250 riders and road rage.

[DarkLord]

Hi there,

I've had a few episodes of this - mainly on the main motorway heading in to Auckland. I've had wankers in cars sitting close enough for me to turn around and touch them and the other night I had some prick who was so insistent I get out of his way he turned his fucking high-beam lights on. I didn't move of course - I just sat there until he gave up and turned off. I honestly felt like following the car and giving the stupid bastard a hairdryer treatment when he got out.

I'm usually a fairly quiet and patient sort of person but I take no prisoners on the road - I refuse to be pushed around by anyone and I refuse to get out of someone's way who just wants to be intimidating. Call it a character flaw if you will, and I am not beyond admitting to my own faults and problems - but there is just this intense part of me that just refuses to be pushed around when I'm on the road, and I would rather stand firm than give in to someone's over inflated ego who needs to feel big by intimidating a motorcyclist.

My question is to all of you who ride 250cc bikes - most of us don't really have the power to just take off when it comes to situations like that, so how do you find it best to deal with situations like this? Also as many of us are fairly new to riding, has anyone ever had any accidents or near misses they would care to share with us due to car drivers trying to push them around?

Ride safe

Graham.

[slofox]

I just move over and wave them through....gets rid of them quicksmart...(not on the motorway though, just the highways around here...)

[rachprice]

I have never had that problem, (guess I don't ride in Auckland) but I suspect I would react the same way <_<

[wbks]

Well its usually someone from my school driving up my ass complaining about why i wasn't going faster because "bikes can do like 200 why were you only doing 100". Either that or if I'm going normal speed and because 250 IL4's naturally rev really high some dickhead thinks they need to be an unpaid police officer and start flashing his lights at me or beebing the horn as I pass them as if I'm doing 250 naked on the back wheel with a blindfold on simply because the bike sounds fast. Seriously, a 250 riding around town at 8000rpm (which is 100kph in 6th) gets more public and authoritive attention then any thou riding infront of you doing the same speed!

But seeing as there arent any big road rage stories from me on a bike I'll tell you my mates: Was following some fat bitch in a beat up wagon in the rain approaching an intersection(which is a merging lane, no stops involved), he was following her quite close and getting a few evil looks from her and she even slowed down a few times 5 mins earlyer to make it obvious she wasnt liking it but he carried on (maybe he didn't like the stink eye he got so tryed to get some revenge... lol), bike splutters so he looks down to turn the tap from on to reserve... Looks up-Bang! He's on this bitches roof, his bike on the ground with cracked open frame, she starts driving forward and he rolls off the car onto the ground. She even tryed to blame the broken tail lights he noticed she had before hand on him and didn't so much as ask if he was OK afterwards, just whined. I feel sorry for the guy- There was a rather big dent into the gas tank from you know where when he went overboard... Must have hurt. Both at fault I guess but it is a good example of how stupid even subtle road rage could be

[CB ARGH]

...Seriously, a 250 riding around town at 8000rpm (which is 100kph in 6th)...

Really? I wish mine revved that low. I'm at about 9,500rpm... mind you, the sound is great :2thumbsup

Anyway, back on topic. I've had a LOT of boy racers pull up to me at a set of traffic lights trying to make me race them, of course I do... and of course the bike wins (who the fuck thinks a stock hatchback with a big bore and a paper ryco POD filter is fast????? yet alone, who tries to race with one???? lol)...

If somebody tries to annoy you, my main advice is to just ignore them and get out of their way. There's no point in agrivating some imature dickhead teen trying to impress the girls in the backseat, that's my job to impress :whistle:

[wbks]

I'm on a zxr, so I probably have one or two less front teeth on the sprocket or something

[Paris]

Mmmm, yup I am amazed at the fact that people seem to see us as magnets (didn't think my backside was that attractive) ... I tend to just stand my ground and keep moving if I can't switch lanes, making sure I have a big gap in front of me in case I need it to move into, maybe there's a market for 'get off my arse' stickers for the backs of 250s

[mattian]

Both at fault I guess but it is a good example of how stupid even subtle road rage could be

sorry not true, it was your mates fault for following too closely and not being able to stop in time.

[The Baron]

Cars and Bikes don't mix.

You do not have to win every race.

Look after YOU.

Ride safe.

All size bikes get tailgated. Its not just a 250 thing.

I feel better now I have said my bit.

[mattian]

If you ride a bike then get used to it man. There will always be assholes on the road who like to intimidate others. I used to react very badly to even the smallest kind of bad behaviour towards me on my bike...... then, after some time on the bike you realise there is only one way to survive out there. Calm down, and ride defensively! If that means getting out of the way of some tailgater and letting them go then just take a chill pill and do it........ you are only going to make them feel like a complete moron when you filter to the front of the queue at the next set of lights anyway. I always have a little chuckle to myself when that happens, they always look so pissed off :cool:

[mattian]

I have never had that problem, (guess I don't ride in Auckland) but I suspect I would react the same way <_<

yeah but, you ride an rgv250. If I was in a car I would stay the hell away from all that noise and blue smoke.....hahahhaa:lol:

(no disrespect, very cool bikes)

[wbks]

sorry not true, it was your mates fault for following too closely and not being able to stop in time.Well there could be that slight element that she brake checked him on purpose while he wasn't looking?:rolleyes:

[mattian]

Well there could be that slight element that she brake checked him on purpose while he wasn't looking?:rolleyes:

ok so, he wasnt looking either...... jesus, he is just an accident waiting to happen. If someone brakes hard in front of you, its your problem if you can't stop in time. So says the law also.

[hospitalfood]

get your FAL. buy a short shotgun and some buckshot.
next time it happens, shoot the cager dead.
i think the years would pass reasonably fast inside, you would have heaps of support and visitors, and you would be doing the biker community a great service.
people need to know that we are insane killers just waiting for any excuse.

or speed up.

[wbks]

ok so, he wasnt looking either...... jesus, he is just an accident waiting to happen. If someone brakes hard in front of you, its your problem if you can't stop in time. So says the law also.Well he was turning the fuel tap for .5 secs so id say he'd be fine if it wasn't for her.

[mattian]

I knew a biker who was rear ended by a lady in a car, she was changing her radio station........ see any comparisons there?

[rachprice]

yeah but, you ride an rgv250. If I was in a car I would stay the hell away from all that noise and blue smoke.....hahahhaa:lol:

(no disrespect, very cool bikes)

None taken and yeah now with my tinted visor I look extra badass hahaha

[McJim]

I had a redneck in a pickup truck chase me round Auckland coz I had been lanesplitting.

The solution? I found somewhere nice and populated to park (needs witnesses) stopped the bike, got off and waited for him to catch up - which he did with a skid of tyres. got out his ute, cursing and swearing and walked up to me in a very threatening way only to realise, due to a miscalculation of scale, that I was a much bigger fucker than he thought I was (for some reason I fold up really well on a 250 and look tiny).

He stopped mid sentence and turned around and got back in his ute without another word and drove off.

