own.

[Pascal]

OP, like many, lives in the sticks where EVERY road is 100kph.

Yup, he can't really stick to 70km/h on a bike out there. But he should still get a mentor or practice somewhere a bit to get his skill level up.

[superman]

Tractors and cyclists can't do the open road speed limit, so you have to put up with waiting until it is safe to pass. People fuel saving are a different matter. Perhaps the vehicles you are holding up are more fuel efficient at 100km/h ? Whatever, your first thoughts should be for your own safety and I believe that riding round at 80 on the open road is putting you at more risk than is necessary..

How is 80 on the open road dangerous? When you get tourists driving down through the country or townies who aren't used to loads of twisties they drive 70-80 in their cars. Especially if you don't know the road. There's a stretch from Maraetai to the beginning of north road that is open road but it's so twisty and thin people do it at 60. Are they all putting themselves at unnecessary risk?

In the past year I saved $700 driving 20km/h slower. You saying I should give that up in my great debt from just having started attending university this year? Well I mean that is one of the main reasons I got my bike, twice as much out of the fuel than my car and I can go 100! So don't you worry, as soon as I can drive my bike more proficiently I'll be doing the governed speed and then I'll probably start complaining it's not fast enough.

[slofox]

As so many others have already said, you are best to let them past. Move a little left and wave them through as soon as there is safe space. I still do this when necessary even after 40+ years of biking.

Don't pay to argue with cages. They have better weapons than you do...

[Banditbandit]

Wott they all said ...

(I had one yesterday - doing 80 klicks until I passed him, then sat on my arse at 120 klicks ... I flicked the bandit passed a couple of cars at 200 klicks - he wasn't even close any more ... but then, I'd probably get shot by Katman if I said that here ...)

[superman]

Wott they all said ...

(I had one yesterday - doing 80 klicks until I passed him, the sat on my Arse at 120 klicks ... I flicked the bandit passed a couple of cars at 200 klicks - he wasn't even close any more ... but then, I'd probably get shot by Katman if I said that here ...)

Not to mention p.dath, he's very disapproving of me as a learner even going over 70. But hey it's a bandit, can't stifle the beast all the time. Grannying engines is just bad for them. :yes: And I'm sure whatever maneuvers you pulled you did them in a safe and well thought out manner.

I mean... don't go over the speed limit because you will die :Police:
Just like... don't have sex, you will get pregnant... and die

[psycho22]

Wott they all said ...

(I had one yesterday - doing 80 klicks until I passed him, the sat on my Arse at 120 klicks ... I flicked the bandit passed a couple of cars at 200 klicks - he wasn't even close any more ... but then, I'd probably get shot by Katman if I said that here ...)

I recently regaled Steve with a story involving wheelies and rather fast speeds.

He simply had a bit of a laugh. Perhaps it's becuase he knows my riding is pretty safe...Most of the time.:innocent:

[doko]

Slow down. Get side by side with them. Kick the fuck out of her car. She sounds like one of those horrid soccer moms who will call the cops on you on Sunday because you bikes "to loud"... yeap... on of those self fish me and my family are that matters types.

Be afraid to them you are not human you are just a risk, annoyance to them. :gob:

[Banditbandit]

But hey it's a bandit, can't stifle the beast all the time. Grannying engines is just bad for them. :yes: And I'm sure whatever maneuvers you pulled you did them in a safe and well thought out manner.



Falling about laughing ... yeah something like that ....

[HenryDorsetCase]

I hate being tailgated. I usually just slow right down. Or pull over and let them past.

I was cruising along yesterday on the open road at about 110, and some fucktard in a black SUV called REXTON (what the hell sort of name is that?) wanted to sit right up my chuff. so i pulled over and let the chump pass. Turns out they wanted to cruise between 130 and 140 on a very heavily policed bit of road. I thought "Sweet, radar shield!" so I cruised along at that speed about 100m back. Fucktard turned off at some posh looking "country estate" type subdivision. Twat.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Slow down. Get side by side with them. Kick the fuck out of her car. She sounds like one of those horrid soccer moms who will call the cops on you on Sunday because you bikes "to loud"... yeap... on of those self fish me and my family are that matters types.

Be afraid to them you are not human you are just a risk, annoyance to them. :gob:

I'm afraid of YOU at present. something about lack of basic English composition and speeling. And you managed to pass the written part of your licence?!??!??! WTFBBQ?!!?!?!11

[Banditbandit]

I'm afraid of YOU at present. Something about lack of basic English composition and spelling. And you managed to pass the written part of your licence?!??!??! WTFBBQ?!!?!?!11

Fix that for ya ...

