Which is the near/far side of my bike?

**bert_is_evil** · 15th March 2007, 14:30

I'm about to install my new crash bungs that arrived yesterday, had a quick read of the instructions that tell me to install a particular one on the "near side" of the bike and the other on the "far side" - wtf? Isn't the near side whatever side I'm standing on? I'm sure all will become clear when I take the engine bolts out and see which spacer fits in which side but still, is this standard mc terminology?

**Ixion** · 15th March 2007, 14:34

Near side is left, far side is right. For all vehicles , in this country.

**crashe** · 15th March 2007, 14:34

If you are about to get on your bike from the left side facing the handlebars.
This is what I would think it to mean... but then I could be wrong

Near side = left side of the bike
Far side = right hand side of the bike.

**bert_is_evil** · 15th March 2007, 14:36

I wonder why they don't say left side or right side

**Ixion** · 15th March 2007, 14:38

Cos they wanted to internationalise the instructions. Near and far (or off) side are country independant.

The term is a common one.

**bert_is_evil** · 15th March 2007, 14:40

Ah thanks, mystery solved - I am more knowledgeable now.
If I can just figure a way to drop this into conversation

**imdying** · 15th March 2007, 14:43

Originally Posted by Ixion

Cos they wanted to internationalise the instructions. Near and far (or off) side are country independant.

And left and right aren't

**fjones** · 15th March 2007, 14:44

"As you can see by looking at the far side of my bike, I made a small dent while doing something stupid. It's a shame it wasn;t on the near side as that the direction I park it at work"

Thats how it could be used in a conversation, but people would think u are retarded talking like that.

Which sorta makes my whole post retarded.....

**skelstar** · 15th March 2007, 14:52

YAY!!!
Finally huh?

**bert_is_evil** · 15th March 2007, 14:57

Yip, strange how excited you can get about receiving a couple of door stoppers in the mail! I now know which sides to put them on too. Hurdle one is all but overcome - let me at the track!!!

**Drum** · 15th March 2007, 15:08

To add to the confusion, if you're talking about a car (which you're not) the near side is the drivers side (right hand side here in NZ) and the far side the passenger side.

**Ixion** · 15th March 2007, 15:09

Originally Posted by imdying

And left and right aren't

No. Because if you are in (say) the USA your left is actually your right, in that respect. They're strange that way.

Near side is near side whether it's left or right, whereas left side is right side in countries that drive on the wrong side of the road.

**Deano** · 15th March 2007, 15:13

Originally Posted by Ixion

No. Because if you are in (say) the USA your left is actually your right, in that respect. They're strange that way.

Near side is near side whether it's left or right, whereas left side is right side in countries that drive on the wrong side of the road.

Well that explains it. Clear as crystal that is.......