First time lane splitter

[PrincessBandit]

Yes, that's me! I know a lot of you are very experienced with this advantage of riding but it has taken me quite a while to try it myself. Taking my bike in to Ellerslie at 8.15 in the morning on the Southern m'way was a 1st - 2nd - no make that 1st again crawl from Papatoetoe. My left hand was getting so sore as I watched countless bikes zoom past inbetween the lanes. So thinks I, this must be better than my pathetic slow progress, it's about time to give it a go. Well well well, I could get to like this! Admittedly I only did it while traffic was either stationary or very slow, and when I could see sufficiently far ahead that I wasn't heading for a closed in trap. I still was aware of other bikes zipping around and leaving me far behind in the congestion, but hey I was making much better progress than the last time I did the slow speed crawl up the motorway :laugh: So here's to another first ticked off my list of things to do on my bike - who knows one day i might even get as far as a wheelie (hahahahahha, not very likely it's so far down my list that I'll probably never get there....):msn-wink:

[Fatt Max]

Well done, great effort.
I myself am still at the "Oh I say missus, do I still have the bottle for this" but I am sure the old 'rear end' muscles will tighten up suffciently for me to give this a try.
I go from Howick to Newmarket each day and tend to avoid the motorway but I'm planning a trip daahhhnnn sarf so that may be the time to have a go.
Well done again, good on ya
Take care, ride safe and eat pies...

[Number One]

:devil2: it's all over now - you'll have trouble staying in your own lane behind anyone....a monster has been born :shutup:

I look forward to the wheelie vid now :clap:

[wysper]

Does anyone split up to a roundabout?

For some reason that makes me nervous! Traffic lights, ok, motorway ok.
But not the same for roundabouts.

weird

[Number One]

Does anyone split up to a roundabout?
Every once in a while I split up to and AROUND one particular damn roundabout - but we are talking about Johnsonville and sometimes the traffic doesn't move at all...fucking hole of a place! :angry:

[racefactory]

I only started lane splitting when I was once scared my bike would blow up cause it was over 3/4 on the temp guage and on motorway amongst slow moving traffic so i couldnt just pull over... needed to get some more air flow!

[maybe]

Lane splitting is da bomb its great to get ahead while traffic is at a stop or very slow.

[discotex]

Does anyone split up to a roundabout?

For some reason that makes me nervous! Traffic lights, ok, motorway ok.
But not the same for roundabouts.

weird

I'd say that's good road sense. All the angles are conspiring so that people can't see you.

[Grub]

I only did it while traffic was either stationary or very slow, and when I could see sufficiently far ahead that I wasn't heading for a closed in trap.


And that, I believe, is the secret. I don't feel comfortable doing it above those speeds and the people I see doing it I just know are going to post a " ... fucking cage lane-changed on me ..." thread and I don't have much sympathy.

I can even manage to get a little angry when I think that one of the cages they've cut off will be sufficiently pissed off to close the gate on me next time I'm splitting.

[wysper]

I split anything, anywhere, especially if its stationary. If theres a gap, point it and squeeze the juice on firmly. Keep the speed differential down.

DB

so many things to say.. so little time....

keep it clean keep it clean keep it clean :bleh:

[davebullet]

took me a while to try since my slow speed riding is a little wobbly.

As Grub said.... When finished, I always thank the cage I pull in past with a little left hand raise. Hopefully means the next time that cager will let bikes splt and not shut them off. Trying to build credibility for us bikers!

[Swoop]

Good on ya PB!

Keep a good look out at all times, including your mirrors every 5-10 seconds or so. Another bike can get behind you quite quickly...
Pull over and let them through. Nothing is more of a PITA than a line of bikes stuck behind some blind biker.

Your next :first: will be getting some mirrorectomy practice.:whistle:

[Okey Dokey]

Hey, that is really good! Well done you for giving it a go, and especially for waiting until you were ready. Too often people can feel pressured and attempt to ride beyond their comfort zone.

Good work, princessbandit!

