Reversing lights? You cannot be serious!

[Hitcher]

One trashed ST1300. One rider with a sore right knee and a bad case of grumpiness. One careless driving charge (no, not me) and an insurance claim pending. Bugger!

The day started well enough, albeit a bit blustery with the rising nor’wester. Mrs H’s mother is staying with us for a week, and Mrs H decided to take her on a road trip around the North Island, including a visit to the Mystery Creek Fieldays, where I would meet up with them and travel back with them in the c.a.r.

So today the gals set off in the car and I followed shortly afterwards on the bike, catching and passing them just after Silverstream. The plan was to have lunch in Greytown. They would then head on to Napier and I would ride home.

Just after the Te Marua golf course the RAV4 I was following caught up to a Landcruiser pulling a trailer. At the passing lane after the Twin Lakes lookout the RAV4 pulls out to pass and I go with him.

Just as we’re past the Landcruiser, the RAV4’s reversing lights come on. I think “Those are reversing lights.” Next I think “Fuck, he’s stopped!” He had. Hard on the brakes, front wheel locks, I ease off that and get hard on the rear as well. Too late. Clunk, into the back of the RAV4 I go.

I didn’t look that closely at the RAV but I noted some paint damage, but nothing else too obvious. The ST1300, however, is a different story. The nose is trashed, and I suspect, after helping the attending Police Officer and the tow truck driver roll the ST onto the back of the recovery truck, that something in the steering may be a bit bent. The wheel went largely under the RAV’s “bumper”, with the headlight and the rest of the bike that immediately follows it taking most of the damage.

The knees on my armoured pants are a bit chewed and my right knee, which was OK for about the first half hour, is really starting to seize up and ache. Thank god for good gear and armour!

Slutted? Why yes. I should have been taking more care. And it’s only since Easter Thursday and 4,000km of riding since I got the ST back after our last “off”.

I was worried about the old guy driving the RAV. He looked decidedly seedy and I was worried about his heart. His wife said it was the first time he’d driven an automatic. He’d changed into second to overtake and when he’d flipped the stick to go back into D, he went all the way to R.

The cop says this guy will more than likely face a careless driving charge. And he has admitted fault (I have a handful of witness who back up my version of events anyway), so the insurance claim will be on him. I actually feel a bit sorry for him.

I am cross on so many levels.

Mostly for scaring the shit out of Mrs H and her mum as they drove up the Kaitokes and saw a big red bike spread all over State Highway 2. Not a great way to get their holiday off to a positive start. I was up and around straight away, and had to beat off a couple of well-intentioned women who wanted to take my helmet off (the helmet is just fine, as are the helpful women).

Tomorrow, bureaucracy and, I suspect, more of the sore knee.

Thanks to Richard Palmer and Shirley for stopping to see how I was. I’m grumpier now, thanks Richard!

[Sketchy_Racer]

Bugger dude.

Its amazing how quick those cars can stop. I can speak from experience

good luck with the fix up though

[Madness]

Hitcher I'm so sorry to hear of your misfortune. You have just highlighted to us all how vulnerable we can be when sharing the roads with cagers, and to happen the day after so many of us were up that way having such a ball too!

Maybe it's time.......... Time to get a Litre Sprotsbike, they stop on a dime ya'know?

/Edit: We all know how tricky automatics are to drive don't we??

[onearmedbandit]

Mr H, I had to check the date of this thread initially as I thought it must've been about your last incident. Sorry to read about that mate, hope Mrs H and her mother are not to upset. Most positively however you are not injured, and while the damage to the bike sounds serious it can be repaired or replaced. Hope the insurance side of things comes through smoothly.

[u4ea]

o that really sux.hope ya knee isnt too bad.good gear saved it by the sounds of things,and as for your bike i guees the insurers will do their job.hope the gals get over their shock too.

[MD]

Thanks for the PM Hitcher. I feel stink now for not stopping on my way back to Wgtn as I came across the scene. I got the hebbie grebbies seeing a smashed up red ST1300 and the Ambo Guys looking a bit busy with lots of police, so I thought they wouldn't appreciate rubber neckers stopping to ask who's involved.
My first thoughts were how could anyone crash there???
What an idiot going from D to R, didn't think that was possible in modern vehicles.
The ST didn't look too flash. That's two KBers trashed in 2 weeks on the hill.
Im starting to feel like a jinx.
Try and stay cheery Mr H.
ps- like he said go for a light weight sports bike. Far safer. You'd be amazed how well they react and stop compared to the big cruisers.

[Hitcher]

I must admit in the crash equivalent of the post-coital afterglow, I have mixed views about the ST. Yesterday it ran faultlessly and we had a perfect day in the Wairarapa. But that's twice now it's gone down hard. And this time after hitting something hard hard.

Did I mention I was pissed off?

[T.W.R]

Holy Shite Hitcher !:gob: bit the same way as OAB had to check the date once I started reading :yes:

Friggin dimwits in urban puddle jumpers :crazy: :ar15:

Something just doesn't bode well with your relationship with the ST13 :oi-grr: the insurance company is going to love you :argue:

At least your in one bit, bugger the bike !

Time for a change of flavour in the stable one thinks :yes:

[Madness]

Pissed off??

Home alone??

Use the Stereo to it's full potential. I listen to Danzig when I'm truly pissed.

[inlinefour]

Did I mention I was pissed off?

Can't say I bame you either. Reckon you would have stopped if you was on a modern sprotbike? Hope your steadis repaired swiftly and your back on the road enjoying trouble free motoring soon.

[Edbear]

Mind you, if one was to run up the date of a RAV4, would be better off on the ST than a smaller bike, too! Guess it's a case of whatever the story, just glad you're okay! (Sore knee and grumpiness excepted!)

[yungatart]

Bugger! Sorry to hear about your latest off - look after those knees of yours, hope its not too long before you are back cruising the roads again.

[Motu]

Kama - you must of been a real arsehole in another life.You have to watch for a lot of things happening on the road,the unexpected can crop up anytime - but...but...reversing lights coming on in an overtaking manoever is in no ones book on the unexpected.But there is a reason - I sugest some regressive hypnotherapy to find the root cause.

[ZeroIndex]

sorry to hear about that dude.. glad you're pretty much ok.. hope everything gets sorted out soon..

[Hitcher]

Reckon you would have stopped if you was on a modern sprotbike?
If the penny had dropped a second or so earlier what was going on with the reversing lights I would probably have got the ST stopped as well, or gone around him. I'm not blameless in this either.

[hunt]

the rav driver must of pushed the detent release on the shifter, i just checked on my van, which is auto, and it stops in neutral, before going into reverse, glad your not to badly hurt, i'm sure the insurance co will get your bike sorted

[Madness]

I'm not blameless in this either.

Edit that bit Hitcher, before madboy & his colleagues read it. Deny,deny,deny.

[inlinefour]

If the penny had dropped a second or so earlier what was going on with the reversing lights I would probably have got the ST stopped as well, or gone around him. I'm not blameless in this either.

But I reckon we'd all have gone into the back of the Remurewa tractor had any of us had been in that same situation. Main thing is that your OK, bikes are easily replaced or repaired. If I was in your shoes I'd be sitting down with a glass of anesthetic/Jim Beam by now...

[James Deuce]

Fuck.

(10FC)

[Joni]

Fuck.That was well said and basically was what I was thinking too...

Hitcher - take care mate, hope the knee does not get any more sore.

[Coyote]

Damned shame to hear. At least you're alive and it's good to be alive


So I'm told...

[Her_C4]

Fuck.

(10FC)



Yep I agree with Jim2... Geeze Hitcher :gob: – damn thankful you are ok.. best get that knee seen to properly before the anesthetic wears off ?? (JD? JB?).

I can only imagine what poor Mrs H musta been thinking coming across the scene!! (She probably could do with her own anesthetic:yes:

Look after yourself:scooter:

[GR81]

The knees on my armoured pants are a bit chewed and my right knee, which was OK for about the first half hour, is really starting to seize up and ache.
wait till tomorrow :|

[Mooch]

Commiserations Hitcher . Blue Rav 4 ?

[erik]

Sorry to hear that.
What rotten luck.

I hope you get it fixed up (or a new bike sorted) quicker than last time.

[Hitcher]

Blue Rav 4 ?
Sort of red/pinkish, with signwriting on it for the maintenance services company what owns it. And now a black mark on its right rear "bumper" where it got Liberaced by an ST.

[MSTRS]

..... I'm not blameless in this either.
Yes you are...it's always the cager's fault, dontchano!!
Sorry it has happened so soon after the last 'episode'. Hope you are not parted from your baby too long.