[imdying]

In town, let them past. A little love tap from a car isn't as much fun on a bike (compared to when you're driving). On the open road, rip them up... 10 seconds from opening the taps, I won't even be able to see them unless they're in a Ferrari. But, in general, just let them past, not point wrecking a nice cruise.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Fix that for ya ...

"speeling" is an acceptable ironic form of the word "spelling" when used on Kiwibiker to point out someone is deficient in the speeling department. And I'm with e e cummings: capital letters are too much Effort...... ;)

[Banditbandit]

Speeling" ... "An action word used to describe the time late at night when your mind fails to function properly, and various stupid and inane things become hilarious.
'After staying up for 36 straight hours playing ping pong, Larry and I were definately speeling.'


Yeah .. sounds like a KB type of word ...

[spajohn]

I've gotta say there are some damn scary drivers up that way on motorways...and most that I noticed were young (late teens, early 20's) driving like fucking idiots...roadkill waiting to happen.

My advice...forget the L plate and drive 100kms.

[Paul in NZ]

Get out of their way and let it go. Lifes too short to bother yourself with angry people.

[superman]

I've gotta say there are some damn scary drivers up that way on motorways...and most that I noticed were young (late teens, early 20's) driving like fucking idiots...roadkill waiting to happen.

My advice...forget the L plate and drive 100kms.

Yeah, I'm going to drive to work today. I'll probably feel more comfy going 100 when I have my own helmet rather than using my brothers as current. Going 100 on a straight is all good. Just needa practice lotsa corners, and there's plenty around.

My ninja still has the spindly stock tyres, which are all good for my slow cornering but as soon as they've worn down enough I'm going to get some Pirelli Sport Demon's which will be a bit more confidence inspiring. :yes: Not that I've gotten anywhere near the limit of these tyres around corners yet.

[HenryDorsetCase]

do Sport Demons come in sizes to fit the Ninja 250?

Oh, and do a trackday. Not for road riding skills, but for motorcycle control skills.

and buy a bloody helmet!

[superman]

do Sport Demons come in sizes to fit the Ninja 250?

Oh, and do a trackday. Not for road riding skills, but for motorcycle control skills.

and buy a bloody helmet!

I've bought one!!! Just waiting for the posty to drop it off already! Hopefully tomorrow... seeing as it was sent from Auckland on Thursday to my Auckland address and it's still not here...

I think they do... I was reading up on tyres people use to replace the stock Ninja 250 tyres and that was the favourite that didn't require any kind of chassis reconfiguration.

Hampton Downs trackday? How much do they set ya back? Guess I'll look it up... Though it would be good to feel the bike in a more controlled environment than yonder chip seal.

[Duc]

I wont be tail gated at all. Thats why I have mirrors and why I use them.

One of my riding rules for myself is:
"create my own space"

Doesnt matter what it takes to do so but at all times I create as much space around myself as I can.

Thats forward, sideways and to the rear.

"Safe Space" in this context is a factor of speed, time and distance

If it requires accelerating, de-accelerating, slowing , shifting or stopping...I do it.

Must admit I have never had to pullover and stop to allow anyone to pass apart - from ambulances and fire engines.

I tend to use the accelerator more than anything. (Rather have a ticket than be dead.)

I never do anything like slowing down to piss of a "car".

[Grasshopperus]

Superman, whether you like it or not people want to travel at 100-110km/h on the open road.

Don't forget that the roads exist for the purposes of fast transit for the population, they're not there for fun, saving you fuel money, racing or any other purpose.

Your argument that 80km/h should be fine is OK if, while on the road, you're willing to acknowledge that you're using the road selfishly and should move over to let the person behind you pass.

If you get hit by some tosser then 'being right' isn't going to be much consolation when you're in hospital

[cowboyz]

20km/h under the speed limit is holding up traffic? :shit: The road code didn't tell me that.
20k below the speed limit certainly would be holding up ALOT of traffic round these parts.
Remind me to aim for the speed limit everytime I drive/ride my car/motorcycle/bicycle/horse/tractor so as to please people who drive dangerously.
next you will be advocating that speed kills. riding at the speed limit is less dangerous than riding 20km.hr under it
I'll pull over when it's safe to do so, as it tells me to do in the road code. There however wasn't an oppurtunity on this piece of road, but obviously this lady didn't understand how to best assess the situation because her small brain was too busy thinking about how she needs to get home in a rush to try on her new dresses from her weekend shopping.
id be interesting to see her side of the story.. So I was pootling home and I come round a corner and this muppet was riding in the middle of the road at 80k/hr. Didnt expect to see anyone going so slowly so I tried to line up a pass on the limited oppourtunities and he just woundnt let me by. Followed him for ages and it was soooo frustrating! Dont know why people just cant ride at the speed limit!
I don't understand why you seem to be backing up her tailgating me!?

