What I see as a motorcyclist eight years on - A tribute to Kiwi Biker

[CB ARGH]

Gidday guys and gals,

So I've just found this post from myself as a beginner motorcyclist eight years ago (back when I was 17 - now 25!), and dam what a read!

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/79953-First-Ride-WOOOOAAH!

It sure is amazing how far you can come as a motorcyclist. Eight years ago I had no idea what the world of motorcycling involved... what it would teach me, what it would show me, what it would open me up to, and most importantly how it could test me.

I haven't done the exact math, but I know I have done well over 100,000km on the motorcycles I have owned and used over these years: 1991 Honda CBR250RR, 1992 Honda CBR250R, 1989 Yamaha FZR250R, and my current the beautiful and almost perfect motorcycle the 2001 Yamaha R6. I know it sounds corny but on EVERY ride I still learn something new - as every driver on our roads is a different person - and each person has their own driving technique/weakness.

Back in 2008 at the adrenalin filled age of 17 I was a newbie motorcyclist with a fresh CBR250RR - sure I had done motocross in the past so I had a fair idea of how to ride a motorbike, however nothing that I knew could prepare me for the open road. Nothing that the basic handling skills test out the back of a sports gym in West Auckland would help with.

So over all of these years this is what I reckon is most important as a motorcyclist.


Maturity - Simple, don't be a dumb s**t - save the Youtube videos for someone else
The warnings and recommendations from the users of this website - yeah we all sound like boring old bastards but most of us know what we are on about
Tyres - 'Power is NOTHING without control" - and it is so true. Go for the best tyres that you can afford, you may never know when they save you - however if you buy cheapies you may be thinking "if only I brought...."
The gear that you wear, simply put: Do you like your skin? Spend that extra dosh and purchase quality gear. If you are preparing for a long distance ride or riding in wet weather then invest in a decent set of wet weather riding gear - once again from experience - DO IT! From experience there is nothing as miserable as riding four hours in the rain without proper wet weather gear.



So to finish, respect and believe the tips/advice that you receive on our forum. Kiwibiker is an amazing website packed full of useful information that may one day help save your life and/or your treasured motorcycle.



Shout out Mark Waters, the man who taught me almost all that I know.


Churr!

STEVEN



EDIT: Changed link from LAST page to FIRST!

[Jin]

What led to your learning about tyres and gear? Have some bad crashes? Congrats for sticking with a 600 for so long they are plenty powerful for the road though can be tiring on longer rides

[Maha]

Maturity is the key word used, that often gets brushed aside on the road....and his affiliation with Mark Waters seems to have paid dividends. Mark has very clinical delivery when sharing his knowledge.

[EJK]

You missed out "How to do a burnout while your dad is spraying water on the rear tyre". You think we forgot about that huh? ;)

Great to still have you on the forum :sunny:

[rastuscat]

Dear Lord, this is KB.

Don't be so damn sensible.

[sugilite]

Great post :yes:

[george formby]

Yup, Mark W has a lot to answer for.:niceone:

[Pound]

Maturity is the key word used


Can't stress this point enough.

Far too many young (And sometimes older) riders treat motorcycling as as big dick and pissing contest.

Of course if you must feel you need to prove just how big your twig and berries really are, well, that's what the track is for. :yes:

[release_the_bees]

You might need a new keyboard. The Enter key seems to be broken!

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[EJK]

Unlike poster 1 my early years were all about buying a bigger and bigger bike untill I reached an engine size that was big enough to offer all the power I would ever need at a price I could afford. My first bike was actually a XL125 despite beginner riders being allowed to buy a bike up to 250cc at the time. My thinking there was that if I felt the urge to go bigger even a 250 would possibly not be big enough and I would lose a far greater amount trading in. My gut feeling was correct there in that my next bike was a XL350 then a XL500 then a CB750 which I bought due to a runout offer of only being $1000 more than upgrading the XL500 for a later model. I actually found the power of the XL500 all i needed but I saw the 750 offering quicker safer stopping ability with its disk brakes. I did find the transition with the much heavier weight of the 750 took a bit of getting used to plus the lack of low down torque being an inline four. On the open road I found it the safest bike I had ever bought though due to its superior stability in strong side winds and it offered a much more relaxing ride due to that. I never found it scary from a power perspective and it was possibly the lack of low down torque which contributed to this. I ended up keeping it for over 20 years and only sold it when things started to wear out on it. My next bike was another road bike about the same size but for all the years I owned the 750 and enjoyed it I still missed the low down torque of my XL500 so the road bike I bought was a twin and not an inline four which offered me the low down torque of my old 500 but with the same stability as the 750. Technology wise the new bike offered improved handling and quicker stopping ability due to sintered brake pad technology. Like poster 1 I have never bought cheap tyres but looking back the knobblys that were sold with the old XLs were not as safe in the wet as todays adventure bike tyres are. Years ago I used to wear a leather jacket for touring but as I dont tour so much now I wear a motorcross style vest under a waterproof outer jacket. While it could be said that because I dont tour so much, having a big bike is an unjustified expense, in the 23 years I owned the 750 I was never knocked off it by a car that did not see me with one bike shop dealer saying it was likely due to the fact the bigger the bike is, the more easy it can be seen by other motorists. I was never knocked off it by any dogs either maybe the sound of the exhaust played a part there.


<img src="http://i.imgur.com/7OWAsEt.gif" />

[Virago]

Unlike poster 1 my early years...

1) Get yourself a dictionary;
2) Look up the word "paragraph".

Your post is unreadable.

[Woodman]

in the 23 years I owned the 750 I was never knocked off it by a car that did not see me


Were you knocked off it deliberately?

[awayatc]

Were you knocked off it deliberately?

fuck me....Wouldn't you ?

[george formby]

I had no idea what the world of motorcycling involved... what it would teach me, what it would show me, what it would open me up to, and most importantly how it could test me.



Churr!

STEVEN

I totally relate to that, 40 years into it. TBH I reckon that the diversity of bikes I have now is giving me the time of my life. And having mind blowing NZ roads and trails on my door step. Bikes are all consuming.

[caseye]

Please stick around but, DO IGNORE that f wit Cassina, she knows nothing of which it speaks!
Your post has stirred a bit of an OLD Hornets nest, most of whom seem to agree ( funnily enough ) with what you have so exquisitely put into words.
A breath of fresh air has just blasted through the KB stratosphere.
Stick around young fella.

[Voltaire]

....................................... in the 23 years I owned the 750 I was never knocked off it by a car that did not see me.

