Constructive tribute

[Big Dog]

There are lot of very moving tributes to Bruce and Darryl floating around, but as a coworker pointed out "flying with your pegs down" has it's "romantic", emotive charm without offering anything constructive.

Reading the many tributes I see many common threads one of the less mistakable is that the lads were never backward in coming forward with teaching, lessons, or just plain tips.

These tips have changed a lot of peoples lives, I say we continue that trend.

If you feel so inclined please add your own riding tip tribute.
If you feel you do not know enough to contribute in this manner offer your tribute by reading the the following tips doing what you can to become a rider with the experience and skills to pass them down when your time comes.

I'll start :
At least once a year practice emergency stops, starts and evasions in the wet even if you ride all weathers.

No safety gear is too expensive if you ever "use" it.

Taking the time to "fettle" your bike to fit you is the best mod you can do to your bike dollar for dollar regardless of your style.

Don't take advice about riding from anyone you would not pillion with.

[Blakamin]

Don't take advice about riding from anyone you would not pillion with.
Bloody good advice!

here be my 2 cents:
When group riding, don't try to "keep up". Ride at your own pace and enjoy yourself.

[Colapop]

Trust your bike - ensure that you keep it maintained well. You'll be thankful when it does what you want it to.

[slowpoke]

Buy the best safety gear you can afford...preferably BEFORE you buy your first bike. Too often it's an afterthought done with cost in mind after blowing your budget on a bike, then inevitably you end up buying better gear anyway as you get more serious.

[Big Dog]

Trust your bike - ensure that you keep it maintained well. You'll be thankful when it does what you want it to.
Relax your shoulders and elbows, if you maintained your bike well and you find your self getting all twisted you may need to trust the bike to "know what to do" when you don't.

That and you will enjoy your ride a lot more and be less worn out when you get there.
Trying to wrestle a bike you will never win, finesse is where the real power is.

[R6_kid]

Your bike is all that lies between you and the road. Keep it in tip top shape all the time... if you need help or advice, just ask.

[sunhuntin]

Bloody good advice!

here be my 2 cents:
When group riding, don't try to "keep up". Ride at your own pace and enjoy yourself.

ill add to that for group rides:
if you are a slower rider [newbie] keep left and let the faster bikes go by. i usually end up tail end charley, but so long as i can see at least one bike who knows where they are going, im happy.
keep a close eye on your mirrors as well as ahead and to the sides, specially if you are "parading."
keep a distance from those ahead, and ride staggered. dont speed to catch up if theres a big gap between you and the bike ahead. invariably, you will get too much speed and not enough room, resulting in brakes being slammed on by you and upsetting the flow downstream.
keeping the traffic flowing does not mean climbing in someones boot or exhaust pipe...leave a gap. if you get overtaken and your gap is lessened, slow down till you are happy with the distance.

[KLOWN]

Best tip I ever got was to RELAX you stiffen up and the bike is harder to control.

[HDTboy]

If you find yourself having to make a split second decision between slowing down, and going around a corner. Going around the corner usually works out best.

[Maha]

If you think you are fastest rider in NZ...you are Not!!
There will always be someone better than you..Always !.....
And there will always be someone lesser than you.
Motorcycling is not about a race....its about how you feel when you get to the end...and getting to the other end is a must

[madboy]

Not everyone is born to ride a bike. Twisting the throttle is easy, any monkey can learn the mechanical steps of making a bike move, turn and stop. A bit more thought and you can wheelie, stoppie and power slide. But the really smart monkeys know when to slow down and take it easy. To finish first first you must finish and all that.

Some monkeys, like me, recognise that they just don't have the right attitude for a bike at all - so they quit while they're still around to lecture other people about it.

Bikes are a dangerous piece of machinery. Fun if respected, deadly if not. Remember that.

[Edbear]

Bikes are a dangerous piece of machinery. Fun if respected, deadly if not. Remember that.



Bit like women, really....:yes:

Good thread, I'll keep an eye on the tips and if I think of something actually constructive, I'll mention it, but at the mo I'll read and ponder.

[sAsLEX]

One of the things you develop over the years is a sixth sense, kinda of like a spidy sense, which tells you little things. Like that shadow up ahead is a person coming out of a drive without looking, that white van parked up on the side of the road ahead aint stopped for a picnic.

Never stop listening to this biker sense.


Not everyone is born to ride a bike. Twisting the throttle is easy, any monkey can learn the mechanical steps of making a bike move, turn and stop.

Scott Dixon bought a 999, rode it for 100 miles then got rid of the thing as he knew it was to tempting to twist the wrist and feel the rush and then not be able to deal with the situation.

[Big Dog]

Just got back from Brisbane today though I'd heard of this tragic news on Saturday. Although I didn't know Bruce and Darryl very well at all, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of these two well respected young men. Had I not been away, I would have been there on Saturday's ride with my mates too. My first encounter with Bruce was this reply to a thread I started about sunstrike a year ago...

Quote:
Originally Posted by loosebruce View Post
Sun strike, what to do, well me i'd pull a mingin wheelie and use my front wheel to block out the sun, thus carrying on like normal, well normal for me anyways.

As a newbie here at the time I didn't know what to make of it, but now can imagine his smile when he typed it. Having done a few trackdays this year I'd met and watched Bruce in action and admired his skills. From what I've read here he was one of the good guys in other aspects of life too.

Pay attention to wit, sarcasm and the truth.... learn the difference.

[forkoil]

Try to feel the tyres on the road, feel every little bump, change in road surface. Just let your attention rest on the road / tyre contact area. That keeps you in touch with the bike, and distracts you from fear, and lets you ride at the right pace for the piece of road your on.

[Terminated]

Taken from my Newbie Training:



Training Strategy:
DEE-FAP Discipline - Focus - Attention - Personal

Just because I have passed my Restricted Licence today, this does not give me a personal licence to ramp it up to the 100kph immediately, I got to earn my personal skill level progressively and gradually too - and my mentor [Uncle B] said 'take your time in pushing the envelope a bit further'.

DEE-FAP is your personal approach to your riding development I have selected the keys as:

Discipline - You will know when you get that pit gut feeling when something goes awry - Expect the Unexpected. Discipline yourself to not let that moment pass and if you have the time then immediately pull over and stop.

Ask yourself 'what happened? What did I do wrong? or What didn't I do?

And don't get angry because some cage may have cut you off or pulled out in front of you at an intersection or from a parked space. Think about it you can't control the other road user, but you can control your approach to riding strategically.

Focus - Have one or two things as key review points each time you get on your bike. Think ahead where and when you want to focus your attention on those keys. It does not have to be immediately, you may have a pre-arranged location in mind [eg slalom - cone weaving - countersteering technique] you may have a good quiet road [without the cones] or that empty carpark with the cones.

