Some things I've learnt over the last two years

[Old Steve]

I've been riding for two years now. Here are some of the things I've learnt over the last two years. And I'm still learning, every day. I'll add extra items as I remember them.

1. MOTORBIKE RULE NUMBER ONE!

Every vehicle on the road is trying to kill you.

2. BE ALERT!

Motorbiking demands 100% attention to your surroundings. You develop an extra sense of what the motorists around you are going to do, or might do. As you ride along, look at the heads of drivers around you, watch their wheels, be prepared to take avoiding action. Always be thinking, “What will I do if they ….”

3. ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME

ATGATT isn't just a nice collection of letters, it could save your skin. OK, I admit that I ride around town wearing jeans but always wear boots, jacket, gloves and helmet. Whenever I go out onto the open road I wear my protective pants as well.

4. COUNTER STEERING

You turn your bike by pushing forward on the handlebar on the side you want to turn to. Turning left, you push your left hand bar forward. Turning right, you push your right hand bar forward. Not a hard push, I've found that controlling a motorbike is a delicate matter, for push read “ease”.

This is “Counter Steering”. If you do a RoadSafe course as organised by ACC, they show how Counter Steering works. It all comes down to gyroscopic progression. When a gyroscope is running with it's axis horizontally (just like the front axle of your motorbike) if you turn the axis of the gyroscope the axis tilts out of the turn. If you turn the left side of the axis forward, the axis tilts down on the left side, This happens when you counter steer, ease your left hand bar forward, your front wheel turns slightly to the right and leans over to the left – your bike leans left as well, taking a left hand corner.

Counter Steering works, it's the only way of steering a bike. Even if you think you're not doing it, you are. Practice by doing the “happy biker weave” along a straight road when no other vehicles are around. Gently ease your left hand bar forward, then the right one, left again, right, left, and weave down the road.

5. CORNERING

The easiest way around a corner is the “Racing Line”. Though in the past this technique was considered unnecessary for normal road users, this is now taught in defensive driving courses as the correct way to corner.

Slow down before the corner. You DO NOT want to brake once in the corner, that will stand your bike up and steer you to the outside of the curve (thats where the oncoming vehicles are).

Ease to the outside of the lane before the corner and turn in “late”. Your path should take you onto the “apex” of the curve, this is about 2/3 or more around the corner, Then accelerate out of the corner. This will bring you out of the corner flatter and set up for whatever the next corner is.

Turning in early, and apexing only 1/2 way around the corner, will make you come out of the corner wide – not a good position to be in if the corner tightens up, you won't be ready for the next corner, and there might be oncoming traffic.

6. THE VANISHING POINT

When cornering, look at the vanishing point. This is where the side of the road (left side of the road in a left hand corner, right side of the road in a right hand corner) disappears. That positioning of your head will take you around the corner.

You go where you are looking!

If the corner tightens up and you go wide, then look at the side of the road on the inside of the corner ahead of your bike, the bike will automatically lean over more and turn tighter.

Don't look at an oncoming car if you are going wide, you go where you are looking and will end up embedded in the car's grill. Look towards the inside of the curve and you'll go around the corner safely.

7. MAINTENANCE

Keep your bike in top condition, Give it a walk around and check it over every time you're taking it out for a ride.

Know what your tire pressures should be, check your tire pressure at least once a week. Buy a foot pump and pump your tires up even if only a psi or two down from the recommended pressure. 1 or 2 psi less pressure in a tire can alter the way your bike handles.

Check your bike every time before you go out, check the brakes, your indicators, tail and brake light, chain tension, tire tread. Become familiar with the workings of your bike.

8. RIDING WITH OTHER BIKES

If riding alone, the best position on the road is in the right hand wheel track in your lane. This gives you ownership of your space on the road and following cars will be less likely to try and monster passed you. If following a car, be in the view of their rear vision mirror.

Don't ride in the centre of the lane, that's where every leaky old clunker drops its oil, when it rains that portion of the road is suicide alley.