[RT527]

The Rav4`s do have a lockout on going into reverse but i bet anything that the tosser has broken it as its only a week arsed thing that breaks easy as.....Man hitcher yous lucky you didnt spend more time on the "Reversing Lights....WTF!!!", could`ve been a lot worse.
Get better soon and dont stop using the knee youll only seize it up more, use the hot cold compress thing.
And keep it moving.
Did i say get better soon....oh i did, ah well hope the bike doctors can fix the ST.

[MD]

I'm not blameless in this either.
That's a line you will regret typing for many moons!
You're wrong anyway Hitcher. IT'S ALWAYS THE FAULT OF THIS LABOUR GOVT. No matter what happens I blame them for everything.

[Edbear]

IT'S ALWAYS THE FAULT OF THIS LABOUR GOVT. No matter what happens I blame them for everything.




Somebody had to bring them into it...!LOL!!!!!:yes:

[sunhuntin]

damn hitch....that sucks big time!
why the hell do old people drive these huge things they cant control? this is a perfect example. :shutup:

as for whether youda got her stopped on a sprotsbike, im gonna say no, cos you likely would have been travelling a bit faster and would have maybe gone through the back window.

look after that knee and get it looked at...

[bane]

If the penny had dropped a second or so earlier what was going on with the reversing lights I would probably have got the ST stopped as well, or gone around him. I'm not blameless in this either.

shit Hitcher, even the most "aware" biker aint (sorry, I mean "would not") expect reversing lights in the passing lane. You've done well to walk away.:yes:

Perhaps a replacement tourer with ABS...?

Hope tomorrow doesnt bring too many new aches and pains

[Big Dave]

The stupidity of car drivers never ceases to amaze.
Get well soon.
dc

[Ixion]

Oh bugger. My commiserations. I've seen the muppets try toreverse back on the motorway after missing an exit ramp, but never i n a passing lane.

Hope thy knee heals well. And , on the bright side, does this mean that we get another sweepstake on how loong it takes thme to fix the Steed.

And do you get to get another new helmet?

[NhuanH]

Sorry to hear of the results of this auto-cycle morphing exercise gone wrong Hitch. Especially in light of the very recent prior event.

This must be a first though, an accident that had a non f'in AZN driver (well, as I read it)??? Egads! :gob:

Wishing you back on the roads quickly Hitcher. Not sure KB can handle a bored and bikeless Hitcher period again.
Do you think you can find further fault on said vehicle that would warrant investigation from the Ministry?

[Hitcher]

And do you get to get another new helmet?
The helmet is just fine. Teknic trousers? Different story.

[paturoa]

The cop says this guy will more than likely face a careless driving charge. And he has admitted fault (I have a handful of witness who back up my version of events anyway), so the insurance claim will be on him. I actually feel a bit sorry for him.

How does that effect your excess, does the RAV4 pay that?

[Skyryder]

My sentiments Hitch. Rear enders are not good on any end. Just hope all pans out good with the knee and insurance wise etc.

Skyryder

[Bonez]

Maybe it's time to trade it in on a GB Mr H.
Sorry to hear about the incident. Thanks for the good reps btw.

[Hitcher]

How does that effect your excess, does the RAV4 pay that?
I don't know. I hope so. I will post more on the bureacracy of this as it pans out.

[TonyB]

Unbelievable! Lets face it, the last thing you'd ever expect in a passing lane is a vehicle stopping, let alone looking to back up! At least his insurance co is paying, you're OK(ish), you have witnesses to back you up, and the cops are backing you up. It could have been a whole lot worse. Hope you're back out and riding soon... perhaps on something lighter... or ABS equipped?

[Hitcher]

Hope you're back out and riding soon... perhaps on something lighter... or ABS equipped?
The adrenalin has well and truly worn off now. Talk about aches. I am also sensing bad kharma from the ST as it sulks in a panelbeater's shed near Totara Park. I think it's really pissed off with me. "Strike two, Hitcher!"

[Edbear]

Seem to recall about 30 or so years ago a noddy managed to flick a Jaguar into reverse at some speed. Heard it spread the tranny all over the road! Maybe modern auto's are stronger? Once a bike's been down twice, is it better to sell it and get a fresh one?

[Warr]

Sorry to hear of your missfortune. So are you making it up to hams to the field-daz? If you do somehow manage to limp up here let us know and we could manage an outing somewhere.

[TonyB]

The adrenalin has well and truly worn off now. Talk about aches. I am also sensing bad kharma from the ST as it sulks in a panelbeater's shed near Totara Park. I think it's really pissed off with me. "Strike two, Hitcher!"
Funny how the body works eh. Fell off my MTB a few weeks back (getting caught out in the dark and trying to do a downhill will do that to ya)- banged up my knee fairly bad. It was hurting pretty bad, but once I started biking the whole knee went completely numb until maybe 20mins after I stopped again, then the pain returned. It seems the body decides- OK, we obviously need to keep running from the sabre toothed tiger so we'll make this bit numb for a bit.

As for 'Christine' the evil red ST, head down to the panel beaters shed tomorrow and see if she's all magicly fixed up... if she is, you've got a biiiiig problem

[nudemetalz]

Glad to hear you're okay. Bikes can be replaced, people can't....

[sAsLEX]

Glad to hear you are alright !

[Squeak the Rat]

Didn't expect this thread today. Bugger.

You walked away so it sounds like you reacted pretty well to me.

[sAsLEX]

If the penny had dropped a second or so earlier what was going on with the reversing lights I would probably have got the ST stopped as well, or gone around him. I'm not blameless in this either.

Kinda arse to ask this, but anyways ......


You reckon you could of got around without braking after you noticed he had stopped?

[Hitcher]

You reckon you could have got around without braking after you noticed he had stopped?
If I had reacted immediately I had seen the reversing lights come on, things may have been much different. I may have been able to stop in time or go around. I know I would have responded differently if I had seen brake lights -- the usual sign that a vehicle in front is slowing or stopping.

[Paul in NZ]

Bloody hell.....

I have to say, I've become very wary about following cars (or anything else) in passing lanes but no brake lights... damn! Bad luck Mr H, I think Motu could be right, you musta run over a bus load of chinamen in a previous life dude... bad, bad karma...

Let us know if you need anything....

Paul N

[scumdog]

Bad luck man - same thing would have caught out a lot of us.

But WHY why why change down an automatic MANUALLY?

It's an A-U-T-O-M-A-T-I-C-, it does that for you - the old dude should be told that before he takes out a Kenworth

[Krayy]

Hows about a nasty letter to Toy-mota NZ for importing a car that can be put in reverse at 100km/h. How f**ked up is that?!?! I'm sure our Dunny-door can'tr be put in reverse at more that about 10km/h (and I'm not willing to try to prove that theory wrong either).

[pritch]

Sorry to read about the bike, but pleased your OK.

Had my first trip to your neck o' the woods in many years on Saturday while on a tour of Wellington suburbs. Wasn't very impressed with the main road from Paekakariki in, condolences to the people who use it regularly.

Time constraints prevented re-aquainting myself with the Akatarewa Road or any other "interesting" bits of topography.

Saw a lot of bikes heading north on saturday, some even waved back.

I was being fairly cautious (slow) in town as my head was mainly full of calculations as to how to get where I wanted to be. A couple of locals were popping wheelies along Aotea Quay on an SP1 and a Bimota, looked like fun.

[750Y]

bugger mate! glad to hear you're ok.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Holy shit, that is bad luck. I have this opinion that RAV4s are inherently dangerous (more because of the people who buy them ... young breeders often, or oldies....) which you have confirmed.

Hope the knee isnt too bad today. Ice pack it.

I am curious as to what kit you were wearing? leathers? or cordura? if so what brand? ( I am getting some leathers, but I need to get decent kit for my partner as well).

oh yeah, its a bit soon, but a fully streetfightered ST1300 has potential....?

ignore me, its snowing here, and yesterday we were in Akaroa on the motorbike and it was nearly 20 degrees!

[pzkpfw]

Obviously very glad you are not too badly off (apart from the bike that is).

Just wondering; I thought some insurance companies have a clause that if you admit fault they won't pay. It's because they don't want you to prejudice the chance of winning the case if it goes to court.

So, on the basis that the insurance company has money but the driver might not; I've always thought it's best not to have the other driver admit fault.

Dunno.

Cheers,

P.S. When my car T-Boned a bone head on the Paremata roundabout (his drivers door; he did not give way) my insurance company got him to pay personally (he had no insurance) by threatening court action, and did not ding my excess or no-claims. Insurance rocks.

[pritch]

So, on the basis that the insurance company has money but the driver might not; I've always thought it's best not to have the other driver admit fault.

Your Insurance Co don't want you to admit fault. Having the other guy admit fault is like Christmas to them. If he gets a ticket and gets fined as well that like Happy New Year too.

Your Insurance should pay you, they then try to recover it from the other guy.