[Number One]

First of all, I have been a learner rider for a year, and I have NEVER had a "faster rider wanting to split past me" so how real is it? I can't be that fast.

You are not that fast :lol: ;) I have been known to split relatively quick on occasion and I have both come up on slower splitters AND had faster splitters come behind me too. I always move over to let faster people past (and 9 times out of 10 I get an appreciative wave for it) and I never crowd the slower ones..tending to either wait for them to realise I'm there and move over (or not) or failing that I just pass them legally from the other lane.


99% of "faster riders" wouldn't dream of splitting past a timid lady rider on a large and heavy roadbike.. what of the consequences of that? What if someone did it to your mrs and gave her a bad fright? Not everyone is as confident, competant, or skilled as you.

Ahem...who are these timid lady riders you speak of AND how can you tell that a timid rider is infact a lady...tbh most of the timid riders I've actually come across have been either very young or slightly older men.

What Swoop was saying was if you do split beware you are not alone - others do it too and MY point is no matter how fast you do it (and slower is better of course - safety first and all that) there is often times someone on a bike coming up behind you ready to go faster...so keep your eyes out for them and just let them past so you don't get caught up in their need for speed.

Easy peasie and sensible as hell really :niceone:

[jrandom]

My left hand was getting so sore as I watched countless bikes zoom past inbetween the lanes.

:lol:

That happens to me when I'm driving the car, too, but I'm always careful not to let truck drivers look in and see what I'm up to.

[jrandom]

I split anything, anywhere

They have traffic in Edgecumbe now?

Jesus H. Christ, next thing you know there'll be electricity and telecommunications, and the natives will be let loose on the internets.

Oh, no, wait... bugger.

:laugh:

Top tip, DB: if a motorcycling topic is raised, just assume you don't know what the fuck you're talking about. It'll improve your posts no end.

[Nagash]

Thirdly, what right under law do you have? Splitting is borderline/tolerated enough as it stands, without someone forcing the government to make a new rule regarding it.

Stay back from the newbies and don't spook them.

No wonder you have the reputation of being a pillock..

It's pretty simple stuff, if someone is a faster lane splitter than you, just pull in and let them pass. It's not difficult to do, there's no loss of pride and you'll probably get a better reputation amoung you're daily commuting group of motorcyclists.

If I have a blind biker infront of me doing 20 through traffic, i'll just try and go round them by splitting through the next lane over, but this isn't the easiest thing to do at the best of times.

It's just simple respect.


Congrats to PB! You'll pick it up soon enough, and don't be afraid to smash your way through a few mirrors while you're learning, it happens. Just try not to do it to the front car at a traffic light.. (Done that one before.. :whistle:)

[jrandom]

No wonder you have the reputation of being a pillock...

Indeed.

I'm currently chuckling at a mental image of DB wobbling up to an intersection, edging his way between two Mazda 121s at a red light (paddling both feet on the ground, naturally) and then rushing home to post about his newfound hardarse big city filtering mojo.

:third:

[imne1]

I've been fairly timid with lane splitting since getting a real bike, but on the scooter I'd split all the time. I rekon across town a scooter ( a good one..)is still faster.
Mostly my filtering extends only to getting to the front of the line at traffic lights. I've been watching Mordeth13 Vblogging in Taiwan on youtube. over there they have a box at the front of every intersection for all the bikes and scooters to filter their way to the front, where they get to go first. We should have that here !!

[slimjim]

dude they have mazda's in kawera..? shives that's an improve..was full of vanguards and oxford's ...lol..
and lane splitting.. hum one day you'll come a cropper...however live and learn... get a big air cool bike and you'll treat it like a car....

[PrincessBandit]

:lol:

That happens to me when I'm driving the car, too, but I'm always careful not to let truck drivers look in and see what I'm up to.

I have no idea at all what you mean dear sir......:msn-wink:

[Katman]

and don't be afraid to smash your way through a few mirrors while you're learning, it happens.


I think you'll find PB knows better than that.