When riding with other bikes, ride in either the right hand or left hand wheel track in a staggered formation. First bike rides to the right of the lane, second bike rides to the left of the lane, third bike to the right, and so on. This gives you more space directly ahead of you in an emergency. So don't close up too much on the bike ahead of you – you're cutting down on your safety factor.

Riding with other bikes needs more concentration. You've got to watch out for all those normal hazards, plus keep an eye on the riders ahead and behind you.

9. USE YOUR MIRRORS AND ALWAYS LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER BEFORE CHANGING LANES

Like cars, motorbikes also have a blind spot outside what you can see in the mirror. It's large enough to hide another motorbike, or even a car. Always look over your shoulder when changing lanes, the motorbiker's life you save could be your own.

10. GET INTO THE HABIT OF AVOIDING WHITE LINES

In the wet, white lines can tip you over so easily.

When riding every day, in the dry, get into the habit of avoiding white lines. Ride around speed markings on the road, ride between the squares of pedestrian crossings, ride around and never stop and put your foot down on the triangles marking Give Way intersections, keep well away from the roadside marking when cornering.

Then, when the road is wet, you'll be avoiding white lines by habit, you won't even have to think about it.

11. NO BULLSHIT

Motorbiking needs 100% of your concentration. You can't afford to be thinking about that argument you had with your girlfriend the other night, or what you'll put in your application for that job you want. Focus on the job in hand, riding your motorbike safely.

12. ACKNOWLEDGE OTHER BIKERS

Bikers wave and nod to each other as they pass. DO NOT Wave when in a left hand corner, this will remove your left hand from the handlebar and that's the hand that controls the turn. Safest way to acknowledge another biker is to lift your head upwards, this allows you to look down to keep your eyes on the road. Nodding downwards takes your eyes from the road, this is not recommended.

13. PASSING ONCOMING TRUCKS

Trucks punch a lot of air out in front of them and to their sides. So when a truck comes the other way fade to the left of your side of the road, that way the buffetting from their wash won't throw you about so much

Also I'm very careful passing trucks going the same way. I wait for a greater passing opportunity because they're longer and you will be out on the other side of the road for longer, and I try to pull wider around them so their wash is less. Sometimes passing a truck I find myself having to lean to avoid being sucked towards or blown away from the truck.

[BigAl]

Well said, also try to avoid bloody cats eyes, they upset the bike mid corner.

Also animals, hit a bird in the weekend and my mate behind got an influx of feathers. Goats and turkeys added to the hazards and I wasn't even in Auckland.....

[mossy1200]

You forgot dirty girls dig guys in leather pants

[Tigadee]

You forgot dirty girls dig guys in leather pants

Oops, I always thought it was "dirty guys dig girls in leather pants"...

May I add... Watch out for dark patches on the road, they may be a puddle of water or one of engine oil. I found out one was engine oil and my rear wheel skidded about 20cm to 30cm before it started gripping the road again - and this was in the middle of a curve! Don't panic and don't grab the brake.

[Maha]

''Every vehicle on the road is trying to kill you''.


I have always loved this line...wouldn't that be Attempted Murder? ;)

[oneofsix]

''Every vehicle on the road is trying to kill you''.


I have always loved this line...wouldn't that be Attempted Murder? ;)

Can you charge vehicles for attempted murder? I thought it had to be a person :shutup:

[Maha]

Can you charge vehicles for attempted murder? I thought it had to be a person :shutup:

Show me a road vehicle that has no operater...but I see what you did there.

[GSF]

''Every vehicle on the road is trying to kill you''.


I have always loved this line...wouldn't that be Attempted Murder? ;)

I like the one I read in an online article a while ago about people (in the States) making left-hand turns across traffic without looking or giving way.

"They check their mirrors, they flick on their turn signals, and then they calmly and deliberately proceed to murder you."

[oneofsix]

Show me a road vehicle that has no operater...but I see what you did there.

:sunny:
:cool:

[swbarnett]

Show me a road vehicle that has no operater...but I see what you did there.
Mercedes, I think it was, are working on one. I saw a test where it negotiaged a field full of hay bails all on its own.