Attention - Develop a habit of cycling through your safety strategy for me as an example [check mirrors, heads up horizon, glance at gauges and speedo, heads up horizon peripheral sensitivity - here exercise your visual awareness your peripheral vision can be 'shut down' because though you are looking ahead your mind may be wondering and your peripheral vision may not be alert [day dreaming] and back to checking mirrors and repeat the cycle. When coming back into increased traffic flows this Attention drill takes on greater meaning.

Personal - How you approach your DEE-FAP Discipline Focus Attention Personal strategies will be evolving as your riding skills develop. Above all be true to yourself when you next go for a ride and think again about where you're riding and how you're riding. Remember you do not have to be overly tense and completely locked into your training program remember to relax.

There will come a time when you get on your bike and very shortly maybe a kilometer or two or three and you know that you are not completely 'at one' with the bike, recognise it for what it is and if necessary don't venture out on that recreational ride, stop go [home] back inside and have another cup of tea/coffee. Revisit that feeling in your mind's eye and when you feel ready then perhaps go for that ride and definitely have one or two keys things to Focus your Attention on. You may have had the initial not 'at one' feeling with the bike because you just got on the bike and headed off without a DEE-FAP

Heads Up and Enjoy

The log is at:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=30010

[Swoop]

Occasionally your head isn't "in the right space". If you are out of "the groove" and things are not happening as they should, STOP. Take a break. Get your head into the right frame of mind. Listen to the voice inside you - it's normally got something important to say.

[avgas]

Listen to your bike, she will warn you if something is not right.

[SuperDave]

Don't rush things.
It's a hard not too when you first get a bike or a new machine or feel yourself improving but even trying not to rush things will show benefits.

Small steps when looked back on will add up to giant leaps.

[aff-man]

A few things I have learnt over the years....

Always ride your own pace, and on different days your pace will differ. Push yourself if you must, but take it in small steps so that you can pull back if things start getting a bit hairy.

If you're head ain't in the ride, cruise it or turn around and go home and come out on another day.

Don't look in your mirrors. Yes there will be people faster than you that will pass you. It is THIER responsibiliy to pass. You can slow up and pull over on straights if they are really close and not following but the best thing is to hold your line and ride your ride. Trust them to pass safley, if they don't speak up when you stop and if they still do it don't ride with them. If you keep looking in your mirrors to see who's behind you, you won't see the corner up ahead.

Your bike will tell you a lot of things. Take the time to really get to know how your bike handels. It might mean trying different riding patterns, practicing emergency braking. Take a day and a road you really know and try and feel how the bike behaves. As others have said you will ride smoother,faster and safer if you help the bike move rather than fight it.

CHECK YOUR TYRE PRESSURES, as well as other general maintance it will be well worth it.

Not every riding style is for you. Take what people say try it out if it just doesn't "fit" try something else.

Watch how people ride and when you find someone who does something you like ask questions. It won't hurt to ask and generally most are willing to offer a lot of usefull advice. Bruce taught me how to do stoppies by telling me what worked for him and a few simple tricks to feel what the bike was doing and get used to it.

Have fun. It's what it's all about. If your not having fun (stressign and stuff) you shouldn't be on the road.

Well I think i've waffled on long enough. These are just some of the things i've learn the more technical aspects of riding i've learnt by watching those I think are really good riders adn asking heaps and heaps of questions.

Have fun and i'll catch ya on the black stuff.

[Biff]

Being a fast rider doesn't necessarily make you a good rider.

Your pace and your life.

[sunhuntin]

Being a fast rider doesn't necessarily make you a good rider.

Your pace and your life.

yep...its better to go into a corner slow and come out fast, than to go in fast and not come out at all. thats what i think at every single corner.

[madmatt]

Occasionally your head isn't "in the right space". If you are out of "the groove" and things are not happening as they should, STOP. Take a break. Get your head into the right frame of mind. Listen to the voice inside you - it's normally got something important to say.

ausome advice.

[Big Dog]

Just posted the following Pillion rules elsewhere
* No gear no ride.
* If only enough gear for one the pillion gets it.
* If I lean forward I'm about to unleash the full fury.
* If I lean back I'm going to slow, or there is a possible danger ahead.
* If you want me to slow down double tap both my hips.
* If you want me to stop double tap both my hips again.
* If you want me to go left double tap the corresponding hip.
* You can lean with me OR you can pack rack, you cannot change your mind mid corner.
* Your shout at any meal stops.
* If you want to tell me something put your visor up and grab the bitch bar.

[Brian d marge]

Not everyone is born to ride a bike. Twisting the throttle is easy, any monkey can learn the mechanical steps of making a bike move, turn and stop. A bit more thought and you can wheelie, stoppie and power slide. But the really smart monkeys know when to slow down and take it easy. To finish first first you must finish and all that.

Some monkeys, like me, recognise that they just don't have the right attitude for a bike at all - so they quit while they're still around to lecture other people about it.

Bikes are a dangerous piece of machinery. Fun if respected, deadly if not. Remember that.

Have not been online due to ..well the news just plain kicked me between the balls and i havent been able to face logging on ......

But I agree with above ,,,I have an addictive personality ,,,No that doesnt mean I pull the chickeebabes at parties ,,it means if i like something .. I go full on and dont stop

Drugs , beer , birds , bikes ......

Have you ever wondered why I race MX ,,but tootle around on an Enfield ??

It because I CANNOT be trusted to ride a Jap bike safely ... Even when I am fixing them ,,( proffesionally ) I always get someone else to ride the bike AFTER I confirm the Safety ...

So please fellas , put the man juice aside when on the road ,,, dead is dead and its a long time ,,, so just dont twist it ...

Now track days ..and Races ,,you payz ur money and SPANK that Bytch "

Ohhh YEAH!!!

Stephen

PS..check out frostys Idea for the race tracks in NZ,,, good call

[James Deuce]

I'm tired and haven't slept for three days and I've spent the evening in Emergency with one of my kids and just got home, and I find that somebody's co-worker thinks my tribute isn't good enough.

Fuck him.

[Big Dog]

I'm tired and haven't slept for three days and I've spent the evening in Emergency with one of my kids and just got home, and I find that somebody's co-worker thinks my tribute isn't good enough.

Fuck him.



Never said it wasn't good enough. I apologise if I have caused you offence, none was intended.
Just some of us grieve in different ways.
For me and the co worker carrying on the good work in a constructive manner is more cathartic.

[sexy beast]

im still learning everyday and evertime im on a bike. one thing i've learnt is NEVER get on a bike without FULL RIDING GEAR...even if its a 5min ride around the block. You may be a good rider but the weather, the road, and other drivers cannot be trusted!!!

[DMNTD]

I've been riding on and off for 19 years now and I still consider myself a Learner. The day I chose to stop learning will be the day I stop riding...
I strongly recommend that others take on a similar view point as it'll help one to become better and a more complete rider IMO.

Excellent thread btw

[Edbear]

I've been riding on and off for 19 years now and I still consider myself a Learner. The day I chose to stop learning will be the day I stop riding...
I strongly recommend that others take on a similar view point as it'll help one to become better and a more complete rider IMO.

