50 survival tips - Read 'em now!

[outlawtorn]

Found this article and thought it might be good to spread the knowledge.
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Assume you're invisible
Because to a lot of drivers, you are. Never make a move based on the assumption that another driver sees you, even if you've just made eye contact.

Be considerate
The consequences of strafing the jerk du jour or cutting him off start out bad and get worse. Pretend it was your grandma and think again

Dress for the crash, not the pool or the prom
Sure, Joaquin's Fish Tacos is a five-minute trip, but nobody plans to eat pavement. Modern mesh gear means 100-degree heat is no excuse for a T-shirt and board shorts

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Assume that car across the intersection will turn across your bow when the light goes green, with or without a turn signal.

Leave your ego at home
The only people who really care if you were faster on the freeway will be the officer and the judge.

Pay attention
Yes, there is a half-naked girl on the billboard. And the chrome needs a polish. Meanwhile, you could be drifting toward Big Trouble. Focus.

Mirrors only show you part of the picture
Never change direction without turning your head to make sure the coast really is clear.

Be patient
Always take another second or three before you pull out to pass, ride away from a curb or merge into freeway traffic from an on-ramp. It's what you don't see that gets you. That extra look could save your butt.

Watch your closing speed
Passing cars at twice their speed or changing lanes to shoot past a row of stopped cars is just asking for trouble.

Beware the verge and the merge
A lot of nasty surprises end up on the sides of the road: empty McDonald's bags, nails, TV antennas, ladders, you name it. Watch for potentially troublesome debris on both sides of the road.

Right-turning cars remain a leading killer of motorcyclists
Don't assume someone will wait for you to dart through the intersection. They're trying to beat the light, too.

Think before you act
Careful whipping around that Camry going 10km/h in a 40km/h zone or you could end up with your head in the driver's side door when he turns in front of you.

Beware of cars running traffic lights
The first few seconds after a signal light changes are the most perilous. Look both ways before barging into an intersection.

Check your mirrors
Do it every time you change lanes, slow down or stop. Be ready to move if another vehicle is about to occupy the space you'd planned to use

Mind the gap
Remember Driver's Ed.? One second's worth of distance per 16 km/h is the old rule of thumb. Better still, scan the next 12 seconds ahead for potential trouble.

Beware of boy racer cars
They're quick, and their drivers tend to be young and aggressive, therefore potentially hazardous

Excessive entrance speed hurts
It's the leading cause of single-bike accidents on twisty roads-some cruisers can make unheard of amounts of power. Use it on the way out of a corner, not in.

Don't trust that deer whistle
Ungulates and other feral beasts prowl at dawn and dusk, so heed those big yellow signs. If you're riding in a target-rich environment, slow down and watch the shoulders.

Learn to use both brakes
The front does most of your stopping, but for a lot of heavy cruisers a little extra rear brake can really help haul you up fast.

Keep the front brake covered-always
Save a single second of reaction time at 100km/h and you can stop 50m shorter. Think about that.

Look where you want to go
Use the miracle of target fixation to your advantage. The motorcycle goes where you look, so focus on the solution instead of the problem.

Keep your eyes moving
Traffic is always shifting, so keep scanning for potential trouble. Don't lock your eyes on any one thing for too long unless you're actually dealing with trouble

Come to a full stop at that next stop sign
Put a foot down. Look again. Anything less forces a snap decision with no time to spot potential trouble.

Raise your gaze
It's too late to do anything about the 5.meters immediately in front of your fender, so scan the road far enough ahead to see trouble and change trajectory.

Get your mind right in the driveway
Most accidents happen during the first 15 minutes of a ride, below 70km/h, near an intersection or driveway. Yes, that could be your driveway

Never dive into a gap in stalled traffic
Cars may have stopped for a reason, and you may not be able to see why until it's too late to do anything about it.

Don't saddle up more than you can handle
If you weigh 65kg, avoid that 500kg cruiser. Get something lighter and more manageable.

Watch for car doors opening into traffic
And smacking a car that's swerving around some goofball's open door is just as painful.

Don't get in an intersection rut
Watch for a two-way stop after a string of four-way intersections. If you expect cross-traffic to stop, there could be a painful surprise when it doesn't.

Stay in your comfort zone when you're with a group
Riding over your head is a good way to end up in a ditch. Any bunch worth riding with will have a rendezvous point where you'll be able to link up again.

Give your eyes some time to adjust
A minute or two of low light heading from a well-lighted garage onto dark streets is a good thing. Otherwise, you're essentially flying blind for the first km or so.

Master the slow U-turn
Practice. Park your butt on the outside edge of the seat and lean the bike into the turn, using your body as a counterweight as you pivot around the rear wheel.

Who put a stop sign at the top of this hill?
Don't panic. Use the rear brake to keep from rolling back down. Use Mr. Throttle and Mr. Clutch normally-and smoothly-to pull away.

If it looks slippery, assume it is
A patch of suspicious pavement could be just about anything. Butter Flavor Crisco? Gravel? Mobil 1? Or maybe it's nothing. Better to slow down for nothing than go on your head.

Bang! A blowout! Now what?
No sudden moves. The motorcycle isn't happy, so be prepared to apply a little calming muscle to maintain course. Ease back the throttle, brake gingerly with the good wheel and pull over very smoothly to the shoulder. Big sigh.

Drops on the faceshield?
It's raining. Lightly misted pavement can be slipperier than when it's been rinsed by a downpour, and you never know how much grip there is. Apply maximum-level concentration, caution and smoothness.

Everything is harder to see after dark
Adjust your headlights, carry a clear faceshield and have your game all the way on after dark, especially during commuter hours

Emotions in check?
To paraphrase Mr. Ice Cube, chickity-check yo self before you wreck yo self. Emotions are as powerful as any drug, so take inventory every time you saddle up. If you're mad, sad, exhausted or anxious, stay put.

Wear good gear
Wear stuff that fits you and the weather. If you're too hot or too cold or fighting with a jacket that binds across the shoulders, you're dangerous. It's that simple.

Leave the iPod at home
You won't hear that cement truck in time with Spinal Tap cranked to 11, but they might like your headphones in intensive care.

Learn to swerve
Be able to do two tight turns in quick succession. Flick left around the bag of briquettes, then right back to your original trajectory. The bike will follow your eyes, so look at the way around, not the briquettes. Now practice until it's a reflex.

Be smooth at low speeds
Take some angst out, especially of slow-speed maneuvers, with a bit of rear brake. It adds a welcome bit of stability by minimizing unwelcome weight transfer and potentially bothersome driveline lash.

Flashing is good for you
Turn signals get your attention by flashing, right? So a few easy taps on the pedal or lever before stopping makes your brake light more eye-catching to trailing traffic.

Intersections are scary, so hedge your bets
Put another vehicle between your bike and the possibility of someone running the stop sign/red light on your left and you cut your chances of getting nailed in half.

