What speed WOULD you ride at? [Archive]

MarkH

5th April 2009, 12:26

FROSTY

5th April 2009, 12:31

Im sory dude thats friggin impossible to answer.
It depends totally on the road and situation.
EG the NW motorway with no trafffic I'd be comfortable at 140-160
But in moderate traffic only 100-120

smoky

5th April 2009, 12:33

LBD

5th April 2009, 12:34

nallac

5th April 2009, 12:35

as fast as i could safely go.....

MarkH

5th April 2009, 12:36

Oh yeah, there would be a large variation in speed due to various conditions (road/traffic/weather/rider). The idea is just riding along on the open road, how fast do you cruise along the straight bits when there are no cars in your way. Dry road, sealed, straight & flat. You don't have to worry about the police.

MarkH

5th April 2009, 12:43

There is no substitute for experience, time on the bike
I do think the slower open road limit for new riders is crap and could well cause problems than prevent accidents, but I wonder how much you could learn from a course that would help you go faster safer?
Not everything is taught

The course isn't about how to go faster. It is about how fast you feel safe riding at and keeping safe by riding within your limits. Once you pass you are expected to be responsible for deciding your speed and it is up to you to keep yourself alive. The authorities will survey all riders and compare deaths & accident rates between advanced riders and the rest. If the accident rate is lower for the advanced riders then the trial is considered a success. The idea would be based on the fact that riders will speed anyway and they should be taught how to set the speed to a safe level and how to handle almost any situation. Those with less experience would be taught how to give themselves more safety margin to reduce the chance of having an accident.

The poll is for how fast YOU feel safe riding if you don't have to fear speeding tickets.

nallac

5th April 2009, 12:47

at the stop....

MarkH

5th April 2009, 12:52

I suppose I should give my own response to this question.

Firstly of course I would need to buy my weekend bike (my weekday commuter would not be fast enough for this hypothetical situation). At the moment I would probably buy something like a GSXF750 for the performance characteristics that I want for now, after a couple of years experience riding that I might move up to a thou of some sort.

On a bike capable of ~220kph I would not generally ride it at the stop - too fast and too hard on the bike. But without traffic in the way, I would be happy to move along at 160kph. In traffic I would pass when/where safe and keep the speed differential within reason. For corners I would use the slow in/fast out technique to keep me alive, running into a corner too hot probably kills a lot of riders every year. At night I would ride slower, maybe 120 at most. I would also reduce speed in the wet and on rough roads.

But on a good road with no one in my way I don't think 160kph is dangerous.

Ixion

5th April 2009, 12:58

Same speed I do now. Same speed I've done for th epast 40 years (if the bike can do it).

70-75. Only difference would be I'd not need to worry about a misplaced plod.

But then I prefer the back roads anyway.

munterk6

5th April 2009, 14:16

Jizah

5th April 2009, 14:59

I chose 140. I feel the risks outweigh the benefits any higher, although shorter bursts of higher speeds wouldn't be out of the question (if my bike went that fast)

Creeping Death

5th April 2009, 15:09

:(:(:(
Hypothetical situation:
New government policy (perhaps due to a coup by bikers).
There is an advanced riding course available, maybe 80 hours of intensive training, followed by a tough test that you would need that training to pass. The course & test are free, but take at least 4 weekends. The reward is an upgrade to 'Advanced Motorcycle License' and this license removes the speed limit on the open road for you. There is no equivalent for car drivers.
So you do the course (and learn a lot of really valuable stuff) and pass the test. You then always ride to the conditions, of course.

But typically what is the speed you do on the open road (with this license)?

Remember - there is no speed limit for you on the open road, you can not be fined for speeding!

I wish it were true...

enigma51

5th April 2009, 16:05

I only do 100 anything faster is just too fucking scary

caseye

5th April 2009, 16:08

Silly me, I answered as if I was already riding the open road in todays climate with Plods about.
I just don't think this one is going to fly MarkH, too many variablesa nd open to far too many interpretations.
I actually like the idea of an advanced licence that allows drivers/riders to travel to conditions, butt, yep here it comes, ther would still have to be rules and then, once again it;s open to interpretation by nasty little boys on white bikes(with the disco lights on poles) with a grudge against their fellow 2 wheelers.(not saying they're all like that)

MarkH

5th April 2009, 16:14

Wot? this has gotta be a trick question right....is this a poll for the benefit of the Traffic cops? lets all spill the beans about our highly irresponsible and illegal if not criminal behaviour lol! :angry2:

None of the answers are illegal, this is a hypothetical where you would be licensed to decide your own speed and the speed limit would not exist for you. Since this situation would never happen (except for on the Autobahn then there is no real world application for what you respond on the poll)

MarkH

5th April 2009, 16:17

I actually like the idea of an advanced licence that allows drivers/riders to travel to conditions, butt, yep here it comes, ther would still have to be rules

Yeah, there would still be rules. Passing would require at least 100m visibility and no crossing the double yellow lines, etc.