Excellent thread btw


Well said! After 33 years on and off I still try to learn each time I go out. I know there are far more competent riders than me out there, (and in here...). When following a group I try to watch their lines and style.

About "getting your head in sync", I find it takes me about 30 min or so to "get in the groove" when I go out and need to concentrate that bit extra until then as that is when I'm most likely to make a mistake.

I don't ride every day or even every week due to health limitations and the tyranny of time and if not really up to it physically, I'll stay home and feel frustrated rather than take the risk. (Like last weekend when Classic_Z gave my bike a tickle-up and made a noticeable difference to it and I was too crook to ride it!)

I check tyre pressures before each ride.

[dangerous]

When you think you will get one more ride out of a tyre, dont... replace it

Never stop learning.

[DingDong]

When you think you will get one more ride out of a tyre, dont... replace it

Never stop learning.

Good advice... I'll go in for a new front this weekend, was going to leave it cause it'll pass WOF but the side are bald.

If you use the brakes in the twisties, you going too fast or you have no flow.
Slow down, reset the brain and try again.

[ManDownUnder]

===
The two most powerful words in motorcycling...

"What if"

... that car pulls out
... it rains
... something comes around that corner
... I can't stop in time

===
Know your place on the road. (usually RH wheel track)

Own it, "defend it", but don't be scared to give it up to anything that will hurt you.

[MSTRS]

... a coworker pointed out "flying with your pegs down" has it's "romantic", emotive charm without offering anything constructive.
...

Does your co-worker bow his head at funerals? It's only custom and a way of showing respect. Pegs-down is just the same. Hope you told him?
My motorcycle advice for today is to respect your bike at all times. It is more than just a machine.

[dnos]

I found that teaching myself the habit of looking forward with wider vision was the most rewarding lesson so far.
Use all your vision.

[WRT]

ALWAYS remember to reset your trip meter / take your fuel tap off reserve when filling your tank (if your not one of the fortunate few with a fuel gauge).

[Forest]

Try not to ride after an argument.

[kiwifruit]

===
The two most powerful words in motorcycling...

"What if"


I concur

also
"in slow and out fast" when taking corners

[Al]

Take regular breaks.
Drink water during these breaks as dehydration causes slowed reactions.


Experienced this riding in the Northern Territory, temps up to 40º with full kit on!

Al

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

Always read the road ahead, also if following cars briefly note what people in cages are doing i.e. hands on steering wheel, body movements, whether they are on a bloody cellphone. Brake lights in the traffic ahead. etc

(I'm a dreadful passenger in a cage, the other day I was using the imaginery brakes and 3 times told the driver - read the traffic ahead - then you avoid braking suddenly).

I use my mirrors alot to and often check what is behind me especially in traffic.

It's already been said - if your head is not in the right space, or things just aint flowin - stop, recenter, if not better - go home.

[ceebie13]

Always do your life-saver.
Do not rely on your mirrors alone. Glance over your shoulder before any passing manoeuvre.
Hehe... I even do it in the cage!

[Ixion]

When riding use ALL your senses.

Sight is obvious. But listen also. Sometimes you may hear other traffic before you see it. And listen to your bike. To the engine. To the soiund of the tyres on the road - if that sound changes be wary. Smell - you are riding through the country and you smell a nasty shit smell - what odds the source of the smell may be round the next corner. The hot oily smell of tar in summer may mean oily roads. And beware of the smell of hot rubber when trucks are about - the next thing may be a tyre tread coming at you. Likewise, taste the air - like smell it can tell you things about your environment.

OH, and touch is obvious - teh feel of the bars, the movement of the bike uner you the pressure of the air.

[WRT]

Be constantly alert, and get creative when looking around. Look through cars, under buses/trucks (in particular for little feet that have just gotten off the school bus and are about to step out onto the road), and watch for reflections in shop windows to let you see behind obsticles.

[madandy]

Attend every rider training day, esp. track days you can...and listen to the words of wrinkled old bikers - they must know something to still be riding after all those years ;)

[terbang]

(1) Self control and Knowing when to back it off...!
(2) keep that muscle between your ears in good tune.
(3) Use whats between your ears..
(4) Stay relaxed
(5) Concentrate on the big picture while you continually work on the small issues.
(6) A racetrack isn't a road and a road isn't a racetrack.
(7) Keep off the piss and drugs.
(8) Back to Item 1

[blast]

STAY DA FUCK ON YOUR OWN SIDE OF DA ROAD ,IF YOU ARE GOING OVER DA CENTRE LINE YOU ARE GOING TO FAST FOR YOUR CAPABILITIES.
WHEN PASSING TRY TO PASS AS FAST AND SAVE AS POSSIBLE AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE ENOUGH TIME AND ROOM TO MAKE IT AS THERE MAYBE A FAST BIKER OR PORSCHE COMING AROUND DA CORNER. HAVE GOOD STICKY RUBBER .CHECK PRESSURE ONCE A WEEK ON COLD TYRES. OH YEAH I NEARLY FORGOT staydafuckonyorownsideofdaroad.:scooter: :scooter:

[Al]

WTF are you?

Al

[stify]

when on a group ride, order your lunch as soon as you stop :yes:

nothin worse than watching others eat when ya hungery....

[gijoe1313]

Always pursue the knowledge of motorbiking ... whether it's about tyre types, maintenance issues, the goss on the latest models, etc. you need to keep learning and making active reflections on what you're learning.

Keep reading, keep listening and keep thinking about what it means to be a biker!

Put into practice the theory where it is safe to...

[mstriumph]

while riding....
rule 1 trust no-one
rule 2 never throw up in your helmet

[Scorpygirl]

while riding....
rule 1 trust no-one
rule 2 never throw up in your helmet


Oops failed rule 2 already!!! Oh dear! :gob:

[bell]

while riding....
rule 1 trust no-one
rule 2 never throw up in your helmet

what she said.

Expect the unexpected.

Remember: it's a road, not a racetrack.

[James Deuce]

Never said it wasn't good enough. I apologise if I have caused you offence, none was intended.
Just some of us grieve in different ways.
For me and the co worker carrying on the good work in a constructive manner is more cathartic.

These forums are FULL of constructive advice. Some of it Uncle B's. If you want to do a constructive tribute, search the forums and make a compendium of every useful tidbit you can find and group it by contributor or subject in the Survival Tips forum. That way it doesn't get buried in the General Bike Ravings morass.

I am offended. A heartfelt personal tribute has been described as hollow and pointless. I've contributed tips over the years, and fundamentally it has been largely a hollow, pointless exercise. Nobody pays any attention to the good stuff lots of people contribute until something like last weekend happens and then the knee jerk reaction is to reinvent the wheel, pore over advice in a badly formatted thread destined for oblivion, and refuse to make hard lessons earned in the worst possible way a baseline for constructive, ongoing change in the process dissemination of vital information within the scope of these forums.