[discotex]

Well he was turning the fuel tap for .5 secs so id say he'd be fine if it wasn't for her.

He'd have been fine if he waited until he was a safe following distance before taking his eyes off the road. If it really was .5 of a sec and he was following 2sec behind he'd have been able to swerve or slow in time.

He'd have been fine if he got the message when she slowed down to say "fuck off you're following too close".

Oh yeah and he'd have been fine if he didn't pick a fight with a ton and a half of steel.

Trying to justify your mate being a dick isn't becoming.

Ironic that your example is of a biker tailgating a cage and getting taken out of their own doing when the OP asked what bikes should do when being tailgated.

[Reido]

on two occasions i've gotten off my bike at a set of lights and politely asked the car to back off a bit.

and one resulted in them telling me to fuck off.


usualy when cagers do stupid shit or get angry at me, for what ever reason, yes sometimes i do stupid shit, but you know.. i just shake my head at them,
or lift the visor at stare them in the eye.

[Slyer]

Visors where they can't see your eyes work well when you stare at them, iridium ones like mine especially. :D

[Duke girl]

When you come to think about it road rage is something alot of us feel when dickhead cage drivers do crazy things to us while out on our roads riding our machines trying to enjoy our day. The big difference between them and us is the surroundings, they are protected by the body of their cage and all we are protected by is the gear we are wearing. Even thou you would like to to give them the bash and let them know that what they are doing is not acceptable at the end of the day you are better just letting the wankers go past and get the hell away from them so hopefully you can arrive home the same way you left. You know what the say about boy racers small minds and small p$%^s. No doubt if they were driving on their own there wouldn't be a problem but when they have their mates in the cage with them then all they are wanting to do is show off and be the Big Hero to their mates.

[NZJONESY]

Here is a great one!
Around welly when I go for a big mission up north on the 2fidd I generally always use earplugs to cut down the wind noise. Lets me hear the engine a lot clearer too. At lights and anywhere there is two lanes going the same direction, you make a stop, a guy comes up next to you. He rolls the window down and starts taking to me and I cant hear him at all since I'm focusing on what I'm doing and the plugs), next thing you know he throws a bit of screwed up paper at me and starts cursing his arse off, pointing and waving his arm for 'ignoring' him i guess.

[Devil]

Hi there,

I've had a few episodes of this - mainly on the main motorway heading in to Auckland. I've had wankers in cars sitting close enough for me to turn around and touch them and the other night I had some prick who was so insistent I get out of his way he turned his fucking high-beam lights on. I didn't move of course - I just sat there until he gave up and turned off. I honestly felt like following the car and giving the stupid bastard a hairdryer treatment when he got out.


Were you sitting in the right hand lane? It is an offence to block traffic.
The law requires you to keep left unless passing. It fucks me off no-end when people just sit in the right hand lanes blocking people behind.
It's ignorant.
It's arrogant.
If you do it to me and I catch up with you, I will quite happily call you a cunt and tell you to go fuck yourself.

Dont block lanes.

[Slyer]

Also if someone wants to move into your lane, make room for them.
Maybe they just want to turn off?

[DarkLord]

Were you sitting in the right hand lane? It is an offence to block traffic.
The law requires you to keep left unless passing. It fucks me off no-end when people just sit in the right hand lanes blocking people behind.
It's ignorant.
It's arrogant.
If you do it to me and I catch up with you, I will quite happily call you a cunt and tell you to go fuck yourself.

Dont block lanes.

Yes I was but I wasn't blocking anyone. I was passing as the lane next to me was slow as hell. I was doing the speed limit and they were tailgating me and trying to blind me with their headlights. I don't fucking care if they want to get past. I'm not speeding and doing nothing wrong. No one acts towards me like that on the road. Call me a cunt all you like, you can go and fuck yourself if you go and tailgate people like that. Besides sitting in the right hand lane is the only way you can pass people sometimes. Once again this is a classic case of ignorant pricks like you defending those who are in the wrong.

Don't get all self righteous on me, mate.

[Slyer]

Yes I was but I wasn't blocking anyone. I was passing as the lane next to me was slow as hell. I was doing the speed limit and they were tailgating me and trying to blind me with their headlights. I don't fucking care if they want to get past. I'm not speeding and doing nothing wrong. No one acts towards me like that on the road. Call me a cunt all you like, you can go and fuck yourself if you go and tailgate people like that. Besides sitting in the right hand lane is the only way you can pass people sometimes. Once again this is a classic case of ignorant pricks like you defending those who are in the wrong.

Don't get all self righteous on me, mate.
You're a cunt, stick to the left.

[DarkLord]

How the fuck am I supposed to pass anyone if I am on the left? Last time I checked it was not a crime to pass people.

[Swampdonkey]

Deep breathing...let it go,move on.. Come on its Auckland driveing that we have all come to know and love. I liken it to spitfire pilots getting through an air battle....kamakazes comeing from all directions. Your road rage is going to change nothing,so dont do it.

[DarkLord]

You are right, Swamp. I know it doesn't change anything. And there are times when I am as guilty of it as anyone else. It just makes me really angry when people do something that is deliberately to antagonise someone else and do it with such a self-righteous attitude. I know the easiest thing is to just pull over and let them pass or whatever. Perhaps I'm just not at that level yet.

[wbks]

I knew a biker who was rear ended by a lady in a car, she was changing her radio station........ see any comparisons there?Did he purposefully stomp on his brakes when he saw her looking down at the radio?


He'd have been fine if he waited until he was a safe following distance before taking his eyes off the road. If it really was .5 of a sec and he was following 2sec behind he'd have been able to swerve or slow in time.

He'd have been fine if he got the message when she slowed down to say "fuck off you're following too close".

Oh yeah and he'd have been fine if he didn't pick a fight with a ton and a half of steel.

Trying to justify your mate being a dick isn't becoming.

Ironic that your example is of a biker tailgating a cage and getting taken out of their own doing when the OP asked what bikes should do when being tailgated.
I wasn't justifying it, he was being a dumbass, but mattian blaming it entirely on him is wrong. It took two to tango that time and she brake checked him on purpose. What was really stink is that there were a bunch of riders across at the pub (normally harley riders there) who just watched and didn't so much as drag his bike off the road for him:gob:

[discotex]

I wasn't justifying it, he was being a dumbass, but mattian blaming it entirely on him is wrong. It took two to tango that time and she brake checked him on purpose. What was really stink is that there were a bunch of riders across at the pub (normally harley riders there) who just watched and didn't so much as drag his bike off the road for him:gob:

Righto, I misread you then.. Came across you thought he wasn't to blame.

Stink that no-one helped him out :no:

[mattian]

[QUOTE=wbks;1898925]Did he purposefully stomp on his brakes when he saw her looking down at the radio?


Its often been said that this is a technique to get a tailgater to back off. Flashing your brake lights and slowing down, perhaps that is what he was doing. It still wouldn't be his fault if she hits him because No1, you have to be paying due care and attention to the road in front of you, No2, you have to have enough clear space between you and the car in front to stop safely.