Tune your peripheral vision
Pick a point near the center of that wall over there. Now scan as far as you can by moving your attention, not your gaze. The more you can see without turning your head, the sooner you can react to trouble.

All alone at a light that won't turn green?
Put as much motorcycle as possible directly above the sensor wire-usually buried in the pavement beneath you and located by a round or square pattern behind the limit line. If the light still won't change, try putting your kickstand down, right on the wire. You should be on your way in seconds.

Don't troll next to-or right behind-Mr. Peterbilt
If one of those 18 retreads blows up-which they do with some regularity-it de-treads, and that can be ugly. Unless you like dodging huge chunks of flying rubber, keep your distance.

Take the panic out of panic stops
Develop an intimate relationship with your front brake. Seek out some safe, open pavement. Starting slowly, find that fine line between maximum braking and a locked wheel, and then do it again and again.

Make your tires right
None of this stuff matters unless your skins are right. Don't take 'em for granted. Make sure pressure is spot-on every time you ride. Check for cuts, nails and other junk they might have picked up, as well as for general wear.

Take a deep breath
Count to 10. Visualize whirled peas. Forgetting about some clown's 130km/h indiscretion beats running the risk of ruining your life, or ending it

[MSTRS]

And can this be made a sticky??

[janno]

Beware of cars running traffic lights


So True, that one!!

Had it drummed in to me by other half not to sprint off when lights turn "GO!"

One time, had a green light, waited a couple of beats checking the road just as the car behind got on the horn . . . only to have a truck come blasting through the intersection, running the red at full noise.

Turned around. The expression of total horror on the driver's face was priceless - they must've worked out if they'd been in front and sprinted off they would have got cleaned up big time.:shit:

Tis a big problem here in Bris, the right hand turn light phasing is shocking (very short) and really encourages people to sprint through.

[Marvon]

Hey this is a great read, especially for someone starting out, all common sense I guess, but seeing it written will help to get it to sink in!

[cbr guy]

very good, the humor kept me interested right up to number 50, especially the one "leave the ipod at home"

[cowboy]

All very good advice :yes:
As for the blowouts:shit: I had my rear go at 120k on the souther motorway
Scariest moment I have had on a bike but managed to keep it upright by using the front brake gently but the tank has some scars :weep:

[Disco Dan]

All very good advice :yes:
As for the blowouts:shit: I had my rear go at 120k on the souther motorway
Scariest moment I have had on a bike but managed to keep it upright by using the front brake gently but the tank has some scars :weep:

try doubling that speed and have the front blow out just as im approaching a corner........ now thats scary. :yes: (even kept it upright) ...gentle braking and much buttock cheeck clenching worked in that situation.

[digisol]

All fine comments, I have been riding now for 40+ years with the scars to prove it, I had a B grade road racing license and had raced seriously off road since 7 YO so before I went for my learners I had a little head start on the instructor.
While there is never too much information on staying alive there are things that are forgotten when the helmut goes on, unfortunately there are some things that simply can't be taught, they are instinctive and you either have it or you don't and the difference can mean being alive or dead.
I'm still alive so I guess I am half good at riding bikes, the 600 TTR is just a toy, my road bike is a 95 triumph 900 speed triple and having riden all from a 125 trail bike to a 1200 harley and pretty much all in between, you tends to pick up a few tricks on staying alive.
The main thing apart from lousy roads, oil, white lines etc etc is knowing what the other bloke is going to do, before he does it, while easy to say it's very true and must be learnt.
I've followed cars that seem to be doing quite OK, their R blinker comes on, they move to the right lane, then turn hard left, so beware of the total opposite which may happen and never ever force your right of way, it can hurt real bad.
Having also driven many cars and trucks I look for bikes, look left-look right-look bike, is another I always think of especially when learners will persist to ride in the car's blindspot, and some experienced riders still do it, thinking that HP will pull them out of the way, which seldom works.
Always assume the other driver is pissed, stoned, both, old and half blind or just a total idiot and you may last a bit longer, but when you meet a tourist in his car going the wrong way on a roundabout in the rain on an off cambered road, all bets are off.
Anyway that's my 2c worth so expect the unexpected, you must learn to drive the other blokes vehicle that is around you, and you must know what he intends to do before he does it, then expect the total opposite which does happen, I know, I have the scar to prove it.
If anything racing at high speed is pretty easy, you are all going the same way, there are no telegraph poles to jump out and hit ya, and for the fool car driver that's looking for a cigarette or a CD while he goes through that set of red lights at 60mph, just remember he's not looking at you.
Good luck, that helps too, new riders need it.

[james89000]

Oh just gota say, thats a great post!

Ive been riding for about 5 months now, and anything like that is always good to apply out there.

Thanks

[Hanne]

Awesome advice, I just have a question about this one:


Found this article and thought it might be good to spread the knowledge.
-
Keep the front brake covered-always
Save a single second of reaction time at 100km/h and you can stop 50m shorter. Think about that.


I have been advised not to ride with my hand over the brake because it means not so much control on the throttle?
Maybe it doesn't make as much difference when you have bigger hands, but for me it seemed the choice was either to cover the brakes and have only the space between thumb and first finger left for throttle, or curl my hand around and actually be in charge of my speed.

Any comments?

[Angusdog]

Thought I'd read through and see if there was anything I don't do instinctively after 20 years of riding. Nope :) but all essential advice.

My last accident was when I stopped to let a woman use a pedestrian crossing and got hit from behind by the woman driving the car behind me. So the 51st tip should be run over people on crossings.

[janno]

Awesome advice, I just have a question about this one:



I have been advised not to ride with my hand over the brake because it means not so much control on the throttle?
Maybe it doesn't make as much difference when you have bigger hands, but for me it seemed the choice was either to cover the brakes and have only the space between thumb and first finger left for throttle, or curl my hand around and actually be in charge of my speed.

Any comments?


Have the same problem - small hands.

Throttle rocker is your friend! Some people hate them, but for me they solved the exact problem you just described as you are controlling throttle by palm pressure not grip.

I got mine for $10 bucks in Brisbane, not sure what they are worth here but are brilliant.

Actually, now I have to find mine. Got taken off for the shift to NZ a coupla weeks ago and gawd knows where 'tis now.

Edit: Hah! Found it!

[Angusdog]

I have been advised not to ride with my hand over the brake because it means not so much control on the throttle?
Maybe it doesn't make as much difference when you have bigger hands, but for me it seemed the choice was either to cover the brakes and have only the space between thumb and first finger left for throttle, or curl my hand around and actually be in charge of my speed.

Any comments?

Is your brake lever adjustable for span, i.e. distance from the bar? With the excellent stoppers on the ZZR250, you should be able to use just two fingers (1st & 2nd) to brake, and still hold on to the throttle with ease. It will require that your brakes aren't spongy, and you need some reasonable strength in your fingers. If your brakes are spongy, you will trap your 3rd & 4th fingers behind the bar. It's the only way to ride through traffic and be comfortable that you're in control.