Moulding the advice dished out over the years on Kiwibiker into an accessible format is work, and we're all naturally work shy, but given that no one else will be interested, and Uncle B and I were going to build a semi-formal framework for mentoring over the Summer, with live experimental subjects, I guess I should get off my arse and get started then, shouldn't I?

[SPman]

Oops failed rule 2 already!!! Oh dear! :gob:

Now....why do you think she put that little bit of advice in here.................

[Haga41]

As no man ever steps into the same river twice, no man ever rides the same piece of road twice. Never assume either to be the same, expect and respect change.

I had the priviledge of recently spending a day with Bruce & colleagues providing some Tuition at Taupo Motorcircuit. I was greatly saddened by the news of both Bruce and Darryl. Bruce not only displayed a high level of skill and ability on his bike, but was receptive and willing to learn. A great mate to his friends, and an up and coming threat on the track, possibly one of the most promising prospects I have seen in NZ motorcycle racing in many years.

Sadly, a great loss to all

[Hitcher]

The anal sphincter is the only muscle in the human body that can detect the difference between solid, liquid and gas. Learn well the consequences of over-exciting it.

Make sure that those you love know you do so.

Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.

[WasPhantom]

while riding....
rule 1 trust no-one
rule 2 never throw up in your helmet

I would add:

rule 3 never sneeze with your visor down. Doh!

[blackkatana]

Good rules and good tips on the whole. Keep your eyes moving, leave yourself an out.

[avgas]

Wear open face when you love bee stings ;)

[Krayy]

...Moulding the advice dished out over the years on Kiwibiker into an accessible format is work, and we're all naturally work shy, but given that no one else will be interested, and Uncle B and I were going to build a semi-formal framework for mentoring over the Summer, with live experimental subjects, I guess I should get off my arse and get started then, shouldn't I?
I fell a Wiki coming on. PM Spankme and see if there's any way a Wiki server can be put up on the server and make a number of members authors. Work out an indexing format for the tips and then have at it.

I'm more than happy to do some searching and editing for it.

[Big Dog]

These forums are FULL of constructive advice. Some of it Uncle B's. If you want to do a constructive tribute, search the forums and make a compendium of every useful tidbit you can find and group it by contributor or subject in the Survival Tips forum. That way it doesn't get buried in the General Bike Ravings morass.

I am offended. A heartfelt personal tribute has been described as hollow and pointless. I've contributed tips over the years, and fundamentally it has been largely a hollow, pointless exercise. Nobody pays any attention to the good stuff lots of people contribute until something like last weekend happens and then the knee jerk reaction is to reinvent the wheel, pore over advice in a badly formatted thread destined for oblivion, and refuse to make hard lessons earned in the worst possible way a baseline for constructive, ongoing change in the process dissemination of vital information within the scope of these forums.

Moulding the advice dished out over the years on Kiwibiker into an accessible format is work, and we're all naturally work shy, but given that no one else will be interested, and Uncle B and I were going to build a semi-formal framework for mentoring over the Summer, with live experimental subjects, I guess I should get off my arse and get started then, shouldn't I?
I like your vision.
I am not work shy but lack your vision in this area. I have no Idea where to begin.
Perhaps, for now, with the riders reading this thread providing the quotes that have really made a difference to them?
It is really easy to offer advice hard to know what made a difference.

If I am not persona non grata in you your neck of the woods I would be keen to help.

[kensuem]

What a sad week this has been,with so many Bikers losing their lives.
I can only hope that some good could come out of this.
Could perhaps some experienced and senior member of the biking community analyse these accidents,tell us what really happened,and suggest ways of preventing this happening in the future?
I am not talking about apportioning blame,or saying who was at fault,just the cold hard facts as to why these much respected members lost their lives.
I must say that something I find disturbing about Kiwi biker forums,is the way accidents,spills ,bins,whatever you like to call them,are almost boasted about.It is almost as if a crash has become a badge of office!
In my early days of motorcycling,to admit to coming off ,was to admit to being an idiot,something to be ashamed of,not something to skyte about.
It is as if we have developed a "crash culture". Shouldnt we instead be telling how many years we have ridden without a crash,or how many klm we have travelled without incident?
I hope no one will be offended by these comments,I just dont want to be having to constantly read reports of members being killed. Those who have lost their lives no longer suffer,it is only those left behind who suffer and grieve.Dont we all owe it to our families and mates to do everything in our power to keep safe ,return home from our rides,and not put them through such suffering.

[James Deuce]

I like your vision.
I am not work shy but lack your vision in this area. I have no Idea where to begin.
Perhaps, for now, with the riders reading this thread providing the quotes that have really made a difference to them?
It is really easy to offer advice hard to know what made a difference.

If I am not persona non grata in you your neck of the woods I would be keen to help.

I've been talking to an old friend who hides in here and we're going to talk to Spank about a Wiki server so we can have a KB Wikipedia.

It will be edited by a team and the more the merrier. The end result won't actually be an end as such, but the first task will be to define the lumps and dish out the work of creating a cross referenced encyclopedia, and then managing the contributions.

There's some neat stuff in THIS thread, let alone the existing fora and sub-fora that have existed since the site began. The site search function is good, but imagine if you wanted to do a search on counter-steering. With a Wiki framework the editor publishes a cover article and then cross references the articles that pertain to counter-steering, everything from the actual physics to the optimum angle of bar to wrist relationship could be accessed without having to trawl through the stuff where a newbie gets flamed for not understanding that bikes don;t steer like cars.

You're not PNG btw Big Dog. I'm just in an emotard stage which will pass.

I apologise for being such an over-reacting dork.

[Big Dog]

Don't know much about search engines or web thingies (prolly about time I learn) but real good at not giving up until a task is done and know enough to know the difference between a good tip and a shady one.

Prolly can't tell from my frequent abuses of diction and punctuation I am a pretty good editor / fact checker.

[James Deuce]

What a sad week this has been,with so many Bikers losing their lives.
I can only hope that some good could come out of this.
Could perhaps some experienced and senior member of the biking community analyse these accidents,tell us what really happened,and suggest ways of preventing this happening in the future?
I am not talking about apportioning blame,or saying who was at fault,just the cold hard facts as to why these much respected members lost their lives.
I must say that something I find disturbing about Kiwi biker forums,is the way accidents,spills ,bins,whatever you like to call them,are almost boasted about.It is almost as if a crash has become a badge of office!
In my early days of motorcycling,to admit to coming off ,was to admit to being an idiot,something to be ashamed of,not something to skyte about.
It is as if we have developed a "crash culture". Shouldnt we instead be telling how many years we have ridden without a crash,or how many klm we have travelled without incident?
I hope no one will be offended by these comments,I just dont want to be having to constantly read reports of members being killed. Those who have lost their lives no longer suffer,it is only those left behind who suffer and grieve.Dont we all owe it to our families and mates to do everything in our power to keep safe ,return home from our rides,and not put them through such suffering.

Interesting thought, but the "crash culture" examination was implemented in an informal way to disseminate information about why crashes happen. Look closer and most thread starters attempt to identify what they did themselves to have the crash.