[Swoop]

:lol:
Loved the Ducati filterer on the NW carpark this morning...
C'mon mate, it was only a community constable, in his Vectra. Show some balls and filter past them!:msn-wink:

[madbikeboy]

Hey PB,

I'm no expert, and I'm not advocating anyone take advice from me (since I'm clearly a bit retarded); but here's some thoughts I have on filtering...

1. Speed is your friend.
I'm not waiting around for people to go through any sort of mental decision process about letting me through, I aim for about a 20 kph speed minimum delta. Momentum is your friend. You need to be decisive, so by the time cager realises that you're there, you're already past.

2. Side by side.
Filtering a gap between two parallel cars is safe. Well, safer. You don't get the random lane changes when that cages space is blocked by another cage. If you have a cage with an empty space next to it, if there are any brake lights ahead, you know that the cager will make a dive for that spot. Now, you need an IQ test to ensure that you're dumb enough to drive a car, so that diminished brain capacity is solely focused on steering the cage, and not on looking for bikes using mirrors.

3. The block.
Typically there are certain cars that will block you. Normally execs in Falcons and Commodores, or on the shore, there is a Audi Q7 who's owner is a moron. If you get deliberate blocking, look for an escape route, they're normally the type to hit the brakes to give you a brake check as well. I have removed keys from nasty types before, (or wing mirrors); but this is unadvisable unless there is a very good reason (not from a safety point of view, bullys are cowards, but I'm meaning that KatMan will tell you off).

4. Slow skills:
I've got an advantage since I'm a cyclist as well, but practice the slow speed skills. You can track stand a bicycle for a minute at a time with practice, and with a motorcycle, being able to ride very slowly with you feet on the pegs is a good skill. I can stop and stand without feet for a while, yeah, it's a party trick, but the point is that once you practice the balance and slow skills long enough, when you're in traffic the slow skills are one less thing to spend intellect on (since it's now intuitive and you don't need to think about them since you're a master (or a mistress?)).

5. Danger signs:
Quick looks in the mirror, or a quick look across to the next lane.
A stab of the brake light (followed by some random move)
Compressing traffic ahead (followed by lane changes)
Slippery cat eyes
Oil or diesel around bends on motorways
Aggressive small dicked execs in XR6/HSV types - and for that matter SUV's with tints - always hard to see past and alway unpredictable
People on cell phones, when you pass, they look towards you and the car follows...

Stay safe.

MBB

[vifferman]

It's weird having bikers talking about deliberately smashing cars' mirrors - last week I was on a Mrkn biker forum and there was a post from a guy who tapped a pickup truck's wing mirror with his bikes' mirror, while lanesplitting.
He said he felt really bad about it, and wondered what he should do.
The overwhelming consensus on the forum was that he should make an effort to find the guy again, and "do the right thing": apologise, pay him $100 or whatever. :blink:
I guess he was running the risk of getting shot next time.:shit:

Maybe there's some Mrkn law about any contact between vehicles like this being "hit and run". That's the impression I got.

[MarkH]

It's weird having bikers talking about deliberately smashing cars' mirrors - last week I was on a Mrkn biker forum and there was a post from a guy who tapped a pickup truck's wing mirror with his bikes' mirror, while lanesplitting.
He said he felt really bad about it, and wondered what he should do.
The overwhelming consensus on the forum was that he should make an effort to find the guy again, and "do the right thing": apologise, pay him $100 or whatever. :blink:
I guess he was running the risk of getting shot next time.:shit:

Maybe there's some Mrkn law about any contact between vehicles like this being "hit and run". That's the impression I got.

Crazy 'merkins!

But really you do have to be a bit careful about pissing of people in 'merica, so many forums I read people start talking about their 9mm pistols & 45s & assault rifles. That is one well armed country!

[UberRhys]

My left hand was getting so sore as I watched countless bikes zoom past inbetween the lanes.


That happens to me when I'm driving the car, too, but I'm always careful not to let truck drivers look in and see what I'm up to.