Sorry mate we did not see you...
321619

[CB ARGH]

You missed out "How to do a burnout while your dad is spraying water on the rear tyre". You think we forgot about that huh? ;)

Great to still have you on the forum :sunny:

I was hoping that wouldnt come up! The marks are still there on the driveway :clap:

And cheers Caseye!

[Oakie]

1) Get yourself a dictionary;
2) Look up the word "paragraph".

Your post is unreadable.

I thought it was a good read. Was even moved to give some pretty green rep to offset all the red.

[CB ARGH]

What led to your learning about tyres and gear? Have some bad crashes? Congrats for sticking with a 600 for so long they are plenty powerful for the road though can be tiring on longer rides

Tyres and gear. In my opinion the two most important aspects of a motorcyclist.

Regretfully I have had two crashes, if you can call them crashes. One of which was my first ever roadtrip... Rotorua, trying to park the bike in my tent and forgot to put the stand down! FAIL! :clap:

The other was scenic drive, heading towards Swanson, coming along the final long straight which leads into a R/H 35, NOT speeding but left the braking too late (ironically to test out the brakes - not thinking about the tyres). Locked up BOTH wheels (yes, FRONT AND REAR), then released, front brake back on and went down the gears as fast as I could, which then re-locked the back wheel, knew I was going to go off so released the front and went a good metre ride up the grass bank. Amazingly didn't drop it. I went back the next day after dry cleaning the shit out of my pants to take pictures of the tyre marks up the bank but can't find them - will upload these when I find them. To this day I have no idea how I saved her. It was an incredible misjudgement of the quality of my tyres. I have since replaced them with Michelin Pilot Power 4's, amazing tyres - the NZ Police motorcycles will be using these during the winter.

As for the gear, back when I could run laps around the school field I wore a Revvit' leather jacket and an unknown brand of leather pants. I felt safe. I knew that if I was going for a slide along the highway I'd be sweet as (probably light up a smoke and check my Facebook as I did so). Now that I'm prepared for the winter/a tad bigger... and do a bit more cruising I've converted to the textile gear. It's great for almost all weather, however if you get caught in a severe downpour nothing beats a good set of DriRider overs.

I've got to say whenever I see a motorcyclist ride past wearing only a shirt, shorts, jandals, and only because they legally have to - a helmet - I feel sick. I'd never go for a ride without the full set on: Helmet, jacket, pants, boots and gloves. Never have they been put to the test - but when that time comes I know I'll be safe.


So long story LONG (oops), tyres and gear are what keep us safe.




STEVEN

[Katman]

It was an incredible misjudgement of the quality of my tyres.

It was more likely a misjudgment of your ability/maturity/sensibility.

[EJK]

+1 for tyres.

Supercorsas are awesome tyres but don't be this guy.

[CB ARGH]

It was more likely a misjudgment of your ability/maturity/sensibility.

Hands up I agree. I made a mistake and I sure cocked up on that day. I thought that I could make the corner and I clearly couldn't. I was lucky enough to somewhat learn the limits of my motorcycle and myself as a team.

I believe that incident made me a better rider, I was made aware of the limit of my skills and I'm not ashamed to say it.

[Big Dog]

+1 for tyres.

Supercorsas are awesome tyres but don't be this guy.
So working on getting one down around round abouts?

Sent from Tapatalk. DYAC

[90s]

Hands up I agree. I made a mistake and I sure cocked up on that day. I thought that I could make the corner and I clearly couldn't. I was lucky enough to somewhat learn the limits of my motorcycle and myself as a team.

I believe that incident made me a better rider, I was made aware of the limit of my skills and I'm not ashamed to say it.

Good one fella, only way to learn make mistakes. Until last week I hadn't had a spill since 1989, and had been learning all the time since, but still found a moment inattention in poor conditions that we can all make mistakes.

Still good gear and no harm to myself, a few scratches on the previously mint Ducati fairings to remind me to keep learning.

When you ride bikes you have to accept that you will crash at some time (and I crash mountain bikes all the time). I just repeat my mantra each ride "but not today" and do the best you can.

I'm hoping for another 30 or so yrs to the next off, but vigilance is needed to ensure maturity does not become complacency!

[caseye]

Good one fella, only way to learn make mistakes. Until last week I hadn't had a spill since 1989, and had been learning all the time since, but still found a moment inattention in poor conditions that we can all make mistakes.

Still good gear and no harm to myself, a few scratches on the previously mint Ducati fairings to remind me to keep learning.

When you ride bikes you have to accept that you will crash at some time (and I crash mountain bikes all the time). I just repeat my mantra each ride "but not today" and do the best you can.

I'm hoping for another 30 or so yrs to the next off, but vigilance is needed to ensure maturity does not become complacency!

Wot he said! 100% true, open mind, learn everytime you go out, might make it to the end before being taken out by blind fucker with no skills or aptitude to learn form their own mistakes.

[Maha]

If you were approaching a corner with a speed sign on it, it goes to prove they are there for a reason. I remember some years ago there was a story of a rider on here that went around a bend at a speed above what the sign said only to come to grief in gravel as they went around the bend and my response was if they had taken notice of the speed sign they may have seen the gravel. They rubbished my advise so are bound to come to grief the same way again.

Interesting that, one morning before we set off on group ride (I know you love those) a question was asked of everyone by Mark Waters (22 riders) what to look for on any given corner, each of the 22 gave a different answer... surprised me.

[haydes55]

If you were approaching a corner with a speed sign on it, it goes to prove they are there for a reason. I remember some years ago there was a story of a rider on here that went around a bend at a speed above what the sign said only to come to grief in gravel as they went around the bend and my response was if they had taken notice of the speed sign they may have seen the gravel. They rubbished my advise so are bound to come to grief the same way again.
Double the recommended speed sign or you're a pussy.

[swbarnett]

If you were approaching a corner with a speed sign on it, it goes to prove they are there for a reason.
Those signs are for a bad vehicle in adverse conditions. To the rest of us they are only a guide.

[Maha]

I thought there would have only been one answer being not losing sight of the guy in front. Going by the answer you gave they are perhaps even more scary than I thought. After seeing a video of one recently which included a safety briefing they dont take notice of them either.

What really surprised me was that about 1/2 of those on the ride were very new to riding, put on the spot but answered the question.
A few photo's of how not to corner.

<img src="http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/corners/10117_Ik_zie_ik_zie_wat_jij.jpg"


<a href=http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/corners/">.</a>

<img src="http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/corners/1673.jpg"
><br>

<a href=http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/corners/">.</a>

<img src="http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/corners/IMG_3837.jpg"

<a href=http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/corners/">.</a>

In this photo the Bike is over taking the vehicle/horse float.