There are a few people on here who don't crash. Ever. My biggest failing is that I push myself much too hard physically speaking, and I have had two crashes in 4 years as a result of exhaustion.

Ashamed? Certainly, but hiding the crash carries all the hallmarks of a beaten wife hiding her bruises with a pair of sun glasses. No one knows what's going on, and no one knows to intervene and help. There's a couple of young uns who've had a right kicking from some senior members because they displayed the attitude you describe. They will continue to get a kicking in future as well as being dragged to funerals. There's a few of us who kick ourselves for not intervening earlier with another fallen comrade.

Don't mistake a flippant post about a crash for boasting. I'd rather hear about them so we can all learn and maybe help the crashee in the process.

[Quasievil]

I got one

Dont Race on the Road cause you might come around the corner and kill your mate.

[Al]

Ride to your own abilities and do not always try to impress others!

Al

[Blakamin]

dont let shit get out of hand

[Sparky Bills]

You never stop learning. No matter of age, skill level or bike.
Stay relaxed. The bikes shocks get a bad enough time as it is without having to take the extra weight of your upper body. Keep it all relaxed and you will find that you enjoy the ride and even increase your speed without even trying.

If you find yourself doing wrong lines and getting flusted, slow down, breath and regain your thoughts.
Dont push your luck! Who are you trying to kid?

BE SMOOTH AND BE AWAKE!
i cant stress that enough.

[blueblade]

BLIND CORNERS

I dont know what the statistics say, but I wouldnt mind betting that most serious bike accidents happen on blind corners. Whether that be a corner that was tighter than anticipated and the rider failed to negotiate it, or there was some unexpected obstruction round the corner or surface problem.

I'm 51 years old and have always loved speed. Rode bikes when I was young and got back into it 3 years ago. Have done many dumb things in cars and on bikes over the years, and if I am honest, I have survived more by good luck than good management.

About a year ago i was out with my mate on my beautiful new Fireblade. Had done a few track days by this stage and thought I was getting pretty good. We were heading down "22" and I was "in the zone".

Hadnt done 22 for a while but I knew every corner on that road like the back of my hand ........ yeah right !!!!!!!!

Short straight leading into a right hander, gas it to about 140, scrub off a bit of speed to tip it in ......... OH SHIT ...... its not that fast sweeper I thought it was, its the nasty 35 kph decreasing radius one !!!!!!!

Took out a row of battens in Farmer Browns fence and shifted two solid fence posts about 6 inches in the ground. A few feet either way and I would have been wrapped around one of those posts and would probably not be walking today.

I still ride fast on the road but I NEVER NEVER NEVER take blind corners for granted.

Have seen far too many unexpected...... Tractors, sheep, turkeys, 4 wheel drives, gravel patches.... yes and even bikes on the wrong side of the road coming round blind corners.

Its been said many times before but I think it bears repeating often... Better to go in slow and come out fast, than to go in fast and not come out at all.

Blind corners are a bad bet. If someone said to you "hey lets cut this pack of cards, high card you win and get to pat yourself on the back, low card you lose and I will have to kill you" ... would you do it ??????

Is that much different to racing into a blind corner ???????

[Beemer]

Don't take advice about riding from anyone you would not pillion with.

Excellent advice. I would trust my husband any day, and a few of his mates as well, but there are some people I don't even like parking near, let alone riding with. I tend to take more notice of the people who don't ride like idiots, don't crash, don't have oodles of speeding tickets (just about everyone gets them at some stage, but some people here seem to have bigger collections than others...) and whose actions speak louder than their words.

[sAsLEX]

I have had two crashes in 4 years as a result of exhaustion.


Another point.

If you ever feel tired, lacking concentration, nervous, intimidated by pace your at, or anything other than feeling like a box of bunnies then slow down. Stop. Pull over and have a nap under a tree. Have a drink. Have a piss. Let your mind relax for a bit as piloting a bike along a road is a sensory overload that can compound your rapidly failing attention and lead to mistakes.

Better to arrive late than not at all.

[RiderInBlack]

Sorry if these are a repeat of anything posted before but here is my two pence:

When on the road always ride/drive with the idea that the idiots that share the road with you is going ta do something really stupid and life threating.
Always remember the most dangerous idiot ya share the road with is YOU.
Don't let the above panic you as this will lock you up when ya most need to stay loose and sharp.
Aways keep ya bike well maintained. Badly maintained bikes are deadly.
Aways wear adequate protective clothing and helmets. Keep these maintained too and replace when not longer protective.
Remember ta make sure ya pillion has adequate protective gear too. Don't let them ride behind ya in gear you would not feel safe to use.

[KATWYN]

I would never pillion with someone whos back tyre has an
inch of unused (unridden??) rubber either side (exclusive of a new tyre of course)

As a pillion, I would be nervous that the rider may not be confident
cornering....

[scracha]

I would never pillion with someone whos back tyre has an
inch of unused (unridden??) rubber either side (exclusive of a new tyre of course)

As a pillion, I would be nervous that the rider may not be confident
cornering....

I would never ride pillion with someone who's back tyre has $hitloads of bobbles at the edges.

As a pillion, I would be nervous that the rider may be over confident cornering.

[scracha]

<---snip--->
Could perhaps some experienced and senior member of the biking community analyse these accidents,tell us what really happened,and suggest ways of preventing this happening in the future?
<---snip--->


I'm sorry but I don't think it's appropriate to discuss "what happened" when fatalities or paralysis are involved. Especially when these events are still fresh in the minds of so many on these forums.

By all means, discuss it after someone falls off and breaks their ankle or something relatively trivial which they can laugh about themselves a few weeks later.

[KATWYN]

I would never ride pillion with someone who's back tyre has $hitloads of bobbles at the edges.

As a pillion, I would be nervous that the rider may be over confident cornering.

Good point, I spose either way a tyres condition can serve as a warning.

[scracha]

Good point, I spose either way a tyres condition can serve as a warning.
SOB's like my VFR can't get anywhere near the last inch of modern rubber (things start grinding first).

To be honest, in 14 years of riding I've only ever went pillion with 3 people and two of them were relatives. It's MUCH scarier on the back!!!! It takes a lot of experience to ride properly with pillions too (you know..preventing headbutting and $hit)

[Krayy]

BLIND CORNERS...
Its been said many times before but I think it bears repeating often... Better to go in slow and come out fast, than to go in fast and not come out at all.
...
The one thing that I have noted on the rides I have been on (and I'm a bit guilty of this myself), is that the ones who ride hard into blind corners seem to be 250 riders, as they feel they need to keep the speed up to keep up with the big boys on the following stretch. Problem is that the majority of riders on 250's aren't that experienced and they are the ones that inevitably end up coming a cropper.

Best advice I can give a noob or lower capacity rider is don't try to keep up with the big boys. They can go in slow and wind it on afterwards, but at the end of the day, if they are considerate, they'll slow down and let you catch up to keep the group together.