I'm sure most drivers on here don't get pissed off at people doing 80.

actually.. to be fair.. most drivers would be impatient with people doing 100k.hr let alone less. Especially on a road where its less likely to be pinged by mr police
If I'm behind a tractor doing 60 do I get fucked off and tailgate and overtake dangerously?
you comparing your ninja 250R to a tractor now?
If I'm behind a cyclist on a thin peace of road do I shoot around the blind corner nudging him off the road, or follow him at 10-20km/h till there is an open stretch of road? You seem to think that it's ok to expect a car/motorcycle to do the maximum speed legal and that there is no good reason for them to ever be below the speed limit. Which just seems like absolute ignorant thinking and makes me wonder if you ever managed to finish high school.
yes. i do expect when coming up to traffic on the open road that it be doing in or around the posted speed limit.
My sincerest apologies to you and anyone who hates getting behind a car doing 80, I'm sorry I hate to waste fuel. I was brought up to efficiently use things I buy. I'm sorry but you must wait behind me for three minutes till a straight comes along (OMG I KNOW THAT'S FOREVER RIGHT!) travelling at 80 instead of 100 if I wasn't there. Losing you half a minute of time?! :weird:

WHY ARE PEOPLE SO FRUSTRATING! :brick:
people who cant drive are frustrating! This is why I advocate tougher tests for getting a licence in the first place! your entire winge smacks of 'everyone else should do what I want them to do' Why dont you just go about your own busniess.. sure.. ride everywhere at 80k/hr if you like.. (breaking the law that you seem so fond of) but get out the way when someone who can actually drive comes along.

[superman]

people who cant drive are frustrating! This is why I advocate tougher tests for getting a licence in the first place! your entire winge smacks of 'everyone else should do what I want them to do' Why dont you just go about your own busniess.. sure.. ride everywhere at 80k/hr if you like.. (breaking the law that you seem so fond of) but get out the way when someone who can actually drive comes along.

Well basing on the fact that she was tailgating me... she can't drive? I'm not going 80km/h on my bike because I want to, it's because I don't feel safe going any faster at the moment and I think the risks of forcing myself to do 100 outweigh the benefits of not holding people up for a couple minutes at 80% of the speed they want to go.

Most of the people I've come across are patient, and give me little toot when I can pull over and let them pass. You think her actions are justified by saying "some tosser was in the middle of the road doing 80km/hr when I wanted to get home a minute sooner than that guy forced me to be". :facepalm:

Especially on a Sunday afternoon! I could understand if it was Friday evening at 4pm but hell I never go on the road at that time unless I am going to go the speed limit. I'm trying to practice.

And sure if you're willing to give the $700 extra I'll need to somehow scrounge by going 100 in my car then I'll give you my bank account number.

When I'm in my car, around 40% of the other cars seem to do 80-85 in the same areas as I do. So I'm not some tiny minority. If I was the only person doing it then yes I would feel greatly at risk. But you expect cows in the middle of the road, a car going 80 in front of you is hardly something you can't avoid crashing into...

[steve_t]

As others have said, if you don't feel like you have the skills or the appropriate licence to ride at 100km/h in a 100km/h zone, please be a courteous road user and allow people to pass as soon as you safely can :yes:

[schrodingers cat]

Whether on a bike or in the car I take the view that if someone wants to drive like an asshole they are welcome. If they want to kill themselves I'm happy to hold their coat.
But not on my piece of road.

So, I let them go ASAP. And wish others would do the same for me

[That looks like fun]

Nobody else on the road knows if the person holding them up is trying to save $700 ors is just some obstacle between them and where they want to be.
I don't know if the person behind me has race trained reflexes and can stop in the very short distance they have left between the bumper of their car and my tail light.
There are ways to communicate with other drivers, Indicators, stop lights, L plates or raised fingers and loud horns. :blink:
The road is a "shared space". To expect that all the other people I share it with all have the same ideals and values as myself is ........ (buggered if I know a good word for really really stupid :facepalm:).
Simple is as simple does (Ask Forest Gump). If someone catches up to you they are traveling faster than you, let them pass. If you don't think their driving is safe get them stopped (*555).
If you want to be a traffic Nazi and enforce "your" version of the road code then expect to meet some angry motorists.
It ain't about wrong or right its about me staying alive, simple as that.
Wish they would start teaching that in University :yes:

[scumdog]

I'm lucky.

From me they get a ticket as a 'reminder' of the incident - and hopefully educate them too.:devil2:

[Tink]

Had some terrible woman driving five metres behind me when I was going 80-100. Obviously she was in a hurry. I tried to wave her back but she didn't take the hint so I just got angry and slowed down to 60. She wasn't happy and held down on the horn for a good while before blitzing down some side road without indicating.