[roado]

good stuff should have read it before i stacked it into a parked car

[roado]

good stuff should have read it before i stacked it into a parked car & watch out for local farmers stoped in the middle of rural roads having a chat came round a corner straight into the back it wasnt that fun :mad:

[BUGIE]

Thought I'd read through and see if there was anything I don't do instinctively after 20 years of riding. Nope :) but all essential advice.

My last accident was when I stopped to let a woman use a pedestrian crossing and got hit from behind by the woman driving the car behind me. So the 51st tip should be run over people on crossings.

To sum this up another Valid rule is:

Bikes brake better then cars
Remember that although you have perfected your braking technique and you can now stop on a coin, the driver behind probably hasn't... Before slamming on your brakes, look in your mirror and check the car behind you will stop in time.. If not look for a side road or even pull out to the centre line so that the car behind can go sailing right passed you into the car in front of you!!

Also...

Ride within your abilities not to your friends abilities

when riding in groups you tend to try and keep up with your friends who may be way more experienced, have bigger bikes or just not give a damn about living or dying... The end result of this is that you always accidentally end up hitting corners faster then you should do!! Bad enough on your own, even worse if you have a pillion!!!

P.s. Hi guys, i'm new to this forum (and biking in general) but it looks like a great forum so i couldn't resist joining


Chris

[moko]

Another one from years of experience,watch the driver in the car in front not just the car,I've seen people on phones,playing with babies,drinking all kinds of stuff,if they're not paying attention then they're dangerous so give them plenty of space,worst one I had was a few months back,car being driven well below the speed limit(often a sign that the driver's doing something else)and wandering across the road.Nothing coming so I used the opposite side of the road to pass,turned out to be a woman reading a map which was spread across her steering wheel!! Also use the mirrors of the vehicle in front,firstly if you can't see their mirrors they can't see you and also you can often see whether they're using them or not,same goes for the interior mirror,quite easy to see if it's being used as most will tilt their heads upwards slightly.
Also observation is vital,cow crap in the road?Well have a think where that comes from and what might just be around the corner,in winter I always look at the windows of parked cars to see how cold it is and therefore whether there's a chance of icy patches lurking.
Don't get angry,get wound up and you've lost concentration,wave your fist at someone and you're causing a situation that makes you both a danger to yourselves and others.I've found most drivers will acknowledge that they've made a mistake if you give them a chance to rather than your middle finger,better to nod and defuse the situation.Riding is about 100% concentration,a big part of the enjoyment for me,it's a skill and you'll get far more out of your riding as you pick it up,apart from the safety aspect you'll see all kinds of things along the way.
Know your bike,whenever I get a new one I find an empty car park and practice low-speed lock-ups(if you've got ABS don't bother,it'll be a very long day),clutch control,figure 8s e.t.c.,better to find out how your brakes will react in an emergency that way than when a truck shoots a red light and you're entering totally uncharted territory.
And never forget your bike's not a toy,it's a lot of fun but so is a hunting rifle and you don't want to be playing silly-buggers with one of those either.
One for you young guys,don't go bragging on web-sites about your latest off,these things happen but I often see people post stuff here and elsewhere who seem oddly proud of their lack of machine control or riding skills,guess what guys,people are laughing at you not with you.
Ride safe and have fun,you can do both.

[Dimi79]

It is so true...Common sense and true...It is realy helpfull to think non-stop when we ride and be ten times more carefull and aware about the surrounding trafic...

[Dimi79]

You are so right about what you wrote. Being stupid on the bike doesnt help no body. All the yers of expirience are keeping you alive on the road,and i agree that everyone should try to do the same and gain some expirience to gain more time to stay alive,just i hope none of that expirience will be a bad one...Cheers.

[rok-the-boat]

This is my #1 rule for daytime riding - I made it up myself. Your shadow tells you where danger comes from. For example, if you see your shadow in front and to your left, then the sun is behind you and blinding that car driver just pulling out (works for other directions - try it out and see). He will not see you but may hit you. So, watch your shadow!

[lemure]

[quote=outlawtorn;1105434]Found this article and thought it might be good to spread the knowledge.
-------
Assume you're invisible
Because to a lot of drivers, you are. Never make a move based on the assumption that another driver sees you, even if you've just made eye contact.


Don't know if this was the site you saw, there's other stuff there too ... http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/122_0608_50_ways/
:done:

[kanny]

Exellent advice.:2thumbsup

[gismo]

I'm just getting into riding again after years of not and this thread has given me alot of stuff to think about. Things that i wouldnt have thought about until it was too late or a mistake had been made. These survival tips should be given to everyone that takes the licence.. and not just the learners.:first:


This is my #1 rule for daytime riding - I made it up myself. Your shadow tells you where danger comes from. For example, if you see your shadow in front and to your left, then the sun is behind you and blinding that car driver just pulling out (works for other directions - try it out and see). He will not see you but may hit you. So, watch your shadow!

I had never thought about using your shadow for safety reasons... but it makes so much sence. :first:

:2thumbsup:clap::niceone:

[alanzs]

Awesome advice, I just have a question about this one:



I have been advised not to ride with my hand over the brake because it means not so much control on the throttle?
Maybe it doesn't make as much difference when you have bigger hands, but for me it seemed the choice was either to cover the brakes and have only the space between thumb and first finger left for throttle, or curl my hand around and actually be in charge of my speed.

Any comments?
I have always ridden with my right middle finger extended over the brake, especially when riding in traffic, or built up areas. That nanosecond saved which allows me to hit the brake makes up for whatever loss of throttle control the THEORY says it may have has always worked for me. But, thats just me...

[pritch]

I have been advised not to ride with my hand over the brake because it means not so much control on the throttle?

Any comments?

Unless there's a special reason for that advice I would regard it as suspect.

The texts I have say cover the brake in traffic, it drastically reduces your reaction time. I rest two fingers on the brake lever in traffic which is normally all I use for braking anyway.

While not directly related to town traffic, it's a useful skill to be able to operate the front brake and blip the throttle at the same time so as to brake and change down simultaniously. Lots of people seem to be able to do that without losing too much control of the throttle.

Most use the first two fingers to operate the brake lever, and the thumb, third finger and pinky for the throttle. One of the of the prominent Japanese riders though used his third and fourth fingers for the brake. I guess anything is possible if you practice...

[dubshack]

Another rule should be:
Ride the road and not the vehicle in front.
So many people follow the vehicle in front and don't really know where the road is going. This tends to happen when speed picks up on the twisties. How often do you see a rider over run a turn and the guy behind him does as well. This ties in perfectly to look ahead that is listed above.

[CB ARGH]

I'm on restricted C1 Licence and am still learning things... A few months ago I was on the motorway and about to do a lane change, looked in the mirrors, indicated, started to change lanes and saw something in the corner of my eye.