You would also still be subject to the laws of physics, so you would need to try to avoid death.

caseye

5th April 2009, 16:24

LOL now theres a thought, avoid death by using physics and calculating the probability of moving mass x speed x immovable object , u have 3 seconds starting now.
Keep up the good work, these sorts of polls/discussions have a way of getting good ideas to the top.

McJim

5th April 2009, 16:29

Ha! Empty Autobhan - Sunday morning - what speed do you do? Remember there are no corners on an Autobhan - the Auckland Southern motorway is twisty by comparison.

At the stops all the way (which on my bike is only about 190kph :crybaby:)

nallac

5th April 2009, 16:44

Yeah, there would still be rules. Passing would require at least 100m visibility and no crossing the double yellow lines, etc.

You would also still be subject to the laws of physics, so you would need to try to avoid death.

you had to go and ruin it didn't you...

no overtaking on double yellow lines..
100m visibility...

oh wait who does'nt do that now?...

mctshirt

5th April 2009, 16:49

100-110 kph - save gas and at least one life (mine) using an ambition/ability calculator :msn-wink:

MarkH

5th April 2009, 16:55

no overtaking on double yellow lines..

Er, no - it is no CROSSING of double yellow lines. Overtaking is often possible while staying to the left of the double yellows! Always done with due care, of course!

Conquiztador

5th April 2009, 17:39

Hypotetically speaking I would strive to travel as fast as the bike could go/the road allowed/my ability could handle. In this surreal parallel universe I would be young and my reflexes fast, Petrol would not be an issue as we all would have an oilwell in our backyard and as bikes would be the preferred choice of transport heavily subsidised by the Government consisting of the UMP (United Motoristic Party) and D2PTC (Death To Public Transport Coalition) we could all afford the bike of our choice without having to sell our grandmothers.

McWild

5th April 2009, 20:49

110-120.
Cruising is cruising at any speed imo. Why rush if it's just a straight line?

MaxCannon

5th April 2009, 22:05

Just did 280kms down to Taupo on Friday night and another 280kms back on Saturday arvo (with a few Laps of the track in between).

At night anything over 120kph and I'm outriding my lights.
Was surprising to go through a few corners and check my speed, I thought I was canning it and backed off - truth was I was at 100 and that was plenty scary.

Leaving Taupo at 4pm on a bright sunny day with mostly clear straight roads 130 - 140 would make a comfy crusing speed.
You'd have to ask someone else because I rode back at 100 the whole way :whistle:

Like everything - there is a time and place. Most of our state highways are awash with hazards and even doing 100 is plenty risky.
Start going faster and you reduce your ability to get out of trouble.

MarkH

5th April 2009, 23:04

At night anything over 120kph and I'm outriding my lights.
Was surprising to go through a few corners and check my speed, I thought I was canning it and backed off - truth was I was at 100 and that was plenty scary.

Leaving Taupo at 4pm on a bright sunny day with mostly clear straight roads 130 - 140 would make a comfy crusing speed.
You'd have to ask someone else because I rode back at 100 the whole way :whistle:

Like everything - there is a time and place. Most of our state highways are awash with hazards and even doing 100 is plenty risky.
Start going faster and you reduce your ability to get out of trouble.

Being happy to cruise along at 130-140 is fine, knowing when to back off the speed for safety is an essential skill. It is good that you recognise that in the dark you just can't go the same speed safely. :niceone: Stay safe and enjoy the riding!

Morcs

6th April 2009, 12:36

140 is the most comfortable cruising speed. Its not even fast.

MSTRS

6th April 2009, 13:26

I was doing mumble interspersed with mumble most of the way home last night. SH5 in the dark. No problem - other than retards who refuse to drive on dip, approaching or following.
I'd be quite happy if mumble was ok with the law.