I'll definitely be getting an L plate up soon since cars obviously expect bikes to go bloody fast all the time. That would at least explain to them why I'm only going 80-100. :blink:

What do you more experienced guys do when you get tailgaters?

I pulled over... still do... but I think it also should be compulsory when in the road code for drivers that the L plate driver must ride/drive at 70km, maybe even signs on major open roads.... SEE AN L PLATE... SLOW DOWN HE/SHE CAN ONLY DO 70KM!!!

[caseye]

So are we all missing the point here or what.?
irrespective of your being on a late model high performance machine, it would seem that you are at odds with yourself on this issue too.
Most here have said plainly, "move over , let them go, it is not worth the risk"
My opinion/2cents worth is identical.
My intrigue at your apparent indecision, you want to ride safely(learner and all, not to confident) but you expect that other road users should simply grin and bear waiting for YOU to think it's safe enough to pull far enough left for them to pass.
It is your life pilgrim, you asked for our collective advice, you got it and now you want to argue with almost everyone of us as well.
Heard the phrase "can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen"??
Well it seems to fit mighty well here.
Get your backside to the Shell Gas Station on Clevedon Road on Wednesday night at 6.30 pm.
A bunch of riders meet there to go for a quiet ride and then to go to manukau city and practice stuff in the council car park.
If you are serious about learning to control yuour bike and your own fears then be there this week.
My wife and I will be.

[twinbruva]

Had some terrible woman driving five metres behind me when I was going 80-100. Obviously she was in a hurry. I tried to wave her back but she didn't take the hint so I just got angry and slowed down to 60. She wasn't happy and held down on the horn for a good while before blitzing down some side road without indicating.

I'll definitely be getting an L plate up soon since cars obviously expect bikes to go bloody fast all the time. That would at least explain to them why I'm only going 80-100. :blink:

What do you more experienced guys do when you get tailgaters?

I keep a rock in my r/h pocket. I can get it out with my left hand so I don't have to let go of the throttle. Chuck rock over shoulder, grab gas at the same time.
Easy.

[twinbruva]

people who cant drive are frustrating! This is why I advocate tougher tests for getting a licence in the first place! your entire winge smacks of 'everyone else should do what I want them to do' Why dont you just go about your own busniess.. sure.. ride everywhere at 80k/hr if you like.. (breaking the law that you seem so fond of) but get out the way when someone who can actually drive comes along.

I wish cops would get out of the way when I came along. That'd be cool.

[schrodingers cat]

I pulled over... still do... but I think it also should be compulsory when in the road code for drivers that the L plate driver must ride/drive at 70km, maybe even signs on major open roads.... SEE AN L PLATE... SLOW DOWN HE/SHE CAN ONLY DO 70KM!!!

A 'rule of thumb' with respect to shared space and traffic flow;

What is good for the individual is bad for the many

[twinbruva]

I wont be tail gated at all. Thats why I have mirrors and why I use them.

One of my riding rules for myself is:
"create my own space".

I bought my first bike because I was in my own space. Never left it.

[superman]

So are we all missing the point here or what.?
irrespective of your being on a late model high performance machine, it would seem that you are at odds with yourself on this issue too.
Most here have said plainly, "move over , let them go, it is not worth the risk"
My opinion/2cents worth is identical.
My intrigue at your apparent indecision, you want to ride safely(learner and all, not to confident) but you expect that other road users should simply grin and bear waiting for YOU to think it's safe enough to pull far enough left for them to pass.
It is your life pilgrim, you asked for our collective advice, you got it and now you want to argue with almost everyone of us as well.
Heard the phrase "can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen"??
Well it seems to fit mighty well here.
Get your backside to the Shell Gas Station on Clevedon Road on Wednesday night at 6.30 pm.
A bunch of riders meet there to go for a quiet ride and then to go to manukau city and practice stuff in the council car park.
If you are serious about learning to control yuour bike and your own fears then be there this week.
My wife and I will be.

Ooo I would, but have work this Wednesday night though! Does that happen every Wednesday night? Or is the starting location everywhere around South Auckland changing each week? Might have to make that a regular thing since I don't usually work Wednesday night :yes:

Had a night ride home from work tonight (home before 10pm yes), things feel much more natural now. So patience I guess and I'll be there soon enough. Definitely want to meet up with more experienced riders though to be able to see true riding. Youtube can only do so much...