[DarkLord]

I find a good technique is "blipping" the front brake in quick succession as this makes the brake lights flash, which you would hope would wake them from their stupor and get their attention.

[mattian]

that is a good technique only if they see what your doing but, honestly speaking I think most tailgaters don't even realise what they are doing is unsafe...... they're just fucking stupid. I have tried everything.... flashing the brake light, slowing down, looking back at them. Most people just think I am trying to antagonise them. Now, I just speed up. Even most 250's have enough grunt to put enough space between you, and the car behind (excluding the motorway of course)

[DarkLord]

True that. I've had plenty of people get shitty at me for telling them to get off my tail as they just focus on me telling them to fuck off and don't realise that I am doing it for a good reason. Thing is, especially on the Auckland motorway there often isn't enough room to put a safe distance between you and them as if you try you'll end up tailgating the car in front of you.

Thing is, having an accident is probably the only way they will realise what they are doing is unsafe which almost inevitably means some innocent driver/rider will have to suffer for their mistakes.

[Slyer]

Just read your road code again... the answer is in there.

[mattian]

I had this horrible experience on the motorway once. Heading from the city towards the North Shore I had just got on via Fanshawe street and was being followed very closely by this white van. Got up to about 90ks and we are both in the left lane, everyone else on the right lanes are doing about 90-100. I was getting really shitty with this guy so, I slowed down to 80 (which is actually the speed limit there) He got so fucked off!!! started beeping his horn and everything, pulls over to the right next to me and starts yelling and screaming. he pulls back behind me following me so close like a maniac so, when we get down the other end I motion for him to follow me into the Motorway patrol HQ..... of course, he declined the offer and continued on.

[sunhuntin]

My question is to all of you who ride 250cc bikes - most of us don't really have the power to just take off when it comes to situations like that, so how do you find it best to deal with situations like this? Also as many of us are fairly new to riding, has anyone ever had any accidents or near misses they would care to share with us due to car drivers trying to push them around?

Ride safe

Graham.

im fairly stubborn as well when it comes to the road. however, it all really depends on the driver as to my reaction.
some, im happier pulling over and letting them go. i do this mainly in high speed areas where road rage could be higher.
others, i will stick to my position and refuse to budge over 50k [or whatever the speed limit is in the area]
others, who have been especially stupid, i will stick to the limit, and then slam on the anchors, coming to a complete stop in front of them, in the middle of the road before moving off again.
note: this literally takes place within a few seconds and i dont do it very often due to the high chance of being hit. i did this once to a bitch with a personal plate, who i knew to be the wife of one of the highest spending customers at my old job. i would love to say something to her, but i just bite my tongue. funny thing is, the same bitch almost caused another accident when she decided to overtake me while i was waiting for a car to back out in the main street. i moved enough to block her, and then gave her a filthy look at the lights whiles shes smiling and waving at me.

over the last year or so, ive become more and more aggressive, hollering as loud as i can when drivers fuck up majorly.

[stevewederell]

If I chose to pull over and let someone pass that's tailgating me, I'd never get to work.

I have found riding directly in front of the driver helps them really "see" you. Make it a game, often when I do this you can actually push them all over the road as they try to avoid seeing you.:buggerd:

Another option is just a gentle, and I do mean gentle "push back" wave and thumbs up, not finger up, will help.

Both of these can help, although I am looking at sourcing napalm or cheap brake fluid to squirt behind me...;)

I have had times where I have had to seriously check myself and stop getting crazy mad - that would only end up poorly for one person - ME, have to ask yourself if it's really worth the pain.

On the flip side, there are a shit load of riders out there who ride just as close to cars, so maybe the people that have bikes up their arse are just showing their gratitude...

[Disco Dan]

Speaking from the 'cage' point of view -

The other day I was driving at top speed along the motorway (about 90kmph) and a moped was in the lane to the left of me doing no more than 70/80kmph - he/she then waited until level with front of my car and just indicated once and moved in front of me! I got straight on my brakes, as well as my horn - the poor sod looked behind wobbling the whole time then simply turned back around and continued to hold me up! I then overtook said plonker horn blazing and gave him/her the finger. Now before anyone asks, yes he/she did do a head check - and would have seen me, yet chose to change lanes anyway!!


And bikers wonder why there is road rage from car drivers???? :Pokey:

[mattian]

taking a moped onto the motorway is lunacy

[michael]

Hi there,

I've had a few episodes of this - mainly on the main motorway heading in to Auckland. I've had wankers in cars sitting close enough for me to turn around and touch them and the other night I had some prick who was so insistent I get out of his way he turned his fucking high-beam lights on. I didn't move of course - I just sat there until he gave up and turned off. I honestly felt like following the car and giving the stupid bastard a hairdryer treatment when he got out.

I'm usually a fairly quiet and patient sort of person but I take no prisoners on the road - I refuse to be pushed around by anyone and I refuse to get out of someone's way who just wants to be intimidating. Call it a character flaw if you will, and I am not beyond admitting to my own faults and problems - but there is just this intense part of me that just refuses to be pushed around when I'm on the road, and I would rather stand firm than give in to someone's over inflated ego who needs to feel big by intimidating a motorcyclist.

My question is to all of you who ride 250cc bikes - most of us don't really have the power to just take off when it comes to situations like that, so how do you find it best to deal with situations like this? Also as many of us are fairly new to riding, has anyone ever had any accidents or near misses they would care to share with us due to car drivers trying to push them around?

Ride safe

Graham.

Does this happen when you're in the fast (right) lane?

[DarkLord]

Sometimes, not all of the time. If I'm in the right lane it will be because I am passing cars in the other lanes. The only reason they even end up right up my arse if that is the case is because they are obviously speeding, so therefore I refuse to stop passing cars so that some cunt in a boy racer car trying to show off to all his mates can keep speeding down the motorway.

[Squiggles]

Dont let your ego out on the roads... Who cares if they pass you, you're both going to get stuck at the lights when you get off the motorway. Im quite happy to let the cars speed past and attract police attention up ahead.

[discotex]

taking a moped onto the motorway is lunacy

I believe it is also illegal (if it's a moped by the definition that allows you to ride it on a car license).

[mattian]

Bro, I sympathise with your issues...... we all have them, however, I strongly advise against trying to block speeders with your motorbike on the motorway. Thats the job of the police. By all means overtake the slower cars, then pull over and settle into a good road position and let Mr. Boy racer go if he wants. He will get his come uppance soon enough.

[Squiggles]

Sometimes, not all of the time. If I'm in the right lane it will be because I am passing cars in the other lanes. The only reason they even end up right up my arse if that is the case is because they are obviously speeding, so therefore I refuse to stop passing cars so that some cunt in a boy racer car trying to show off to all his mates can keep speeding down the motorway.

To point out the obvious, you're small they're big. You may be in the right but being right wont save you if you have to hit the picks and get rear ended by them at 109k.