Fuck, it was a motorbike, Father and son by the looks of it. God, it scared the crap out of me. The saying "you learn from your mistakes" is so bloody true, I'd read about blind spots and stuff, but until that moment I didn't take any notice. Now every single time my neck almost breaks from turning around to check the blind spots.

They can't see you. It's a fact. STAND OUT. Be aware, be safe.

[P38]

Ride like everyone is out to get you.

Beacuse they are!

[madbikeboy]

Unless there's a special reason for that advice I would regard it as suspect.

The texts I have say cover the brake in traffic, it drastically reduces your reaction time. I rest two fingers on the brake lever in traffic which is normally all I use for braking anyway.

While not directly related to town traffic, it's a useful skill to be able to operate the front brake and blip the throttle at the same time so as to brake and change down simultaniously. Lots of people seem to be able to do that without losing too much control of the throttle.

Most use the first two fingers to operate the brake lever, and the thumb, third finger and pinky for the throttle. One of the of the prominent Japanese riders though used his third and fourth fingers for the brake. I guess anything is possible if you practice...


Blipping the gas provides smoother downchanging, and that means less dramas if there is slipperiness to be had. I was born before slipper clutches, as you can tell. I use one finger for braking, the same finger that is used for flipping the bird - but I've got a light sports bike. I ALWAYS cover the brake, the extra time isn't the issue, it's more that in a rush, progressive braking goes out the window. Practice braking - seriously, find somewhere to go and practice over and over. I still do it, each time I fit new or different tires, when it's wet, when the ground is cold.

[madbikeboy]

Thought I'd read through and see if there was anything I don't do instinctively after 20 years of riding. Nope :) but all essential advice.

My last accident was when I stopped to let a woman use a pedestrian crossing and got hit from behind by the woman driving the car behind me. So the 51st tip should be run over people on crossings.

After a lot of time on two wheels, both powered and human powered, when I stop, I cover the mirrors and stay in first gear. If there's lots of traffic around, I stop between cars - it's called a covered position - I've been safe in cover because I didn't like the look of the texting bitch behind, and she's rear ended the car I was covered beside. The road rules are nice, but staying alive is a better idea, I won't stay somewhere exposed unless there is a much worse reason for doing so.

It is pure psychology, we are trained to look for threats that are larger than we are - when was the last time you heard of some cager pulling out in front of an 18 wheeler? But, we're not percieved as a threat, therefore they just don't look for us.

Ban all the cars, I say.

[to0om17]

Great first thread to read =D A few things i really haden't thought of in there! Cheers!

[dpex]

All good tips. But as for emergency braking, the best way is lock up the front wheel for a fraction of a second, then release just enough to unlock, then lock, then release just enough to unlock. You'll be amazed at how much more quickly you can stop. But you need to practice it till it becomes a reflex. Cheers David.

[Navy Gixer]

I was behind a friend at what I thought was a good distance, I wasn't really thinking about it at the time. Back to the story, straight piece of road, small dip before a rise, after the rise another very small dip and a road off to the right. A truck was going up the rise as my mate (in front of me with his girl friend on the back) and me were riding down the road, doing around 100 (no faster than 110kph). truck goes over the rise just as my mate starts the dip, truck brake lights go on and right indicator. My mate in the dip moves to the right of the lane to pass the truck not being able to see the indicator or brake lights of the truck (mate did not slow), mate got to the rise ready to over take got to the top, saw the brake and indicator lights, braked hard swerved left to go round the truck (the road ahead was clear and the brake lights came off.) I got to the top of the rise to see his brakes come on again just before he went into the back of the truck, as it did not move asfast as he thought. Both died instantly. I braked and stopped where he hit the truck (it had moved by the time I got there) leaving a 30m skid mark (Police after testing said I was doing 90 when I hit the brakes, using both front and rear). I am sharing this with you cos you never know, on a bike you have split seconds to make a choice, sometimes between life and death. Someone commented about riding around blind corners at a speed at which you can stop before an obstacle, well that goes for straight roads too. After watching my mate and his partner die, I have done a bronze rider course, something that I think taught me things and helped me to reinforce what I was doing (on the bike) To survive ride like you haven't been seen, like everyone is out to get you..... lol heck know your limits and how to react. there are advanced rider courses that you can you and if you think you know everything well YOU dont!! Keep the rubber down

[gunrunner]

Fine advice as statistics are against us , ride safe only the stupid die young :2thumbsup

[gunrunner]

good stuff should have read it before i stacked it into a parked car & watch out for local farmers stoped in the middle of rural roads having a chat came round a corner straight into the back it wasnt that fun :mad:

Aint that the truth could of been worse could of been a tractor :Oops:

[mouldy]

Awesome advice, I just have a question about this one:



I have been advised not to ride with my hand over the brake because it means not so much control on the throttle?
Maybe it doesn't make as much difference when you have bigger hands, but for me it seemed the choice was either to cover the brakes and have only the space between thumb and first finger left for throttle, or curl my hand around and actually be in charge of my speed.

Any comments?
2 fingers on the brake lever especially in built up areas , if you can't stop the bike with 2 fingers bleed your brakes

[MarkH]

when was the last time you heard of some cager pulling out in front of an 18 wheeler?

I've seen it happen on the Southern Motorway - the truck driver hit brakes + air horn, I don't think he was happy.

My tip - assume every other motorist on the road got kicked out of the looney bin for being a danger to all the other patients and don't rule out any action they may take no matter how crazy they would have to be to do it. It's your life, be prepared to take any evasive action required to continue living.

Yesterday I was filtering through traffic on the motorway and a short distance ahead someone started changing lanes, I braked and because the cars were moving so slow I had to almost stop while I waited for the car to finish their lane change. Had I been filtering too fast I could have had a problem stopping, had I tried to go around the lane changing driver it could have been pretty dodgy. Sometimes a little care and patience is better than a broken bike & broken bones. Stay alert and be prepared to slow or stop quickly.

[svr]

One thing missing I think is to ride in the right-hand wheel track in your lane (or even behind the mirror of the car in front). Thats advice I remember from 25yrs ago thats helped me `to see and be seen'.
Also, now I minimize the time I spend riding in traffic i.e. no commuting, no everyday city riding, and staying off the busy state highways if I can help it. Also riding a bit quicker than cars helps you keep away from them (officer...)

[ohakune]

I still remember the first tip I received. Ride to Survive.

[Don]

Fantastic advice ! I think I will read this a few times over just to absorb it :)

[|Dave|]

One thing missing I think is to ride in the right-hand wheel track in your lane (or even behind the mirror of the car in front). Thats advice I remember from 25yrs ago thats helped me `to see and be seen'.



I almost failed my restricted liscence test for doing that. I wasnt riding stupidly close to the centre line or anything, but the officer told me it was dangerous and that I should stay as far left as possible, because that is what the roadcode says. I tried to explain to the testing officer that it was a well established method for being seen, and that it is recommended in the roadcode, but I think that annoyed him. I played nice and let him lecture me as passing was more important than being right at that point! :rolleyes:

Still seems a little crazy to me that the testing officer could have no clue what the motorcycle road code says and yet still be allowed to hand out liscenses!

