Cagers perception of your speed.

[FROSTY:Me]

Something Ive been noticing lately is How SLOW a modern sprotbike seems to be going when looking at it front on.
You just dont look like you are going as fast as you are
Especially in a 50km/h zone .
I've almost pulled out on a couple of guys who were going a "tadd" faster than the speed limit and I've got I think a hugely higher bike awareness than your average cager.
Just keep that in mind when bearing down on a cage preparing to turn or perhaps pulling out of a sidestreet.

OHH and guys Yea I know they should look etc etc--YADDA YADDA--You are still the poor sap with a busted bike or worse -

[Gremlin]

Agree with you Frosty, although I think some cagers may be almost a little scared of a modern sprotsbiker kitted out in full leather...

The ultimate protection: A bloody loud exhaust that makes you seem as if you are bigger (ie truck) and going a helluva lot faster than you really are

On my test ride of the really loud 7, cars were looking for me in traffic, and moving over etc thinking I was probably some sort of emergency vehicle...

It felt awesome to be noticed

note: when riding a bike like that, you really should have earplugs

[The Stranger:Me]

I have seen this argument used as a reason why you should NOT ride with your head light on.

Not advocating one way or the other, but it is said that with the head light on it is more difficult to judge speed of an oncoming bike.

[onearmedbandit]

I have seen this argument used as a reason why you should NOT ride with your head light on.

Not advocating one way or the other, but it is said that with the head light on it is more difficult to judge speed of an oncoming bike.

That's easily sorted by keeping the nose of the bike pointing at the sky!!

But yes you're right Frosty, especially taking off from intersections. For example car parked on the side of the road in front of you but across the intersection. Driver of said car wants to perform a u-turn, looks over their shoulder, sees the redlight controlling you, looks forward again to check no oncoming traffic and pulls out. During this the light has turned green and you've taken off. They may even recheck behind them and see the light turn green but still think they've got enough time before you become a concern. Seen this happen oh so many times. Me, well I try and ride like everyone on the road wants to kill me. And I've never been hit by a car.

[Eurodave]

The ultimate protection: A bloody loud exhaust that makes you seem as if you are bigger (ie truck) and going a helluva lot faster than you really are On my test ride of the really loud 7, cars were looking for me in traffic, and moving over etc thinking I was probably some sort of emergency vehicle...
It felt awesome to be noticed

I can only agree wholeheartedly, LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!!!
[especially when they make beautifull V Twin music while theyre doing it]

[Gremlin]

Not advocating one way or the other, but it is said that with the head light on it is more difficult to judge speed of an oncoming bike.

Can see how that might be, and see your position, but I'll ignore that theory, as it isn't as important as actual visibility.

I know when travelling, I notice vehicles that have headlights on at unusual times (ie day) more. So for motorbikes, this is good.

For this same reason, I'm against the US idea of all vehicles to have headlights on. We would no longer stand out.

[avgas]

I dont trust anything drivers do/dont see anymore - which is why there is a pipe on the bike. They seem to hear better than see these days.

[Waylander]

I can only agree wholeheartedly, LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!!!
[especially when they make beautifull V Twin music while theyre doing it]

Except yours is sideways!! lol

For this same reason, I'm against the US idea of all vehicles to have headlights on. We would no longer stand out.

Never heard of that. After sunset yes they have to be on but that is just common sense. Never heard of anything saying they had to be on during the day.

[Gremlin]

Never heard of that. After sunset yes they have to be on but that is just common sense. Never heard of anything saying they had to be on during the day.

My mum was in LA, all the cars had their lights on (hardwired I believe)... did I jump to a conclusion??

[scumdog]

I can only agree wholeheartedly, LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!!!
[especially when they make beautifull V Twin music while theyre doing it]

When you're doing 130kph out on the open road and Joe Farmer is about to pull out on front of you as a logging truck is going the other way your LOUD PIPES won't do jack-shit about make Mr Farmer aware of you existence.:slap:

[Motu]

I think some cagers may be almost a little scared of a modern sprotsbiker kitted out in full leather...

Doubt it,what has a sportsbike rider ever done to invoke fear - but there is another type of motorcyclist that car drivers have always taken notice of because of fear...change your bike and gear and see what reaction you get.

[Eurodave]

Doubt it,what has a sportsbike rider ever done to invoke fear - but there is another type of motorcyclist that car drivers have always taken notice of because of fear...change your bike and gear and see what reaction you get.

The addition of a white fully faired touring bike ie Beemer R or K series or even a Kwaka GTR or Honda ST1100 seems to enhance said effect, esp if you wear a plain white full face helmet!!

[FROSTY:Me]

Or if ya ride a um--white looking FJ1200 --has the same effect funnilly enough
But yea Um now ya mention it the bikes with headlights on were harder to speed check

[scumdog]

Doubt it,what has a sportsbike rider ever done to invoke fear - but there is another type of motorcyclist that car drivers have always taken notice of because of fear...change your bike and gear and see what reaction you get.

In case (for some) you are being too obtuse, I presume you mean that a person riding a noisy Harley with ape-hangars and wearing black (tassled?) leathers with a black helmet and wrap-around shades would be percieved to be more of a 'danger' to the average motorist?????

[Motu]

You got it Scumdog....

Coming home on the Northen MW last night about 9.00pm in the Pajero with my boys,I was going to pull out into the ''fast'' lane when I saw a couple of bikes coming,so let them come past,a couple of Harley's,as I check my mirror to pull out I see another bike - with no headlamp!! I was a bit concerned as they were cutting traffic,but the lumbering Pajero wasn't up to reeling them in.As we got to the Bridge one of the other riders had noticed and waved the lightless bike between the other 2,then they set off through the traffic again.Good move,but I wished they noticed earlier.If they were on moskito sportsbikes I reckon the guy would of gone down - everyone knew what was coming through.

You ever try to sneak up on a cat? Their ears turn backwards and track you.....Harley's do that to car drivers.