[caseye]

Yes it happens every Wednesday night and from the same place each time, Feel free to come along.As for u Tube or any other such medium, nothing beats EXPERIENCE, your own , on the bike, riding it places, all the while keeping both eyes wide open and your ears tuned for any unnatural sounds approaching you.
True riding?????????????????? lol those of us who are older and still riding have simply managed to keep ourselves away from the lunatic fringe, most likely we;'ve also picked up a few survival skills along the way, but there is really no such thing as a true rider/perfect rider.
C U next Wednesday then.

[Hiflyer]

Keep some sprockets handy in your jacket next time and start lobbing them over your shoulder.

That'd make them back off smartly!

[Pascal]

Keep some sprockets handy in your jacket next time and start lobbing them over your shoulder.

That'd make them back off smartly!

Until the day the sprocket goes through a windscreen and kills someone and Superman gets to spend the next 4 years pretending he is Wonderwoman for Bubba.

Or misses the angry, P-fueled maniac in a 4x4 who proceeds to stamp his authority all over Mr 80km/h.

[Hiflyer]

Until the day the sprocket goes through a windscreen and kills someone and Superman gets to spend the next 4 years pretending he is Wonderwoman for Bubba.

Or misses the angry, P-fueled maniac in a 4x4 who proceeds to stamp his authority all over Mr 80km/h.

FFS have you not heard of sarcasm? :facepalm:

[superman]

Well I've got my own helmet now, arrived today. Won't have that horrible feeling in my brothers helmet when travelling at or above 80 when it slides from left to right depending which way you angle your head to the wind :facepalm:

Plus this helmets all green and snazzy and has a retractable internal sunvisor so I can look like epic teenage mutant ninja turtle.

[Pascal]

FFS have you not heard of sarcasm? :facepalm:

This is Kiwibker. Unless you indicate through use of language or emoticon that it is sarcasm you could very well be serious. Bit difficult to hear tone of voice through a LCD in the absence of any lingusitic or visual indication.

[Hiflyer]

This is Kiwibker.

Is it!? :gob:


Unless you indicate through use of language or emoticon that it is sarcasm you could very well be serious. Bit difficult to hear tone of voice through a LCD in the absence of any lingusitic or visual indication.

Bit difficult to use common sense. Who in their right mind would think I'm serious!


I just be trollin'

[Hiflyer]

Well I've got my own helmet now, arrived today. Won't have that horrible feeling in my brothers helmet when travelling at or above 80 when it slides from left to right depending which way you angle your head to the wind :facepalm:

Plus this helmets all green and snazzy and has a retractable internal sunvisor so I can look like epic teenage mutant ninja turtle.

Dammit! I want those internal sunvisors, sunnies in my helmet hurt my head! What brand? I know 1Tonne does them but there are others

[The Stranger]

Is it!? :gob:



Bit difficult to use common sense. Who in their right mind would think I'm serious!


I just be trollin'

Like the guy who sprayed his brakes with CRC to stop them squeaking.
What harm can possibly come from a little innocent throw away comment?

[superman]

Dammit! I want those internal sunvisors, sunnies in my helmet hurt my head! What brand? I know 1Tonne does them but there are others

Caberg, cost me an arm and a leg. But was the cheapest 5 start rated (sharp test) helmet I could find. $495. :shit: But it looks amazing, and is epic quality so I'm happy.

[Hiflyer]

Like the guy who sprayed his brakes with CRC to stop them squeaking.
What harm can possibly come from a little innocent throw away comment?

Or the guy that sprayed silicon tyre cleaner on his tyres to skip the run in period.

[Hiflyer]

Caberg, cost me an arm and a leg. But was the cheapest 5 start rated (sharp test) helmet I could find. $495. :shit: But it looks amazing, and is epic quality so I'm happy.

Ahh I really want a new helmet. Will definitly keep "Caberg" in mind. Never heard of them though

[Blinkwing]

When I can afford a new helmet, I'm going for Shoei's XR-1100 range. It's the only 5 star (SHARP rated) helmet that seems to fit me comfortably. :angry:

Where did you buy the Caberg from?

[steve_t]

When I can afford a new helmet, I'm going for Shoei's XR-1100 range.

When u go looking, check out the Shoei Qwest helmets. They're basically an XR1100 with a few less vents = less noise. Less ventilation too obviously but it seems pretty good and they're a fair bit cheaper. Mr Motorcycles hooked me up with a sweet deal including a dark smoke pinlock visor when they recently had their sale. Defo worth having a look and ignoring the "Qwest is a touring helmet" marketing spiel. Until Qwest came out, I was going to get an XR1100 too

Quasi sells Caberg V2R helmets too - www.qmoto.co.nz

[superman]

When I can afford a new helmet, I'm going for Shoei's XR-1100 range. It's the only 5 star (SHARP rated) helmet that seems to fit me comfortably. :angry:

Where did you buy the Caberg from?