[Hitcher]

I am curious as to what kit you were wearing?
I was wearing my Teknic GoreTex jacket and my Teknic trousers. Both have a cordura outer and armour in all of the right places. The knees on the trousers are a bit chewed, so I'll be up for a new set of those. Gloves were Spidi H2Out (haven't checked these for damage). Helmet by Shoei undamaged. Ditto boots by Oxtar. Bruises by tarmac and knee by contusion are a different story. But worst of all is bike by Honda.

And if you want to "streetfighter" an ST1300, now may be your big chance...

[Wasp]

Damn that sucks man.... I too thought this was an old thread at first...

Gonna miss having you around but if thats the price to pay for you still being with us then I guess thats worth it.

Good to hear your ok, damn shame about the bike though...

[Drum]

I hope you heal up quick Mr. H.

Chances of that bike going down again must be low.

[madboy]

Hitcher, mate, sorry to hear but glad to hear at the same time. You know what I mean. I'd be struggling to see reverse lights on many cars in those conditions, let alone ever EXPECT to see them on a passing lane. This is taking expect the unexpected a bit far I think!

Has the pool on return started yet? If so, can I have October 12 please?

Or how about this time the pool looks for a worthy replacement that's not vindictive?

[James Deuce]

I hope you heal up quick Mr. H.


Chances of that bike going down again must be low.

One thing I've noticed over the years is that if you are a sometime crasher, the frequency between accidents diminishes until your 4th one. Then you never have another one.

[phoenixgtr]

Oh bugger!!

Thats not good.

Hopefully it won't take too long to get back on the road.

Good to hear you're ok tho

[Wolf]

Sorry to hear of your off and your injuries, Hitch. Do take your point about reacting differently to brake lights - the white glow of reversing lights would be more puzzling than threatening. If he'd just hit the brakes you would have had a far more threatening cue to respond to.

I didn't think you could put an auto into reverse whilst going forwards. I know you can't with a manual - you just get interesting graunching noises.

Another reason why autos are inferior and should be destroyed.

Hope you're feeling better today.

My advice? Ditch the ST in favour of a road-trail and take "alternative routes" that aren't likely to have retards driving Remuera Tractors. Safest place from those bloody things is to ride your bike off-road because we all know they'd never take the bloody things off-road. You could ride the fire-breaks all over the hills around the Wellington region and not once see a RAV or any other toy 4x4...

[riffer]

Sorry to hear mate.

Gini and I saw you heading just by Haywards turnoff as we were going south in the Odyssey and I'd commented how much I wanted to be out on the bike.

Hopefully the STeed is too damaged and you can get a new bike.

As for the knee, hopefully that comes right in a few days... at least you haven't broken anything this time.

All the best for the next few weeks STeedless.

[pzkpfw]

Your Insurance Co don't want you to admit fault. Having the other guy admit fault is like Christmas to them. If he gets a ticket and gets fined as well that like Happy New Year too.

Yes, but if the other guy admits fault, then his insurance won't want to pay. So your insurance company has to chase him direct. That just adds hassle - to you too. It's better to have his insurance pay you in one go, than have some deadbeat pay you $2 a week for the rest of your life.


Your Insurance should pay you, they then try to recover it from the other guy.

Yes, that's how my insurance handled the incident I mentioned.

...but the legal action he was threatened with had to involve me too. For example, I may have had to make a statement and appear as a witness in court.

Much easier if the other guy has insurance AND does not admit fault so his insurance will pay up (assuming it is obvious to them who is at fault).

Cheers,

[Biff]

Mr H, I had to check the date of this thread initially as I thought it must've been about your last incident.

Ditto.
Holy shit Mr H.

When you ride - are you followed by a grey cloud?

[Edbear]

until your 4th one. Then you never have another one.




Hmmmmm! There could be more than one reason for that...!:weep:

[Paul in NZ]

Hmmmmm! There could be more than one reason for that...!:weep:

Glad I wasn't the only one that thought of that...

[DemonWolf]

Hope you heal up soon Hitcher.

Sorry to hear of your accident, but glad that it wasn't a "serious" incident.. which it could have easily been.

[scracha]

I was wearing my Teknic GoreTex jacket and my Teknic trousers. Both have a cordura outer and armour in all of the right places. The knees on the trousers are a bit chewed, so I'll be up for a new set of those. Gloves were Spidi H2Out (haven't checked these for damage). Helmet by Shoei undamaged. Ditto boots by Oxtar. Bruises by tarmac and knee by contusion are a different story. But worst of all is bike by Honda.


Jinxed no? Glad you scrubbed off most of the speed before impact. Dont take any chances with the helmet [1]. Get it x-ray'd or put it in the bin - it's an insurance job after all.

[1] I never understand folk who buy used lids

[oldrider]

I thought I was having another stroke and getting the forum dates all stuffed up.
Had to read reread and reread before I finally tweaked that you have actually had another unfortunate episode.
Shit that's bad news Hitcher, hey stay with ST1300 though, they are the best bike on the road, it would have been worse on any other bike!!!
You will never be satisfied down grading to anything else, don't waste money and quality riding time buying a substitute.
Maybe you did knock your head a little, don't be hasty the confusion will pass. :yes: Cheers John.

[Da Bird]

Glad to hear you didn't go under the RAV as well. The circumstances of the crash are quite bizarre to say the least and I'm sure it probably would have caught out most, if not all of us, with the likely end result that you experienced.
Having said that though, given that you went up the RAV's arse, I'm putting my money on you having to pay your excess and losing any "no claims bonus" you had. As you said, you weren't totally blameless but what a crap way to crash!

BC.

[Hitcher]

The circumstances of the crash are quite bizarre to say the least
At the time the whole thing was just a little surreal, probably due to heightened levels of adrenalin coursing through my cardio-vascular system. The bizarreness of the whole thing only registered later. What are the odds of somebody driving a RAV4 in a passing lane successfully engaging reverse gear and stopping immediately in front of a Honda ST1300 that's going about its lawful business? People have converted to Christianity after flimsier sequences of events.

[Paul in NZ]

At the time the whole thing was just a little surreal, probably due to heightened levels of adrenalin coursing through my cardio-vascular system. The bizarreness of the whole thing only registered later. What are the odds of somebody driving a RAV4 in a passing lane successfully engaging reverse gear and stopping immediately in front of a Honda ST1300 that's going about its lawful business? People have converted to Christianity after flimsier sequences of events.

Actually, whole religions have been formed after less bizarre incidents...

Still cannot quite believe this.. Someone must be testing your resolve methinks...

[RiderInBlack]

Bad luck man - same thing would have caught out a lot of us.

But WHY why why change down an automatic MANUALLY?

It's an A-U-T-O-M-A-T-I-C-, it does that for you - the old dude should be told that before he takes out a KenworthAgree with SD on the bad luck thing. You did well to come off lightly as you did. A lot of us would have faired worse (especial the sprot squids).

As for changing down an auto. My van had broken the "kick-down" cable, so had to change that down until I got it fixed. But sounds like the driver was not used to a auto anyway and just fu*ked up.

Hope they total ya ST so ya can get another one with better Karmer:blip: At the end of the day you and the bike did ya best. Nothing wrong with ST's but if the forks , etc. got fu*ked I rather get another bike than have that one fixed.

[imdying]

It's an A-U-T-O-M-A-T-I-C-, it does that for you - the old dude should be told that before he gets taken out by a KenworthThat's better :D

Even he didn't push the detent button he'd of been ok... you can go up and down between 2-N without it. Something gutless like that, holding it in 2 wouldn't be that bad an idea for passing, but you don't need the button for it..

[Beemer]

Hope thy knee heals well. And , on the bright side, does this mean that we get another sweepstake on how loong it takes thme to fix the Steed.

Ooh, I hope so - I won the last one! Glad to hear you're in the land of the living, even if the bike appears to be on its way out...

[sAsLEX]

Scumdog ever driven a car with a shit for brains auto, say a Commodore, they suck you put your foot down to kick down a gear, just one, and sometimes it will others it drops two! So a slight tug on the lever brings it down one gear with knowledge you are going into the selected gear not a random selection from the autos "brain"

[Edbear]

A lot of us would have faired worse





LOL!!!!!!! I think you meant "fared worse", but somehow it still fits!:first:

[Wolf]

Scumdog ever driven a car with a shit for brains auto, say a Commodore, they suck you put your foot down to kick down a gear, just one, and sometimes it will others it drops two! So a slight tug on the lever brings it down one gear with knowledge you are going into the selected gear not a random selection from the autos "brain"
Know what you mean. I hate autos on the open road, you tread on the go-pedal and you don't know if it's going to feed you power or drop a "gear" and which ever it does occurs two second after you planted boot so it's too fucking late anyway.

Much rather have a manual - if I want to go down a cog, I'll change the gear myself, if I just want a bit of smooth power, I'll just use the throttle.

Autos are lame! No real vehicle has an automatic transmission.