[Loosebrucesfamily]

we would like to thank everyone for posting their tips, by sharing your experiences and advice you are not only helping people to stay out of unexpected situations you are also helping to save their families and friends from going through what we have been through and i can tell you it is not something i wish upon anyone.
i thought i would take this oppotunity to share some advice that our uncle always gave bruce (our uncle a keen motorcyclist who was very close to bruce)
he always told bruce that when coming up to corners on the road just imagine yourself coming in the opposite direction and ask yourself 'can i avoid meeting myself?' and this where you have to be truthfully honest with yourself, if the answer is no then dont do it slow down and take it easy.
please, dont take every corner as a challenge.
after bruces funeral i had one of his friends tell me that bruce was one guy he never worried about on the road, so please start worrying about everyone you are out riding with it doesnt matter how experienced they may seem just look out for one another

[Loosebrucesfamily]

and also we know that first to the scene was a doctor which has helped us to know that anything that could have been done to save the boys was done.
but not every accident is lucky enough to have have a medical expert on hand so maybe not a silly idea for as many of you to do an emergency first aid course

[MSTRS]

we would like to thank everyone for posting their tips, by sharing your experiences and advice you are not only helping people to stay out of unexpected situations you are also helping to save their families and friends from going through what we have been through and i can tell you it is not something i wish upon anyone.
i thought i would take this oppotunity to share some advice that our uncle always gave bruce (our uncle a keen motorcyclist who was very close to bruce)
he always told bruce that when coming up to corners on the road just imagine yourself coming in the opposite direction and ask yourself 'can i avoid meeting myself?' and this where you have to be truthfully honest with yourself, if the answer is no then dont do it slow down and take it easy.
please, dont take every corner as a challenge.
after bruces funeral i had one of his friends tell me that bruce was one guy he never worried about on the road, so please start worrying about everyone you are out riding with it doesnt matter how experienced they may seem just look out for one another
First - my heartfelt sympathies for your loss and for what you have and are going through now.
Second - thank you so much for having the courage to post that. There are some here that would prefer not to read/hear that message for fear of 'offending' those families that have been bereaved.
Third - all of us here were richer for having had your Bruce with us.
Fourth - I hope that it is a long time before any other family has to endure your pain.

[sunhuntin]

Wear open face when you love bee stings ;)

carry a small pottle of honey for bee stings. stops the pain and swelling. also, add maybe bandaids to cover the sticky honey.

edit: just reading the posts on corners...i had the twisties on either side of kaikoura give me the learn! around here, if an open road corner says 80, its usually wide enough to be taken at 100. down there, if a corner says 35, then you go 25. i took the first corner at about 80 or 90, but very quickly found it was closing in very very fast. and yes, i am on a 250, but did not have a group to keep up with. i was riding solo.
coming back, it rained the whole way up, so remember what the corners were like, i read the signs and sliced the speed to about half again to allow for wet roads and oil etc coming to the surface.

also on the fatigue thing: definatly stop! i rode till i was nearly asleep on the bike down south, just letting the bike do the work, and focusing enough to keep myself alive. by the time i got to chch [on my return trip] id been on the road for about 12 hours, and just wanted to find my hotelly thing and sleep, but i was too tired to read the map properly. i did get there, but only just.

[moko]

My Golden rule is "never take chances",that`s ever, over anything.If you`re not 100% certain of the outcome of your actions then dont do it.That applies to everything from when and where to overtake,what gear to wear,when to replace your tyres and even whether to ride at all,if you`re tired or not feeling too good then you`re not going to be concentrating totally.Make conscious decisions and dont do things on a whim or on the spur of the moment,those are the ones you havn`t thought about,never,ever lose sight of the fact that your bike is fun but it`s not a toy,treat it like one and you`ll end up hurt or banned.

[RiderInBlack]

I see Lou's thread appears to have been removed.Dam shame if it has. It was pointing out a learning that a lot of us need here.

[James Deuce]

Dam shame if it has. It was pointing out a learning that a lot of us need here.

We're working on it.

One of my "concerns" is that a lot of really good stuff gets posted only to vanish into the mists of time and post count.

Krayy and I are working on a Wiki service for KB so we can unearth these gems and turn them into an encyclopedia of KB knowledge. To get an idea of what it would be like just check out www.wikipedia.com (if you haven't already) so get an idea of the flavour.

This will also stand as a kind of memorial to those persons now missing from our midst.

When we've got a Proof of Concept up and running, with some articles to look at, we'll start asking people to help with the datamining process, then once we have what looks like a product, we'll appoint some editors and begin the contribution process.

I expect the setup time to be measured in months not weeks, but it will rock, I guarantee you.

[SPman]

Have seen far too many unexpected...... Tractors, sheep, turkeys, 4 wheel drives, gravel patches.... yes and even bikes on the wrong side of the road coming round blind corners.

Don't mention turkeys......:whistle:

[riffer]

We get cows in Mangaroa Valley which are a wee hassle when you're cranked over on the edge coming out of a 25km/hr corner. After encountering that I try and make a point of assuming that there will be something stupid in the daytime on a country road.

[blueblade]

The one thing that I have noted on the rides I have been on (and I'm a bit guilty of this myself), is that the ones who ride hard into blind corners seem to be 250 riders, as they feel they need to keep the speed up to keep up with the big boys on the following stretch. Problem is that the majority of riders on 250's aren't that experienced and they are the ones that inevitably end up coming a cropper.

Best advice I can give a noob or lower capacity rider is don't try to keep up with the big boys. They can go in slow and wind it on afterwards, but at the end of the day, if they are considerate, they'll slow down and let you catch up to keep the group together.

Not necessarily the case.

I was on a group ride up North a few weeks back and we were coming back down through the Waipoua Forest. It was a fine Sunday so there was quite a bit of traffic.
There were two riders ahead of me. The first managed to slip past a camper van on a short straight before a blind left hander. To my horror (and several following me) the second rider then proceeded to pass the camper van right on that totally blind corner which is on a very tight road with no run off to spare before hitting very solid kauris. It took him an eternity to get around that van and it was a minor miracle that there was nothing coming the other way. He would have had nowhere to go and, as I said, traffic was busy.

That rider was not a youngster on a 250. He was mid 40's on a CBR 600 and if you spoke to him you would get the impression he was mature and level headed.
He was clearly caught up in the excitement of the moment and had a total brain explosion. He knew he had done very wrong and hopefully learned a good lesson. If luck hadnt been on his side that day, it would have been a very expensive lesson.
We are all capable of doing dumb things on bikes when the adrenaline is flowing.
Somehow you just have to do whatever it takes to keep your "Idiot Potential" under control. If thats not possible, then you shouldnt be on a bike (or driving a car for that matter)

[mikey]

its not a race

BUT FUKD IF IM GOING TO LET DREW BEAT ME

insert your own buddys name instead of drew, casue hes quicker than most, slower than some, and you might just end up[ in a bank if you try keep up with someone a tad quicker than you.

good way to learn though.