[Jin]

I thought there would have only been one answer being not losing sight of the guy in front. Going by the answer you gave they are perhaps even more scary than I thought. After seeing a video of one recently which included a safety briefing they dont take notice of them either.
Wrong answer. People in front should be on your peripheral vision. You should be looking at the road ahead through the corner.

[EJK]

Those signs are for a bad vehicle in adverse conditions. To the rest of us they are only a guide.

I thought they were minimum speed.

[Katman]

There is no such thing as a bad vehicle for NZ roads as long as it has a warrant.

Really?

You don't seem to have a very clear understanding of the warrant process.

[scumdog]

I thought there would have only been one answer being not losing sight of the guy in front. .

A sure recipe for 'follow-on' crashes - all going over the same bank that the first one went over...

[Maha]

A sure recipe for 'follow-on' crashes - all going over the same bank that the first one went over...

The Lemming effect.

[pritch]

I have cassina on ignore, but when somebody quotes her I sadly get to see what she has to say. Her "I thought there would have only been one answer being not losing sight of the guy in front." is almost perfectly wrong. She could not just have become this misinformed by accident, this has taken serious and sustained effort.

You never watch the rider in front, you look around them. Failing to do that is, as SD says, a recipe for following the leading rider into whatever adventure they are having, but which you would normally prefer to avoid.

Her posts on KB should be accompanied by a warning to new riders against following any advice she offers.

[Maha]

I have cassina on ignore, but when somebody quotes her I sadly get to see what she has to say.


I was just being sarcastic with my comment and those who remember my previous coments in posts on group rides would see that but fair enough for pointing out how dangerous my comment was to readers that that may not be aware of my real view which I should have done and I will correct the post.

He will able to read it now....you're welcome pritch :niceone:

[nzspokes]

I was just being sarcastic with my comment and those who remember my previous coments in posts on group rides would see that but fair enough for pointing out how dangerous my comment was to readers that that may not be aware of my real view which I should have done and I will correct the post.

Also need warnings for the appalling use of English.

[Katman]

You are perhaps thinking of inspectors that dont follow it rather than the process itself. If there was any faults with the process they would have been addressed by now. What faults exist in your opinion?

The mere fact that a vehicle has a warrant does not automatically indicate that it is road worthy.

It might have been road worthy when the warrant inspection was done but a lot can change within 12 months.

[haydes55]

So what we all learnt from professor Cassina today is a lotus and a Mack truck have the same safe corner speeds.

Thank you for your wisdom

[Voltaire]

What really surprised me was that about 1/2 of those on the ride were very new to riding, put on the spot but answered the question.
A few photo's of how not to corner.



321695
The vehicle with the trailer should have planned his overtaking of the bike earlier?



They must drive on the right where this pic was taken.
Although we don't know how fast the vehicle was going as it may have stopped and waved the rider on.

[Moi]

321695
The vehicle with the trailer should have planned his overtaking of the bike earlier?

I'd suggest that the biker is overtaking the vehicle and horse float, it appears to have an EU style registration plate...

[Moi]

Possibly the highest speed most drivers/riders can get around without coming to grief. To put it up would mean fewer drivers/riders getting around the bend without coming to grief. They would have no doubt used a complex formula when selecting the speed.

I take issue with your statement...

I drive an elderly large Toymoto which probably needs new shocks... but I can go round most curves with a speed advisory sign at a speed above the advisory speed without any problems...

The speeds are advisory speeds... see this: http://www.drivingtests.co.nz/roadcode-questions/car/signs/what-does-this-sign-mean9/

[Maha]

I'd suggest that the biker is overtaking the vehicle and horse float, it appears to have an EU style registration plate...

Correct, otherwise why would I have posted it... :niceone:
The horse float (as an example) being over the center line is a concern often seen on our roads. Milk Tankers are just a tad to wide for some country roads in NZ.

Have edited the post to ease confusion.

[george formby]

Correct, otherwise why would I have posted it... :niceone:
The horse float (as an example) being over the center line is a concern often seen on our roads. Milk Tankers are just a tad to wide for some country roads in NZ.

Have edited the post to ease confusion.

LOL. I've seen them on roads just slightly wider than the tanker. Bit of a shock coming around a corner to see Fonterra's finest coming at ya. They have good brakes, though.

Speaking (drivel) of speed advisory signs... Their are not many to be seen on gravel roads with a posted 100kmh limit. Food for thought for those of a cretain opinion.

[CB ARGH]

I'm pretty sure the road code states the speed posted on a corner sign is a "safe recommended speed in good conditions". However - I use these as a guideline. Most vehicles and especially haydes55's Lotus with Pamela in the back can handle these corners at a higher speed than what is posted. 75's and 65's are a down shift and a dab at the brakes, but when a sign says 25 - I believe that shit and slow down.


As promised the pic of the off-roading experience on Scenic Drive. It's not the best pic but shows the skid marks which lead up the bank. Reminder - somehow didn't drop the bike! The biker gods must've been looking out for me!

321702


A very lucky fella indeed!



STEVEN

[scumdog]

Most South Island West Coast advisory signs say what they mean - if you know what I mean...:crazy:

[caspernz]

My two cents on speed advisory signs is don't rely blindly on them. Great as a guide if they're there, but if they've been knocked over in the last storm...and you're not reading the corner...

[Gremlin]

My two cents on speed advisory signs is don't rely blindly on them. Great as a guide if they're there,...
Yep, there are plenty of corners where the advisory doesn't feel right. Take the speed as a guide, don't automatically double or add a certain amount. Read the road and environment and make your own decision.

[Oakie]

As promised the pic of the off-roading experience on Scenic Drive. It's not the best pic but shows the skid marks which lead up the bank. Reminder - somehow didn't drop the bike! The biker gods must've been looking out for me!

Ha ha. I have an almost identical photo from when I was just about your age ... although mine saw me finish up in the gravel on the wrong side of the road on a left-hander (so it's not really 'almost identical' at all is it!). It's a rite of passage I guess. We were lucky enough to walk away unscathed and it was a lesson I never forgot. (Ride within what you can see ahead on a road you've not travelled before and don't assume that because the last 10 curves were gentle, this next one will be too.)

[Gremlin]

We were lucky enough to walk away unscathed and it was a lesson I never forgot.
Yup, the learner that bought my first bike ran wide on a left hander and there was an SUV oncoming. Didn't get a second chance :no:

[nzspokes]

I'm pretty sure the road code states the speed posted on a corner sign is a "safe recommended speed in good conditions". However - I use these as a guideline. Most vehicles and especially haydes55's Lotus with Pamela in the back can handle these corners at a higher speed than what is posted. 75's and 65's are a down shift and a dab at the brakes, but when a sign says 25 - I believe that shit and slow down.


