Well howdy (doozy)

[doozy]

Hello, short time reader, first time poster.

Got my license about 3 weeks ago, got myself one o'dem gn250's (its actually a really good learner bike, given my only experience is riding a 2 stroke 250 dirt bike around farms as a kid).

I would like to say I've been reading this site for about 3 weeks and got alot of valuable information. So thanks to all you who post this information.

I do have a question though ... Filtering. I ride home on the northern motorway and see whole bunches of bikers going up between the lanes ... I've tried it a couple of times and it was ... an experience. Anyway the question I have ... is there anyway people can recommend to 'practise' this? Or is it just a case of do it till it becomes easier (if that ever happens)

Thanks

[janno]

Howdy Doody, Doozy!!

Sorry, couldn't resist. Welcome to the site and all that!!

[Bren]

Welcome to KB, glad to hear you have got some good info from this site. The GN is definately a good learner bike, hope you have as much fun on yours as I did on mine many years ago.
The only advice I can give you on "filtering" is keep your eyes peeled. Look at the drivers heads. People dont always indicate as ya all know but most do look as to where they are going. Its that bloody blind spot that gets us, and alas cage drivers as a whole are just plain ignorant towards bikes.
You will build up a "peripheral" vision as time goes by and react to things without even thinking about it, like you are melding in and becoming one with the bike. But for the moment ride like everyone is out to get you...
Anyways keep the rubber on the road dude!

[Bass]

I do have a question though ... Filtering. I ride home on the northern motorway and see whole bunches of bikers going up between the lanes ... I've tried it a couple of times and it was ... an experience. Anyway the question I have ... is there anyway people can recommend to 'practise' this? Or is it just a case of do it till it becomes easier (if that ever happens)

Thanks

Greetings. Welcome aboard.
Filtering is one of the advantages of riding a motorcycle in a metropolitan area. It is however, hazardous and should be approached with care. NZ drivers tend to be competitive rather than cooperative. They will "go for the gap" with little or no warning.
Filtering amongst these drivers will get you killed if you are not intensely aware of what is happening around round you. Consequently, when filtering, actually operating the bike needs to be second nature. You cannot afford to be distracted by having to figure out which gear you should be in or, "how fast do I let the clutch out this time?" type trivia.
Distractions when filtering can make you dead.
Personally, I recommend against trying to filter through traffic unless you are completely comfortable with operating your motorcycle and can do it without having to think about it.

[99TLS]

welcome to kb, dont be in a hurry to filter wait until your confident in your bike and around traffic, there are so many drivers out there that dont give a fark and will not indicate or try to make gaps smaller, maybe try to get practice at lights when traffic is stopped, enjoy

[sprag]

welcome to the mad house

[Usarka]

I do have a question though ... Filtering. I ride home on the northern motorway and see whole bunches of bikers going up between the lanes ... I've tried it a couple of times and it was ... an experience. Anyway the question I have ... is there anyway people can recommend to 'practise' this? Or is it just a case of do it till it becomes easier (if that ever happens)

Thats a doozy of a first post!

My humble opinion is practice practice and practice riding really slowly with lots of control, going around cones real steady and practicing emergency braking and sudden swerving.

Only then young buddha finger will you have learnt the fine art of control necessary for lane splitting.

Or I could be talking crap

[Minnie]

welcome to kb doozy, have fun on your gn it was my first bike also having never ridden anything but farm bikes, stay safe!

[NZsarge]

Welcome, enjoy KB and enjoy ya bike, stay safe, NZsarge

[Kittyhawk]

A goodly mornin to ya!

[Swoop]

Welcome to the lunatic assylum. Did you hear the door locking shut? There is no exit...

Filtering. An easy way to get damaged if you are not paying attention 100% of the time.

Stay safe!

[the mouse]

Hi newby from another newbie oldy.
Hey i had to attend a defensive driving course in my days as a lad following a car prang (court order).
Must admit it was the best thing for my bike riding skills and i suggest consider either attending a course of rider instruction, and then get some confidence miles under the belt before trying anything risky like filtering.
Just because some can doesn't mean others will make it, same goes with keeping up, just ride to your limits and you will enjoy your motorcycle.
A ride around a race track when they have an open day is great for rider confidence too, i recommend to any road rider for geting to know their machine and themselves. Took the T140 round Terrortonga a few times, great fun.