[mikey]

and no shame in getting home with oyur bike in one piece

[Ixion]

OK, who are you? And how did you hijack Mikey's account?

[Madmax]

what the fuck is this i thought i was the garble
:love:

[Big Dog]

Something that came up at noob night...

Use all of the lane, you do after all pay taxes for it.
Choose a line that will maximise your visibility and vision and minimise your exposure.
When deciding how much a of the lane to use, use as much as you need to without putting your bike or your head in opposing traffic.

[NighthawkNZ]

Some great advise and tips in this thread... I have been riding for 20 years and I am still learning every time I ride…

I’m not going to give an new tip or trick... heck I still get caught off guard by corners with a bad camber… However what I will say is this to all that are reading this thread…

Read the advice in this thread, read it slowly let it sink in and learn from it… then when you ride practice it, keep practicing it until it becomes a second nature.

Ride to your abilities, ride our own ride, seek knowledge, http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=865634&postcount=45

[Big Dog]

http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/mc-crash2.mpg
mc-crash2.mpg (video/mpeg Object)
Send this to every road user you know.

[beyond]

Real shocker that video. Been on before but it's a real wakeup call. Shows you how cagers just don't see you :(

I wonder how they did that? I don't think I would like that sort of job even as a stunt man to make the add.

[DEATH_INC.]

Listen to your bike, she will warn you if something is not right.
This is the best advice ever, take notice of your bike, it knows better than you what's going on, feel everything, and take it's advice. Learn to interpret the seat movements and the bar and peg movements and load. A good example, when you're nearing the limits of the front tyre the steering will get light and vague.If you keep pushing you'll prolly land on yer head.

[DEATH_INC.]

Dunno if anyones said it yet, but the old rule of road riding was 'slow in-fast out' this is one of the best bits of advice out there, leave yourself plenty of room 'till you can see that it's safe before you go for it.

[SwanTiger]

If you ride like there is no tomorrow, there won't be.

[James Deuce]

The Wiki project has started and I have already approached some people for contributions. Thank you very much those of you who have helped for your efforts so far.

Krayy is working hard on templates and format and I have been playing with concepts and content. The preview is a while away, so please remain patient, and most of all keep writing up tips in the various fora as you already do.

All feedback on the construction and content of the initial Wiki preview will be utterly ignored. One has to put a stake in the ground somewhere you know.

Once it has been released people will be invited to become contributors and the editors and administrators will ensure that the content fits the framework of an encyclopedia. The forum will remain the realm of opinion and hyperbole.

[James Deuce]

One piece of work I have cadged valuable riding tips from is Jacki Stewart's Performance Driving.

"A car book?" I hear you replay sarcastically and scathingly.

Jackie Stewart's concepts of "performance" are somewhat different to the Rotary crowd for instance. On a public road Jackie insists that you drive a vehicle with the comfort of the passengers first and foremost and avoid where possible things like potholes and manhole covers, excessive braking and steering inputs, and controlled rather than WFO acceleration.

One of the things I do is map out the man hole covers, potholes, speed cameras, tar snakes, and induction loop triggers for lights.

Then I plot a course that avoids the hazards and takes full advantage of the helpful bits of technology. Then I practice it day in, day out.

This means when you have a downpour like today's you can worry about feeling for traction and watching out for idiots, sorry, other road users, all the while missing all those shiny bits of gripless metal they chuck on the road.

Wet weather tips.

1. Get the best wet weather gear you can if you ride every day. Make sure it isn't too heavy so that you sweat or can't move properly, or bulky enough to block rear view mirrors.
2. Don't freak out when the bike moves around a little when going over white lines, tar snakes, or deep puddles. If anything relax a little more and try ride the process out. Use small but positive throttle and steering inputs to stay in control.
3. Avoid heavy braking or acceleration. When braking start earlier than usual to clear water from the discs (you luddites in the back quiet down. Most of us have disc brakes now) and then steadily apply pressure. Don't brake suddenly if you can avoid it, but bear in mind you can brake as hard in the wet as the dry - eventually. Only nail the throttle if you are confident of dealing with the resulting flat track style action.
4. Do not ride alongside vehicles if you can avoid it. Despite the advent of almost universal air con in the NZ car fleet. most morons, sorry, road users are clueless as to how it can be used to keep condensation at bay inside a car. This means they have no peripheral vision and their wing and rear view mirrors are ineffective. You are even more invisible in bad weather. Actively avoid trouble, do not passively sit in a traffic flow thinking you are safe.
5. Do not tolerate tailgating. Do something about it. Get away from the moron, sorry, puppy-like driving enthusiast. Either let them go or work your motorcycle advantages to your advantage.
6. Move around on the seat. Move your body weight to the inside of a bend and you won't have to lean as far for a given bend. Don't go for knee down stuff, just shift an inch or two to the inside.
7. Put your gloves under your sleeves. This will stop your cordura/goretex jacket from filling your gloves with water. Many people mistakenly bag their waterproof gloves, not realising that the water running down the goretex lining of their jacket exits at the cuffs - and into their gloves. If you can't do this with your current waterproof gear, make it a priority for the next purchase. Similarly put your trousers over your boots.
8. Buy a helmet that doesn't leak around the visor or have issues with fogging. Actively seek out helmets that have good breath guards and anti-fogging visor systems. In my experience pinlock style systems are best. I am about to try out HJC's anti-fogging visor and Darth Vader breath shield.
9. Ride like you have Stephen Hawkings on the back. Ride as smoothly as humanly possible. I've seen even Cowpoos ride well in the wet, so you can too.

Edit: 10. Don't trip when carrying your helmet.

[Shadows]

I am about to try out HJC's anti-fogging visor and Darth Vader breath shield.



Those visors are the dog's bollocks.

[Big Dog]

Just posted these rookie touring tips elsewhere. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=884124&postcount=17

[dale smith]

Not being a rider cos I don't have a bike, I can only tell you what Daryl told me about his safety tips.....NEVER underestimate the value of your protective clothing, treat your mother with love and respect and she will usually supply anything you need for your safety! Not matter where you are riding, or what you are riding for, always be prepared......well maintained equipment, right frame of mind, realistic time expectations, make sure you take regular breaks and keep the food and liquid intake up. Most important, as Daryl experienced at Puke that a lot of you may have witnessed, be aware of the quantity of fuel you have in the tank..... Have fun riding but be careful. Your actions on the road can affect so many people..... I have really enjoyed reading the comments in this thread, however some of the lighthearted remarks have been a little hard to accept. Methinks this is because just like Bruces family, everything is still very focal, so I am trying to treat the lighearted remarks with the humour with which they will have been intended.
Most of all though, I know that Daryl attended quite a few rider training type days in Taupo and commented on how helpful they were. Maybe there should be more days like those.....maybe bikers could be barred from racing/group riding until they have attended a defensive riding course? Mind you, I am sure there are those who would believe they are too good to attend something like that......