Anyway, back on topic. I've had a LOT of boy racers pull up to me at a set of traffic lights trying to make me race them, of course I do... and of course the bike wins (who the fuck thinks a stock hatchback with a big bore and a paper ryco POD filter is fast????? yet alone, who tries to race with one???? lol)...

Perhaps getting old is realising you dont need to race to know you'll win? Having idiots infront where you can watch them is better than having them up your arse just waiting to pull some stupid shit (like pass where there isnt room/into oncoming).

[DarkLord]

You are right, Squiggles. I would not end up better off.

For me it is a struggle as these pricks are just egotistical and want to impress their behaviour on others, like they've got something to prove to the world. They seem to think it is their God given right to go and be complete wankers to others and are full of self justified reasoning for it.They then try and defend themselves and expect others to defend them as well so that they can keep doing it.

It is easy enough to say that they will get their come uppance but in NZ especially the culture almost seems to favour those in the wrong at times and everyone seems to be encouraged to be passive and let things go that they really shouldn't. If everyone abides by this behaviour then pricks who act like that will just keep on doing it in the knowledge that they can get away with it.

I just like to be stubborn at times and try to go against the grain when it comes to this sort of thing, to show people that if you are a dick then it will come back to bite you in the arse and that you can't get away with it forever.

But that's just me. Your reasoning in saying that it is best to just let it go is right in terms of practicality but from a human perspective it is a battle sometimes.

[Squiggles]

But that's just me. Your reasoning in saying that it is best to just let it go is right in terms of practicality but from a human perspective it is a battle sometimes.

It can be hard but with all the shit going on out there you cant let the red haze get you, keep cool with a clear head and you'll live longer for it. :)

[steelestring]

I'm on a zxr, so I probably have one or two less front teeth on the sprocket or something


Must be dude, mine is almost 9.8 at 100. Would be a bit better on the ears too I imagine.:blink:

[Howsie]

Yes I was but I wasn't blocking anyone. I was passing as the lane next to me was slow as hell. I was doing the speed limit and they were tailgating me and trying to blind me with their headlights. I don't fucking care if they want to get past. I'm not speeding and doing nothing wrong. No one acts towards me like that on the road. Call me a cunt all you like, you can go and fuck yourself if you go and tailgate people like that. Besides sitting in the right hand lane is the only way you can pass people sometimes. Once again this is a classic case of ignorant pricks like you defending those who are in the wrong.

Don't get all self righteous on me, mate.

First to answer you question: I have been tailgated quite closely buy many cars in my 4 short weeks of riding. Every time i turned and looked at them (even if i cldnt see the driver myself) they backed off to the normal following distance. I think this is due to my tinted visor which gives the impression that i looked at them, sometimes i think they think i havnt seen them which is always false. Never-the-less it works and is a good investment.

Or you can do as suggested and give them a friendly reminder wave to say "hey iv seen you are following too close, please move back".

If they still dont (then they are a complete arsehole and there is nothing you can do so dont bother) just change lanes. Dont get wound up about it, just move!

There are unwritten laws on the motorway which make peoples lives easier and allow you to live longer on your bike. I also drive a big van so i see both sides quite clearly.

If you are doing 100kmph in the fast lane and you see another faster vehicle coming up behind you, get out of the way!! Yes the limit is 100kmph but they are choosing to speed so let them and it stops the abuse from happening right away. Even if you are doing more than 100kmph, get out of the way.

Most 250s have the go to pull away if you want to, chop it to 4th, blat to 120 into 5th and you are gone, just gotta know how to ride it :2guns:

[Evilgenius]

Well not too long ago, I was on the motorway heading south and this woman was on a cellphone while i was in the right lane. She didnt see me so she just changed lanes with me stuck inbetween her and the barrier. So me being really pissed off instead of accelerating out the way i punched her window with my kevlar lined fist and man did she piss herself. I know i know it was a stupid thing to do i had a good think on it and i should have moved but im just like u i hate being pushed around. Well thats one less cage driver that will be more observant now :niceone:

[Dare]

Well not too long ago, I was on the motorway heading south and this woman was on a cellphone while i was in the right lane. She didnt see me so she just changed lanes with me stuck inbetween her and the barrier. So me being really pissed off instead of accelerating out the way i punched her window with my kevlar lined fist and man did she piss herself. I know i know it was a stupid thing to do i had a good think on it and i should have moved but im just like u i hate being pushed around. Well thats one less cage driver that will be more observant now :niceone:

Haha nice!
I get heaps of people pull out infront of me without space and then not bother accelerating, if I have to hit the brakes hard I usually give them the horn... But more often than not I do a quick scan and go around them as if they weren't there, I don't know if that makes them less likely to do it again but it does feel pretty damn good.
I've had a few cases of road rage but I try to gauge how stupid the cager is behaving, if he/she looks like trouble i'll get out of there fast (like 14,000rpm in the outside lane fast) but otherwise a hard stare and a shake of the head before getting a safe distance away seems to have the right effect.

[NOWOOL]

Yeah, I experience that from time to time and it always is a woman at the wheel. Its my 3rd biggest peeve, right behind oncoming cars crossing the line and people backing out of driveways. In that situation I 'try' to concentrate only on what's on my sides and in front of me and expect the car drivers to prove they are as stupid as I suspect them of being.

Kudos to ya for riding a bike in auckland; When i lived there 3 years ago it was a battle even driving a car in traffic without being hit.

[Ms Piggy]

Hey Graham,
As annoying as inconsiderate drivers are, I've learnt that I need to look after myself and part of that is keeping my cool and just shake my head and enjoy that fact that the majority of drivers are okay...

...in saying that I recall recently seeing a rider whack the wing mirror of a car because the driver had inconsiderately & dangerously blocked a whole lane - the thought went through my head "Oh yeah! On ya!"

[gatch]

I don't know if its part of being a young guy or being an immature bastard, but for the life of me I can't handle dickheads tailing me, I'll slow to a stop if I have to to get the dickhead from following so close, and if they choose to stop too they'll be completing their journey sans ears.. :angry2::bash:

[Fumph]

Hey Gatch that ego will get you killed! Think about it......

[kunoichi]

Um, not too sure about u guys, but if i'm in top gear on my bike (5th) going at a 100k it usually sits at about 7.5 rpm, so I hav no problem keeping up with traffic really. The fastest i got my bike was at 160kmp in top gear and she wasn't quiet red lining yet. I'm not too sure wot u guys r talking about wen u mentioned that 250's may not have the power to get out of difficult situations.

That being said, tailgaters r the most annoying ppl on the rd and generally it's a case of misery loves company unfortunatly. I do the same on my bike as i do in a car, lightly tap my breaks (not to the point of engagement but to the point where the break lights turn on). This usually shocks them into backing off as either they'v read that my msg that they need to back off or that they are worried they r too close incase i do hit my breaks and they won't be able to stop in time. In that way i'm not exactly giving way to nasty drivers, and neither am i picking a fight, simply a warning that they need to watch themselves before someone get's hurt.