:doh: That sounds like a danger wank to me... :Police:

[UberRhys]

I only started lane splitting when I was once scared my bike would blow up cause it was over 3/4 on the temp guage and on motorway amongst slow moving traffic so i couldnt just pull over... needed to get some more air flow!

I have heard that in California (in the U, S of A) the law was ammended so air cooled cycles could split lanes so they didn't overheat.


Hey PB,

I'm no expert, and I'm not advocating anyone take advice from me (since I'm clearly a bit retarded); but here's some thoughts I have on filtering...

1. Speed is your friend.
I'm not waiting around for people to go through any sort of mental decision process about letting me through, I aim for about a 20 kph speed minimum delta. Momentum is your friend. You need to be decisive, so by the time cager realises that you're there, you're already past.

2. Side by side.
Filtering a gap between two parallel cars is safe. Well, safer. You don't get the random lane changes when that cages space is blocked by another cage. If you have a cage with an empty space next to it, if there are any brake lights ahead, you know that the cager will make a dive for that spot. Now, you need an IQ test to ensure that you're dumb enough to drive a car, so that diminished brain capacity is solely focused on steering the cage, and not on looking for bikes using mirrors.

3. The block.
Typically there are certain cars that will block you. Normally execs in Falcons and Commodores, or on the shore, there is a Audi Q7 who's owner is a moron. If you get deliberate blocking, look for an escape route, they're normally the type to hit the brakes to give you a brake check as well. I have removed keys from nasty types before, (or wing mirrors); but this is unadvisable unless there is a very good reason (not from a safety point of view, bullys are cowards, but I'm meaning that KatMan will tell you off).

4. Slow skills:
I've got an advantage since I'm a cyclist as well, but practice the slow speed skills. You can track stand a bicycle for a minute at a time with practice, and with a motorcycle, being able to ride very slowly with you feet on the pegs is a good skill. I can stop and stand without feet for a while, yeah, it's a party trick, but the point is that once you practice the balance and slow skills long enough, when you're in traffic the slow skills are one less thing to spend intellect on (since it's now intuitive and you don't need to think about them since you're a master (or a mistress?)).

5. Danger signs:
Quick looks in the mirror, or a quick look across to the next lane.
A stab of the brake light (followed by some random move)
Compressing traffic ahead (followed by lane changes)
Slippery cat eyes
Oil or diesel around bends on motorways
Aggressive small dicked execs in XR6/HSV types - and for that matter SUV's with tints - always hard to see past and alway unpredictable
People on cell phones, when you pass, they look towards you and the car follows...

Stay safe.

MBB

What an excellent bit of info. Green bling on it's way. :2thumbsup

[madbikeboy]

It's weird having bikers talking about deliberately smashing cars' mirrors - last week I was on a Mrkn biker forum and there was a post from a guy who tapped a pickup truck's wing mirror with his bikes' mirror, while lanesplitting.
He said he felt really bad about it, and wondered what he should do.
The overwhelming consensus on the forum was that he should make an effort to find the guy again, and "do the right thing": apologise, pay him $100 or whatever. :blink:
I guess he was running the risk of getting shot next time.:shit:

Maybe there's some Mrkn law about any contact between vehicles like this being "hit and run". That's the impression I got.

I got shot at while I was in the states. They do it to make you feel welcome (odd culture, a strange gentlemen wearing a big fur coat offered me a bitch while I was in SF, but instead of a nice puppy, he tried delivering me a woman..., how odd :buggerd:)

[Swoop]

(not from a safety point of view, bullys are cowards, but I'm meaning that KatMan will tell you off).
Who the f cares about someone who dosen't live in a city that has traffic.


There is also a retard bitch who drives a VW golf down Onewa Rd in the mornings.

[Fatjim]

Hey PB,

I'm no expert, and I'm not advocating anyone take advice from me (since I'm clearly a bit retarded); but here's some thoughts I have on filtering...

1. Speed is your friend.
I'm not waiting around for people to go through any sort of mental decision process about letting me through, I aim for about a 20 kph speed minimum delta. Momentum is your friend. You need to be decisive, so by the time cager realises that you're there, you're already past.

