Wuss-bag newbie requesting assistance

[Stirts]

OK so I am expecting a few HTFU’s with this but….:motu:

Me a newbie and wanting to commute from the shore to the city. I have actually attempted the commute a couple of times….although leaving in the wee hours of the morn to miss the heavier traffic and getting into work by 6:30am
a) not my idea of fun
b) me being at work at that time…:gob:
c) sleep deprivation NOT GOOD

I have read the thread re: lanesplitting/filtering and understand the theory….. however, it’s the practice part that gets me….how the fark can I practice this???? Yeah doing the weaving and control of the bike and situation, and hazard identification, and, and….. is all very well and good…..but it’s a totally different thing when you are actually with all the dimwits on the motorway behind the wheel too busy doing their makeup, picking their nose, on their cells etc etc to even notice a bike coming through.

I would like to experience being within copious amounts of traffic ….so I get a feel for what it is like and what to expect… given that it will be different everytime of course.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo if anyone commutes from…well anywhere from the far side of the bridge into the city and is prepared/able to take a pillion one Fri morning I would really appreciate the experience.

Cheesiest…greasiest grin :D

[Disco Dan]

how to practice lane-splitting without the cars huh? :scooter: :scooter:

See you tomorrow evening at AWNMR and will see what we can 'arrange' for you ;)

[Stirts]

how to practice lane-splitting without the cars huh? :scooter: :scooter:

See you tomorrow evening at AWNMR and will see what we can 'arrange' for you ;)

Nothing like a bit of bribery :yes: C U 2morrow

[skelstar]

Don't worry about being embarrased. I've done 50,000kms or riding and lane splitting gives me the heebie jeebies. Unfortunately everytime i ride to Aucks I find myself splitting into and through the traffic to get to my destination.

[Stirts]

Don't worry about being embarrased. I've done 50,000kms or riding and lane splitting gives me the heebie jeebies. Unfortunately everytime i ride to Aucks I find myself splitting into and through the traffic to get to my destination.

Yes...I am learning very quickly that 'being embarrased' is a BIG part of the learning curve when riding.

Heebie Jeebies?.....I wanna wommit everytime I think I might try to share a lane. Cars wont have to worry about their mirrors being taken out...more like a power chuck all over the passenger windows :sick:

[carbacca]

i am in pretty much the same dillema actually :P

got myself up and riding on the bike but still a bit aprehensive about riding to work. getting to work is not a problem since traffic is pretty light from greenlane to highbrook in the morning but going back there is a good chance of it jamming up; i could either sit in traffic on my bike (defeats the purpose really) or HTFU and lanesplit.

but yeah if anyone can come up with a way of practicing lane splitting.....

[skelstar]

Maybe practice by splitting to the front of traffic lights?

I just cruise along and watch the cars...cars don't really move/change direction all that fast eh (not if you're paying attention that is)? Watch for the gaps that cars can move into, be aware of some lanes moving faster than others....cars like changing into those lanes a lot.

[Drum]

Maybe find someone to split with for the first time? Ride behind them at a safe distance though.

Basically you just have to get out there and do it. You are nervous I know. We all were when we had to split for the first time. Many experienced riders still don't like to do it (and with good reason). For many of us the nervousness wanes over time. Then some idiot cuts you off and you are more cautious again, and so the cycle continues. Once you start splitting twice a day, 5 days a week your confidence will soon build up.

Give 'em a taste!

[Big Dave]

i am in pretty much the same dillema actually :P

got myself up and riding on the bike but still a bit aprehensive about riding to work. getting to work is not a problem since traffic is pretty light from greenlane to highbrook in the morning but going back there is a good chance of it jamming up; i could either sit in traffic on my bike (defeats the purpose really) or HTFU and lanesplit.

but yeah if anyone can come up with a way of practicing lane splitting.....

OK, the title got me in.

Do not HTFU to the point of deadening the fuck up.

With time in the saddle, controlling the bike becomes more automatic. When you become expert at it, it goes where you want it to go like a second nature, time, practice, training - if you need it, are the only things that will cause this level of control to evolve. When you can maneuver by wiggling your butt and not thinking about it, then go lane splitting, when your reactions are as good as they can be.

In the meantime - forget the ego - that's just us old hands spanking on - do what you are comfortable/safe doing and listen to your common sense.

www.rrrs.org.nz

will do you well too.

There are times when my head is not right for lane splitting - it requires compete concentration - so I sit in the traffic too. Just chillin' - at least I'm outside.

[Disco Dan]

Great advice Big Dave,

I have an idea up my sleeve for tomorrows AWNMR session regarding lane splitting ;)

It is mostly being able to make quick changes in directions albeit subtle, while watching as many cars and driver faces as posible. Knowing how your bike reacts and having good spacial awareness is very important.

I have seen a few near misses when bikes have 'forgotten' about their rear wheel to some degree, forgetting (or not knowing) that their rear wheel doesnt turn and track the same as the front - and seen the back almost clip the front of cars etc...