This is all ofcoarse wen i'm in a calm mood (most of the time). Wen i'm angry or irritated i tend to see red and ride in a fairly suicidal fashion. Ppl say if u can't control ur anger then refrain from riding, well as much as i understand that, i also understand that despite u'r anger u can't just stop u'r day. So hop onto my bike and hope i come out alright. Not that i recomend it for any of you'z.

[Slyer]

Your bike has 6 gears. :)

[kunoichi]

Haha sorry! typo! i meant 6th. Despite the extra gear, i don't think it changes the take off speed. It's still a 250 engine never the less...isn't that right?

[Slyer]

Yeah, 6 gear is really a overdrive gear though unless you are going near top speed.

[kunoichi]

Well then don't really understand wot those guys were going on about in the 1st page of this thread, about 250's not being able to take off fast enough... *shrugs*

[NOWOOL]

Yeah, np going fast off the curb, must be to do with top speed riding on lite bikes.

[Maki]

I have seen road rage, flashing lights, tooting horns and waved fists but I deserved it. I was in a hurry and lane split when there was only one lane going in each direction. I should not have, so I deserved all the road rage I got...

[DarkLord]

I've deserved it a few times too admittedly, pulling out too late, whacking wing mirrors while splitting, etc. None of us are perfect.

[The Pastor]

i just pull out my shotgun

[GinjaNinja]

Ive tend to get a lot of people who go fast in the slower speed limits and then go slow in the 100km zones. There was a woman last week who was doing her makeup or something at 80km swerving from left to right. Or the people who are too busy talking or yelling at the passenger next to them. I back way off or get past them as safely as possible. You dont want them going 'Anchors away!' in front of you when they finally wake up.

As far as road rage goes I only get angry at boy racers cause i hate them and i wish more of them would die.
Had one of them decide he wanted to kill me and the driver of a car last week we he cut up the outside of me (going outside the lane) and then cut across my lane and into the left hand lane right in front of a car about to turn left at the approaching round about. He then turned right at the roundabout from the left turn lane in front of a couple of vans. All this was done at 130km Plus.

Some people are Beyond Stupid.

[Badjelly]

I've deserved it a few times too admittedly, pulling out too late, whacking wing mirrors while splitting, etc. None of us are perfect.

Though some of us are closer to perfection than others. :innocent:

[wbks]

Well then don't really understand wot those guys were going on about in the 1st page of this thread, about 250's not being able to take off fast enough... *shrugs*They take off fast from a slow speed, but unlike a 600 or a liter bike you can't just roll it on in top gear if someone's tailgating you and you're gone like that. Unlike any 250, two stroke or four, which you would need to drop down 2 gears and give it full gas if you wanted to get out of somewhere in a hurry, and even then it really isn't all that rapid.

So no, 250's don't have the power to get out of difficult situation as good as you want. I was riding around Taupo full track for the MotoTT and during the warm up laps in the first session cruzing at 100 or so km/h in 12 thousand revs which is about entering a good power range, and even then tucked in and at full throttle it isn't describable as fast.

Fast for a 250 sure, and fast around a track with the right rider compared to a 400, even slower 600 riders but it's not like a bigger bike where you could just give it more gas when you see something happening and you're gone.

Does change accel having a 6th gear, konoichi. A 5speed and a 6 speed 250 would still only get roughly the same speed, but more gears means closer ratio's which means faster take off

[newbould]

Being tailgated - back off a bit so you have room in front - you will need to emergency brake more slowly so the tailgater doesn't go over the top of you. seeing red kills - simple. Predict that cagers will pull into your lane, roll off the gas to let them. Predict it by watching their head twitch sideways as if checking behind them or when they are talking faster than their brains can work in which case they could go anywhere. As posted many times before don't even think about believing indicators. My indicator story - 1 trip I had a cage indicate right whilst I was following him, then pull over to the left and stop - stupidest law in the NZ road code and I'm pretty sure only in NZ. Then 1 k down the road next cage in front of me indicated left, pulled out wide to the right - me thinks ahah an articulated ford fiesta - then he turns right! Go figure.

Road rage story - biking up to Ranfurly up the pigroute - best road ever. Long straight just before Ranfurly this cager overtakes me (I'm sitting at 100) and manages to get 1/2 his car over to the right lane - the other half has his wife just a bout sitting on my lap. I should have just eased over to the left but I was too shocked to think about it. Any way I follow him into Ranfurly thinking about the polite message I will give him and sure enough he stops for a pee or whatever and I pull in behind him. Out gets grandad and waddles round his car. I just couldn't be bothered trying to explain! And then felt like a woos for the rest of the day.

[Monolith NZ]

I was in Christchurch late last year and I was behind some tosser in a ute as we both waited to turn right at an intersection. Out of the blue he decided to start reversing, I had hardly any time to think about what has happening before his rear bumper had ridden up on my front tire (and possibly my front guard but I couldn't see). So I start freaking out and begin to scream at him to move forward while I tried to jerk my tire out from under him, to which I eventually succeeded. As I was doing this I could see him watching in the rear view mirror, somehow oblivious to my frantic arm motions and screaming to move the f**k forward.

After I pulled it out I turned my handle bars to the side to inspect my guard, and luckily the bumper hadn't ridden up that far so it was fine. Then the dick decides to run the red light and burns it up over the Washington bridge. By now I was enraged and decided to follow without waiting for the green, taking it hard I caught up almost instantly (:love:) and tried to signal for him to pull over (may have thrown a few other unkindly gestures in there also), so I could let him know what an idiot he was. He gave me the finger and turned left down a side street. I decided it was best to leave it as I was lucky enough to escape any damage and the enraged fit I was in was distracting me from riding safely.

I know Its wasn't the best way for me to react but the anger was so intense that I couldn't bare to let him hoon it off.

Apart from that outburst and the occasional swear word I think my road rage has been kept below radar.

[howdamnhard]

Hi there,

I've had a few episodes of this - mainly on the main motorway heading in to Auckland. I've had wankers in cars sitting close enough for me to turn around and touch them and the other night I had some prick who was so insistent I get out of his way he turned his fucking high-beam lights on. I didn't move of course - I just sat there until he gave up and turned off. I honestly felt like following the car and giving the stupid bastard a hairdryer treatment when he got out.

I'm usually a fairly quiet and patient sort of person but I take no prisoners on the road - I refuse to be pushed around by anyone and I refuse to get out of someone's way who just wants to be intimidating. Call it a character flaw if you will, and I am not beyond admitting to my own faults and problems - but there is just this intense part of me that just refuses to be pushed around when I'm on the road, and I would rather stand firm than give in to someone's over inflated ego who needs to feel big by intimidating a motorcyclist.

My question is to all of you who ride 250cc bikes - most of us don't really have the power to just take off when it comes to situations like that, so how do you find it best to deal with situations like this? Also as many of us are fairly new to riding, has anyone ever had any accidents or near misses they would care to share with us due to car drivers trying to push them around?

Ride safe

Graham.