BUT here's the problem...
HOW DOES OFFICER KILLJOY KNOW that you are legal to do so? I am not putting a pennant on a pole on the bike. Or wear a pink helmet. Or a dayglo vest. Or whatever gay identifier deemed suitable.
So the upshot is that I will be continually standing on the side of the road waving my special licence under Officer Killjoy's nose. Where's the fun in that?

vgcspares

6th April 2009, 13:36

100mph is a good speed, well within the capabilities of most bikes' brakes so can easily slow for the conditions, and leaves a bit of scope for a good blast when you feel like it

MarkH

6th April 2009, 14:32

BUT here's the problem...
HOW DOES OFFICER KILLJOY KNOW that you are legal to do so? I am not putting a pennant on a pole on the bike. Or wear a pink helmet. Or a dayglo vest. Or whatever gay identifier deemed suitable.
So the upshot is that I will be continually standing on the side of the road waving my special licence under Officer Killjoy's nose. Where's the fun in that?

*shrug* different coloured number plate or summit like that?

You do realise that unless the entire country votes me in as supreme dictator this idea will never happen don't you? (Goddamn I would sort this fuckin' country out, no doubt about it)

pritch

6th April 2009, 14:55

Conditions permitting, whatever speed the bike can sustain all day without causing it damage. It's a long time since I did that though, these days other considerations intrude.

The other day I had cause to travel a road featured in "The NZ Motorcycle Atlas". Hitherto unseen I used it three times in a couple of days. While scenic and winding in places there were also some long straights.

As it transpired my speed was governed not by the max cruise figure (200kph + or - ) but by the possibility of the detector going off - or worse - not going off...

MSTRS

6th April 2009, 15:01

The other day I had cause to travel a road featured in "The NZ Motorcycle Atlas". Hitherto unseen I used it three times in a couple of days. While scenic and winding in places there were also some long straights.

As it transpired my speed was governed not by the max cruise figure (200kph + or - ) but by the possibility of the detector going off - or worse - not going off...

That's the saddest thing I've read here for some time. :weep:

NZsarge

6th April 2009, 15:18

BUT here's the problem...
HOW DOES OFFICER KILLJOY KNOW that you are legal to do so? I am not putting a pennant on a pole on the bike. Or wear a pink helmet. Or a dayglo vest. Or whatever gay identifier deemed suitable.
So the upshot is that I will be continually standing on the side of the road waving my special licence under Officer Killjoy's nose. Where's the fun in that?

While we're talking impossibility's there would be a super small transponder fitted to the certified bikers kit somewhere only known to said biker so it did'nt get nicked, all 5-0 person's radar equipment would be able to read said transponders from a distance further the their radar's can detect.

pritch

6th April 2009, 16:38

That's the saddest thing I've read here for some time. :weep:

Don't feel too sad. I was having fun but I'm not about to admit to anything here... :ride:

And I voted for the 200+ because there wasn't a 200 option.

SARGE

6th April 2009, 16:51

Hypothetical situation:
New government policy (perhaps due to a coup by bikers).
There is an advanced riding course available, maybe 80 hours of intensive training, followed by a tough test that you would need that training to pass. The course & test are free, but take at least 4 weekends. The reward is an upgrade to 'Advanced Motorcycle License' and this license removes the speed limit on the open road for you. There is no equivalent for car drivers.
So you do the course (and learn a lot of really valuable stuff) and pass the test. You then always ride to the conditions, of course.

But typically what is the speed you do on the open road (with this license)?

Remember - there is no speed limit for you on the open road, you can not be fined for speeding!

what a silly situation ..

first off.. while you are " on the stop.. idiot cagers on the open road change lanes without looking .. brake for no apparent reason and do everything they normally do anyway ..

carnage mate ..

in the US.. the "Rural" speed limit is between 75 and 85 MPH.. but thats on 6 lane...flat straight, well maintained federal highways ....anyplace that has more than 50000 people is still 55 mph.. i made Indianapolis Indiana from Dayton Ohio (128 Miles) in 48 Minutes on a VMax once .. sure .. 3 am Sunday morning ..

me .. a ZRX1100 and a Waterbus.. good times :Punk:

scumdog

6th April 2009, 17:02

While we're talking impossibility's there would be a super small transponder fitted to the certified bikers kit somewhere only known to said biker so it did'nt get nicked, all 5-0 person's radar equipment would be able to read said transponders from a distance further the their radar's can detect.

So 15 year old snotty on his 'L' can waft along at 150kmh on his mates bike and know he won't be stopped.......:shifty::crazy:

jtzzr

6th April 2009, 17:12

*shrug* different coloured number plate or summit like that?

You do realise that unless the entire country votes me in as supreme dictator this idea will never happen don't you? (Goddamn I would sort this fuckin' country out, no doubt about it)

If somehow in the strange weird world we live in you did become "Supreme Dictator" :wacko:Are you gonna trade in the Burgman?