[Lou Girardin]

Then there's modern autos that sense you're on and off the gas, say through twisty's, and will hold the gear they're in, until the road straightens and then change. Clever!

[terbang]

Oh this is the reason you are soliciting views on another bike.. Ouch I feel for ya and lets hope ya get back up on a new one soon.

[imdying]

Then there's modern autos that sense you're on and off the gas, say through twisty's, and will hold the gear they're in, until the road straightens and then change. Clever!Yep, modern like Mitsubishis 94- :)

[Wolf]

Then there's modern autos that sense you're on and off the gas, say through twisty's, and will hold the gear they're in, until the road straightens and then change. Clever!
One or two gears?


In which direction?

[onearmedbandit]

Know what you mean. I hate autos on the open road, you tread on the go-pedal and you don't know if it's going to feed you power or drop a "gear" and which ever it does occurs two second after you planted boot so it's too fucking late anyway.

Much rather have a manual - if I want to go down a cog, I'll change the gear myself, if I just want a bit of smooth power, I'll just use the throttle.

Autos are lame! No real vehicle has an automatic transmission.


Try driving something automatic that was made mid 90's onwards. I'm sure you'll be suprised. And from memory the latest supercar powered luxury cruisers from German perform faultlessly in auto. There has even been investigation into putting autos in rally cars. One less pedal, the car 'knows' what gear you should ideally be in, etc etc etc.

[Lou Girardin]

One or two gears?


In which direction?

Forwards?:shifty:

[James Deuce]

Try driving something automatic that was made mid 90's onwards. I'm sure you'll be suprised. And from memory the latest supercar powered luxury cruisers from German perform faultlessly in auto. There has even been investigation into putting autos in rally cars. One less pedal, the car 'knows' what gear you should ideally be in, etc etc etc.

There was a dude running a Chevette with a Holden 308 and 3 speed auto in the Ashley Forest Rally Sprints in the early '80s and he was always near the top of the leaderboard, usually only beaten by Trevor Crowe and Rod Millen.

[Wolf]

Forwards?:shifty:
LOL! I meant up or down. Or was the direction random?

[Phurrball]

Still cannot quite believe this.. Someone must be testing your resolve methinks...

What Paul said Hitcher (and my commiserations on this unfortunate inclident).

The only time I have EVER seen reverse lights on a forward moving vehicle it confused the bejeesus out of me. I decided it was likely an electrical fault.

Very challenging to the brain...like seeing the word 'red' written in the colour 'blue' and being asked to quickly name the colour as written - what you are seeing just doesn't match up with the other info your brain has been taking in.


(snip) I hate autos on the open road(snip)
Autos are lame! No real vehicle has an automatic transmission.

True, but the open road is real driving/riding. I still dislike slushers on the open road, but I'm a convert in Aucland trafficshould I be unfortuante enough to be stuck in the cage...which thankfully isn't often.

My slusher-driven Corona is so much easier than the old Laser in the gridlock - when the gridlock is uphill! In Laser: Hill-start (before people behind get aggro); slip clutch to creep forward; stop; repeat process ad infinitum with ever increasing frustration that you are not on the bike.

[Milky]

Try driving something automatic that was made mid 90's onwards. I'm sure you'll be suprised. And from memory the latest supercar powered luxury cruisers from German perform faultlessly in auto. There has even been investigation into putting autos in rally cars. One less pedal, the car 'knows' what gear you should ideally be in, etc etc etc.

Seconded here, apart from the bit about anything mid 90's on - if the control logic and actuation are developed properly, then autos can be much better than manuals, especially when the driver can devote more focus to the driving. Unfortunately for most of us, the processing power and system response times this requires mean expensive automatics. The best present compromise is probably button gear selection and then electric or pneumatic gear engagement, with automatic clutch.

As a matter of interest, does anyone know why cars don't use the shift barrel system as in motorcycle gearboxes?

[Wolf]

As a matter of interest, does anyone know why cars don't use the shift barrel system as in motorcycle gearboxes?
The average cager lacks the intellect to know how to use it.

Next question.

[oldrider]

Next question.
What colour do you think Hitcher's "new" ST1300 Honda should be? :blip:

[Macktheknife]

Damn Hitcher, glad you are ok. WTF? reversing while passing?????
So what are you getting next huh?

[Wolf]

What colour do you think Hitcher's "new" ST1300 Honda should be? :blip:
Henry Ford principle: Any color [sic] you like, so long as it's black...

[XP@]

The helmet is just fine. Teknic trousers? Different story.
NO the helmet is not fine... neither are your gloves, jacket, boots keyring... everything touched the ground therefore has been "used" claim for everything from him + your time, general inconvenience, transport to and from hospital, trips to bike shop... They may try to knock you down, never accept the first offer. If they offer you what you want first time then you didn't ask for enough.

Basically go for everything, you have time on your hands and the ability to write an eloquent letter to his insurers explaining the hardships incurred through their clients stupidity.

[SDU]

Unreal who would've thought reversing while overtaking.WTF!

Glad you got away with ya life Hitcher. So what's the update on the injuries -the knee not too major I hope - & the bike damage. Is his insurance going to cover a new helmet & gear for you?
Hope you heal well.

[XP@]

Doh, you hit him, it is your fault! or at best 50/50.

You should ride with a distance so you can stop. You didn't therefore it is your fault.

If the car in front had had a head on, blow out, or a million other things that can happen when passing would you have been able to stop?

Reverse the situation, you stuff up, missing a gear slowing down a lot, the car behind you sees no indication of this (you don't have a reverse light) he misses the tyre smoke as your rear wheel locks. Next thing he knows he has hit you, and you fall off.

If i were the car drivers insurer I would definatly be after you for damages!

[imdying]

If i were the car drivers insurer I would definatly be after you for damages!I too would be concerned that this is a real possibility :no:

[Sniper]

Doh, you hit him, it is your fault! or at best 50/50.

You should ride with a distance so you can stop. You didn't therefore it is your fault.

If the car in front had had a head on, blow out, or a million other things that can happen when passing would you have been able to stop?

Reverse the situation, you stuff up, missing a gear slowing down a lot, the car behind you sees no indication of this (you don't have a reverse light) he misses the tyre smoke as your rear wheel locks. Next thing he knows he has hit you, and you fall off.

If i were the car drivers insurer I would definatly be after you for damages!

If you were follwoing at the correct distance, the reversing vehicle would close down the stopping distance.

[Paul in NZ]

If you were follwoing at the correct distance,

Is that some kind of south african dance or ritual?

But.. in general, regardless of what happens, the 'correct' distance is one that allows you to stop in time regardless of what the moron in front does. However, if the moron is charged with an offence because of this I would say Mr H has a much improved chance of escaping the grasping claws of the other parties insurance hawks.

[Sniper]

Is that some kind of south african dance or ritual?

Oops, spelling. Thanks for pointing that out

[imdying]

He lunched the box by putting it into reverse, as I understand it, it didn't go backwards, just stopped quickly.

[SPman]

Shit Brett, thought it was about the previous off - what a bugger!

Ive done the same thing with a Holden ute many years ago - forgot it was an auto and hooned out of Repcos driveway - .....and changed gears - grabbed a fistful of reverse! (Trimatic column shift).
Didnt half stop in a hurry - rear wheels locked up and all.........:innocent:

[XP@]

If you were follwoing at the correct distance, the reversing vehicle would close down the stopping distance.
If the car was hit head on, then it to could suddenly start coming torards you. This is why you should have a 2 second (in ideal conditions) gap. I would be willing to bet Mr H did not have a 2 second gap.

I've seen shit happen, and even 2 seconds is not a lot of time to sort yourself out if the vehicle in front of you decides to come to an un-expected/abrupt halt.

[Paul in NZ]

Oops, spelling. Thanks for pointing that out

I thought it was funny.... or a place in australia....

[Sniper]

I thought it was funny.... or a place in australia....

Lol, fair enough, looks like it

[Re-cycled]

Sorry to hear of your latest misadventure. I don't personally believe you should be putting any blame on yourself though. I reckon most riders would have been caught out by that particular bit of 4 wheeled stupidity, there are some things you just don't expect to happen. You'd asume a fault in the reversing light switch, surely ?? I guess we can all learn from your misfortune.

Don't be discouraged, here's an offering from my new book of quotations - "All experience is an arch to build upon" :rockon:

[Re-cycled]

You should ride with a distance so you can stop. You didn't therefore it is your fault.

Hey man, join us in the real world ! I've always wondered how you do that stop in half the clear distance thing, eg when taking a corner at 80/ 90/ 100 k's. I reckon you have to take some things on faith or you will have us all creeping around with flag men running in front.

[XP@]

You should ride with a distance so you can stop. You didn't therefore it is your fault.

Hey man, join us in the real world ! I've always wondered how you do that stop in half the clear distance thing, eg when taking a corner at 80/ 90/ 100 k's. I reckon you have to take some things on faith or you will have us all creeping around with flag men running in front.