[malfunconz]

cheers , read them all , nough said ,thanks.

[Parabola]

If you keep the front brake lever covered at all times, it does speed up your braking response, but you still need to think before you jab it. The first time I had to brake in a great hurry I jabbed the front brake immediately; I missed the hazard by nosediving into the pavement instead. I perfer now to keep my right hand securely on the throttle, the extxra half-second it takes me to reach and grab the brake gives me time to balance the bike and apply the rear brake as well. YMMV though.

[TimFromTawa]

Thanks For the advice, very helpfull. :first:

[charlymelon]

uhm... am I supposed to ride on the left side of my lane, the right side or the middle?
Here in germany I was taught to ride in the middle of the lane, but to take the the sides when turning at an intersection...

good advices though I've heard them all over and over again... they are true!

[Ender EnZed]

uhm... am I supposed to ride on the left side of my lane, the right side or the middle?
Here in germany I was taught to ride in the middle of the lane, but to take the the sides when turning at an intersection...

good advices though I've heard them all over and over again... they are true!

I don't know about Germany but here enough of our trucks leak profuse amounts of oil and shit always that it builds up in the middle of the lane, especially at intersections where they've slowed down. The sides of the lane have been swept clear by the tyres of cars and so tend to offer better grip.

If you're riding in the left of your lane cars will think you're pulling over and try to overtake you. The right of the lane is where a driver sits in a car and is supposedly where you're most likely to be seen and respected as a valid road user.

BTW, just in case you didn't already know we drive on left hand side of the road like in Britain here.

[outlawtorn]

uhm... am I supposed to ride on the left side of my lane, the right side or the middle?
Here in germany I was taught to ride in the middle of the lane, but to take the the sides when turning at an intersection...

good advices though I've heard them all over and over again... they are true!

Hi there, welcome to Kiwibiker & NZ! Where you ride in a lane is dependent on you and your riding skills, I tend to stick to the right hand side of the lane if I am in the right lane and the left if I am in a left lane, this way I create a nice space barrier between me and car driver and allows me enough time to react/hoot when one of them comes into the lane.

[skinman]

I would not presume to be an expert but when following cars I have noticed when sitting in their RH track they seem to drift R till they are nearly on the centreline at which point I switch to the LH track until they drift left then go back to RH unless there is lots of oncoming traffic which makes me nervous as dont like to be that close to cars coming the other way. This may be a south auck driver thing

[charlymelon]

thanks, didn't think of the dirt in the middle, but that makes perfect sense.
yep, I already knew that it's the left side over there. but still, at an intersection, the vehicle goes first, that's coming from the right... right?

[_STAIN_]

Thank you Outlawtron, a far better article than some guidelines I recently read.

I must pick up one of those deer whistle's for my bike :)

[BMWST?]

uhm... am I supposed to ride on the left side of my lane, the right side or the middle?
Here in germany I was taught to ride in the middle of the lane, but to take the the sides when turning at an intersection...

good advices though I've heard them all over and over again... they are true!

depends...i tend to ride just the right of centre on a two lane road and just left of centre on a dual lane road.....but just right of centre on the outside lane of a dual lane.I always try to make myself visible to turning vehicles when approaching an intersection.

[R-Soul]

try doubling that speed and have the front blow out just as im approaching a corner........ now thats scary. :yes: (even kept it upright) ...gentle braking and much buttock cheeck clenching worked in that situation.

Mate your seat must have had bite marks on it after that one... :pinch:

[scooute]

Another informative post Thankyou, fortunatly alot of this is common scence and practise... It pays for this to be a mini biker bible. I myself prefer to get it right before twisting the throttle back and risking my own and every one elses lives and reputations! I will be refering this to alot of friends who think they are God (I wonder why they spend so much on plastic parts for there bikes???)

[scooute]

I don't know about Germany but here enough of our trucks leak profuse amounts of oil and shit always that it builds up in the middle of the lane, especially at intersections where they've slowed down. The sides of the lane have been swept clear by the tyres of cars and so tend to offer better grip.

If you're riding in the left of your lane cars will think you're pulling over and try to overtake you. The right of the lane is where a driver sits in a car and is supposedly where you're most likely to be seen and respected as a valid road user.

BTW, just in case you didn't already know we drive on left hand side of the road like in Britain here.

Good advise I have seen this first hand, saw a bus pulling on to the motorway show early signs of a blown engine, sadly another biker did not and followed (although a few cars back but still infront of me) onto the on ramp and did not stay upright after hitting the oil it had suddenly dumped behind him, poor guy he was OK but bike could have done without the impromptue rest :yawn: (I still question the bus drivers call to continue on to the motorway as it was one of the old school ones that winds 360 degrees on to motorway making it impossible for people who hadnt seen the bus puffing plooms of smoke to know there was danger) the lane was then blocked for an hour while the police :Police: waited for someone to clean the oil up.

[cowpoos]

Survival tip 101 - Ignore all advice from Dangerousbastard

[Majestic]

I've been riding for a little over a month and found this very helpful, thanks.

[riversouth]

hey all
just bumping this one as we all should read it no matter what exp we have
b:yes:

[oneofsix]

First time for ages rode in with the ipod yesterday morn, first time I had had noise cancelling ear phones. When I got to work I chucked it in the bag a fished out the foam ear plugs. Then I saw the bump on this post. I relate to the item 'leave the iPod at home. Found I was riding more to the music than the traffic.

[Ricardo S]

Great post, good insights specially for someone that is starting now.

my 2 pennies:
one of the things i learnt from my father was to be fully aware of your surround, all the time! cars, people, animals. everything. know who is behind you, use your mirrors!

it requires a lot of concentration at first and with time it becomes second nature.

i kind of create profiles of whoever is around me:

old lady on the red car to the right (you know how she drives and what to expect)
racer boy behind the red car (mmm this one might try some quick direction change or whatever)
the guy ahead of me is looking lost, he might figure it out he needs to get the next left. (complete oblivious to the traffic)
mumy with children in the car, etc etc.
you get the idea right?

peace :)

[1998gsxr]

good stuff should have read it before i stacked it into a parked car & watch out for local farmers stoped in the middle of rural roads having a chat came round a corner straight into the back it wasnt that fun :mad:

have been riding for 30=years myself its always good to have a read of this to remind our selfs were not bullet proof,weekend just gone had a funny feeling and changed my rout and came back the normal way i would have.Sore a accadent and read it in the paper.
Guy on motorbike died.......yip it was the car turnning right on the highway that killed him,belive he was 54yr.
BE CARE OUT THERE PEOPLE....