2. Side by side.
Filtering a gap between two parallel cars is safe. Well, safer. You don't get the random lane changes when that cages space is blocked by another cage. If you have a cage with an empty space next to it, if there are any brake lights ahead, you know that the cager will make a dive for that spot. Now, you need an IQ test to ensure that you're dumb enough to drive a car, so that diminished brain capacity is solely focused on steering the cage, and not on looking for bikes using mirrors.

3. The block.
Typically there are certain cars that will block you. Normally execs in Falcons and Commodores, or on the shore, there is a Audi Q7 who's owner is a moron. If you get deliberate blocking, look for an escape route, they're normally the type to hit the brakes to give you a brake check as well. I have removed keys from nasty types before, (or wing mirrors); but this is unadvisable unless there is a very good reason (not from a safety point of view, bullys are cowards, but I'm meaning that KatMan will tell you off).

4. Slow skills:
I've got an advantage since I'm a cyclist as well, but practice the slow speed skills. You can track stand a bicycle for a minute at a time with practice, and with a motorcycle, being able to ride very slowly with you feet on the pegs is a good skill. I can stop and stand without feet for a while, yeah, it's a party trick, but the point is that once you practice the balance and slow skills long enough, when you're in traffic the slow skills are one less thing to spend intellect on (since it's now intuitive and you don't need to think about them since you're a master (or a mistress?)).

5. Danger signs:
Quick looks in the mirror, or a quick look across to the next lane.
A stab of the brake light (followed by some random move)
Compressing traffic ahead (followed by lane changes)
Slippery cat eyes
Oil or diesel around bends on motorways
Aggressive small dicked execs in XR6/HSV types - and for that matter SUV's with tints - always hard to see past and alway unpredictable
People on cell phones, when you pass, they look towards you and the car follows...

Stay safe.

MBB


+1 on all this, especially 1 & 2.

Be confident, but not cocky. (whats the feminine of cocky)

[Katman]

(whats the feminine of cocky)

Uhmmm, Dangerously Bastardish???

[McJim]

Yes, that's me! I know a lot of you are very experienced with this advantage of riding but it has taken me quite a while to try it myself. Taking my bike in to Ellerslie at 8.15 in the morning on the Southern m'way was a 1st - 2nd - no make that 1st again crawl from Papatoetoe. My left hand was getting so sore as I watched countless bikes zoom past inbetween the lanes. So thinks I, this must be better than my pathetic slow progress, it's about time to give it a go. Well well well, I could get to like this! Admittedly I only did it while traffic was either stationary or very slow, and when I could see sufficiently far ahead that I wasn't heading for a closed in trap. I still was aware of other bikes zipping around and leaving me far behind in the congestion, but hey I was making much better progress than the last time I did the slow speed crawl up the motorway :laugh: So here's to another first ticked off my list of things to do on my bike - who knows one day i might even get as far as a wheelie (hahahahahha, not very likely it's so far down my list that I'll probably never get there....):msn-wink:
Well done. I believe it's still part of the bike test in the UK to move along between two columns of sationary vehicles (reduces congestion and emissions). Make sure you stay within your comfort zone and abilities. It is a most useful aspect of motorcycling - I used to split from Howick to Ponsnobby...but used to have to get out of The_Dover's way each morning coz he went a bit quicker than I did!

[Littlewheels]

started really slow, now I think its one of the best things about having to commute everyday. I am careful thou' and have learnt where to expect cagers to do stupid things and where to be careful, on-ramps and the like. I usually keep out of the way of the big lads who zip through in the mornings, keep a good look out in mirrors.
starts my day off with a buzz, cheers me up no end not sitting in traffic, amazing what you see people doing when driving thou' !!!

[GrayWolf]

Hey PB,

I'm no expert, and I'm not advocating anyone take advice from me (since I'm clearly a bit retarded); but here's some thoughts I have on filtering...