Hi Graham, I used to be like you about my rights,however physics does'nt give two hoots about rights. I tend to ride slightly faster than the surrounding traffic,keeps dickheads off my tail.I believe in not holding people up , so if I'm holding somebody up I just let them go past,its the courteous thing to do and what I would like someone to do for me if the roles were reversed.
Bikes have two advantages over cages,they accelerate faster and fit in tighter spaces, if you can't use either get out of the way.Let the idiot go on his merry way and total himself somewhere else.Oh and you can report him if you don't like his driving,enough reports will bring them to the boys in blues attention.
Ride safe:scooter:
Pierre

[RocKai]

Hey Monolith, nice try mate. But What TF can you do in a situation like that? I wish I could sue his sorry ass but even that nothing will change. I reckon follow him and stab his tyres :mad: son-of-a-bit#$.

For me it was just this afternoon, I was on my way to work on the Gorge Welly, this red ute just cut accross my lane nearly ran on top of me with his indication on for about half a second. I was surprised but wasn't pissed. He then suddenly pull his brake hard and I nearly bump into his behind, we were doing 50kmh at the moment. And then I passed him with full intention of pulling the finger but realize soon it was a grandpa so I toot off ahead. :mellow:

[newbould]

.Oh and you can report him if you don't like his driving,enough reports will bring them to the boys in blues attention.
Ride safe:scooter:
Pierre

here is the link to report bad driving on line. You want to have as much detail as possible - make sure licence plate (needed) and colour and model match up.
http://www.police.govt.nz/service/road/roadwatch.html

[cambridgedan]

I ride a 2009 kawasaki Ninja 250 and i seem to have the power to get out of things like that but yea you sit on 8000 revs at 110kmph

[CookMySock]

Just pass the car in front of you - end of problem. If theres no car in front of you, you are going too slow - go find one!

Steve

[sparky.scott]

I had one a few months back. Was out on the open road just out of Qtown where me n a mate came up to a woman driving at 80 in a 100 zone so we both out n passed her, that must have pissed her off cuz she sat right on my ass all the way until some road works which i slowed down to 30 as my bike doesnt like loose gravel. Anyway she decided to pass me on the inside on the road works which gave me the red haze so when i pulled up alongside her she lost her drivers window due to my carbon knuckle gloves

[Newkid]

i was just riding in porirua today. Guy came through the round about, indicating left to go straight ahead. myself and another car went to go, this guy turns right towards us. Nearly t-bones me, slams on the brakes and then tailgates me from the North City shopping center round about. all around town tooting and flashing his lights. Then i had to open it up on the motorway to get away from him =/ guy was nuts

[mattian]

They're out there !! ride cautiously, hesitate for that split second longer before you go. Don't flip out at every single indiscretion someone makes..... in other words, be patient. The redhazed road rage just takes away all the fun of riding.

[RocKai]

Anyway she decided to pass me on the inside on the road works which gave me the red haze so when i pulled up alongside her she lost her drivers window due to my carbon knuckle gloves I like that. I like Redhazed Roadrage because it is FUN and SATISFIED when you can do so, rather than going home and think about it FRUSTRATED and ANGRY. Bitch need to learn how to drive and take hormonal pills

[DarkLord]

Yeah man. Undertaking on road works is not cool. Stone sprayage city. Plus they are obviously only doing it to get back at you.

Since leaving Auckland I don't get the red haze quite as much any more. Hopefully because I have grown up a bit but also because things are not as intense and stressful out of Auckland which of course translates into the way people drive.

[Roki_nz]

The only thing that really gives me road rage on a bike is intersections. On my way to work there is a four way intersection controlled by stop signs. Normally I am going straight through the intersection so my understanding is that traffic going straight through the intersection has right of way over traffic that is turning. (feel free to correct me if I am wrong)

If I see a car approaching to turn into the intersection I will always wait until they have stopped before I move through even though in theory it should be safe for me to move through the intersection as that car turning has to stop and I have right of way. More often than not people just slow down then turn without stopping or even caring that it is my right of way.

That really pisses me off but to be honest I would rather end up them breaking a road rule and swearing at them than going through that intersection first and getting hit and probably blamed for it too. I can just hear it now, “You must have not stopped or you must have been speeding because I didn’t see you”

[tigertim20]

Really? I wish mine revved that low. I'm at about 9,500rpm... mind you, the sound is great :2thumbsup

Anyway, back on topic. I've had a LOT of boy racers pull up to me at a set of traffic lights trying to make me race them, of course I do... and of course the bike wins (who the fuck thinks a stock hatchback with a big bore and a paper ryco POD filter is fast????? yet alone, who tries to race with one???? lol)...

If somebody tries to annoy you, my main advice is to just ignore them and get out of their way. There's no point in agrivating some imature dickhead teen trying to impress the girls in the backseat, that's my job to impress :whistle:

hahaha yeah I like it when those cocks pull up at the lights!! haha I have a black and pink cbr 600, and Im constantly getting challenged at the lights, the sad thing is, on a 600, I smoke them without actually giving the bike shit. I like getting to the next lights, stopping, putting it in nuetral, and pretending to look at my watch, timing how long it takes him to catch up, then shaking my head at him when he does get there. Makes 'em feel like a dick, especially when the 3 racer sluts he was tryna impress are laughing at him!!

even the TZR 250 (and the FZR I had) would smoke a turbo car at the lights

[CookMySock]

On my way to work there is a four way intersection controlled by stop signs. [....] If I see a car approaching to turn into the intersection I will always wait until they have stopped before I move through even though in theory it should be safe for me to move through the intersection as that car turning has to stop and I have right of way. More often than not people just slow down then turn without stopping or even caring that it is my right of way. Ok I get this a lot. This is what I think about it.

When approaching an intersection, especially, say, an intersection where I am turning left and opposing traffic is also turning down the same road (they are turning right - I must give way), IF I can nip around in font of them without giving anyone a fright then I will do this.

IF they approach the same intersection under the same conditions (I still must give way) and they see my on my bike with indicator on (they know they have right of way) what happens is they often hesitate at the intersection until I have slowed right down and nearly stopped, and THEN they will proceed in front of me, forcing ME to stop, rather than just taking their right of way to begin with.

SO! If you are approaching an intersection where you have right-of-way, I SUGGEST you take your right of way enter the corner. If it REALLY looks like you are going to die today don't pull out in front of them of course, but a bit more confidence might just help you along here.

Understand, its also very frustrating for the person who has to wait for you, while you wait for them... (so everyone is waiting for everyone, grumble...) so really, just rip into it and hop outa the way and you will be fine. ;)

Again, if they ARE going at lightspeed and you judge they could not possibly stop, and they WOULD hit you, they stay back for sure, but otherwise when you have right of way - take it pronto and don't hesitate.

What also works well, is turn your headlight on full and drive like you are going to kill everyone, and NO ONE will pull out in front of you. hee hee..

p.s. yes I know you said "stop signs". Yes, they are supposed to come to a complete halt and wait.