[theseekerfinds]

this is a refreshing read, I can think of situations where every one of these tips can be applied and situations where every one of these tips could or should have been applied.. I especially appreciate the one about keeping your head and not riding mad, sad, anxious, distracted or upset as those situations tend to raise the most vocal warnings of "ride safe" from my partner whose words tend to make me think again before I go mental at the person who just cut me off whilst talking on their cellphone and not looking nor indicating as they enter the traffic stream.. great post, cheers

[jamface10]

Great tips! Now to get out there and practice, practice, practice :D

[Lozza2442]

These are great!!!
As a new rider, you have no idea how helpful these are!!

[RuoskaNZ]

Great thread. Have been almost caught out many times expecially at the lights, not sure if it is Wellington drivers only but they are terrible.

Have to be especially careful of busses as they dislike indicating and just pull out in front of anybody. Bus pulled in front of me when I was next to him going around basin reserve
and I was pushed onto the foot path, am still unsure how I stayed on. Tend to keep as much distance as I can now.

[actungbaby]

Great thread. Have been almost caught out many times expecially at the lights, not sure if it is Wellington drivers only but they are terrible.

Have to be especially careful of busses as they dislike indicating and just pull out in front of anybody. Bus pulled in front of me when I was next to him going around basin reserve
and I was pushed onto the foot path, am still unsure how I stayed on. Tend to keep as much distance as I can now.

yeah but remember they have to move the bus as its blooddy long to make the corner , gee you bike awsome mate

is it 750 or 1000 gsxr just looked at you bike pics very cool

[actungbaby]

[QUOTE=outlawtorn;1105434]Found this article and thought it might be good to spread the knowledge.

Thanks I broke few to many of those rules last week esp patience one and neraly cost me big time

[RuoskaNZ]

yeah but remember they have to move the bus as its blooddy long to make the corner , gee you bike awsome mate

is it 750 or 1000 gsxr just looked at you bike pics very cool

Was a straight section of 2 lane road, was alongside him he just changed lane straight into me on my ninja. I bumped off him and managed to hop the curb onto the footpath.
Still got no idea how I stayed on, didnt even manage to get the bus number, contacted the bus company and they pretty much told me to piss off unless I had evidence, good times.

Thanks, it is just a 600 aye, was not too keen to go too big as I am not all that experienced or physically big.
600 is plenty enough for me though, life savings gone lol.

[swtfa]

Great read. Have read it a few times now. Yet to master the slow u-turn. Practice makes perfect :)

[DrDarkMatter]

this is a great post, I loved reading it, so basically use commonsense, which it seem most people lack, ok I get it

I agree about the whole helmet thing too, I know that sometimes when the helmet goes on a lot of this stuff goes out the window, I really need to strive to be a better person on the bike. I hope thats the case now that I am older, a lot older lol lol

[Bison]

Don't let your throttle hand write a cheque that your skill level can't cash.

[Oakie]

Just re-read this and forwarded the link to my daughter who has just become a biker.

[Wayz]

Great read...

[*Boot's*]

Oh, so just buying a decent jacket helmet boots gloves pants…. isn't going to save YOUR life? sheesh man, why even bother! bit like the saftyu belt that killed the driver.

[AGC73]

This thread reminds me of an incident I had ten years ago. I had just picked up the girl friend of the time and two of her friends (in a car, not a Cambodian scooter) and came to a T intersection controlled by a light. I was approaching the red light from the bottom of the T and was turning right. As the light turned green I hesitated slightly as there was a truck turning turning towards me and I couldn't see past it. In the time I hesitated after the light was green a car full of what I'd describe politely as 'young idiots' blasted through their red light on my right hand side (going around the outside of the truck). If I had taken off when the light was green we would have been hit in the driver or passenger side door at >70kph (it was a 50 zone but they were flying, or trying to) and no doubt would have received injuries or worse. If I was on a bike I have no doubts it would have been fatal.

So moral of the story is that there is no point rushing a green light, and there are plenty of idiots on the road. I always think of this incident when I'm on the bike.

Also after driving around Europe recently I realise how easy it is to end up on the wrong side of the road without thinking.

[PrincessBandit]

...As the light turned green I hesitated slightly as there was a truck turning turning towards me and I couldn't see past it...

So moral of the story is that there is no point rushing a green light, and there are plenty of idiots on the road. I always think of this incident when I'm on the bike..

So ride like everyone else is trying to kill you - a well used phrase on here, and it pays to NEVER assume that the way is clear when you can't see.
Sounds like you learned an important lesson. Do remember it. :yes:

[STEPHASAUR]

Well that was certainly a slightly disconcerting thread.

Not in the sense that anybody who thinks of taking to two wheels hasn't thought of those hazards, just more to actually read it, and REALLY think about everyone's experiences/ advice.
Despite not hopping on a motorbike yet, I have had my fair share of near misses/ asshole drivers on a pushbike. and It's bloody terrifying.

Have linked this thread to a mate of mine, who is a learner rider of only a few weeks, who decided to try to take a blind corner quick during a test ride after servicing his bike. Took the corner FAR too wide, resulting in him riding on the opposite lane, and nearly being wiped out by an oncoming car (thankfully the driver saw and swerved out of the way)
After confronting him about it all he said was "nah it's ok, nothing happened and I was just testing how wide I can lean"

Sorry alex-san. But seeing you in the rear view at that moment wasn't something I want to see again.

and yes, I may have taken the corner quick, which may have tempted him to try the same. Lesson to learn on both ends for sure.

[Gremlin]

Have linked this thread to a mate of mine, who is a learner rider of only a few weeks, who decided to try to take a blind corner quick during a test ride after servicing his bike. Took the corner FAR too wide, resulting in him riding on the opposite lane, and nearly being wiped out by an oncoming car (thankfully the driver saw and swerved out of the way)
After confronting him about it all he said was "nah it's ok, nothing happened and I was just testing how wide I can lean"

Sorry alex-san. But seeing you in the rear view at that moment wasn't something I want to see again.

Put that into perspective for him. The learner that bought my first bike was out learning in the Drury area, ran wide on a left hander, 4WD coming the other way... dead. I dropped off the bike on 20th Dec, he was dead on the 5th Jan. No idiot, always wanted to learn to ride a bike (in his 30s) but made a mistake at the wrong time.

That's how easily it all ends...

[Bass]

Been here for years and this is the first time I've read this thread right through.
Some sage advice for sure but one thing not mentioned is that cars can stop faster than bikes, so watch your following distance. The only post I saw that mentioned it said quite the reverse.

From 100 kph, a Porsche 911 can stop in about half the distance that an R1 can. Don't believe me? Google it!

With ABS brakes, any little old lady can pull up her Honda Accord in less distance than just about any bike.

Again, watch your following distance.

[Moise]

Been here for years and this is the first time I've read this thread right through.
Some sage advice for sure but one thing not mentioned is that cars can stop faster than bikes, so watch your following distance. The only post I saw that mentioned it said quite the reverse.

From 100 kph, a Porsche 911 can stop in about half the distance that an R1 can. Don't believe me? Google it!

With ABS brakes, any little old lady can pull up her Honda Accord in less distance than just about any bike.

Again, watch your following distance.
Can you post the link?