[Mully]

Cars wont have to worry about their mirrors being taken out...more like a power chuck all over the passenger windows :sick:

In which case, may I recommend an open face helmet?

[Disco Dan]

In which case, may I recommend an open face helmet?

Yeas...

Stirts may I recommend avoiding curry before AWNMR ;)

Unless you bring some for me ;) my favorite :yes:

[Stirts]

OK, the title got me in.

Do not HTFU to the point of deadening the fuck up.

With time in the saddle, controlling the bike becomes second nature. When you become expert at it, it goes where you want it to go like a second nature, time, practice, training - if you need it, are the only things that will cause this level of control to evolve. When you can maneuver by wiggling your butt and not thinking about it, then go lane splitting, when your reactions are as good as they can be.

In the meantime - forget the ego - that's just us old hands spanking on - do what you are safe doing and listen to your common sense.

www.rrrs.org.nz

will do you well too.

Fanks for this....tis sound advice....and I will certainly be doing the RRRS training :yes:

[Sanx]

Stirts, see if you can find someone with a helmet to helmet intercom to pillion you. That way you can ask 'em questions, or scream "STOP!" at them if it all gets too much.

I don't live over the shore, but am happy to take you on a lane-splitting tour of Auckland's scenic motorways should the need arise.


Do not HTFU to the point of deadening the fuck up.

That has got to be one of the most succinctly put bits of advice I've ever read on this site. Bling duly awarded.

[Stirts]

In which case, may I recommend an open face helmet?

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: fanks for the recommendation :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Stirts]

Yeas...

Stirts may I recommend avoiding curry before AWNMR ;)

Unless you bring some for me ;) my favorite :yes:

Tryna score a free dinner out of a newbie aye.....

[Disco Dan]

Tryna score a free dinner out of a newbie aye.....

Maybe :shutup: :shit:

[Stirts]

That has got to be one of the most succinctly put bits of advice I've ever read on this site. Bling duly awarded.

Have to agree on that one *bling* to you too for pointing that out :yes:


Stirts, see if you can find someone with a helmet to helmet intercom to pillion you. That way you can ask 'em questions, or scream "STOP!" at them if it all gets too much.

I don't live over the shore, but am happy to take you on a lane-splitting tour of Auckland's scenic motorways should the need arise.

Fanks for that....."Auckland's scenic motorways" dats an oxymoron if ever I heard one. :yes:

[Devil]

What part of the shore?

[Stirts]

What part of the shore?

I am actually in Rodney District...so not really the shore!?

[Toaster]

I am actually in Rodney District...so not really the shore!?

Me too - might see you out there sometime. As far as splitting goes - try to follow some other biker/bikers through. Helps with confidence knowing they are already making a hole for ya.

[Disco Dan]

Me too - might see you out there sometime. As far as splitting goes - try to follow some other biker/bikers through. Helps with confidence knowing they are already making a hole for ya.

plus the more bikes the more chance the cars have of seeing you...

Or did you mean use the bike in front as pawn toaster? :shutup: ..stick behind him and the cars will hit him first type thing... :shutup:

[Toaster]

Or did you mean use the bike in front as pawn toaster? :shutup: ..stick behind him and the cars will hit him first type thing... :shutup:

You have worked me out.... dang!!

My bike is three feet wide - lane splitting has taken on a slightly new meaning!

[Stirts]

Me too - might see you out there sometime. As far as splitting goes - try to follow some other biker/bikers through. Helps with confidence knowing they are already making a hole for ya.

Yeah I actually saw about four bikes this morn....although the leaner was up the front twas interesting watching the cars react differently to a group.

*bling* awarded purely for livin in the best part of Auck - as far as possible hee hee

[Toaster]

Yeah I actually saw about four bikes this morn....although the leaner was up the front twas interesting watching the cars react differently to a group.

*bling* awarded purely for livin in the best part of Auck - as far as possible hee hee

Back at ya!

p.s. it's no wonder the cars reacted differently if the biker up front was a "leaner"..... hehehehehe

[gijoe1313]

Aha! Lesson part the II I see Stirts! :msn-wink: If'n I was free I would gladly pootle in front to show how I survive the lane-splitting gladiatorial arena! But yeppers, check out the good advice others have said and get thee to that Wednesday night practice (just don't get Disco Dan to lead you there! :whistle:)

Sounds like you've moved on from your hill o'doom and moving into the lanesplitting cheapshot at cagers theme now! :msn-wink:

Oh yeah, did I mention a nice Stebel 139db helps in getting people's attention? :devil2:

[The Stranger]

plus the more bikes the more chance the cars have of seeing you...

Or did you mean use the bike in front as pawn toaster? :shutup: ..stick behind him and the cars will hit him first type thing... :shutup:

Think about it Disco.
I always lead a noob.
If a car sees a bike they become very aware of a second or third bike. If they don't see a bike they will take it out (or try to), who is better equipped to deal with this situation, me or the noob?

Believe me, if they just had a boot in the side of thier car (and 2 have) they check their mirrors real careful for any other bikes.