1. Speed is your friend.
I'm not waiting around for people to go through any sort of mental decision process about letting me through, I aim for about a 20 kph speed minimum delta. Momentum is your friend. You need to be decisive, so by the time cager realises that you're there, you're already past.

2. Side by side.
Filtering a gap between two parallel cars is safe. Well, safer. You don't get the random lane changes when that cages space is blocked by another cage. If you have a cage with an empty space next to it, if there are any brake lights ahead, you know that the cager will make a dive for that spot. Now, you need an IQ test to ensure that you're dumb enough to drive a car, so that diminished brain capacity is solely focused on steering the cage, and not on looking for bikes using mirrors.

3. The block.
Typically there are certain cars that will block you.

4. Slow skills:
I've got an advantage since I'm a cyclist as well, but practice the slow speed skills. You can track stand a bicycle for a minute at a time with practice, and with a motorcycle, being able to ride very slowly with you feet on the pegs is a good skill. I can stop and stand without feet for a while, yeah, it's a party trick, but the point is that once you practice the balance and slow skills long enough, when you're in traffic the slow skills are one less thing to spend intellect on (since it's now intuitive and you don't need to think about them since you're a master (or a mistress?)).

5. Danger signs:
Quick looks in the mirror, or a quick look across to the next lane.
A stab of the brake light (followed by some random move)
Compressing traffic ahead (followed by lane changes)
Slippery cat eyes
Oil or diesel around bends on motorways
Aggressive small dicked execs in XR6/HSV types - and for that matter SUV's with tints - always hard to see past and alway unpredictable
People on cell phones, when you pass, they look towards you and the car follows...

Stay safe.

MBB

Hi PB
I agree with whats above but would also like to put a point or two forwards 'extra' on the speed issue.
I commute the Hutt motorway every day, and yes I do lane split. However there are other bikers who I have had be quite abusive/agressive, because I am going 'too F***ing slow'.
When you do decide to lane split, going through stationary trafffic is certainly the best first step. However when you do decide (if ever) to lane split moving stuff can I please suggest these points.
Speed! I WILL NOT lane split at speeds higher that 50-55kph. YEH slow! Two reasons, firstly if the worst happens? Hopefully the damage wont be too severe to Bike and rider. Secondly? This is where I get the hurry up from some riders. Some make the mistake of going by the (relative speed ....) difference between them and the other vechiles. So you are only travelling 20-30kph faster than the cages, they are doing 50kph. Real Speed? 70-80kph. Thinking distance, reaction distance, braking distance and the bikes manouverability, all these are affected by speed.
I think the best words were some I read in a book a few years ago, high risk is taken by those with no imagination of the end result.

[HungusMaximist]

I've smacked into at least a good 3 or 4 car mirrors in my days of traffic filtering along the motorway. Did feel a bit guilty at first, usually I do a wave of apology afters speeding past and hoping they don't jolt down my plate or chase after me.

You could I say I was a bit too enthusiastic but it usually happened when I was going a bit too slow for my liking and probably concentrated too hard.

I agree speed is definitely your best friend but it pays to not to get side-swiped.

[Kiwi.in.transit]

:clap: wahoo, big ups to you :2thumbsup It's great to hear you managed it safe and sound. I'm still at the 'too timid' stage. I would LOVE to lane split through the rush hour traffic... but the confidence isn't quite there yet... rush hour traffic intimidates me to no end. :( Hopefully my first lane split will be as successful as yours! (when I get there...:second:)

[MarkH]

Good on you Princess for giving it a go, keep it up!

At about 3:30pm today I jumped on the southern carpark from the Mt Wellington onramp (heading north) and off again at the Ellerslie offramp. I was glad I wasn't driving a car!

[PrincessBandit]

... I'm still at the 'too timid' stage. I would LOVE to lane split through the rush hour traffic... but the confidence isn't quite there yet... rush hour traffic intimidates me to no end. ..