Depends if you are paying for the damage or not... the law is the law and an insurer could and will not give a damn - if you are at fault then you are at fault.

Personally I was following a second behind a friend. He screwed up a corner, clipped a car and STOPPED. I slowed down a lot, but had nowhere to go and not enough time to go there in. I did have the presence of mind to lay off my brakes before I ran over his legs and he did say the f650 was a light bike, only limped for a couple of weeks and his initial impact had done most of the damage.

If you are going to ride up the arse of the car / bike in front then it is your risk. After that accident I try and find a bit more space, but when the bit is between the teeth I will accept the risk.

[magicfairy]

My understanding of the Law. (AA magazine a couple of years ago spelled it out)
If you hit the vehicle in front you are at fault EXCEPT in 2 circumstances.
1 It reverses into you
2 A vehicle pulls into your lane in front of you, too close, and before you have time to adjust your following distance it stops.

[James Deuce]

Depends if you are paying for the damage or not... the law is the law and an insurer could and will not give a damn - if you are at fault then you are at fault.


Dead right. I had a discussion with an Aunty because she was het up that her Brother (an Uncle) had been charged for hitting a car that did a sudden U-Turn in front of him. She couldn't see that even though it may have been the U-turnee's fault from a practical sense, from a legal sense the Uncle was entirely responsible for the collision.

Bit of a bugger really.

However in this instance, throwing a vehicle into reverse on the open road is just plain stupid. XP@, you grumpy bugger (:)) imagine what your brain would do when confronted by an immobile 4WD in the passing lane, with the reversing lights on. Why is that RAV4 getting bigger (0.5sec), SHIT! It's stopped, I can see reversing lights but my brain doesn't expect to see them right here because it has never happened before (0.5sec-1 sec), SHIT! reversing lights, and there's 50-75% of your legal reaction time gone.

[scumdog]

If you are going to ride up the arse of the car / bike in front then it is your risk. After that accident I try and find a bit more space, but when the bit is between the teeth I will accept the risk.

Good call - a piece of advice a LOT of drivers/riders could well take notice of, following too cloce is a very common thing - often it is a female who is daydreaming (or something) and unaware if it (cars mostly) or males who are riding/driving 'aggresively' i.m.h.o.




(Hides behind C.B. awaiting a barrage of counter argument and 'sexist'! comments)

[imdying]

imagine what your brain would do when confronted by an immobile 4WD in the passing lane, with the reversing lights on. Why is that RAV4 getting bigger (0.5sec), SHIT! It's stopped, I can see reversing lights but my brain doesn't expect to see them right here because it has never happened before (0.5sec-1 sec), SHIT! reversing lights, and there's 50-75% of your legal reaction time gone.Putting an automatic gearbox in reverse will not slow the rav4 down any faster than if they'd piled on the brakes... it still has momentum which needs to be bled off, so that argument isn't valid.

[FROSTY]

sorry ID you aint been in acar when thats done--a rav is 4wd--literally all 4 wheels are trying to go backwards and the whole thing just locks up

[James Deuce]

Putting an automatic gearbox in reverse will not slow the rav4 down any faster than if they'd piled on the brakes... it still has momentum which needs to be bled off, so that argument isn't valid.

It is - the reversing lights - think about it for a second. I'm not talking about the vehicles. I'm talking about how the brain works, and how the body reacts. We practice things so that we don't have to learn how to do stuff over and over. A BIG chunk of what we do is on autopilot. When something happens that is well outside normal experience, possibly even never even considered, your reaction times are extended hugely because you have to process, consider, and then create a solution. Adrenalin will get you so far, but then instinctive reactions are generally exactly the opposite of what you need to do when dealing with things we've created, rather than evolved to deal with.

[imdying]

sorry ID you aint been in acar when thats done--a rav is 4wd--literally all 4 wheels are trying to go backwards and the whole thing just locks upYes, and the wheels lock, and it slides... just as if you'd stomped the brakes too hard. In fact, if it were ABS, it would actually stop faster on the brakes than if you'd put it in reverse.

[chickenfunkstar]

Putting an automatic gearbox in reverse will not slow the rav4 down any faster than if they'd piled on the brakes... it still has momentum which needs to be bled off, so that argument isn't valid.

Yeah, but if the brake lights came on, you'd instantly know what was happening. When the reversing lights come on I bet it'd take most people a wee while to figure out what was happening.

[imdying]

Oh yeah, don't doubt it, and for the record I don't believe that you'd stop in time even with the 2 second rule. You wouldn't however be confronted with an imobile 4wd with it's reverse lights on, rather a 4wd with its reverse lights on and a shiteload of smoke. Probably the smoke that'd save your life :(

[Wolf]

Dead right. I had a discussion with an Aunty because she was het up that her Brother (an Uncle) had been charged for hitting a car that did a sudden U-Turn in front of him. She couldn't see that even though it may have been the U-turnee's fault from a practical sense, from a legal sense the Uncle was entirely responsible for the collision.
WTF? In what way was it automatically the uncle's fault? A vehicle can U-turn without warning well within the stopping distance of a vehicle. Or are we expected to reduce speed to a crawl and break out the blokes with the red flags whenever we're passing a line of parked cars?

When the plonker U-turned in front of me in Te Awamutu he broke out of a group of cars that were lining one of the streets - no indicator, no warning, just planted boot and swung the wheel.

I stopped in time but only just and I was most impressed with the Savage's braking power at stopping so quickly. If I were in a massier vehicle such as a car I would have smashed into the silly prick owing to the physics of stopping nearly a ton of vehicle.

And I'd be in the wrong?

Fuck that. Screw being done because some wanker doesn't give you sufficient room to bring 1000kg to a halt - I only barely missed him bringing around 215kg of bike and rider to a stop.

[James Deuce]

WTF? In what way was it automatically the uncle's fault? A vehicle can U-turn without warning well within the stopping distance of a vehicle.

It was on the open road, and there was less than a second of separation - the Uncle was tailgating. Unfortunately the cop was watching. BOTH drivers got a careless driving charge, and to compound the problem it was wet, so there is no way Uncle should have been that close, however the Aunty still believes that the U-Turning driver was at fault entirely.

The Uturn wasn't done from the other side of the road, it was done by a vehicle he was following.

[NUTBAR]

if you hit the back of the rav at high speed & all you got was a sore knee & a few bruses. the st must b a fairly solid bike, i think i would end up worse off on my bike, M50 vz00k5 as the brakes are not too good for a heavy cruzzer.

[classic zed]

Jinxed no? Glad you scrubbed off most of the speed before impact. Dont take any chances with the helmet [1]. Get it x-ray'd or put it in the bin - it's an insurance job after all.

[1] I never understand folk who buy used lids


Damned Insurancs company refused to replace my helmet after going head first through the side window of a car suddenly making a "U" turn in front of me.

I had to claim the helmet on my house insurance, stupid really because they were both ASB so the same company paid anyway:weird:

[Wolf]

It was on the open road, and there was less than a second of separation - the Uncle was tailgating. Unfortunately the cop was watching. BOTH drivers got a careless driving charge, and to compound the problem it was wet, so there is no way Uncle should have been that close, however the Aunty still believes that the U-Turning driver was at fault entirely.

The Uturn wasn't done from the other side of the road, it was done by a vehicle he was following.
Ah, you were talking of that specific incident and I misconstrued. I thought you meant that legally anyone who hits a U-turning vehicle is at fault.

Thank the gods for that - I may not be so fortunate the next time.

[Rhino]

Yes, and the wheels lock, and it slides... just as if you'd stomped the brakes too hard. In fact, if it were ABS, it would actually stop faster on the brakes than if you'd put it in reverse.
Most modern autos will not lock the wheels and slither to a halt if you engaged reverse while travelling in a forwards direction. The gearbox may go into reverse, but the design of the torque converter will not allow full transmission of torque to the crankshaft and the resulting locked wheels etc. In fact while the reversing lights will operate (due to the switch being operated by the physical position of the shift lever) the controlling electronics will allow the autos internal clutches to slip until the vehicle has stopped.

Even so, they will stop BLOODY QUICKLY when idiots make this sort of f**k up.:angry: Maybe the LTSA should chop off the left hand of such tards, so they can only do this once. :yes:

[Wolf]

Most modern autos will not lock the wheels and slither to a halt if you engaged reverse while travelling in a forwards direction. The gearbox may go into reverse, but the design of the torque converter will not allow full transmission of torque to the crankshaft and the resulting locked wheels etc. In fact while the reversing lights will operate (due to the switch being operated by the physical position of the shift lever) the controlling electronics will allow the autos internal clutches to slip until the vehicle has stopped.
Sounds like a complex system

Wouldn't it have been simpler to just make it so it can't fucking go into reverse in the first place?