When u go looking, check out the Shoei Qwest helmets. They're basically an XR1100 with a few less vents = less noise. Less ventilation too obviously but it seems pretty good and they're a fair bit cheaper. Mr Motorcycles hooked me up with a sweet deal including a dark smoke pinlock visor when they recently had their sale. Defo worth having a look and ignoring the "Qwest is a touring helmet" marketing spiel. Until Qwest came out, I was going to get an XR1100 too

Quasi sells Caberg V2R helmets too - www.qmoto.co.nz (http://www.qmoto.co.nz/)

I got it from Quasi :yes:, Got jacket (Viper) and pants (Estremo) and gloves (black SPS) too from them. Awesome quality stuff. And smells oh so good.

Told my gf it's like hugging a cow... she however interpreted this as me calling her a cow :facepalm:

[Dare]

I got a shark s900 and I'm happy with it =) but then I've got a non-kiwi shaped head.

When on the open road there are only really two safe places for other cars to be as far as I can tell, 3 seconds in-front of you or rapidly disappearing behind you. anything else is leaving your fate in cagers (notoriously variably skilled) hands.

Another thing to note, does 20kmh slower still equate to $700 per year on a bike? different gearing and aerodynamics might suggest otherwise, and I wouldn't suggest saving fuel at the expense of aggravating other motorists. Get some experience and ride at highway speeds or pull over, but that's just repeating what everyone else has said. Egoless riding is as much a part of the learning process as u-turning or anything else.

Have fun on the Wednesday ride! Keep an open mind about other peoples advice but use your common sense, it's your skin after all.

[Brown Bear]

Can,t figure out why when you are learning you want to go faster than allowed?First thing i did was put a big learner plate on the back just so people would know i am learning and may not always get it right. I have got two months before i can go for my restricted and have found 70km fast enough to learn with.At the beginning lacking skills i found a quiet park and just practiced stopping, starting of,all the things you need to do to control your bike.Still stalled at a few lights when i went out but people seemed to understand and allowed me to start my bike again and carry on.Go along to the leaning nights they have i have picked up so much and you can asked people who have been riding for years questions on things you don,t understand and get a answer.(I am sure some of my questions may seem dumb to them but they are always answered in good humour).You would probably be alot safer if you understand you are Learning and treat the time with your l plate as a time to understand how to ride safely and enjoy it instead of taking on the open road with no real understanding.
My 2 cents worth

Matt

[MSTRS]

Some people STILL don't get it. The OP, amongst many others, lives rurally. There are NO LOWER SPEED roads in the area. So they have no choice but to mix it up with traffic that wants to go at 100kph.
:facepalm:

[superman]

Some people STILL don't get it. The OP, amongst many others, lives rurally. There are NO LOWER SPEED roads in the area. So they have no choice but to mix it up with traffic that wants to go at 100kph.
:facepalm:

Haha no worries MSTRS you understand :rockon:

It's all good, I'm pretty good at learning things quickly. Went for a little 20km poddle into Clevedon and back and mannaged to stay up 90-100 this time. I have done around about 220km since Friday though :yes:

Only had to pull over to the side once to let an Audi past

[That looks like fun]

Well done that man :yes: Just remember one simple thing, attitude kills more people than speed :bye:
No I am not advocating you break the law and speed everywhere to avoid tailgaters :facepalm: Remember its what you do, not what they do that keeps you alive:woohoo:
Keep safe and have fun. :scooter:

[kerryhare]

If anyone sees a white transit van with rego ECF 779 with pearce flooring written on it. Would you give it a kick as you go pass. The arsehole driving it (with a load of bikes in it I might add) needs driving lessons. I ride a 250 drag star, i was passing a car on the passing lane at 120km/hr which is about max for my bike. Look in the mirrors and all i can see is white, if I had to stop suddenly it would have been curtains for me. I speed up to 130 (the bike shakes at that speed) to give me a bit of lead way and the arse hole was flashing his lights at me. I had given myself plenty of room to pass and indicated doing everything correctly. My husband was riding in front of me and i was just behind. Prior to entering the passing lane he had been driving up close then pulling back. This happened north of Ashburton about Dunsandle. Rang pearce flooring today and yes the van is registered to them in Rotorua. next call to the police.

[R-Soul]

cars obviously expect bikes to go bloody fast all the time.
What do you more experienced guys do when you get tailgaters?

go bloody fast :shutup:

[caseye]

You got it in one kerryhare, nice call, I'll wager that someone who USED to work at Pearce flooring will be rueing the day they were so damn "irresponsible" ( wheres katman? don't let him see this)I've done the exact same thing and way back then they became unemployed on the spot.
So coming along to the NEXT Wednesday night ride then are we superman?
All that Quasi gear makes me wish I had my new jacket already, but hey it's only been a couple of weeks.