[Stirts]

Sounds like you've moved on from your hill o'doom and moving into the lanesplitting cheapshot at cagers theme now! :msn-wink: :

Still practicing the driveway.....I am now seeing how close I can stop to the far wall at different speeds....haven't gone through yet :innocent:


Oh yeah, did I mention a nice Stebel 139db helps in getting people's attention? :devil2:

:love: :devil2: :love: :devil2:

[Sanx]

Still practicing the driveway.....I am now seeing how close I can stop to the far wall at different speeds....haven't gone through yet :innocent:

You might want to try the stopping distance practicing using a marker like a couple of cones instead. One day, you will get it wrong, and the wall will come off best in any collision.

[Disco Dan]

Unless the wall happens to be very thin.... could be interesting ;)

[Stirts]

You might want to try the stopping distance practicing using a marker like a couple of cones instead. One day, you will get it wrong, and the wall will come off best in any collision.

:rofl: now that would be a real kodak moment

[gijoe1313]

Funny we should be talking about this, I was sitting cool as you please on Queen St. and who did I bump into? Stirts!

We got nattering on about her conquering the hill o'doom and she was mentioning about her braking practice :gob:

So I mentioned ... "after 10000km ... better get your brake pads checked!" in case of aforementioned acquaintance with said wall! :rofl:

Would be a shame to have anything happen to that little ol'hornet! Twin 'zorsts and all as well (like mine! :woohoo:) :love:

Now... how did the Disco Dan treatment go? Did he get lost trying to find his way to Queen st? :whistle:

[Stirts]

Would be a shame to have anything happen to that little ol'hornet! Twin 'zorsts and all as well (like mine! :woohoo:) :love:

:gob: ohh the thought just dosen't bear thinking bout. Yes it is official I :love: just :love: that bike *sigh*


better get your brake pads checked!

Mind, after lastnites mentor training...I don't think I would have any issues with the brake pads just yet....do the words sookiebubba, pussy, chickenarse, softc...hang on.... not that one



Now... how did the Disco Dan treatment go? Did he get lost trying to find his way to Queen st? :whistle:

LOL....."the Disco Dan treatment" hee hee....a true gentleman he was.... and I can confirm, he found his way to Queen St.

[gijoe1313]

Why, as I live and breath, I am gobsmacked :gob: gobsmacked I say!

Disco Dan has managed to challenge the inequities of his visual-spatial co-ordination in a righteous manner! :yes: A true king among the Queens!

From what I gather, I take it that there were some challenging moments, which required one to take a little private time and reflection? :sweatdrop

All good! Shows that you have the courage and tenacity to improve the art of motorcycling :msn-wink:

Now, keep turning up to those meets and take some of those HTFU pills that seems to be doing the rounds here on KB! :innocent: :rofl: (I got mine delivered by suppository when I was mentored by The_Dover :devil2: :pinch:)

Toodle poop and keep up that sterling attitude to riding! At'em girl!

[Disco Dan]

Why, as I live and breath, I am gobsmacked :gob: gobsmacked I say!

Disco Dan has managed to challenge the inequities of his visual-spatial co-ordination in a righteous manner! :yes: A true king among the Queens!

From what I gather, I take it that there were some challenging moments, which required one to take a little private time and reflection? :sweatdrop

All good! Shows that you have the courage and tenacity to improve the art of motorcycling :msn-wink:

Now, keep turning up to those meets and take some of those HTFU pills that seems to be doing the rounds here on KB! :innocent: :rofl: (I got mine delivered by suppository when I was mentored by The_Dover :devil2: :pinch:)

Toodle poop and keep up that sterling attitude to riding! At'em girl!

ahem...

Queen street was no problem... even found the pub :innocent:

You did really well 'skirts' - I was impressed :yes:

[The Stranger]

You did really well 'skirts' - I was impressed :yes:

Yeah, but were you impressed with her riding?

[Disco Dan]

Yeah, but were you impressed with her riding?

yeah that too ;)

[martin987]

Mate I test road a tw0-stroke RS250 in afternoon traffic and it was only my second time on a bike. How nervous did you think I felt?

[90s]

Me too - might see you out there sometime. As far as splitting goes - try to follow some other biker/bikers through. Helps with confidence knowing they are already making a hole for ya.

Fair advice, although I'd add that you should slowly build up your confidence and stick to your own lane-splitting tolerance.

This morning for example I was filtering back in traffic on the SH16 when traffic speeded up to about 60kph, then splitting out again as it slowed. I felt comfortable and in control, but was caught by a yellow Triumph 9 who carried on up the middle as I pulled in. When the traffic hit about 80 I noticed he pulled in too. Maybe that was his 'safe' splitting speed.

Maybe at first yours is 40.

Stick to what you feel is acceptable. Because other riders can do it at 120kph doesn't mean they'll get away with it forever. And just because you do it only up to 40ks don't think its safe. Just take it slow and easy.

[breakaway]

power chuck all over the passenger windows :sick:

Remember to lift the visor ;)