As promised the pic of the off-roading experience on Scenic Drive. It's not the best pic but shows the skid marks which lead up the bank. Reminder - somehow didn't drop the bike! The biker gods must've been looking out for me!




A very lucky fella indeed!



STEVEN

Yep know that corner, decreasing radius jobby. Was up there today. Getting slippy up there now.

[Berries]

The speeds are advisory speeds... see this: http://www.drivingtests.co.nz/roadcode-questions/car/signs/what-does-this-sign-mean9/
Funnily enough, when questioned a number of Chinese drivers come up with D as the answer for that one. And why not, it is not like a speed sign which is round with a red border.

Sometimes we provide too much information.

[Akzle]

you are perhaps pushing your luck exceeding the speed on the sign.

im not sure if you've been told before, but most of us dont rely on luck for our riding/driving...

[Moi]

... perhaps pushing your luck exceeding the speed on the sign...

Has nothing to do with luck... more to do with the pursing of lips from the front passenger seat...

As an aside, if an advisory sign states 45 then, if I have read and understood the information correctly about the process of deciding what is an appropriate and safe speed for that corner, most traffic is likely to round that curve somewhere between 40 and 50 km/h.

[Swoop]

Most South Island West Coast advisory signs say what they mean - if you know what I mean...:crazy:
:yes:

Was down there last week just before that massive front arrived.
Those lovely hills south of Harihari are to be taken "wisely"... IYKWIM.


It was also quite impressive to come around a corner and find a native falcon devouring a roadkill! Big buggers they are too!!!
Didn't budge an inch, but just watched me go through the corner and then went back to his meal. :niceone:

[Berries]

You have never seen a lot of group riders doing a multi vehicle overtake on windy roads pass you then.
For fucks sake, change the record.

[kiwi cowboy]

They must feel though for most modern vehicles they can hold their roadworthy state for a year otherwise they would not have changed the inspections from being 6 monthly.

Just as an example but you could run over a sharp piece of something the day after the warrant and cut the inside if your car tire making it not only unwarrantable but also dangerous.
I hate that katman is right:bleh: but any number of things can happen just after the warrant has been issued making then unroadworthy.

[Maha]

im not sure if you've been told before, but most of us dont rely on luck for our driving/walking...

You shouldn't misrepresent yourself so I made the correction for honesty sake Robert.

[OddDuck]

My $0.02 on corners... the sign is another piece of information, nothing more.

What's the road surface like? Camber? Sudden wind gusts as you round the corner? Chance of loose stock wandering onto the road, just around from where you are now? Is there a driveway just around the corner? Does the radius decrease or increase? Is there a roadworks patch just beyond your sight line with fresh chip laid down and still loose? Is it a shaded, damp part of the road, with moss starting to grow on it? Are there fallen leaves on the surface... and did it rain in the last couple of days? How wide is the road, what's coming the other way, and are you projecting into an oncoming truck's cab?

What's the rider's state like? Fresh and rested, or tired? Are you at the start of your ride, or trying to get home at the end of a long day? Do you know just how far over you can lean the bike, if you get caught out and need to lean more? Can you change lines mid-corner, use countersteer, recover if a tyre slips? Are you trying to keep up with other riders?

What's the state of the bike like? How old are the tyres, how likely is it to touch down if there's a bump mid-corner?

In the end there's simply too much to process consciously, so a set of habits and reflexes become necessary. Experience counts. Training really counts. Keep track of mistakes, try to notice them and learn from them, adapt your riding to the conditions you find yourself in. It's not as simple as an advisory sign.

But if it says 25 and it's a reverse camber, yeah, do 25.

[pritch]

The advisory signs are almost a worst case scenario. Mrs Brown, who didn't do much driving, in her average car, a considerable number of years ago, was recommended to do that speed.

I see people say that you can do double. I don't usually quite get to that, but if I was doing double I'd probably be too busy to look at the speedo.

For some reason the signs that state 20 or 25kph are different. They mean it. If you doubled the speed of the ones on SH43 you'd either be soaring through the air or danglng out of the scenery.

[george formby]

For some reason the signs that state 20 or 25kph are different. They mean it. If you doubled the speed of the ones on SH43 you'd either be soaring through the air or danglng out of the scenery.

Quite often you notice the holes in the scenery before the sign on such corners. We have quite a few round here with a fresh air run off.

[Moi]

...For some reason the signs that state 20 or 25kph are different. They mean it. If you doubled the speed of the ones on SH43 you'd either be soaring through the air or dangling out of the scenery.


Quite often you notice the holes in the scenery before the sign on such corners. We have quite a few round here with a fresh air run off.

This (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/motsam/part-1/docs/motsam-1-appendix-a3.pdf) explains all...

A quick perusal suggests, to me, that the lower the advisory speed the more likely it is to the safe speed for that corner/curve.

But as always, it is entirely up to the driver/rider to make the final call...

[george formby]

This (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/motsam/part-1/docs/motsam-1-appendix-a3.pdf) explains all...

A quick perusal suggests, to me, that the lower the advisory speed the more likely it is to the safe speed for that corner/curve.

But as always, it is entirely up to the driver/rider to make the final call...

Preferably not mid corner... Unless you like sparks. Oops, touchdown!

[caspernz]

Don't wanna get hung up on the topic of speed advisory signs, but it's the absence of such a sign on a corner that desperately needs one that baffles me. It also seems the sign is only ever close to the mark when it's originally planted there, subsequent minor changes in curvature/alignment often seem to make the sign wrong.

Number of roads I travel for work have lots of speed advisory signs, some of those corners can comfortably be taken well in excess of the suggested speed. What catches less experienced drivers out is those corners without that magic sign, the radius tightens up or the mid corner bump catches them out, all while travelling below the limit. One section, SH4 from the Eight Mile junction thru to Taumarunui has quite a few corners without advisories, which should by rights have them. No wonder some tourists and weekend warriors struggle once off the motorway...

No substitute for good training and riding/driving within ones' ability.

Good to hear the OP did sensible training though. As for some of the not so mature things done along the way, well, we've all done some funny stuff in our early years haven't we?

[swbarnett]

But if they were only applicable in adverse conditions it would say that on the sign. There is no such thing as a bad vehicle for NZ roads as long as it has a warrant otherwise the recomended speed sign would have a list of vehicles that it appies to . My thinking for them being put there is as a result of numerous crashes on those bends in any weather and by any vehicle/motorcycle. Those that believe differently do so at their peril in my opinion.
I know from personal experience that any given corner can be taken quite safely at well above the posted recommendation - given a well maintained vehicle and good road conditions.