Hey thanks for that Kiwi.in.transit - you certainly do need to be assertive (the expression "he who hesitates is lost" kinda comes to mind :eek:) but that doesn't need to translate into aggression. Don't feel rushed or pressured to try it any sooner than you feel up to it, as the last thing you want is your first time to put you off trying it again. (Sounds a bit like... oops, won't go down that track :blink:) lol.
Big thanks to those who have shared their advice and experience to give us novices a hand up. Much appreciated!

[Marmoot]

:lol:
Loved the Ducati filterer on the NW carpark this morning...
C'mon mate, it was only a community constable, in his Vectra. Show some balls and filter past them!:msn-wink:

Can't spare the $150, sorry.

[stify]

Can't spare the $150, sorry.

but it's so much more fun split n past the five o

[Swoop]

Can't spare the $150, sorry.
Is that yours with the carbon [arrow?] pipes?

[Marmoot]

Is that yours with the carbon [arrow?] pipes?

Oh *phew* no. Mine is with standard exhaust and a sexy female on the back seat.

I mean, I lanesplit anywhere! it's a challenge for me! No way I would stand still in a traffic, especially when there's cops around!!

[FJRider]

I don't know what the fuss about lane splitting is... passing stationary(almost or not) traffic, isn't that big a deal. Try passing unfenced sheep on the side of main highways, on one wheel, at 180 km/hr, standing up ....in 3rd gear... just like Carver...

(my hero... they should have a hero parade... oh yeah...they do...)

[stify]

I don't know what the fuss about lane splitting is... passing stationary(almost or not) traffic, isn't that big a deal


well it was one day last week on the southern for some twat on a bmw touring ting with bags on the side....he hit 5 cars, lost a mirror an just about took his own head off on a truck deck...fark i cracked up

[xwhatsit]

I have heard that in California (in the U, S of A) the law was ammended so air cooled cycles could split lanes so they didn't overheat.
How very sensible. That's exactly why I started lanesplitting, when my bike gets really hot, the rocker cover leaks little bits of oil onto the hot headers, creating a lovely oily smoke effect. Quite embarrassing. So I decided I'd follow a KLR650 or summat down Manukau Rd, and that was that.

MBB, I believe I've met that Audi Q7 twat, it was some kind of Audi SUV, dunno the details. He blocked me on the left, so I zipped around the other side and asked him why he was playing silly buggers. He didn't really want to chat :no:.

Beware of the company car!

[morayfm]

I'm an older dude and after 30+ years of no bikes I'm back riding and really enjoying it. I didn't have to sit for any licence because I still had my bike licence from years ago. But in truth I probably should have done some sort of test because I'm not right up to speed with the bike laws.

Anyway, what's the law about lane splitting in NZ? I know it is legal in England but what about here?

[discotex]

I'm an older dude and after 30+ years of no bikes I'm back riding and really enjoying it. I didn't have to sit for any licence because I still had my bike licence from years ago. But in truth I probably should have done some sort of test because I'm not right up to speed with the bike laws.

Anyway, what's the law about lane splitting in NZ? I know it is legal in England but what about here?

Quasilegal at best. If you're to the right of a car but the left of the dashed line you're technically overtaking within the lane which is legal. Of course a cop could consider that unsafe overtaking and charge you with that.

The police in cars don't care unless you're looking really dangerous. Highway patrol guy told me it's just too much hassle to chase us. The bike cops on the other hand may take an interest.

As for the other bit the stats for returning bikers being injured or killed are pretty bad. Go do the RRRS course (http://www.rrrs.org.nz/), see someone like KB's very own QkChk (http://www.ridertraining.co.nz/), or someone like Riderskills (http://www.riderskills.co.nz) and brush up your skills.

[mtroskill]

I think i have the wrong attitude to this... I kind of feel like, that because I am on a bike... I HAVE to shave time of my commute, and have to split when i can.

Got off fairly lightly today when I got stuck between a bus and a car as the light went green into a right hand corner (mt eden road, symonds st intersection). Gave the bus a good polish as it wedged me up against the car and scrapped past me.

I hope I have learned my lesson...