Oh, that's right, the designers of auto transmissions are retards.

Anyone want to start a campaign to ensure that unless you are physically disabled in such a way as to be unable to operate a manual transmission, it is illegal to drive an automatic. Ban all autos except for those used as "mobility vehicles" for those unfortunates that require them, manuals for everyone else.

That or an IQ test before you're allowed to drive an auto as obviously the logistics of not sticking it into reverse are too much for some minds.

[imdying]

They did, it's called the detent, and numb nuts pushed the button in which circumvented it. If you outlawed autos, effectively reducing their economy of scale, then the disabled wouldn't be able to afford them. Autos are better round town, and these days they're also more economical... it's not the auto at fault here.

[Wolf]

They did, it's called the detent, and numb nuts pushed the button in which circumvented it. If you outlawed autos, effectively reducing their economy of scale, then the disabled wouldn't be able to afford them. Autos are better round town, and these days they're also more economical... it's not the auto at fault here.
So we're stuck with the IQ test. We could extend it to cover whether or not they get a licence at all...

[Ixion]

Why not a simple rule that you can only sit your licence in a manual vehicle. Once competance is proven, you can go buy an auto?

And no ABS brakes, traction control etc either. All good things, but I reckon people ought to have to prove that they can manage without them , if necessary, before being allowed to have them.

Oh, and extend that to power anything, and electric starters too please.

Make the test tougher, few morons pass it , fewer morons on the road.

Prolly more unlicensed drivers, but Mr Plod can take care of those - since the licensed ones WILL be competant, the unlicensed ones will stick out and be readily identifiable.

Sorted.

[Lou Girardin]

There is a version of that now. Sit your test in an auto and that's what you're restricted to.
The Euro tests should suffice, it'll cost around $2000 in fees and training before you have a full licence. That'll cut the numbers

[HenryDorsetCase]

That or an IQ test before you're allowed to drive an auto as obviously the logistics of not sticking it into reverse are too much for some minds.

thats a test Id fail. when I was much younger, and driving a morris 1100 land crab down in wellington, I was being followed by a cop car. In those days, for various reasons, I was a lot more nervous about a car full of pleece behind me than I would be today. I got nervous and because I am intellectually challenged I banged the gearbox when changing from third to second instead of going from third to fourth. this caused a rapid deceleration and meant I was nearly hit by the patrol car. So they pull me over and give me the third degree, do my licence and the car etc etc. All I could say to them was seeing a load of cops behind makes me nervous. they seemed to think that was quite funny. :blush:

Im quite happy in my auto thanks. put the transmission in drive, and brain into neutral, crank up the stereo... no worries.

[Wolf]

All I could say to them was seeing a load of cops behind makes me nervous. they seemed to think that was quite funny. :blush:
That's a perfectly natural reaction. I had similar nerve issues driving with my father in the passenger seat - I gave up learning to drive with him after only a couple of lessons. Mum and my friends were less inclined to yell and nowhere near as nerve-wracking.

[Hitcher]

Ah well, once the claim form is filled out and the bureacracy of an insurance claim is activated, anything may happen. Sigh. I shall keep you all posted.

And my knee is slowly on the improve. Still hurts though.

[XP@]

Ah well, once the claim form is filled out and the bureacracy of an insurance claim is activated, anything may happen. Sigh. I shall keep you all posted.

And my knee is slowly on the improve. Still hurts though.
Suggestions for your claim:
You were aware there were no dangers (as opposed to unaware of any dangers) in front of the car, therefore it would have been unsafe for him to slow down.
The reverse light caused momentary confusion, so instead of stopping you almost stopped.
He admitted the use of reverse in a dangerous place and it was a mistake on his part.

Good luck :-)

[Wolf]

After reading this thread I'm thinking of using hynotherapy to program myself to perceive brake lights as a threat - because I suspect that if I'd've been in the same position I would have been confused enough to delay reaction.

First time I encountered high-stop brake lights shining right through the car that was between me and the stopping vehicle, I responded instantly before I even realised what they were and thought afterwards "what a bloody great idea". All I saw was a red light and though "braking vehicle" - t'was only after I had stopped that I realised it was on the vehickle in front of the car I was following. I actually started stopping before the brake lights came up on the car in front of me - this is how conditioned we are to red lights.

White lights, OTOH, have no such conditioning factor and the only cue you have is that the vehicle starts to get "bigger" as it slows. Valuable time can be lost trying to sort out what's happening in a non-standard situation such as this. I can see how that 2 seconds can be eroded away in the time between that bloke shifting into reverse and him finally putting on the brakes and giving a clear visual warning.

[Highlander]

Would have been bad enough if he went to "P" for "Pass" but "R" for "Racing" :gob:

Good thing your hurt was relatively minor. The rest is only money (gutting as it is) and what you pay insurance for.

[Hitcher]

Another chapter in this saga: The driver of the RAV4 pleaded guilty to the careless driving charge and was fined $450.

[paturoa]

Another chapter in this saga: The driver of the RAV4 pleaded guilty to the careless driving charge and was fined $450.

should call it dumbass driving rather than careless

[davereid]

Glad to hear you are OK, and that it look like the car driver will pick up the tab.

BRM magazine had a test a while back, and found cruisers stopped very well in emergency situations - surprisingly close to balls out sportsbikes in peformance.

Brake fade meant that subsequent stops were not as good as the first one, but I guess the first one is the most important one.

Heavier bikes have more mass to slow... but they have more friction on the road too. Plus on bikes with a long wheelbase, more breaking force does usefull work - you can't do stoppies on a DynaGlide, but they are easy on a Buell.

No doubt someone will say.. bullshit bullshit bullshit... and of course I cant find the FN magazine !

[pritch]

Our local Council is doing a great job of reprogramming some of its citizens to respond to reversing lights.

Right outside where I work is a car parking precinct designed by a congenital idiot. After yet another little kid got hit by a car, a Council employee announced on the radio that this car park works exactly like a supermarket car park.

Which statement tends to overlook the fact that this carpark is in the middle of the road and to leave you have to back out in to the traffic flow. If a van parks upstream of you you have to back out blind. Meanwhile traffic is coming through at 50kph. None of which is like any supermarket carpark I have visited...

I drive through there on tip toe (so to speak) and my eyes are wide and staring looking for reversing lights coming on. Cars only have to back up about a metre to hit you. Little kids only have to take three or four paces to be in the traffic flow which is how come they get hit.

The Council minions can say what they like, this park was designed and approved by imbeciles. But I sure am becoming attuned to reversing lights!

[sAsLEX]

Right outside where I work is a car parking precinct designed by a congenital idiot. After yet another little kid got hit by a car, a Council employee announced on the radio that this car park works exactly like a supermarket car park.

The Council minions can say what they like, this park was designed and approved by imbeciles. But I sure am becoming attuned to reversing lights!

You talking about behind the movies aint you!

What a shit fight that piece of road is now.

[Paul in NZ]

Another chapter in this saga: The driver of the RAV4 pleaded guilty to the careless driving charge and was fined $450.

And more importantly - will now be chased by your insurance company as the 'at fault' party?

[Pixie]

Our local Council is doing a great job of reprogramming some of its citizens to respond to reversing lights.

Right outside where I work is a car parking precinct designed by a congenital idiot. After yet another little kid got hit by a car, a Council employee announced on the radio that this car park works exactly like a supermarket car park.

Which statement tends to overlook the fact that this carpark is in the middle of the road and to leave you have to back out in to the traffic flow. If a van parks upstream of you you have to back out blind. Meanwhile traffic is coming through at 50kph. None of which is like any supermarket carpark I have visited...

I drive through there on tip toe (so to speak) and my eyes are wide and staring looking for reversing lights coming on. Cars only have to back up about a metre to hit you. Little kids only have to take three or four paces to be in the traffic flow which is how come they get hit.

The Council minions can say what they like, this park was designed and approved by imbeciles. But I sure am becoming attuned to reversing lights!
How many people are bright enough to think of putting on their left indicator when backing out of an angle parking space?
Far easier to see than a reversing light.
But I guess the average idiot only connects indicator use with turns while moving forwards

[pritch]

You talking about behind the movies aint you!


Your knowledge of geography is impressive :-)

[Forest]

As a matter of interest, does anyone know why cars don't use the shift barrel system as in motorcycle gearboxes?

Do you mean a sequential gear box? They call them "tiptronic" in the car world.

[Wolf]

And the answer to Milky's question is: "Because cagers are inferior in all respects". They need to have the H shift or a clearly marked auto transmission so they know what gear they're in...

A mod I'd love to see done to a car is to mount the indicators, light controls, horn and clutch control to the steering wheel itself so that they are in the right position when the hands are at the "ten to two" position. A "tiptronic" foot control mounted down in place of the foot clutch would also be great.