Bikes and cars on street tyres should both manage a little over 1g under ideal conditions. A 911 with sticky tyres going fast enough to generate downforce would do better, but your average Accord would not stop as well as a modern bike.

I usually leave a decent gap to the car in front in case someone following can't stop as hard as me!

[Bass]

Can you post the link?

Bikes and cars on street tyres should both manage a little over 1g under ideal conditions. A 911 with sticky tyres going fast enough to generate downforce would do better, but your average Accord would not stop as well as a modern bike.

!

I went digging and sorry but I can't find the link of the R1 up against the Porsche.

In any case, you are essentially correct. However it's a safety thread and I was generalising which is always dangerous. If I was to be truly accurate, I should have said that high performance cars can significantly outbrake high performance bikes. For everyday machinery it is less clear cut.
I found a table comparing several cars and bikes, but I'm damned if I can figure out how to post it. As you suspected, the results are mixed with as much variation among bike types as among car types. The 2 sets of numbers (around 1G) are intermixed throughout and that alone is worth noting.
Some SUV's are better than some Harleys (and BMWs) and a Lotus Exige trumps a Duc 999 (which is one of the better performers). The results are varied in between.

Further ABS makes a real difference - not so much to the ultimate capability of the machine but to what the average rider will do with confidence.
Grannie in her Accord or similar has had ABS for some time now. All she has to do is give it death and the ABS takes care of the rest. She has close to maximum possible braking effort under all conditions.

ABS on bikes is becoming more common but is still not universal and so it is a brave or foolish rider without ABS, especially one who is new to riding, who treats their brakes like Grannie can with impunity in her Accord. This is at the heart of what I was trying to say and I stand by it. I maintain that in everyday conditions cars tend to stop faster than bikes, but yes I grant that it is not always true.

Just google it. There is a wealth of information on the net and you will soon see what I mean.

Lastly, an example.
My recent motorcycling experience is not huge - about 10 years, 6 bikes and only about 250,000 km. Two of those bikes had ABS, 4 didn't. The gruntiest brakes were on a Sprint ST (non ABS) when it was new. I warped the rotors on Pukekohe and the replacements were not the same.
On one occasion (not on the track), I managed to stop its front wheel turning while at some speed. It was only for a few feet and thankfully I had the presence of mind to reverse the trend and no harm resulted. Lesson learned.
My point is of course that it takes considerable skill to get the best out of non ABS brakes, and total presence of mind to try.

[Bass]

Does this work?

[MarkH]

Does this work?

Not for what you claimed:


From 100 kph, a Porsche 911 can stop in about half the distance that an R1 can. Don't believe me? Google it!

With ABS brakes, any little old lady can pull up her Honda Accord in less distance than just about any bike.

It looks to me like the stopping distances are pretty similar between bikes and cars despite bikes being so much lighter.
Which leads me to suggest this for a survival tip:
DON'T go assuming that you can brake faster than a car you are following, DO leave enough gap to allow for your reaction time.
This would apply even if your bike has ABS.

[Bass]

Not for what you claimed:



.

True.
It was a while ago and my memory is crap. I am certain the comparison was Porsche vs R1 and that the Porsche needed about half the distance of the bike to stop, but it may have been from 200 kph whence the car's downforce plays a much bigger role. Yes, I deliberately used the most extreme example that I knew of and it surprised me when I read it.
However you make my point admirably about following distance.

As an aside, while doing the digging for this spiel, I found a comparison of bikes, stopping distance ABS vs non-ABS.

I thought there would not be much in it under controlled circumstances with everyone focussed on what they were doing. The difference was about 10% which was more than I expected. That emphasised what I was saying about the skill necessary to get the best out of non-ABS brakes. However it said nothing about the experience of the test riders which detracts from it a bit I guess.

I also looked up the braking distance for the Accord. A 2013 model took 115 ft from 60 mph which puts it in with a ZX10/ CBR 1000

[nzspokes]

I read an English survey once that said people who have ABS have a lot of crashes because they have the false beiief it will save them.

I dont believe you.

[MarkH]

I read an English survey once that said people who have ABS have a lot of crashes because they have the false beiief it will save them.

Did you?
Can you prove it?
Without a citation how do we know you aren't talking shit? (surely we don't just take your word on this)
Please post a link so we can check for ourselves what this survey showed.

BTW:
A survey is very unlikely to be where you would uncover such information, so you know - very likely you are talking shit.

[wildriver]

ABS undoubtedly gives a false sense of security to some riders, but the technology apparently reduces fatal accidents by 31% according to an 8 year study. This is a significant reduction.
http://www.iihs.org/frontend/iihs/documents/masterfiledocs.ashx?id=2042

[nzspokes]

You better hope it saves you then.

No I dont believe you can read a whole survey.

[swbarnett]

I dont believe you.
Without evidence to the contrary I would. It fits quite nicely with the basic principle of Homeostatis.

I saw a similar quote that said airbags had the same affect.

Whether it actually turns out to be true in either of these cases, though, remains to be seen. I'm only repeating what I read (which wasn't the actual study) and I can't vouch for cassina.

[nzspokes]

Without evidence to the contrary I would. It fits quite nicely with the basic principle of Homeostatis.

I saw a similar quote that said airbags had the same affect.

Whether it actually turns out to be true in either of these cases, though, remains to be seen. I'm only repeating what I read (which wasn't the actual study) and I can't vouch for cassina.

Try reading post 88.

[Moise]

Most drivers have no idea how to use ABS. They don't realise that they can steer the car while they are hard on the brakes.

ABS must be fitted to all motorbikes over 125 cc sold in Europe from 2016.

[swbarnett]

Try reading post 88.
As I said "without evidence to the contrary". Yes, post 88 does appear to provide exactly that.

[swbarnett]

Try reading post 88.
I read the abstract of the cited study and two things stuck out.


Fatal crash rates for motorcycles with ABS were compared to rates for the same models without ABS.
i.e. Any result can only show a correlation. It cannot show any form of causation.


The 95 percent confidence interval for this effectiveness estimate was (9 percent, 48 percent).
Even the study itself accepts that the result may me as low as 9%.


Conclusions: ABS is highly effective in preventing fatal motorcycle crashes.
While I'm not trying to say that this is necessarily wrong what I am saying is that this conclusion can't be drawn from the evidence of this study. As I stated above, all that can be concluded is that there is a correlation. It is quite possible that those that choose ABS are statistically safer riders to begin.

Once ABS is not only compulsory but ubiquitous then the above will have less weight due to buyer choice no longer being a factor. Of course then it will be too late if ABS is not the panacea it's being touted as.

[Bass]

Even the study itself accepts that the result may me as low as 9%.




You are not incorrect but if you are going to interpret the statistics then please tell the whole story.

What this actually says is that there is a 5% chance that the results may be lower than 9% OR HIGHER THAN 48%

There is a lot of information about other studies in that one too, but it's quite an onerous read.