[superman]

You got it in one kerryhare, nice call, I'll wager that someone who USED to work at Pearce flooring will be rueing the day they were so damn "irresponsible" ( wheres katman? don't let him see this)I've done the exact same thing and way back then they became unemployed on the spot.
So coming along to the NEXT Wednesday night ride then are we superman?
All that Quasi gear makes me wish I had my new jacket already, but hey it's only been a couple of weeks.

I may come... we shall see :)

Have a sneaky feeling I have some Xmas concert practice or something on :facepalm:

[Blinkwing]

When u go looking, check out the Shoei Qwest helmets. They're basically an XR1100 with a few less vents = less noise. Less ventilation too obviously but it seems pretty good and they're a fair bit cheaper. Mr Motorcycles hooked me up with a sweet deal including a dark smoke pinlock visor when they recently had their sale. Defo worth having a look and ignoring the "Qwest is a touring helmet" marketing spiel. Until Qwest came out, I was going to get an XR1100 too

Quasi sells Caberg V2R helmets too - www.qmoto.co.nz

Oh sweet, thanks. I'll see if there's any retail stores in Auckland that stock the Qwest. I'm a believer in trying before buying.


Told my gf it's like hugging a cow... she however interpreted this as me calling her a cow :facepalm:

You could have worded it a tad better, but oh well ... :innocent:

[Tink]

Ooo I would, but have work this Wednesday night though! Does that happen every Wednesday night? Or is the starting location everywhere around South Auckland changing each week? Might have to make that a regular thing since I don't usually work Wednesday night :yes:

Had a night ride home from work tonight (home before 10pm yes), things feel much more natural now. So patience I guess and I'll be there soon enough. Definitely want to meet up with more experienced riders though to be able to see true riding. Youtube can only do so much...

Keeping up with experienced riders is almost impossible I know ... I don't try at all, I do the speed limit, and they wait for you at each turn or junction. Riding well comes with time, not overnight, and each change of bike can come with learning new things....

Ever tried rowing a boat.... you get there eventually !!!

[fuknKIWI]

Speed up</10char>

& find out it's a pig tail gating you:facepalm:

[cbfb]

Some people STILL don't get it. The OP, amongst many others, lives rurally. There are NO LOWER SPEED roads in the area. So they have no choice but to mix it up with traffic that wants to go at 100kph.
:facepalm:

+1

I've got 500m of 50mph zone surrounding my house then you're out into 100mph zone. And the nearest flat area of off-road tarmac to practice on is a 20min ride away.

Ain't complaining, just saying it's not that helpful saying stay away from 100mph zones, cause not all of us can.

[Big Dave]

What do you more experienced guys do when you get tailgaters?

Exit the situation. If you can't get ahead of them - then pull to one side and let the dick-wit pass. There are no winners or losers in traffic - just occasional fuckwits you have to deal with - don't let ego get in the way and lower yourself to their level if it's not safe to get ahead of them.

Then get back to enjoying the ride.

[steve_t]

+1

I've got 500m of 50mph zone surrounding my house then you're out into 100mph zone. And the nearest flat area of off-road tarmac to practice on is a 20min ride away.

Ain't complaining, just saying it's not that helpful saying stay away from 100mph zones, cause not all of us can.

So a ride out to the open road area, a u-turn, a ride across to the opposite open road area, a u-turn, and a ride home is 2km worth of 50km/h road to learn/practice on. You can also put your L plate on and ride 20 mins (it's only 20 mins) at 70km/h to this off-road tarmac area to spend more time practicing. While you're riding at 70km/h, you can courteously allow people who legally are allowed to go faster than 70km/h to pass you when it's safe. If you CHOOSE to break the law because you believe/feel it is safer to ride at 100km/h, it's your choice. Just don't come on here and bitch about getting a ticket :sunny:

[MSTRS]

So a ride out to the open road area, a u-turn, a ride across to the opposite open road area, a u-turn, and a ride home is 2km worth of 50km/h road to learn/practice on.
Pfft! And just how much learning is anyone to get in that scenario? Dealing with intersections is a valuable skill, but an urban environment is not usually the best thing for a newbie rider...so much happening around them, hard to learn gear/clutch/brake/balance/etc.

You can also put your L plate on and ride 20 mins (it's only 20 mins) at 70km/h to this off-road tarmac area to spend more time practicing. While you're riding at 70km/h, you can courteously allow people who legally are allowed to go faster than 70km/h to pass you when it's safe. If you CHOOSE to break the law because you believe/feel it is safer to ride at 100km/h, it's your choice. Just don't come on here and bitch about getting a ticket :sunny:
Defending the legality or not of exceeding 70kph is pointless, since it's going.