Consider: you flick the lever on the steering column to full beam. It's not bad if someone turns into your path while you're driving straight as the lever is close to the little finger of your right hand - but if you're cornering yourself and a car heaves into view, you have to remove your right hand from the steering wheel, locate the lever and dip the lights rather than just rock the switch back onto dip with your left thumb.

I reckon put the controls on the steering wheel and split them between left and right hands so that the bloody cagers have to keep their hands on the wheel to do anything - now let's see them yak or txt on their cell phones...

[sAsLEX]

Do you mean a sequential gear box? They call them "tiptronic" in the car world.

Tiptronic is nothing to do with gearboxes other than a shitty gimmic to shift a standard auto box between gears.

Sequential is the right term though.

[sunhuntin]

what i hate is cars that dont have working backing lights. my mother included. i nagged ages ago for her get them working, but she says cos they arent WOF required, they arent needed. at least the backing lights give you a hint that something is going to happen...imagine being behind a car that suddenly starts going in reverse with no lights or anything. wouldnt realise until your front end was stuck their bumper.

id actually like a small light on the back of the bike that would work with the tail light for when im backing out of parking or something [like at work...i back right into the path of cars at the pumps. cant see around the corner, so hold my hand brake gently, or twitch it to make the light flash.]

[Hitcher]

While out riding yesterday my thoughts were very much on how lucky I was to avoid serious injury (or worse) last year. I was more than a little relieved when 11:00am came and went without incident, not that I'm at all superstitious! It's often said that nobody can fully remember pain after the event. I can still vividly recall the pain of seeing the stoved-in nose of my ST1300. And my left knee hurt a bit as well...

Every day is a gift, especially every day that one can ride a motorcycle and share the companionship of the person one loves the most.

[Zapf]

While out riding yesterday my thoughts were very much on how lucky I was to avoid serious injury (or worse) last year. I was more than a little relieved when 11:00am came and went without incident, not that I'm at all superstitious! It's often said that nobody can fully remember pain after the event. I can still vividly recall the pain of seeing the stoved-in nose of my ST1300. And my left knee hurt a bit as well...

Every day is a gift, especially every day that one can ride a motorcycle and share the companionship of the person one loves the most.

glad you are around to post this and we being around to read it :)

[gijoe1313]

:gob: I've had to go back to the first post of this thread ... gah! It sounds like one of those situations where it's FUBARed! :no: Glad to hear that you came out okay from that one - yes, not a good start to a holiday :sweatdrop

Good to hear that it came out right for you in the end ... but as we all know, we'd rather not be involved in the first place! Chin-chin old chap (a wanely passing reference from an asian rider :msn-wink:)

[Storm]

So its a massivly loud horn and a ramming spike fitted to the FJR then is it?
Going down the road does make you realise real quick what you have.
Nice to see you able to look 11am in the eye :D

[Madness]

It's been a year already?!?!

Congratulations on a trouble free year of biking and the enlightenment that has so obviously ensued.

[scumdog]

While out riding yesterday my thoughts were very much on how lucky I was to avoid serious injury (or worse) last year. I was more than a little relieved when 11:00am came and went without incident, not that I'm at all superstitious! It's often said that nobody can fully remember pain after the event. I can still vividly recall the pain of seeing the stoved-in nose of my ST1300. And my left knee hurt a bit as well...

Every day is a gift, especially every day that one can ride a motorcycle and share the companionship of the person one loves the most.

So you and your doris have a close relationship --- or is it you and your ST1300???

[Toaster]

Holy crap Hitcher! you poor bugger. That's a real first being hit like that - and hopefully the last for you.

Good to see the chap admitted fault. I hope the cops don't "reverse" the charges. I hope he pays up for cost of repair etc.

I hope that knee heals quickly too.

[Ocean1]

Commiserations dude, my knee’s aching in sympathy (well all right it’s the arthuritius, but the thought was there). Good luck with the insurance lottery H, and take it easy on the body for a few days huh?

[Disco Dan]

While out riding yesterday my thoughts were very much on how lucky I was to avoid serious injury (or worse) last year. I was more than a little relieved when 11:00am came and went without incident, not that I'm at all superstitious! It's often said that nobody can fully remember pain after the event. I can still vividly recall the pain of seeing the stoved-in nose of my ST1300. And my left knee hurt a bit as well...

Every day is a gift, especially every day that one can ride a motorcycle and share the companionship of the person one loves the most.

flipping eck... you had me well confused!

...I thought you had hit another RAV4 ! :gob: :gob: ...nope... was just the same post... an over tired disco and the sudden realisation that i have been on here for over a year! :gob:

6 hours to go... ...a strong coffee... ride home.... ....then sleep... hmmmmmmmmm .... sleeeeeeeeeeeeeep.....

[shafty]

.....as you say, you were incredibly lucky and unlucky at the same time! Well done. Any pics of the wounded beast from the past?

:niceone:

[Tony W]

I didn't see a mention of your speed and following distance, prior to the reversing lights coming on, in the original post.

[Hitcher]

I didn't see a mention of your speed and following distance, prior to the reversing lights coming on, in the original post.

Speed? From memory I think that the RAV4 was doing 90-100kmh when the White Lights of Death appeared. Following distance? Obviously too close at the end. My skid marks were quite long, but I never stepped them out. I probably lost about at least half a second reaction time between the time I saw the reversing lights come on and when I figured out what had happened.

[Wolf]

I probably lost about at least half a second reaction time between the time I saw the reversing lights come on and when I figured out what had happened.
Can well understand that, and that'd cost you around 15 metres at that speed for a start.

Ever since I read your tale, I've been keeping an eye on reversing lights of cars, too.

[Qkchk]

Who's doing the skeletons up from the past?

[Wolf]

Who's doing the skeletons up from the past?
Shafty's the Necromancer in this case.

Where's the Vampire-Hunter-With-Stake smiley when you need it?

[DougieNZ]

Hitcher sent us the link as to why he didn't own an ST any more....

[portokiwi]

Mate thats bad news.
So many accidents.
Dam Cagers

[smokeyging]

Just as we’re past the Landcruiser, the RAV4’s reversing lights come on. I think “Those are reversing lights.” Next I think “Fuck, he’s stopped!” He had. Hard on the brakes, front wheel locks, I ease off that and get hard on the rear as well. Too late. Clunk, into the back of the RAV4 I go.

Arrr..the old 'P' for passing and 'R' for raceing trick....Amazing the amount of people out there that know everything there is to know about automatic transmitions.....

[dpex]

One trashed ST1300. One rider with a sore right knee and a bad case of grumpiness. One careless driving charge (no, not me) and an insurance claim pending. Bugger!

The day started well enough, albeit a bit blustery with the rising nor’wester. Mrs H’s mother is staying with us for a week, and Mrs H decided to take her on a road trip around the North Island, including a visit to the Mystery Creek Fieldays, where I would meet up with them and travel back with them in the c.a.r.

So today the gals set off in the car and I followed shortly afterwards on the bike, catching and passing them just after Silverstream. The plan was to have lunch in Greytown. They would then head on to Napier and I would ride home.

Just after the Te Marua golf course the RAV4 I was following caught up to a Landcruiser pulling a trailer. At the passing lane after the Twin Lakes lookout the RAV4 pulls out to pass and I go with him.

Just as we’re past the Landcruiser, the RAV4’s reversing lights come on. I think “Those are reversing lights.” Next I think “Fuck, he’s stopped!” He had. Hard on the brakes, front wheel locks, I ease off that and get hard on the rear as well. Too late. Clunk, into the back of the RAV4 I go.

I didn’t look that closely at the RAV but I noted some paint damage, but nothing else too obvious. The ST1300, however, is a different story. The nose is trashed, and I suspect, after helping the attending Police Officer and the tow truck driver roll the ST onto the back of the recovery truck, that something in the steering may be a bit bent. The wheel went largely under the RAV’s “bumper”, with the headlight and the rest of the bike that immediately follows it taking most of the damage.

The knees on my armoured pants are a bit chewed and my right knee, which was OK for about the first half hour, is really starting to seize up and ache. Thank god for good gear and armour!

Slutted? Why yes. I should have been taking more care. And it’s only since Easter Thursday and 4,000km of riding since I got the ST back after our last “off”.

I was worried about the old guy driving the RAV. He looked decidedly seedy and I was worried about his heart. His wife said it was the first time he’d driven an automatic. He’d changed into second to overtake and when he’d flipped the stick to go back into D, he went all the way to R.

The cop says this guy will more than likely face a careless driving charge. And he has admitted fault (I have a handful of witness who back up my version of events anyway), so the insurance claim will be on him. I actually feel a bit sorry for him.

I am cross on so many levels.

Mostly for scaring the shit out of Mrs H and her mum as they drove up the Kaitokes and saw a big red bike spread all over State Highway 2. Not a great way to get their holiday off to a positive start. I was up and around straight away, and had to beat off a couple of well-intentioned women who wanted to take my helmet off (the helmet is just fine, as are the helpful women).