HTH
Steve (commercial driver 25 years)

[Roki_nz]

Thanks for the advice

Normally I just wait for people to go through even if it is my right of way. I just don’t trust those people to stop for me or at least not on that street anyway.

The good thing about that street is it has lots of speed bumps so even if I let someone go through or someone barges through the intersection I will just stand on the pegs and speed over the bumps and past them while there forced to slow down to go over the bumps 

[CookMySock]

Normally I just wait for people to go through even if it is my right of way. I just don’t trust those people to stop for me or at least not on that street anyway.Yeah I know how you feel. Try the "put your lights on full and ride like an asshole" trick. It's funny, empowering, and you will see them respect you then. This will happen automatically when you are on a larger bike with a loud exhaust. Also weave around like a mad cunt.. that helps too.. hehehe, you will get home with a grin on your face too. LOL.

But again, if you really think they have no option but to hit you, don't pull out!

Steve

[sparky.scott]

hahaha yeah I like it when those cocks pull up at the lights!! haha I have a black and pink cbr 600, and Im constantly getting challenged at the lights, the sad thing is, on a 600, I smoke them without actually giving the bike shit. I like getting to the next lights, stopping, putting it in nuetral, and pretending to look at my watch, timing how long it takes him to catch up, then shaking my head at him when he does get there. Makes 'em feel like a dick, especially when the 3 racer sluts he was tryna impress are laughing at him!!

even the TZR 250 (and the FZR I had) would smoke a turbo car at the lights

Haha i do that on my wee 250 and it makes the racer sluts laugh even harder :clap::woohoo:

[rossw]

I ride this situation the same way as I drive my cage - I go a few K's faster than everyone else, I go smooth and predictable, I keep an eye on my mirrors and move over for anyone coming up like a steam train. And when I'm filtering I keep the speed differential between me and the cars down cos you never know when they will change lanes too quickly as happened to me a few weeks ago. Remember, its partly your fault when this happens. Oh, and I try to leave my bad attitude at home, there's no point being right with big dents in your head.

[vindy500]

Haha i do that on my wee 250 and it makes the racer sluts laugh even harder :clap::woohoo:

i doubt it does, they dont know if your on a 250 or a L bike

[woza]

Watch out for indian Taxi Drivers!! I had one yesterday decide to pass me on the inside along Mt Albert Road, which is a relatively narrow road... not too sure why he decided he wanted to get in front of me, I just powered on and waited for him at the lights, where he decided he wouldn't look at me?? Stupid taxis, they should need special licences!! What makes it worse is that he was driving a Holden, all Holden drivers think they own a v8 supercar and are capable of driving like them as well!

[RT527]

end of the day isn't it just easier to move to the left briefly and let them pass?....ffs whats happened to the defensive driving courses now days.
everyone talks of road rage by the person following too close , what about the stubborn prick in front trying to prove a mute point!.

[DEATH_INC.]

I had some HOMO on a ZRX1200 (it's not just 250's) the other day doing this sorta shit up hillsborough road...I'm in the work ute, running late as usual :whistle: and this blokes putting along at the legal kmph (or near to it) ok, he's entitled to do that, so I follow him to the next set of lights where I jump into the other lane, lights go green , I blast off in front of him, all good, then the homo decides he's much more important and blasts past, then when the lanes merge back to one fucken slows right down again!!! And I wasn't the only one cued up behind him....
Do ya think if I'd tailgated Him to try to get the message through would he be posting here about homo's in utes? Probably....
I've had a few instances of bikers being wankers lately, I'm really starting to see how cagers think we're all homo's.
Wake up you guys, you're not the only person on the road !!!!

[woza]

end of the day isn't it just easier to move to the left briefly and let them pass?....ffs whats happened to the defensive driving courses now days.
everyone talks of road rage by the person following too close , what about the stubborn prick in front trying to prove a mute point!.

I would of loved to have been able to move left but he was passing on the inside, I had the the oncoming traffic or a taxi door to choose from, or simply power on and get out of the situation.

When you are riding your bike and are getting road raged it is very hard to tell yourself to back off...

[RT527]

I would of loved to have been able to move left but he was passing on the inside, I had the the oncoming traffic or a taxi door to choose from, or simply power on and get out of the situation.

When you are riding your bike and are getting road raged it is very hard to tell yourself to back off...

I wasn't talking of one example, I mean in general b4 it gets to the extreme situation.
everyone makes errors of judgment its the decision making that makes the difference on whether one survives or not.

[CookMySock]

everyone makes errors of judgment its the decision making that makes the difference on whether one survives or not.Theres a big difference between an "error of judgement" and a damn stupid foolish manoever based on someones emotional state being way the hell out of hand, that puts everyones' lives at risk. I'll make a gap and use it when on a bike - a little risk involved - there always is.

I pay top road user charges to use the road, and fuck them I will use the road within the law, and as I see fit. If you can get around me safely then go hard. If you can't then fucking wait your turn like the next person.

I wish I had a rock with me yesterday. Matata straights - oncoming car, bike, van+trailer. Van pulls out and passes both bike then car and forces me right over to the white side line. Not happy! Not even time to give the finger - only swerve, but fuck me I nearly went back and got their rego. Van driver just looks straight at me and pushes on through the lane that he stole off me while I take evasive action at around 110k/hr. I bet everyone was very quiet in that vehicle for some time. Next one who does this gets the rock.

Steve

[RT527]

Theres a big difference between an "error of judgement" and a damn stupid foolish manoever based on someones emotional state being way the hell out of hand, that puts everyones' lives at risk. I'll make a gap and use it when on a bike - a little risk involved - there always is.

I pay top road user charges to use the road, and fuck them I will use the road within the law, and as I see fit. If you can get around me safely then go hard. If you can't then fucking wait your turn like the next person.

I wish I had a rock with me yesterday. Matata straights - oncoming car, bike, van+trailer. Van pulls out and passes both bike then car and forces me right over to the white side line. Not happy! Not even time to give the finger - only swerve, but fuck me I nearly went back and got their rego. Van driver just looks straight at me and pushes on through the lane that he stole off me while I take evasive action at around 110k/hr. I bet everyone was very quiet in that vehicle for some time. Next one who does this gets the rock.

Steve

Geez I hope you're not doing 110 in a truck???

[DarkLord]

end of the day isn't it just easier to move to the left briefly and let them pass?....ffs whats happened to the defensive driving courses now days.
everyone talks of road rage by the person following too close , what about the stubborn prick in front trying to prove a mute point!.

Why should the person in front have to pull over if they are doing the speed limit? Just because someone is impatient and wants to speed does not mean they person in front should get out of their way. If they are going under the speed limit then fair enough, they should pull over, but if the person in front is doing the speed limit I don't see why they should have to.