[R-Soul]

Good commenst although for road riding your line should be different than fro track riding - not the racing line. Rather run wide, so you can see further around the corner, and then turn sharper quickly, so that the rest of the corner is taken more straight up (better braking).

[Katman]

While I agree with most of what you've written, point number 1 is total bullshit.

Sure there may be many road users out there not paying the attention that they should but to suggest they are all trying to kill you is simply propagating the notion that all our woes are the fault of someone else and engendering a sense of animosity between motorcyclists and car drivers.

[avgas]

While I agree with most of what you've written, point number 1 is total bullshit.

Sure there may be many road users out there not paying the attention that they should but to suggest they are all trying to kill you is simply propagating the notion that all our woes are the fault of someone else and engendering a sense of animosity between motorcyclists and car drivers.
So lets change rule 1#
"Everything on the road is trying to kill you, including yourself"

[onearmedbandit]

this will remove your left hand from the handlebar and that's the hand that controls the turn. Safest way to acknowledge another biker is to lift your head upwards, this allows you to look down to keep your eyes on the road. Nodding downwards takes your eyes from the road, this is not recommended.

Well that's me fucked then. Anyone want to buy a GSXR1000 with no left handlebar??

[Katman]

So lets change rule 1#
"Everything on the road is trying to kill you, including yourself"

Quite honestly, I think we'd be far better off adopting the philosophy of "The only thing that will kill me is my own inattention".

[sinfull]

Quite honestly, I think we'd be far better off adopting the philosophy of "The only thing that will kill me is my own inattention". *if one rides within ones capabilities and limits*

[oneofsix]

Quite honestly, I think we'd be far better off adopting the philosophy of "The only thing that will kill me is my own inattention".

Attention/Inattention are soft woolly ideas and can't kill anything. Impact with hard stuff kills.
:2guns:

[onearmedbandit]

Attention/Inattention are soft woolly ideas and can't kill anything.

You're fucking kidding me right?

[Katman]

Attention/Inattention are soft woolly ideas and can't kill anything. Impact with hard stuff kills.


:facepalm:

[avgas]

Quite honestly, I think we'd be far better off adopting the philosophy of "The only thing that will kill me is my own inattention".
Thats rather vague. Unless you are an all knowing all seeing god.
People die everyday paying attention.

[Katman]

Thats rather vague. Unless you are an all knowing all seeing god.


No, just your average superhero.



People die everyday paying attention.

Obviously not enough.

[oneofsix]

You're fucking kidding me right?

Yes, but not you specifically.

[bogan]

Isn't it gyroscopic precession, not progression....

And I wouldn't call it the racing line, have to optimise it for vision, not speed; but the subsequent writing about late apex etc is good. As is the rest.

[FJRider]

I've been riding for two years now. Here are some of the things I've learnt over the last two years. And I'm still learning, every day. I'll add extra items as I remember them.

1. MOTORBIKE RULE NUMBER ONE!

Every vehicle on the road is trying to kill you.

Every vehicle and/or its operator is not out to kill you ... but ... if you ride on assumption they ARE ... and expect them to do things that you dont want them to ... you will (may) be ready for when they DO.
YOUR lack of preparedness will do you more harm than any of their actions.

My number 1. rule is ... NEVER assume that ... even if you have "Right of Way" ... you will get it.



2. BE ALERT!

Motorbiking demands 100% attention to your surroundings.

Actually it needs about 200% of your attention ... there are things you cannot be ever be aware of ... or be prepared for. NEVER think you are.




3. ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME

ATGATT isn't just a nice collection of letters, it could save your skin. OK, I admit that I ride around town wearing jeans but always wear boots, jacket, gloves and helmet.

All the gear ... is only a risk management. It will NEVER remove that risk of injury. Just reduce it ... MAYBE. The assumption that you have full protection with all the gear ... may kill you.



4. COUNTER STEERING

5. CORNERING

The easiest way around a corner is the “Racing Line”. Though in the past this technique was considered unnecessary for normal road users, this is now taught in defensive driving courses as the correct way to corner.