These speed recommendations were originally set by a car with a ball in the back window on a vertically curved track. The highest speed at which the ball stayed in the middle is what went on the sign. This is a very sedate pace indeed for most corners.

Personally I prefer the Swiss system - NO recommended speed signs whatsoever. Over there you're expected to be able to think for yourself.

[swbarnett]

I thought they were minimum speed.
That works too... :ride:

[Maha]

I thought they were minimum speed.

I almost had to use the indicators on a posted 25 km corner it was that tight. Actually to be honest I was luckY that there was nothing coming the other because I needed a tad more than my lane....yeah a bit quick into the corner and lesson learned.

[george formby]

I almost had to use the indicators on a posted 25 km corner it was that tight. Actually to be honest I was luckY that there was nothing coming the other because I needed a tad more than my lane....yeah a bit quick into the corner and lesson learned.

:yes:There are two corners up here which still catch me out. I can never quite remember where they are in the sequence of things. Having been in the same situation with eyeballs pressed against the visor thinking "Where the fuck has the road gone.." I manage to stay safely in lane but usually something ends up scraping. One is signposted 25kmh, possibly optimistically, the other is unmarked.
I love em!

[Maha]

:yes:There are two corners up here which still catch me out. I can never quite remember where they are in the sequence of things. Having been in the same situation with eyeballs pressed against the visor thinking "Where the fuck has the road gone.." I manage to stay safely in lane but usually something ends up scraping. One is signposted 25kmh, possibly optimistically, the other is unmarked.
I love em!

The one I almost over shot was on the Coromandel , when you see a posted recommended speed limit to safely take a corner, most will have their interpretation of what that sign means to them. It's unusual to see 25km corner (not in the South Island I understand) and the mind doesn't quite register it as that when you see one, until you're right on it.

[EJK]

The one I almost over shot was on the Coromandel , when you see a posted recommended speed limit to safely take a corner, most will have their interpretation of what that sign means to them. It's unusual to see 25km corner (not in the South Island I understand) and the mind doesn't quite register it as that when you see one, until you're right on it.

I know what you are saying. There are also a couple of corners down here on the way to Queenstown too which are marked 55 and the other 35 respectively. Sir Issac Newton wont give a flying F if you are driving in a Lamborghini or bestest handlingest Ferrari. When that corner says 35, it really means slow right down.

[James Deuce]

Gidday guys and gals,

...

Churr!

STEVEN

!
I've had you on ignore for years after you said some Cunty McCuntface shit about my last near fatal accident.

Maybe you aren't a cunt after all.

[nzspokes]

There would be some on here that would take your comment as a challenge that they can prove you wrong and one poster has already made a claim that all bends that hes taken can be done far above the limit. To be fair though he may never have gone around one as tight as 20-30km.

Its double plus 10. Pussy.

[Big Dog]

But by taking notice of the signs it makes you more prepared to notice the hazards you state and have time to hopefully avoid than those who do not take notice. I posted on here yesterday a story someone on here posted about taking a 80k bend at 95 and coming to grief on gravel. By taking notice of the sign they may have had time to avoid it. Their reply to me was it would not have made any diffference or I was wrong in my thinking but with their way of thinking they are bound to come to grief the same way again and may not live to talk about it either. There was an article in an AA magazine a few years ago that said the biggest killers in single motorcycle crashes are bends.
I think you will find the biggest killer by number of motorcyclists involved in single vehicle accidents is motorcyclists.

They are certainly the only ingredient that is universally present.


Sent from Tapatalk. DYAC

[EJK]

There would be some on here that would take your comment as a challenge that they can prove you wrong and one poster has already made a claim that all bends that hes taken can be done far above the limit. To be fair though he may never have gone around one as tight as 20-30km.

Please. Would love to see his Ferrari or Lamborghini :yes:

[Jin]

I usually aim for double. Low speed ones are easy is the higher speed ones i usually take a bit of care eg of it says 75 I'll do 120 or so.

[caspernz]

I think you will find the biggest killer by number of motorcyclists involved in single vehicle accidents is motorcyclists.

They are certainly the only ingredient that is universally present.

Oh c'mon now, this type of common sense we don't need around here...least of all on a Friday afternoon :brick:

Just from personal observation, I'm surprised the accident rate isn't higher. The summer/weekend rider outings certainly display some woeful skills, never mind the law of the land being treated as a suggestion :oi-grr:

[2wheel dodgem]

My $0.02 on corners... the sign is another piece of information, nothing more.

What's the road surface like? Camber? Sudden wind gusts as you round the corner? Chance of loose stock wandering onto the road, just around from where you are now? Is there a driveway just around the corner? Does the radius decrease or increase? Is there a roadworks patch just beyond your sight line with fresh chip laid down and still loose? Is it a shaded, damp part of the road, with moss starting to grow on it? Are there fallen leaves on the surface... and did it rain in the last couple of days? How wide is the road, what's coming the other way, and are you projecting into an oncoming truck's cab?

What's the rider's state like? Fresh and rested, or tired? Are you at the start of your ride, or trying to get home at the end of a long day? Do you know just how far over you can lean the bike, if you get caught out and need to lean more? Can you change lines mid-corner, use countersteer, recover if a tyre slips? Are you trying to keep up with other riders?

What's the state of the bike like? How old are the tyres, how likely is it to touch down if there's a bump mid-corner?

In the end there's simply too much to process consciously, so a set of habits and reflexes become necessary. Experience counts. Training really counts. Keep track of mistakes, try to notice them and learn from them, adapt your riding to the conditions you find yourself in. It's not as simple as an advisory sign.

But if it says 25 and it's a reverse camber, yeah, do 25.
+1 to this.

The other factor which for me is critical is whether I can see right through to the corner or not.
Generally those narly 25km corners are on the side of a hill with no visibility greater than the apex.

[george formby]

+1 to this.

The other factor which for me is critical is whether I can see right through to the corner or not.
Generally those narly 25km corners are on the side of a hill with no visibility greater than the apex.

Hopefully the apex. One of the two which catches me out is like a circle hook, heh. The apex is round the corner as it were.

You do have a point, heh. Speed is dictated by what you can see rather than an advisory. I don't recall looking at my speedo before entering a corner, to much going on.

[Berries]

There was an article in an AA magazine a few years ago that said the biggest killers in single motorcycle crashes are bends.
As opposed to what, straights?



You are full of win in this thread.

[Oakie]

What's the road surface like? Is there a roadworks patch just beyond your sight line with fresh chip laid down and still loose?