Tomorrow, bureaucracy and, I suspect, more of the sore knee.

Thanks to Richard Palmer and Shirley for stopping to see how I was. I’m grumpier now, thanks Richard!

As much as I hate to do so, I have to be a bit of a Katman here.

The facts are, no matter how stupid the old bloke was he can't be held liable. The rule is clear. One must be able to stop within half the distance of the 'clear road' ahead.

I'm seriously glad that you're okay...sad about the bike...but the fact remains, you are the liable party.

Don't misinterpret me here. We've all been caught, at one level of another, following too close. Sadly, you were just a bit too close and bit too slow with reactions.

What's the chances of some old tit slamming his auto-cage into Race, directly in front of you? Billions-to-one.Bad luck Hitcher, but you'll be paying the excess.

[Hitcher]

The facts are, no matter how stupid the old bloke was he can't be held liable. The rule is clear. One must be able to stop within half the distance of the 'clear road' ahead.

The facts are that the old bloke got prosecuted for dangerous driving, my insurer agreed it was a no-fault accident on my part and I got a cheque with no excess deducted, that I used to procure a Yamaha FJR1300T.

Apparently one is not allowed to reverse down a reversing lane into the path of oncoming traffic, a situation I am certain that most would agree with. Including Katman.

[Taz]

Apparently one is not allowed to reverse down a reversing lane into the path of oncoming traffic, a situation I am certain that most would agree with. Including Katman.

Reversing lane?? Surely one can reverse down a reversing lane Mr Hitcher?

[marty]

it's amazing what you can type in error when you've got steam coming out of your ears :)

[Taz]

it's amazing what you can type in error when you've got steam coming out of your ears :)

Hitcher wouldn't make a mistake with the english language and grammar :eek:

[Hitcher]

it's amazing what you can type in error when you've got steam coming out of your ears

Ain't that the truth. It's a cold night and my Prat Immunity Factor is depleted somewhat.

[samgab]

I'm glad this post was resurrected. I'd've never found it otherwise. Wow, reverse gear is the last thing you'd expect to see when in mid-overtake maneuver. Just goes to show how things can just happen so suddenly.
Weird, because if he had slammed on his brakes cos a wallaby jumped in front of him or something, you'd likely have been able to stop, because the brain is tuned for red brake lights X 3. But white lights? Brain takes a second to register, and that's all it takes at 100Kph.
I'd imagine the RAV's auto slush box didn't much like going into reverse at 100 either! Shouldn't they have some kind of safety mechanism to mechanically prevent them going into reverse at more than about 5Kph forwards?

[Anarkist]

I'd imagine the RAV's auto slush box didn't much like going into reverse at 100 either! Shouldn't they have some kind of safety mechanism to mechanically prevent them going into reverse at more than about 5Kph forwards?

They do. It was tested on Mythbusters

http://mythbustersresults.com/episode84

You can stop a runaway car by shifting the gears into reverse.

BUSTED

Using both an automatic and a manual car, both cars were given the full force of the brake and stopped after 60 and 80 feet, respectively. Shifting into reverse did just about nothing, and both cars stopped after over 1000 feet. It was noted that the automatic car had a failsafe to prevent going into reverse while going forward. Additionally, shifting into reverse at high speeds can damage the transmission of the car.

[James Deuce]

The dude broke the interlock that "prevents" you going into reverse whilst proceeding in a forward direction.

[awayatc]

Poor old coot must have thought the "R" stood for Racing.....

I bet his dear old Mrs will be raving on about THAT rav 4 ever....

[oldrider]

This incident caused Hitcher to have allergic reactions to all things Toyota and Honda, possibly for ever! :eek5:

His purchasing sensibilities have possibly suffered acute damage as a result too! :wacko:

Obviously the word "Triumph" has been obliterated from his thought processes, temporarily it is hoped. :sleep:

May the force be with him again soon, all pray to the Motorcycle god's for his complete recovery! :ride:

[Blackbird]

And just to make Hitchs' day, we've just bought a RAV4 for towing our soon to be purchased fishing boat:done:

[Hitcher]

This incident caused Hitcher to have allergic reactions to all things Toyota and Honda, possibly for ever!

Indeed my antennae bristle every time I catch up on a RAV4 -- bloody hairdressers' cars that they are...

As for the ST1300, it was a bike that never really excited me. It was competent but irritating and an absolute arse of a thing to ride in strong crosswinds. I had had to stand it up on too many occasions and fell out of any love I may have had with it after its Boxing Day incident at Bulls. It did however get me around a Grand Challenge with only four stops for fuel!

[sinfull]

Funny thing happened while heading down the road the other day !
Was trundeling down SH1 on the way to do my morning walk at the beach when a bottle i had on the seat next to me rolled off on to the floor at my feet !
Now not wanting it to get under the pedals i reached down with the left hand to retrieve it !
You guessed it, arm hit the auto lever depressing the button and shoving it forward ! Now i always believed that you couldn't go into reverse from drive, (as ya shouldn't) so first thought was damn, knocked it into neutral, Untill the rear locked up and the van started going sideways !
Crossed the steering, while ripping the lever down to (ended up being 2nd), Fuggin lucky no-one was close behind me, but could see how an older fella first time auto driver could get fucked up there (not that i'm soooo young)
Not the sort of thing i'd like to make a habit of !

[oldrider]

Indeed my antennae bristle every time I catch up on a RAV4 -- bloody hairdressers' cars that they are...

As for the ST1300, it was a bike that never really excited me. It was competent but irritating and an absolute arse of a thing to ride in strong crosswinds. I had had to stand it up on too many occasions and fell out of any love I may have had with it after its Boxing Day incident at Bulls. It did however get me around a Grand Challenge with only four stops for fuel!

My (Honda) St 1100's were a bit like that in cross winds too.

Current Tiger 955i is absolutely the best bike I have ever owned for riding in wind but even so, "wind" is still my least appreciated riding condition!

Her indoors thinks the Tiger is the most comfortable bike we have ever owned!

She has ridden a hell of a lot of miles on the back (used to ride up front too) so I respect her opinon on that! :ride:

[sunhuntin]

Indeed my antennae bristle every time I catch up on a RAV4 -- bloody hairdressers' cars that they are...


ive always liked them for looks, but they are absolute bullshit when it comes to checking the oil. i ended up refusing to check it unless i had gloves. the dipstick is under the engine part that has a no touchy sign, and you have to literally feed it down the pipe to get it all the way in, which means your hand and wrist are under the no touchy engine part. end result? at least 4 burns during one simple oil check

[Blackbird]

ive always liked them for looks, but they are absolute bullshit when it comes to checking the oil. i ended up refusing to check it unless i had gloves. the dipstick is under the engine part that has a no touchy sign, and you have to literally feed it down the pipe to get it all the way in, which means your hand and wrist are under the no touchy engine part. end result? at least 4 burns during one simple oil check

Mine is the latest version with the 2.4 litre Camry motor. No probs with the dipstick position so your burns probably came from an earlier one:laugh:

At least here in Coromandel, a 4x4 gets used for its intended purpose and not just for the school run!

[sunhuntin]

Mine is the latest version with the 2.4 litre Camry motor. No probs with the dipstick position so your burns probably came from an earlier one:laugh:

At least here in Coromandel, a 4x4 gets used for its intended purpose and not just for the school run!

we're going back a couple of years here, lol. always left me wondering who the hell designed the damn thing. its got a no touchy sign for a reason... its fucking hot! LOL.

[smokeyging]

Funny thing happened while heading down the road the other day !
Was trundeling down SH1 on the way to do my morning walk at the beach when a bottle i had on the seat next to me rolled off on to the floor at my feet !
Now not wanting it to get under the pedals i reached down with the left hand to retrieve it !
You guessed it, arm hit the auto lever depressing the button and shoving it forward ! Now i always believed that you couldn't go into reverse from drive, (as ya shouldn't) so first thought was damn, knocked it into neutral, Untill the rear locked up and the van started going sideways !
Crossed the steering, while ripping the lever down to (ended up being 2nd), Fuggin lucky no-one was close behind me, but could see how an older fella first time auto driver could get fucked up there (not that i'm soooo young)
Not the sort of thing i'd like to make a habit of !



Exactly the same thing happened to a friend a couple of weeks back. her and her daughter were travelling down the road when a bottle went down around her feet too, only they weren't so lucky. her car clipped a pole and rolled. Fortunately they were ok, but one or the other could have snapped their neck. you could do that a 100 times and get away with it, but one day out of the blue your balls get crushed. BUGGER....

[sinfull]

you could do that a 100 times and get away with it, but one day out of the blue your balls get crushed. BUGGER....
Shit i recon slamming into reverse once will do me a lifetime ! Hate to think what that did to the auto lol