Counter steering and lines taken through corners ... is not something that can be practiced with the certainty that every corner is the same. Nor can all corners of the same shape can be (assumed to be) taken the same way ..... as both weather, traffic (volume), and road conditions will change so much. "Racing lines" are for race tracks. Why try to straighten a perfectly good corner .... to save time ... ??? Too many assume the "racing line" is for ... and includes ... the whole road. This line also puts the rider at nearest point to the centerline mid corner, if even only using "your" lane. Not always the safest place to be in some traffic flows. Rider safety courses are better for motorcyclists ... as defensive driving courses are biased towards car driving practices.



6. THE VANISHING POINT

You go where you are looking!


7. MAINTENANCE

Keep your bike in top condition,

Keep instructions to learners basic and to a minimum. They have enough to think about already.



8. RIDING WITH OTHER BIKES

If riding alone, the best position on the road is ...

When riding with other bikes ...

To state hard and fast rules to a learner ... will encourage them to treat them as such. It may even make them afraid to move out of those "correct" places on the road. It is MY belief that you should be able to move about in your lane at all times ... if you can't ... you are getting in to trouble. If you aren't already.




9. USE YOUR MIRRORS AND ALWAYS LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER BEFORE CHANGING LANES

10. GET INTO THE HABIT OF AVOIDING WHITE LINES

In the wet, white lines can tip you over so easily.

11. NO BULLSHIT

12. ACKNOWLEDGE OTHER BIKERS


9. Yep ... but mirrors only help you see some of the things behind you .... Not always ... ALL the things you have to see.

10. The total avoidence may help ... but it's often impossibe to do this. Being aware there could be a problem with them ... just means taking extra care crossing them. Thus being prepared for possible problems.

11. See rule 2.

12. See rule 2. If a wave (or a nod) will endanger your ability to focus on your riding, especially in traffic ... DON'T ... !!! The warm fuzzy feeling after a wave doesn't last long in hospital.

[onearmedbandit]

Way to pull a quite positive post apart. I didn't see where he stated this was a guide for learner riders, just a list of things he had learnt. Sure it could be taken that way, but he tells us otherwise. And how can you say that maintaining your bike is not good advice for a learning rider?

[Old Steve]

I'm just glad this thread has generated some good discussion. This isn't a definitive guide for newbies, just a review of things I've learnt.

And I know where Katman is coming from. Sure, the only thing that will kill me is my own inattention. But what I meant was I ride trying to be aware of all other hazards on the road. Maybe that should read that every vehicle on the road has the potential to kill you so be aware of them and be prepared to take avoiding action.

And on my Sunday ride I remembered about passing trucks, so item 13 has been added.

[Glowerss]

This thread has generated a good bit of know how so I figure this is as good a place as any to ask.

How close to the center line should you be/is safe? been doing a fair bit of riding down through the waitaks, and I don't feel comfortable going anywhere near the center line as I see trucks and cars and things tend to creep over the line. Shying away from the center line though does tend to spoil taking the wide way around the corners. I'm torn between staying in the right wheel mark when going around left handed corners to keep the turn as wide and as gentle as possible, and from staying further from that line.

[Skiwi]

Hi Glowers,
While there are some basic cornering techniques which have been well discussed on this forum, IMHO the point is that there is no right way to take corners, every one is different and on top of that each corner is different every time (surface, visibility, traffic, light etc)
I frequently take different lines through the same corner depending on the circumstances at that time.

Shock horror, :shit:I have even been known to cross the centerline if visibility is not an issue and no traffic is coming towards me, other times I'll be hugging the LH white line as some dodgy bugger gives me the shits because he is drifting my way while chatting on his cellphone and chugging down a flat white.

Comes back to being alert to everthing around, over, in and under you when riding ....all of the time.

[mellowyellow]

from what i have learnt, Katman suggests stopping before every corner so you can get off and push your bike around it, jump back on the bike until the next corner. you can never be prepared enough, other drivers/riders will always be a danger. along with weather, animals, yourself, unexpected tyre blowouts and brake lock ups. to ride and be able to be ready for ANY and ALL possible issues that may arise, means to drive a volvo station wagon.

i like your thread Old Steve, i like how you wrote it and what you have said.