Exactly what I struck two days ago on a right handed off-camber curve on the other side of a rise that I must have transited about 2000 times in the last 9.5 years on the way to work. Some poo nearly came out as I went from looking at two driveways as possible run off routes and then managed to resist braking and keep it on the road and rode on cursing people who don't put warning signs out.

[swbarnett]

...someone on here posted about taking a 80k bend at 95 and coming to grief on gravel.
Had they been going slower they would've had more time to correct but their speed was most likely not the cause.

My speedo is in miles. Most corners in good weather I can take a little below the posted recommendation speed quite comfortably i.e. about two thirds higher in kph.

[swbarnett]

Despite this faster cornering ability the chance of a collision with a hazard around the bend will remain the the same for those who ignore the signs.
As long as you can stop within your visibility there's no problem.


You have never been around a 20km bend then with your thinking. Even others posting here are saying they are to be taken seriously.
Taken seriously, yes. I take ALL corners seriously. That doesn't mean that they have to be taken at no more than 20kph if correct planning is done ahead of the corner.

[Drew]

Holy fucken shit, what a friggin thread this is.

[James Deuce]

Holy fucken shit, what a friggin thread this is.
I tried to bring it back on track but these other cunts have some sort of tightening radius corner up their arse.

[eldog]

I dont look at my speedo either but the signs for me give me an indication of how many gears to change down.

20 = change down 2 gears
30 = change down 3
50 = change down 5?
70 how many gears do you have?

[Drew]

I tried to bring it back on track but these other cunts have some sort of tightening radius corner up their arse.

Once this sort of "what I do is right and I know more than you" bullshit starts, don't try and get it back on track.

Just poke fun at the fuckwits.

[eldog]

Of course the speed was not the cause the gravel was but by lowering your speed (in this case) the gravel would be seen sooner giving some rather than no chance to avoid it.

The faster you go the SOONER you will see it.

going SLOWER gives you MORE time to react

often the best option is no sudden movements and keep on the gas

[buggerit]

They must feel though for most modern vehicles they can hold their roadworthy state for a year otherwise they would not have changed the inspections from being 6 monthly.

Yep, all tyres last at least 12 months now, no matter how many km you do, same with brake pads, tie rod ends etc:facepalm:

[eldog]

Hopefully the apex. One of the two which catches me out is like a circle hook, heh. The apex is round the corner as it were.

You do have a point, heh. Speed is dictated by what you can see rather than an advisory. I don't recall looking at my speedo before entering a corner, to much going on.


If I have time to look at speedo going into a corner then I am either going to slow or not concentrating on what I should be.

I still need to sort corners consistently. But that's practise and I need it.

[Drew]

If I have time to look at speedo going into a corner then I am either going to slow or not concentrating on what I should be.

I still need to sort corners consistently. But that's practise and I need it.

Hang on. You're giving advice one minute, the next you're admitting you don't know what you're doing.

[eldog]

Hang on. You're giving advice one minute, the next you're admitting you don't know what you're doing.
Yep, I feel I know what to do, just don't do enough ridin to make it consistant.
I am not saying I don't know what I am doing I am just saying I don't do enough riding to make sure it happens.
Its a comment on my own lack of riding skills

Quite happy for you to point me in the right direction if you feel I am wrong.

[eldog]

But the best option in your opinion did not work in this case.

Best is not always the correct option depends on situation

[Drew]

Yep, I feel I know what to do, just don't do enough ridin to make it consistant.
I am not saying I don't know what I am doing I am just saying I don't do enough riding to make sure it happens.
Its a comment on my own lack of riding skills

Quite happy for you to point me in the right direction if you feel I am wrong.
How the fuck would I know if you can ride? I've never seen you do it.

[James Deuce]

Once this sort of "what I do is right and I know more than you" bullshit starts, don't try and get it back on track.

Just poke fun at the fuckwits.
The OP is still a bit of a cunt though. Has come a long way it must be said.

[Madness]

Just poke fun at the fuckwits.

It's like poking fun at a dribbling spastic with a lot if the clowns around here these days, a bit boring after the first couple of minutes.


How the fuck would I know if you can ride? I've never seen you do it.

I have. He can't.

[eldog]

How the fuck would I know if you can ride? I've never seen you do it.

That's true. I doubt you ever will.

But you can see my comments, feel free to correct me anytime.:not:

[eldog]

I have. He can't.
Confirmation

[WristTwister]

I remember my first bike arriving on a cold rainy night,:o not having the confidence to ride it in the rain I waited for a few days for some clear weather. I remember getting over-taken by a scooter :facepalm: and my first conversation with another rider in a car park about our bikes. My memory of my first close call and how shaken I was, but not deterred.

I fondly recall all the advice I was given, some good, some bad, but all with good intentions. I learnt the importance of learning to take corners safely. When you don't know what's around that bend it is super important that you keep to a safe line and stay on your side of the road (regardless of what that little sign says!)

The experience of growing and improving as a rider is something I still enjoy, and road-craft is an elusive thing to master. Even as we look back on when we started riding and think about how much better we are now, there is always someone better. They show us we can always be better.:second:

Ride smart.

[Drew]

That's true. I doubt you ever will.

But you can see my comments, feel free to correct me anytime.:not:

I'm not interested in a dick measuring contest.

[eldog]

I'm not interested in a dick measuring contest.
Never said I was.

if you see me post something that is obviously wrong then I expect you (or anyone else) to point it out.

I don't think I know everything by a long stretch of the imagination.

I am on here to look, learn, listen and make comments about bikes and riding. Surely you are too.

[Drew]

I have. He can't.

Never seen you ride either.

I'm not saying anyone can or can't ride well. The point is that all the typing is fucken moot. Arguing about it just an attention grab.

[Drew]

I am on here to look, learn, listen and make comments about bikes and riding. Surely you are too.

Nope. I'm here for a laugh.

[swbarnett]

Arguing about it just an attention grab.
And the arguing about arguing?

[Berries]

Yep, I feel I know what to do, just don't do enough ridin to make it consistant.
I am not saying I don't know what I am doing I am just saying I don't do enough riding to make sure it happens.
Its a comment on my own lack of riding skills

Quite happy for you to point me in the right direction if you feel I am wrong.
Sounds like you need a car before you hurt yourself.

[swbarnett]

Sounds like you need a car before you hurt yourself.
That could be said of any novice. It's just part of the process.

[Berries]

Member of three years suggests riding for at least three years. That's not exactly novice material.

If someone isn't riding enough then there are two options, ride more and learn or don't bother. It might hurt otherwise.

[haydes55]

It is dangerous to expect others on here to know more than you. It would be safer to go to a riding school if you want to learn to ride. Good luck.
Have you taken your own advice?