[hobdar]

I did not know either rider, but i know several people affected who are long term members and the knowledge of that week has affected me so here is my tribute

DO NOT be afraid to say something constructive to someone whose riding is dangerous to himself or someone else in any way, and in turn do not be afraid to listen to the advice and think about it and if valid in some way alter your riding.

It may just save your life or mine.

[Edbear]

maybe bikers could be barred from racing/group riding until they have attended a defensive riding course? Mind you, I am sure there are those who would believe they are too good to attend something like that......



Thoughts Dale!

I believe a Defensive Driving/Riding course should be mandatory to obtaining a licence! I did one at 16 and it has stood me in good stead ever since, (even though it was when they were first introduced into NZ and all the film footage was American!)

I never knew any of the 3, Bruce, Daryl, or UncleB, except through KB but like all, can relate to the tragedy and can concur with the sentiments expressed.

[Kyle]

Always wear as much protective gear as possable, but above all. STAY ALERT. The biggest danger to motorcyclists is cars. In particular the ones who u turn without indicating, who pull out without looking properly and who slam on the brakes for any reason. Day dreaming is what car drivers do, so bikers must take up their slack and be ready to avoid them. Personally i consider every car sitting at a side street a threat, untill i have passed it. Many times in my 14 odd years of riding have i had cars pull out on me, and every time so far i have managed to avoid them. In fact in my highly alert state i have witnessed several accidents between cars who simply didnt see the other car. Once i nearly had to step backwards while waiting at the lights, as the car that got hit in the intersection, spun around in slow motion and came towards me.
So yeah, stay alert, treat every cage as though they have not seen you, and save the racing for the track which has run-off areas and an ambulance waiting a stones throw away. Personally i will only wear leather armor, that dririder/cordura stuff may have armored bits, but leather still offers more protection. You dont see the racer guys wearing anything but leather do ya?
Lastly, keep on riding bikes, maybe we will suceed at getting cars banned one day.

[James Deuce]

Always wear as much protective gear as possable, but above all. STAY ALERT. The biggest danger to motorcyclists is cars.

The biggest danger to motorcyclists is riding in groups, themselves, and intersections in that order.

[Busy]

A lot of the main ones have been mentioned but thought would offer a few more that don't think have been mentioned.

Don't hold off a pee, if you have to pee, stop and pee, a full bladder will distract your riding (and the bumps make it worse)

Learn to read the road, new seal, loose seal, black ice, diesel ... can all be dangers just waiting.

Don't follow closely behind trailers or trucks, things DO fall off them.

If you perve at a girl/guy in the car your passing keep an eye on the car in front of you as they might be doing the same thing.

If your bike faults (light blows, tyre bludges etc) get it fixed ASAP, tomorrow could be to late

Give up on the "She'll be right, it'll never happen to me" idea, it will, and without warning.

Live to ride another day.

[Big Dog]

Winters coming, do some braking drills in the wet, tune yourself in for the wet months, even if you don't plan to ride in the rain.

[Bass]

Don't hold off a pee, if you have to pee, stop and pee, a full bladder will distract your riding (and the bumps make it worse)

.

I seem to remember on one of my many first aid courses, that I was told the urethra is fragile and can be severed in an accident. If you then take a leak, it's into your abdominal cavity and the consequences involve surgery. So this one is more important than you think.

[Busy]

I heard a story a while back about a guy out fishing on a boat with his mates, he was to embrassed to pee over the side so he held it until they got back, steping on to the dock something inside burst and I think he died from it.

Not sure if it's true or even happened but I do know holding it is bad for you.

[kevfromcoro]

I heard a story a while back about a guy out fishing on a boat with his mates, he was to embrassed to pee over the side so he held it until they got back, steping on to the dock something inside burst and I think he died from it.

Not sure if it's true or even happened but I do know holding it is bad for you.

got a mate that cant pee on a boat,,everytime he wants to go.we have to go back to shore,reckons he has to be earthed

[Highlander]

I heard a story a while back about a guy out fishing on a boat with his mates, he was to embrassed to pee over the side so he held it until they got back, steping on to the dock something inside burst and I think he died from it.

Not sure if it's true or even happened but I do know holding it is bad for you.

Years ago when I was doing search and rescue there was a young woman broke her ankle and was being stretchered out by a group of guys. She was too embarrased to ask them to stop for her to get rid of that cuppa they gave her to make her feel comfortable. She had an internal burstage, she didn't die but was in a farily bad way by the time they got her to the hospital.

[Puddlejumper]

Great tips in here. I know it's been said but for me gear is really important. Yes protective stuff but I also mean warm stuff. If your knee joints are aching or your toes are freezing or anything else is making you uncomfortable then you are not paying full attention to your number one priority - riding safely.
Also, yes you can sleep on a bike. While solo riding long boring straights between Blenheim and Murchison on a sunny afternoon when I had had plenty of sleep and thought I would be fine I dozed off. The bike woke me as it veered into the verge and luckily I rode it out and back onto the road unscathed. Taught me a huge lesson. Now, If I feel my eyes getting heavy I stop and jump around off the bike for a bit.
Thanks to all contributors for their valuable advice.

[Big Dog]

IN the event you tyres deflate while riding......
(a very common occurence when you have metal valve caps on a bike capable of over 140kmh)
Reduce your speed as quickly as safely as you can, you will have lost up to 80% of your ability to steer.

When you get home:
If you cant afford to get the carcass checked take the wheel that deflated off, deflate it to half the recommended pressure and try to roll it in a straight line.
If you can't the carcass is fucked and is dangerous to ride on. If you can it may still feel a little vague at times because the sidewall has extended too far and will now be softer in some spots and firmer in others.

Not really dangerous to be vague unless it cannot track straight at half inflation.

Also worth cleaning it (so dirt and marks are not distracting) and spinning it on its axle to see if the sidewall varies. If they vary noticably, they're fucked.

Deformed sidewalls reduce your ability to steer, brake and even travel in a straight line.

Deflated tyres that have been reinflated (if you forgive the pun) can be very tiring.

If you notice ANY deformity or loss of feel / consistency you need to use that tyre for one reason and one reason only, to get to a tyre shop to replace them.

[Big Dog]

Consider this, how many times have you seen skidmarks on the road leading inevitably to the bank?
These are very common in corners.

Were these in fact inevitable?

In many cases the driver was back on the straight by the time they left the lane, let alone the road. This is a form of target fixation the driver is so blinkered by his percieved need to stop / slow down he cannot see the long stretch of road in front of him. In many cases the differences between changing undies and being seriously injured is seeing that you could let up on the brake, whether it is for a moment to arrest the skid or because you now have some straight in front of you to run on in to.
As bikers we also have a third alternative to run on and swerve around an obstacle.

As a general rule, should you go on to crash anyway the longer you had of the tyres actually gripping the ground is the less it is going to hurt. Leave the deliberate lie downs to the movie stars and their stunt doubles.

Keep your options open, have as many "tools in the toolbox" as you can acquire through the learning oportunities around you and keep the black bits down, shiny side up.