Imho, safety is 99% phsycological. if you put too much trust in something, you will soon learn you were wrong. before riding, i thought the protective clothing gave more protection. i wear it always (full kit, thanks to red baron in lower hutt) and pretend im wearing shorts and t shirt. i know when i come off, it'll hurt and i will probably need an ambulance to carry me away. this makes me more alert and prevents the "she'll be right" attitude. works for me.
when i learnt to drive a car, the best thing an instructor taught me was "everybody is out to kill you or send you to prison so you can keep their cousin jake warm at night". i know is not true, not eeryone in prison is called jake. again, its a phsycological thing. as a car driver, why do i care if someone rides out in front of me, why would i care if someone steps out in front of me..... becuase life has consiquences and a short sentance is easier to remember "everybody is out to kill you". great thing to repeat to yourself as you come upto a blind corner, narrow road or intersection.
knowing your bike and being able to carry out general maintenance is a great idea for all learners. just need to remember not to trust all is working perfectly. tyres can still blow out, brakes can fail, blonde lady may flash you...
to be aware of every possible event is also phsycological. how can you be aware of something you dont know. you will only know if you read about it, talk about it or experience it. another good reason for this thread :)

so in summary, who cars about political correctness, who care if its true or not. if it helps keep you and others around you safe, isnt it a good thing?

keep the thread upto date, its great to see what i have learnt is similar, even better to consider things i never knew.

[onearmedbandit]

from what i have learnt, Katman suggests stopping before every corner so you can get off and push your bike around it, jump back on the bike until the next corner. you can never be prepared enough, other drivers/riders will always be a danger. along with weather, animals, yourself, unexpected tyre blowouts and brake lock ups. to ride and be able to be ready for ANY and ALL possible issues that may arise, means to drive a volvo station wagon.


As soon as I started reading your post I knew I'd find a learner bike in your bike listing.

[Maha]

the best thing an instructor taught me was "everybody is out to kill you''.

Just on this bit...and keeping this in mind when you are out riding, does the EIOTKY thing have an effect on how you ride?

[Katman]

from what i have learnt, Katman suggests stopping before every corner so you can get off and push your bike around it, jump back on the bike until the next corner.

To the back of the class with you.

[Maha]

To the back of the class with you.

I think he/she needs to be closer to the front Steve...obvious earing issues.

[mellowyellow]

Just on this bit...and keeping this in mind when you are out riding, does the EIOTKY thing have an effect on how you ride?

well, as it has already been pointed out, i am just a learner. it definitly has an effect on how i drive. take less chances, dont assume the gveway rules will safe me, etc.
of course the attitude does follow onto how i ride. it's not so much the words, its the context.

i do understand what Katman (and plenty of other people) says about being prepared and ride for ANY and ALL possible hazzards that my arise. but that too has to be understood in it's context. i belive he means (as an example) to take every corner cautously, with the right drive line, at the right speed, be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for anything, like oncoming traffic on your side of the road.
not, be prepared for a plane to take you out in one foul swoop or the earth to open up and drop you in a pit of lava. both are possible

not everybody learns the same, some need to have things explained precisly and go through a check list as they are doing things. for those people, "EIOTKY" would be the wrong thing to say, they may take it literally.
some people need things to be explained in rough detail and given a little sentance to remember how the details come together. i.e. check your mirrors often and assume nothing, never assume people have seen you or will giveway to you (it could be a trap!!!), take it easy on all corners, who knows who's waiting to jump outor cross the line.

obvously you lot are just having a laugh with me, surly i didnt actually need to just reply like i did. but just in case, there it is :)

[avgas]

Just on this bit...and keeping this in mind when you are out riding, does the EIOTKY thing have an effect on how you ride?
Always keep one hand free to grab a shotgun?

[george formby]

Don't forget, Keep Practising. All that cone dodging in the basic test has a purpose. My gf is happily on the road now, tar seal & gravel but she is still practicing her basic handling skills. The difference is amazing now she has gained confidence riding on the road. I'm practicing with her & their is no doubt my riding is improving too, even after 30 years in the saddle.
The OP mentions not braking in a corner, eek, well it used to be eek for me but my gf's instructor spent some time with me & braking in a corner can be done controllably steering where you want to go. He also emphasized practicing correct braking regularly, I do now & consequently feel in control hammering to a stop rather than hopeful.
Never stop learning either.... it's fun!