[swbarnett]

What this actually says is that there is a 5% chance that the results may be lower than 9% OR HIGHER THAN 48%
Indeed, you are correct. That's why I quoted their actual wording.

[FJRider]

You are not incorrect but if you are going to interpret the statistics then please tell the whole story.



Statistics seldom (if ever) tell the full story.

Statistics prove little ... but suggest what has been recorded in the past ... will continue into the future.

Look how ACC have gathered their statistics to base/influence their levies demands ...

[Bass]

Statistics seldom (if ever) tell the full story.

Statistics prove little ... but suggest what has been recorded in the past ... will continue into the future.

Look how ACC have gathered their statistics to base/influence their levies demands ...


This really isn't the place for that discussion.
Happy to have it, but not here

[OddDuck]

Thought I'd throw in my 2c concerning ABS... no stats, just personal experience.

I had (count 'em) at least four front wheel lockups on my old GB400 and one on the 900ss. All were panic situations where I grabbed the brake in a hurry - exactly what ABS is designed for. I was extremely lucky to never crash the GB, not so lucky with the Ducati... but it was a lowside wipeout at about 10 k's. Consequences minimal. Consequences could have been a damn sight higher on the GB when I'd lost attention and nearly went in the back of a queue of traffic, as it was I ended up running into the margin of the road and only just missing the cars. 100% my fault. The front wheel lockup on that one ran for at least six meters.

It's not straight line, defined stops where ABS counts. My experience was that you need it when you're banked over and someone (yes, sometimes it was me) does something dumb.

[Moise]

Very few motorbike ABS systems will work when you're leaned over.

Front wheel lockups occur when the rider grabs the brake hard instead of easing it on as the weight transfers to the front. If you can't brake properly, then ABS won't help you that much - you'll still crash but without locking the front wheel.

[Banditbandit]

It looks to me like the stopping distances are pretty similar between bikes and cars despite bikes being so much lighter.
Which leads me to suggest this for a survival tip:
DON'T go assuming that you can brake faster than a car you are following, DO leave enough gap to allow for your reaction time.
This would apply even if your bike has ABS.

Porsche 911 from 60mph to stop = 94 feet

(http://www.motortrend.com/news/22-cars-that-stop-from-mph-in-less-than-100-feet/)

Yamaha R1 from 60mph to stop = 133 feet

(http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2010/05/article/2010-yamaha-yzf-r1-comparison-street/)

That's a 39 foot difference ... nearly as third as much room needed by the Yam over the stretched VW ..

Honda Accord from 60mph to stopped = 124 - 127 feet. (depends on the model - the sports model take the longest).

http://www.motortrend.com/news/lamborghini-urus-suvs-twin-turbo-v-8-not-going-to-other-models/

So - the Honda will still out-brake an R1 ..

The biggest advantage we have is that bike riders can probably stop their bikes faster than the average car driver .. becasuse the car drivers are generally useless ...

[Moise]

The 911 had carbon ceramic brakes and track tyres. Not really a fair comparison!

[Banditbandit]

The 911 had carbon ceramic brakes and track tyres. Not really a fair comparison!

Yes - that would be fairly obvious ... a fair comparision was not what was asked .. someone said they could not find the figures .. well there they are ..

[Bass]

The 911 had carbon ceramic brakes and track tyres. Not really a fair comparison!

Hard to know.

The tyres might make a difference if they were warmed up first, but for a single stop the ceramic brakes would make little or none. They might even be a disadvantage if they weren't warmed up first.

[Moise]

What we also don't know is how the tests were done. Were any warmup stops done, etc?

Ideally, brake tests should be between 2 speeds, eg 100 - 30, not to a stop.

[Bass]

What we also don't know is how the tests were done. Were any warmup stops done, etc?

Ideally, brake tests should be between 2 speeds, eg 100 - 30, not to a stop.

Agreed but it's better than no data at all and at the least is promoting some thought and discussion. This is a safety thread after all.

[PrincessBandit]

All sounds to me like (a) protect your "bubble" (b) always have an escape path in mind (c) ride like everyone is out to kill you and (d) ride like everyone is out to kill you.

[Bass]

All sounds to me like (a) protect your "bubble" (b) always have an escape path in mind (c) ride like everyone is out to kill you and (d) ride like everyone is out to kill you.
Almost.

This discussion is all about how big your bubble needs to be.

[swbarnett]

This discussion is all about how big your bubble needs to be.
The answer to that is easy - big enough.

[WristTwister]

2 fingers on the brake lever especially in built up areas , if you can't stop the bike with 2 fingers bleed your brakes

What's with all the bad advice about "covering the brakes" - using 2 fingers all the time or even 1 finger? Setting your brakes to brake with two fingers may set you up for a "really fucked up day" if you grab the brake in an emergency.

Watch Jerry "Motorman" Palladino, look at his fingers, listen to what he says VERY carefully about WHEN you should cover the brake.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryQJpX-opQo

[BuzzardNZ]

What's with all the bad advice about "covering the brakes" - using 2 fingers all the time or even 1 finger? Setting your brakes to brake with two fingers may set you up for a "really fucked up day" if you grab the brake in an emergency.

Watch Jerry "Motorman" Palladino, look at his fingers, listen to what he says VERY carefully about WHEN you should cover the brake.



sounds like you prefer 3 or more :laugh:

[Wun]

All very useful. I remember my uncle Mike telling me when I got my L plates that I needed to assume everybody wanted to kill me, but that they had to make it look like an accident.

[nzrobj]

Thanks for the post, a good read and some good humor too!

[Marc]

Watch Jerry "Motorman" Palladino, look at his fingers, listen to what he says VERY carefully about WHEN you should cover the brake.

Since most of those tips videos aren't NZ, they usually assume US conditions. He wouldn't indicate to cover the brake when lane splitting, as he's assuming that's illegal where his audience is.

I cover the brakes when lane splitting, as that's a situation where you are in constant hazard. As I bike primarily for commuting, I spend more time covering the brake than not, and still abiding by Jerry's advice. Of course, with that habit built, sometimes I end up covering when not lane splitting, but usually I'll notice and take a more relaxed grip.

Covering is better than not covering. As for those who mentioned poor throttle control when covering, that just means you don't have enough experience covering. It's like left-foot braking in a car. Complaints about poor control are only ever by people who are not experts in the technique. Those of us who have covered brakes for hundreds of thousands of km have as good or better throttle control when covering than not.

I paid attention to this on the way home today. I make a fist when covering the brake. Since the fingers aren't curling, the thumb curls up to meet them This rolls the throttle all I need. It's hard to get 100% throttle with that technique, but the times I've needed 100% throttle while covering the brake is zero. And if you really want to do it, just turn your wrist while making the fist, the fingers will slip off the brake lever, and you are back to the "normal" grip position. Nothing lost.

And yes, braking instantly while lane splitting has saved me. So cover when lane splitting, even if Jerry doesn't give it as an example of a good time to cover.