Have you ever done a riding class?

Or do you know everything you need to know, because you have 30 years experience and only crashed a few times? (Which weren't your fault).

[Maha]

I'm not interested in a dick measuring contest.

Some once said ''Yeah Drew's fast but it ain't pretty''...no dick measuring device required?

[Voltaire]

I'm not interested in a dick measuring contest.

The unit of dick measurement is called Posts: :lol:

[Drew]

Some once said ''Yeah Drew's fast but it ain't pretty''...no dick measuring device required?

They must have seen a rare race where I wasn't sitting on a tyre wall watching, after crashing.

[Maha]

They must have seen a rare race where I wasn't sitting on a tyre wall watching, after crashing.

:killingme quite possible.

[pritch]

I usually aim for double. Low speed ones are easy is the higher speed ones i usually take a bit of care eg of it says 75 I'll do 120 or so.

When I read this I thought maybe Mark Marquez had joined KB. But nah, that post looks more like it was written by someone who hasn't yet ventured out of Auckland much at all.

Remedial maths classes may be needed too, 2 x 75 does not equal 120 (or so).

[90s]

Double the recommended speed sign or you're a pussy.

I live on a sharp adverse camber 95 downhill degree bend with 3 hi viz signs for 35kph on the bank. Since I lived here we've had 5 cars down the bank who took your advice - every one a young guy. I know for sure the first guy who laughed it off crashed again and was killed in that crash 6 months later. I don't want anyone to die in my garden thanks.

When I did the BRONZ course the instructor said for motorbikes he follows the signs in the wet in kph, in the dry uses mph.

[eldog]

Member of three years suggests riding for at least three years. That's not exactly novice material.

If someone isn't riding enough then there are two options, ride more and learn or don't bother. It might hurt otherwise.

FYI I have ridden approx. 5000 km per year on average.

I still consider myself a novice.

Plan to ride more and learn. and yes it does hurt.

[eldog]

It is dangerous to expect others on here to know more than you. It would be safer to go to a riding school if you want to learn to ride. Good luck.

Been there done that.
Told to go out and practise then come back, review and do further training. Got no problem with that.

[eldog]

Sounds like you need a car before you hurt yourself.


must remember that when I am driving behind a motorcyclist and they are slowing me down.

[Maha]

must remember that when I am driving behind a motorcyclist and they are slowing me down.

Remember this also... anyone who has quoted you in this thread has never been in your position. They got their license (supposedly) and 12 months later they probably felt they didn't have to learn to much else. :rolleyes:

[eldog]

The problem with the thinking of the more distance I do the better I will get is that while your own riding ability gets better the risk of being hit by others as a result of their fault becomes greater. For example I was once offered a job as a motorcycle courier and despite being an experienced rider turned it down as the job would have required riding 8 hours a day in all weather and traffic. When you are on the road for that amount of time each week you chance of coming to grief is much higher than a rider who commutes to work and back and is able to take the car/bus if wet.

do you mean if I was to send more time at the Cassino I would have a greater chance of winning

[eldog]

Remember this also... anyone who has quoted you in this thread has never been in your position. They got their license (supposedly) and 12 months later they probably felt they didn't have to learn to much else. :rolleyes:

They probably didn't but I know I have a lot to learn.
prefer learning from those who have been there done that
then work on my own skills.(or lack of them)

back to work now.

[nzspokes]

The problem with the thinking of the more distance I do the better I will get is that while your own riding ability gets better the risk of being hit by others as a result of their fault becomes greater. For example I was once offered a job as a motorcycle courier and despite being an experienced rider turned it down as the job would have required riding 8 hours a day in all weather and traffic. When you are on the road for that amount of time each week you chance of coming to grief is much higher than a rider who commutes to work and back and is able to take the car/bus if wet.

When was the last time you had professional training? For motorcycle riding, not psychosis.

[FatMax]

Also need warnings for the appalling use of English.

Still lording it up over people I see.

[swbarnett]

The problem with the thinking of the more distance I do the better I will get is that while your own riding ability gets better the risk of being hit by others as a result of their fault becomes greater. For example I was once offered a job as a motorcycle courier and despite being an experienced rider turned it down as the job would have required riding 8 hours a day in all weather and traffic. When you are on the road for that amount of time each week you chance of coming to grief is much higher than a rider who commutes to work and back and is able to take the car/bus if wet.
Bollox.

I spent time as a courier in the '80s. I learned faster during that period than any other in my riding career. As long as you have the right mindset, the more time you ride the better you get. Those eight hour days became safer than any one hour ride I'd done previously.

[swbarnett]

I live on a sharp adverse camber 95 downhill degree bend with 3 hi viz signs for 35kph on the bank. Since I lived here we've had 5 cars down the bank who took your advice - every one a young guy. I know for sure the first guy who laughed it off crashed again and was killed in that crash 6 months later. I don't want anyone to die in my garden thanks.
Sounds to me like one of those corners that is the root of the problem. Those that are signposted higher than others of a similar curvature.

[caseye]

Eldog, two things mate, enjoy your ride, remember "ride your own ride" Also remember NEVER,FUCKING never go riding with that silly Bitch on here who can't make up HER mind which advise is best.
The OP has started a great thread, I'd hate to see it lost to bullshit spouting arsewipe posters who have No actual experience of taking control of their own destiny while riding a motorcycle or doing anything else in their boring screwed up life, I truly wish She'd just go away!

[eldog]

Eldog, two things mate, enjoy your ride, remember "ride your own ride" .
Also remember NEVER,FUCKING that silly Bitch.
The OP has started a great thread!


I do enjoy my riding my own rides :2thumbsup
I dont remember doing that :banana:is there a video?

Yeah the OP did, a great improvement. :headbang:

[WristTwister]

The problem with the thinking of the more distance I do the better I will get is that while your own riding ability gets better the risk of being hit by others as a result of their fault becomes greater. For example I was once offered a job as a motorcycle courier and despite being an experienced rider turned it down as the job would have required riding 8 hours a day in all weather and traffic. When you are on the road for that amount of time each week you chance of coming to grief is much higher than a rider who commutes to work and back and is able to take the car/bus if wet.

Distance doesn't necessarily equal experience, if that distance is travelled on the same roads in the same conditions.

The chances of having an accident are higher if you're on the road more, but then your skill in avoiding accidents improves with more experience, if we never wanted to get in an accident we might as well stay at home.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Drew]

What you think is in conflict with what a cop told me last year that most police today consider it too dangerous to become bike cops? Maybe you just got lucky.

Being taken out isn't a certainty you fucken idiot.