[cbfb]

So a ride out to the open road area, a u-turn, a ride across to the opposite open road area, a u-turn, and a ride home is 2km worth of 50km/h road to learn/practice on. You can also put your L plate on and ride 20 mins (it's only 20 mins) at 70km/h to this off-road tarmac area to spend more time practicing. While you're riding at 70km/h, you can courteously allow people who legally are allowed to go faster than 70km/h to pass you when it's safe. If you CHOOSE to break the law because you believe/feel it is safer to ride at 100km/h, it's your choice. Just don't come on here and bitch about getting a ticket :sunny:

Personally I stick to quiet roads (loads of them to choose from) where you'd be suprised to meet another vehicle. And I keep an 'L' on at all times (pay enough tax as it is) and do a max of 80. And I pull over if someone is behind me, same as when I'm towing. I don't want to be run off the road by some idiot who's desparate to shave 5 seconds off his journey, or someone who just doesn't understand stopping distances.

Yep you're right even in a tiny town like this there is a lot to be picked up just from riding round (and round) the block.

My original post was it doesn't make sense to say "stay off 100kmph roads" for us who live in the sticks. If I did that I'd never get my 6R (test centre is in Palmy)!

[steve_t]

Personally I stick to quiet roads (loads of them to choose from) where you'd be suprised to meet another vehicle. And I keep an 'L' on at all times (pay enough tax as it is) and do a max of 80. And I pull over if someone is behind me, same as when I'm towing. I don't want to be run off the road by some idiot who's desparate to shave 5 seconds off his journey, or someone who just doesn't understand stopping distances.

Yep you're right even in a tiny town like this there is a lot to be picked up just from riding round (and round) the block.

My original post was it doesn't make sense to say "stay off 100kmph roads" for us who live in the sticks. If I did that I'd never get my 6R (test centre is in Palmy)!

Sounds like you're doing everything right and have a good head on those shoulders. Hope the time flies by and you can get your 6R soon. In the mean time, it's good to hear that you're doing everything in your control to be safe :rockon:

[cbfb]

Sounds like you're doing everything right and have a good head on those shoulders. Hope the time flies by and you can get your 6R soon. In the mean time, it's good to hear that you're doing everything in your control to be safe :rockon:

Cheers :2thumbsup

[Pascal]

I've got 500m of 50mph zone surrounding my house then you're out into 100mph zone. And the nearest flat area of off-road tarmac to practice on is a 20min ride away.

What's the fine for 80km/h in a 50km/h zone? Especially when combined with the fine for exceeding the (As of yet current, not yet removed) learning license conditions?

:innocent:

[cbfb]

What's the fine for 80km/h in a 50km/h zone? Especially when combined with the fine for exceeding the (As of yet current, not yet removed) learning license conditions?

:innocent:

These links might be useful:

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/motorcycle-road-code/about-your-responsibilities/stepping-over-the-line.html

https://www.police.govt.nz/faq/items/15329

But I'd be more worried about hurting myself going at that pace in an urban area.

[Pascal]

But I'd be more worried about hurting myself going at that pace in an urban area.

I was trying to poke fun at Superman and his mph :)

[cbfb]

I was trying to poke fun at Superman and his mph :)

:facepalm: It's being a pom, I get confused about mph :Oops:

[DangerMice]

Me, I personally let them go past, then quietly catch up to them, passing them just before a certain high revenue speed camera, causing them to plant boot in a show of manly man-ness thus getting snapped by said camera. (as happened this morning).

[fuknKIWI]

I remember reading a similar thread a few years back (elswhere) someone suggested using a squirt bottle with a certain (I can't remember what) clear fluid in it, when the tailgater gets close you squirt this liquid over your shoulder, hopefully on their windscreen. All's well until they hit the windscreen wipers that's when the fluid turns a milky opaque mess & they have to stop & wipe it off, it's a fairly well known industrial fluid it may or may not be carbon tetrachloride...

[mattian]

Why would I have to stay off the road if I'm going 80? I drive at 80 in my car when I'm fuel saving. And we're talking about in the country here, very few straights. Lots of blind corners and thin roads. I have to either pull over or make them wait for a straight.

This is the kind of driver where if I was doing 100 she would have been up my ass anyway wanting to go 120-140.

Are we talking about a 100 km/hour area? if you're only doing 80.... then for goodness sakes just move out of the way and let them pass. I would get fucked off too if you did that to me. 100 kms/hour area is the maximum speed you should be doing in good conditions. Tailgating is an offence but so is impedeing the flow of traffic by going too slow.