[Maha]

well, as it has already been pointed out, i am just a learner. it definitly has an effect on how i drive. take less chances, dont assume the gveway rules will safe me, etc.
of course the attitude does follow onto how i ride. it's not so much the words, its the context.

i do understand what Katman (and plenty of other people) says about being prepared and ride for ANY and ALL possible hazzards that my arise. but that too has to be understood in it's context. i belive he means (as an example) to take every corner cautously, with the right drive line, at the right speed, be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for anything, like oncoming traffic on your side of the road.
not, be prepared for a plane to take you out in one foul swoop or the earth to open up and drop you in a pit of lava. both are possible

not everybody learns the same, some need to have things explained precisly and go through a check list as they are doing things. for those people, "EIOTKY" would be the wrong thing to say, they may take it literally.
some people need things to be explained in rough detail and given a little sentance to remember how the details come together. i.e. check your mirrors often and assume nothing, never assume people have seen you or will giveway to you (it could be a trap!!!), take it easy on all corners, who knows who's waiting to jump outor cross the line.

obvously you lot are just having a laugh with me, surly i didnt actually need to just reply like i did. but just in case, there it is :)

Not having a laugh at all...it was a genuine question, you have answered/explained it very well, and in saying that, it would appear that as a bike rider, you (along with every bike rider) have the obligation to be vigilant.

[george formby]

well, as it has already been pointed out, i am just a learner. it definitly has an effect on how i drive. take less chances, dont assume the gveway rules will safe me, etc.
of course the attitude does follow onto how i ride. it's not so much the words, its the context.

i do understand what Katman (and plenty of other people) says about being prepared and ride for ANY and ALL possible hazzards that my arise. but that too has to be understood in it's context. i belive he means (as an example) to take every corner cautously, with the right drive line, at the right speed, be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for anything, like oncoming traffic on your side of the road.
not, be prepared for a plane to take you out in one foul swoop or the earth to open up and drop you in a pit of lava. both are possible

not everybody learns the same, some need to have things explained precisly and go through a check list as they are doing things. for those people, "EIOTKY" would be the wrong thing to say, they may take it literally.
some people need things to be explained in rough detail and given a little sentance to remember how the details come together. i.e. check your mirrors often and assume nothing, never assume people have seen you or will giveway to you (it could be a trap!!!), take it easy on all corners, who knows who's waiting to jump outor cross the line.

obvously you lot are just having a laugh with me, surly i didnt actually need to just reply like i did. but just in case, there it is :)

+ 1 on wot Maha said.

At times I feel as if my pep talks to my gf will deter her from riding but no, she takes it on board & rides using her motorbike head. She freely admits to being amazed at how much she has to take in when riding compared to how she drove a car.
I describe the safety aspect as "riding in space", dictate as far as possible your own safety by putting yourself in the best position on the road to anticipate & avoid any hazard.
Boiling lava, non flying planes & scaffolding poles coming off lorries are unfortunately tough to avoid.

[mellowyellow]

scaffolding poles coming off lorries are unfortunately tough to avoid. i know i shouldn't laugh, especially since it seems like you are talking from experience:blink:
did you use the counter steering method, stand up on your pedals method or my personal favourite, "drop" and "roll" method.
with all seriousness, something like that IS possible, im not sure i would know what to do, other than shit myself.

[oneofsix]

i know i shouldn't laugh, especially since it seems like you are talking from experience:blink:
did you use the counter steering method, stand up on your pedals method or my personal favourite, "drop" and "roll" method.
with all seriousness, something like that IS possible, im not sure i would know what to do, other than shit myself.

You forgot drop and slide. The point would be to notice it slipping from the truck and start avoiding before the emergency :corn:

[george formby]

i know i shouldn't laugh, especially since it seems like you are talking from experience:blink:
did you use the counter steering method, stand up on your pedals method or my personal favourite, "drop" and "roll" method.
with all seriousness, something like that IS possible, im not sure i would know what to do, other than shit myself.