I`m not too sure I could respect a leader that rides a Burgman.:oi-grr:

MarkH

6th April 2009, 17:29

If somehow in the strange weird world we live in you did become "Supreme Dictator" :wacko:Are you gonna trade in the Burgman?

I`m not too sure I could respect a leader that rides a Burgman.:oi-grr:

Oh sure, the job will pay well enough so I will be able to trade my Burgy 400 in on a Burgy 650 Exec. That would be my commuter. I would also buy a couple of sports tourers (because that is the style of bike I like) - one faired one & one naked one.

I would also increase the ACC levy on cars, because car drivers injure a lot of motorcyclists and that costs a lot in ACC. Some of that money would fund an advertising campaign urging car drivers to watch out for bikes.

MarkH

6th April 2009, 17:34

first off.. while you are " on the stop.. idiot cagers on the open road change lanes without looking .. brake for no apparent reason and do everything they normally do anyway ..

Obviously the well trained 'Advanced Motorcycle License' riders will understand the dangers and slow down for the 4-wheeled traffic and use caution. Essentially this special license would allow riders to ride how they do now when they think there are no cops around, but they could do it wherever safe without fearing the HP. I am sure that there are already riders that ride like the speed limit doesn't apply to them, obviously not all the time though.

jtzzr

6th April 2009, 17:37

Oh sure, the job will pay well enough so I will be able to trade my Burgy 400 in on a Burgy 650 Exec. That would be my commuter. I would also buy a couple of sports tourers (because that is the style of bike I like) - one faired one & one naked one.

I would also increase the ACC levy on cars, because car drivers injure a lot of motorcyclists and that costs a lot in ACC. Some of that money would fund an advertising campaign urging car drivers to watch out for bikes.

I`d vote for ya, knowing you would get a 650 burgman.and for that last paragraph as well.

Would you also pronouce yourself as "BURGY KING"?

MarkH

6th April 2009, 17:37

So 15 year old snotty on his 'L' can waft along at 150kmh on his mates bike and know he won't be stopped.......:shifty::crazy:

Yeah, there will need to be some severe penalties for doing that - severe enough to make it a better idea for the 'L' rider to just speed on his own bike and hope he doesn't get caught doing it (or obey the law).

_intense_

6th April 2009, 17:45

Again depends on conditions, my 140 vote is an "up to" speed. I generally find 100 to 120 comfy for most dry NZ conditions, Good quiet country roads, or motorways without to much traffic, 140 is fine by me

ditto, i feel this is my equivalent to 110 in a car. can cruise safely at up to 140 in good conditions with no traffic and feel quite happy about it.

NZsarge

6th April 2009, 17:45

So 15 year old snotty on his 'L' can waft along at 150kmh on his mates bike and know he won't be stopped.......:shifty::crazy:

While we're talking impossibility's there would be a super small transponder fitted to the certified bikers kit somewhere only known to said biker so it did'nt get nicked, all 5-0 person's radar equipment would be able to read said transponders from a distance further the their radar's can detect.
ie: Helmet or wallet, boots, whatever.

vgcspares

6th April 2009, 17:49

would there be anything these kings of the road couldn't do (like overtake a cop at three times their speed) ?

MarkH

6th April 2009, 18:54

would there be anything these kings of the road couldn't do (like overtake a cop at three times their speed) ?

You would want to overtake cops in a safe manner, not crossing double yellows, plenty of visibility, etc. But in my utopia overtaking of cops would be allowed.

I would also have the ACC levy on vehicles only paid once, for my own 2 bikes (that I would be buying) & 1 maxi scooter I would pay one ACC levy equal to the highest levy for any vehicle I owned, not one per vehicle registered.

EJT

6th April 2009, 18:54

Hypothetical situation:
New government policy (perhaps due to a coup by bikers).
The reward is an upgrade to 'Advanced Motorcycle License' and this license removes the speed limit on the open road for you

Shit. I think this is current government policy in the Far North - except with the license (of any sort) requirement removed - :innocent::innocent:

But seriously, probably 140 if conditions allow. Any faster gets tiring pretty quickly...so I've been told.

SPman

6th April 2009, 19:42

Things just get to damned serious over 200kph.

Timber020

6th April 2009, 20:46

I thought all harley riders already rode at the stops?

MarkH

6th April 2009, 21:11

Things just get to damned serious over 200kph.

I'd have to agree with you there, no way I would regularly cruise at over 200kph even if I was allowed to. I may have a burst for fun now and then, but I would tend to cruise at whatever speed I was in the mood for whether it was 120, 140 or 160.

Of course as the law stands now I wouldn't spend too much time over 110kph because the fines eat into the money I want to save for another bike.