[Malcolm]

it's called courtesy - you don't have to but it sure is nice if you do :)

[RocKai]

Yesterday afternoon at 5pm in Wellington motorway up the Ngauranga Gorge, slight medium heavy traffic. I was in my car going home then I saw a red Ninja 250R behind me, I was kinda admiring, as you do for the 250R, then I moved over to the left to let him pass bcuz he was looking impatient. Next minute around a 45o right bend this wanker overtook 4 cars (2 on the left, 2 on the right, travelling like a square), I was horrified at how stupid this mofo is making a bad name for all the good bikers out there.

You know how the saying goes: 1 bad memory will take 4 good memories to mend.

[CookMySock]

Geez I hope you're not doing 110 in a truck???Fuck no. I was on my bike. I couldn't believe how he just took my lane. Lucky I wasn't gazing at the scenery.

Steve

[DarkLord]

it's called courtesy - you don't have to but it sure is nice if you do :)

Maybe so, and in some cases fair enough, too.

But if I'm doing the speed limit, and a car full of pretentious wanker boy racers comes up behind me and tailgates me, to try and get me to move and satisfy their egos by doing so, I'm sure as fuck not going to move. There is no room on the road for people that think they can just bully others into submission through intimidation, or whatever. If no one stands against them when they do this they will just keep on doing it, at least if the stupid bastards encounter some resistance it may make them actually think, probably for the first time in their entire lives.

Granted, I can be a stubborn bastard as well when it comes to this sort of thing, and I've still got more to learn too. But it fucks me off to no end when people try and push others around on the road, just to satisfy their egos, and everyone just tells everyone else to let them do it. I'd rather go against the grain, and tell them it's not ok. Why should we let ourselves be pushed around?

I'm not disagreeing with you Malcolm, you are right, and there are times when we should do that. But when it's boy racers, who are obviously just doing it to show off, I'd rather tell them where to go shove it than back down.

[woza]

You have to remember not every modified car out there is a boy racer too. Sometimes you will be pissing off someone who is genuinely into modifying their car and going for a sunday drive like the rest of us. Obviously if they are tail-gating or driving like munters then they are most likely to fall into the category of 'boy-racer', which in my opinion is an overused expression for anyone male who owns a car with a loud exhaust and shiny wheels! Just like us who ride motorcycles get tagged with names as well.

[DarkLord]

You have to remember not every modified car out there is a boy racer too. Sometimes you will be pissing off someone who is genuinely into modifying their car and going for a sunday drive like the rest of us. Obviously if they are tail-gating or driving like munters then they are most likely to fall into the category of 'boy-racer', which in my opinion is an overused expression for anyone male who owns a car with a loud exhaust and shiny wheels! Just like us who ride motorcycles get tagged with names as well.

That is also true, although the ones who have been tailgating me and flashing their lights and all that rubbish, with the big exhausts etc, would fall into the boy racer category as far as I'm concerned.

I would imagine that someone who is genuinely interested in just modifying their car, and is not a boy racer, wouldn't be acting like that on the road.

Nice bike BTW - took one of those for a spin a few months back - awesome!!

[Malcolm]

Maybe so, and in some cases fair enough, too.

But if I'm doing the speed limit, and a car full of pretentious wanker boy racers comes up behind me and tailgates me, to try and get me to move and satisfy their egos by doing so, I'm sure as fuck not going to move. There is no room on the road for people that think they can just bully others into submission through intimidation, or whatever. If no one stands against them when they do this they will just keep on doing it, at least if the stupid bastards encounter some resistance it may make them actually think, probably for the first time in their entire lives.

Granted, I can be a stubborn bastard as well when it comes to this sort of thing, and I've still got more to learn too. But it fucks me off to no end when people try and push others around on the road, just to satisfy their egos, and everyone just tells everyone else to let them do it. I'd rather go against the grain, and tell them it's not ok. Why should we let ourselves be pushed around?

I'm not disagreeing with you Malcolm, you are right, and there are times when we should do that. But when it's boy racers, who are obviously just doing it to show off, I'd rather tell them where to go shove it than back down.

I know exactly what you mean, and to be honest I would never pull over for anyone unless I thought there was a real danger to me - however I also don't often drive along at the speed limit (usually +5-10km/h), so if someone is tailgating me it's probably because they are a jackass, and in that case I take great pleasure in holding them up more.

Really my point was - you don't have to get out of people's way, but if you're going to get pissed off with people tailgating then you should just get over it and let them through - life isn't perfect and there's no point getting upset about pointless stuff like that.

[DEATH_INC.]

I have a question, what's wrong with moving over or even staying left if you're not in a hurry ???
Maybe I don't speed because I have something to prove, maybe I'm just more comfortable at a higher speed than you?

[DarkLord]

I have a question, what's wrong with moving over or even staying left if you're not in a hurry ???
Maybe I don't speed because I have something to prove, maybe I'm just more comfortable at a higher speed than you?

If I'm doing the speed limit, why should I have to move over to the side? I'm not doing anything wrong. Someone else's impatience is not my problem. If I'm doing a little over the speed limit, and they are tailgating me, they are obviously going too fast to begin with, so I definitely won't pull over then.

I don't expect people to pull over for me if they are going the speed limit, so why should others expect me to do it for them?

[Ixion]

If I'm doing the speed limit, why should I have to move over to the side? I'm not doing anything wrong. ..

How about because the law says you should? And, technically, yes you are. Especially if it's a multi lane road.

[DarkLord]

If it's a multi lane road, and I'm not on the left, then fair enough - you have a valid point.

But, if I'm not speeding, on a single lane road, and someone else is speeding and is therefore tailgating me, they are doing something wrong on both counts. The least I can do is make it more difficult for them, perhaps they may learn something.

[DarkLord]

I've been thinking on this a little more, and have had a small epiphany -

Perhaps you are doing the right thing in letting them get past you, if they are that desperate. It's all very well to tell them off for having an ego of tailgating you and wanting to pass in the first place, but perhaps it is our own ego that stops us from letting them. "I'm on a bike, I'm too cool to let that car pass me!" sort of thing.

Sure, letting someone else pass me might make me feel like shit, as I'll feel like I've lost the "race" or "battle" or something, but even if I was to win what would that really count for? My ego is really my problem, isn't it? Not theirs. Perhaps I should try and put this into practice. And if they do drive around like impatient pricks, that is their problem and it will backfire on them someday.

It's amazing what a few beers and a lot of spare time can do to a persons thinking.... :beer:

[RT527]

I've been thinking on this a little more, and have had a small epiphany -

Perhaps you are doing the right thing in letting them get past you, if they are that desperate. It's all very well to tell them off for having an ego of tailgating you and wanting to pass in the first place, but perhaps it is our own ego that stops us from letting them. "I'm on a bike, I'm too cool to let that car pass me!" sort of thing.

Sure, letting someone else pass me might make me feel like shit, as I'll feel like I've lost the "race" or "battle" or something, but even if I was to win what would that really count for? My ego is really my problem, isn't it? Not theirs. Perhaps I should try and put this into practice. And if they do drive around like impatient pricks, that is their problem and it will backfire on them someday.

It's amazing what a few beers and a lot of spare time can do to a persons thinking.... :beer:

By jove I thunk hes got it....