I was on an XT 350 so I just leant back & closed my eyes. I still came off but it was a low side rather than a superman.:facepalm:

[mellowyellow]

You forgot drop and slide. The point would be to notice it slipping from the truck and start avoiding before the emergency :corn:ahh yes, i was thinking like a cage driver wasn't i. texting and eating pie, wondering why someone dropped some poles in front of me. crap, i dropped the pie
vs
noticeing a loose load and either backing off or riding a different route.
failing that, having enough following distance, i would be able to maneuver to the side and stop without the car behind knocking me over

[oneofsix]

ahh yes, i was thinking like a cage driver wasn't i. texting and eating pie, wondering why someone dropped some poles in front of me. crap, i dropped the pie
vs
noticeing a loose load and either backing off or riding a different route.
failing that, having enough following distance, i would be able to maneuver to the side and stop without the car behind knocking me over

You had to mention the car behind :facepalm: Actually been there but luckily in a cage. Hit the achors to avoid the palet cover coming off the truck going through the windscreen, the car behind shortened my vehicle by nearly 1m on left corner :cry:

Glad to see you already know to manoeuvre to the side of the distracted driver following. Sometimes just too much comes at you at once so having strategies to minimise risk pays.

[george formby]

You forgot drop and slide. The point would be to notice it slipping from the truck and start avoiding before the emergency :corn:

It would be unfortunate learning that in your first couple of years on the road.

[oneofsix]

It would be unfortunate learning that in your first couple of years on the road.

:yes: but best to be made aware of it on the thread like this.

First you are nervous as hell and careful
Then you see the bulletproofs ride by, here some of their shit talk, get cocky perhaps.
If you are lucky you get to learn from others making you aware of the dangers, or you live to learn from your mistakes and get wiser, was going to say cautious and perhaps that is the correct word.

[george formby]

:yes: but best to be made aware of it on the thread like this.

First you are nervous as hell and careful
Then you see the bulletproofs ride by, here some of their shit talk, get cocky perhaps.
If you are lucky you get to learn from others making you aware of the dangers, or you live to learn from your mistakes and get wiser, was going to say cautious and perhaps that is the correct word.

LOL, I think learning from others mistakes is betterer.

On that point though, I learned all about low siding a bike off road & it saved my bacon once. Proper Mcgyver moment it was.

So you could add, when riding at night things may not be what they seem. In my case the lights on the side of the artic blocking both lanes trying to get into a wee country lane were not lights in the distance.
:shit::facepalm::sweatdrop

[oneofsix]

LOL, I think learning from others mistakes is betterer.

On that point though, I learned all about low siding a bike off road & it saved my bacon once. Proper Mcgyver moment it was.

So you could add, when riding at night things may not be what they seem. In my case the lights on the side of the artic blocking both lanes trying to get into a wee country lane were not lights in the distance.
:shit::facepalm::sweatdrop

:shit: One of the problems is that no matter how good you are there is something out that can catch you out. However it is still true that the better you are, the more attention you pay, and in my case the more patient you are the less likely you are to get in trouble.

[george formby]

:shit: One of the problems is that no matter how good you are there is something out that can catch you out. However it is still true that the better you are, the more attention you pay, and in my case the more patient you are the less likely you are to get in trouble.

Now that"s true, take your time & think about it.
The biggest challenge for my gf at the mo, apart from the bike, is trying to take in what is happening all around her, front, back, sides etc. No windscreen to frame her perspective.. Fortunately, this is a bigger priority for her than being the next Rossi.:facepalm: Saves me a load in petrol too...

[oneofsix]

Now that"s true, take your time & think about it.
The biggest challenge for my gf at the mo, apart from the bike, is trying to take in what is happening all around her, front, back, sides etc. No windscreen to frame her perspective.. Fortunately, this is a bigger priority for her than being the next Rossi.:facepalm: Saves me a load in petrol too...

Looking 12 seconds ahead because things come up on bikers quicker than in cagers.