[Akzle]

What you think is in conflict with what a cop told me last year that most police today consider it too dangerous to become bike cops? Maybe you just got lucky.

omfg. Hang yourself.

[Drew]

It is more a certainty the more you ride though you fucken idiot yourself.

You really are fucking thick. There are riders who have been riding for their whole motoring life, who have not been hit by another road user. Do you get that?

Since this proves that it is not a certainty that you will be hit, the chances of it happening DO NOT increase with each kilometer traveled.

Get it yet ya fucken moron?

[Jin]

Is only a matter of time before a cager takes one of us out. Inevitability :neo:

[Akzle]

Is only a matter of time before a cager takes one of us out. Inevitability :neo:

can we pick which one?

[Drew]

can we pick which one?

Ooohhhh, start a poll.

[SVboy]

It is more a certainty the more you ride though you fucken idiot yourself.

It is obvious from your reply you are under a lot of pressure to keep up. Best if you avoid group forums....

[Berries]

Is only a matter of time before a cager takes one of us out. Inevitability
If that really is your view why the hell would you bother riding?

Oh I see, one of us.

Can I pick?

[MarkH]

They must feel though for most modern vehicles they can hold their roadworthy state for a year otherwise they would not have changed the inspections from being 6 monthly.

Nope! If the tyres are legal they pass, a month later it might be that normal wear has made those tyres no longer legal.
There is no way for inspectors to fail a vehicle that doesn't have enough tread to last a year for a multitude of reasons including: different people run different numbers of kms, some go through tyres in less than a year so even a new tyre wont last a year, even if a tyre will be illegal in a couple of months they have no right to fail it today, etc.

Clearly having a WoF only means that at the time of inspection it passed, since then stuff could have worn or broken. To most people that would be self evident, to fucking idiots it may not be.

[Drew]

If the chances of being hit do not increase with the number of kms travelled why then does insurance on commercial vehicles cost more than private? Maybe insurance companies are just fuckin thick to think that way too sport.

Lemme get this straight. You ride in the knowledge that you are definitely going to be crashed into at some point?

That is the dumbest thing I've ever read on this site. Luckily what you think you know is in fact wrong. But what sort of dumb fuck would get on a bike, pretty much completely vulnerable, and go out knowing they would be hit?

I've done a lot of cool shit where I knew I MIGHT get hurt, but hoped for the best. I've never done something cool knowing for a fact I was gonna get fucked up. That would be bordering on suicidal tendencies.

You should seek help.

[george formby]

If the chances of being hit do not increase with the number of kms travelled why then does insurance on commercial vehicles cost more than private? Maybe insurance companies are just fuckin thick to think that way too sport.

Google it. Start with public liability.

Any hoo. This time on the road equals death or makes you a better rider before death thing. I'm not convinced.

The majority of road users spend a lot of time traveling and a lot of them are crap drivers / riders. They are not interested in becoming safer or better. And they always have an excuse for being crap. A life time of excuses.

The OP posted about his learning curve and that's exactly what riding a bike should be, an endless, fun, learning curve.

I used to ride 30-40'000 miles a year in all conditions. The only vehicles I contacted were my fault, I was looking at titties or maybe peachy buttocks. And the only thing that got killed was the odd bit of plastic on the bike. I was a knob head, hoon then, too. It's only in my dotage that I realised how much more can be learned.

So yeah, na. Walking out the front door is a lottery. I will continue to do my best at making my own luck.

Nice to see this cuddly thread getting a sprinkling of KB's special spice mix, I must say.:Punk:

[WristTwister]

Right,:devil2: the more you're on the road, the more you're encounter other vehicles or road hazards, so yes, all else being equal your chance of having an accident increases.

BUTT! :shake:

:innocent:Your experience increases the more you're on the road as well, you get better at spotting bad drivers and identifying hazards, so yes, experience reduces your chances of having an accident.

So don't ride like an idiot and pay attention to your surroundings. Ride safe.

[george formby]

So don't ride like an idiot and pay attention to your surroundings. Ride safe.

Yeah and na. It was always the surroundings that were my undoing. :love:

[Pound]

It is more a certainty the more you ride though you fucken idiot yourself.


Well you do have a point there.

Statistically yes, the more you ride, the greater your chances of being involved in an accident become.


Of course statically, I am also an alcoholic, a victim or bullying and family abuse, morbidly obese, homo sexual, fag smoking, tax evading cager........

[caseye]

Guys, guys, for God's sake stop encouraging the stupid bitch!
Is there anyone out there who hasn't read what she says and thinks OMG where did this come from?
Most of the motorcycle Police I know enjoy their job immensely and they even ride motorcycles when they are not at work.
Drew, I'm certain she really believes it's going to happen to her again, hell why wouldn't it, already been taken out by three dogs, in the same manner each time, icy roads oh and going too fast into a downhill corner, and those are just the ones I can remember.
I'd be absolutely over the moon for her if she'd just go and get some lessons from real instructors who would tell her to get off a motorcycle right fucking now, you are a danger to yourself and every other motorist out there!
BUTT, hay what would I know!
anyhow guys, please, stop feeding the troll.

[swbarnett]

What you think is in conflict with what a cop told me last year that most police today consider it too dangerous to become bike cops?
Then they're better off without the modern bunch of pansies that let fear rule their lives.


Maybe you just got lucky.
No luck involved. I just kept my mind open and found the balance between over-cautious fear mongering and recklessness.

[swbarnett]

My thinking is that while the chance of us having an accident through our own fault diminishes the more we ride, having an accident due to someone elses fault increases.
You're thinking far too mathematically. Yes, if you ride with your eyes and ears closed then your chances of being taken out do increase the more you ride. BUT, one of the skills that any normal rider will pick up by riding more is how to look after oneself. This includes how to deal with other people's fuckups.


The other poster did give me the impression it was all about kms travelled with their post rather than as you say road and weather variation.
:facepalm: The more you ride, the greater variety of road and weather conditions you'll encounter. This is basic common sense. Something you seem to be lacking.

[swbarnett]

This time on the road equals death or makes you a better rider before death thing. I'm not convinced.

The majority of road users spend a lot of time traveling and a lot of them are crap drivers / riders. They are not interested in becoming safer or better.
The last bit is of course the caveat. Perhaps I should've said "the more you ride with all sences on and wanting to learn, the better you'll get".

[Maha]

100% of all posters are 100% correct up until the moment the click submit reply, then that percentage free falls dramatically in most cases.

[george formby]

The last bit is of course the caveat. Perhaps I should've said "the more you ride with all sences on and wanting to learn, the better you'll get".

LOL, I appreciate that, we are posting in an enlightened and forward thinking environment. <_<