How not to get side swiped.

**howdamnhard** · 28th June 2008, 00:01

Well if wasn´t enough that the wind was gusting almost 100km/h , the rain was pouring down and it was nightime ,then some idiot cager tries to side swipe me.Coming up to intersection cage moves to L/H lane and slows, I remain in centre lane,which gives me the option of going straight or turning right.Other cages in R/H lane turning right.As I´m alongside cage on left notice he has put indicator to turn right and is moving over into my lane.Simultaneously hit the horn ,move to the right of my lane and accerelate smoothly past idiot

. I have found in the past the use of the horn very useful in letting cages know your there when they don´t see you in their blindspot(have that finger/thumb ready).Moving to the opposite side of your lane gives you more space(hence time to react) .Knowing whether to accelerate or brake depends on your relative speeds.I.e. if the cage is slightly behind you or alongside you and slowing down then accelerate.If they are ahead or alongside you but moving faster than you then obviously decelerate.
Well thats my two cents worth,feel free to add your own advice.

**devnull** · 28th June 2008, 00:17

Yeah, was a pretty sucky ride home tonight...

Hit a hailstorm half way home, then noticed that my pants had developed a small leak.

**rie** · 28th June 2008, 00:22

i think it's a good idea to toot your horn even when you THINK the cager MIGHT be in a position to not see you. give them the friendly, rapidfire toot bikers do whenever they pass a motorcycle shop so they don't think you're an angry c***

for good measure, wave at them like crazy, as though they're your best friend you haven't seen in fifteen years. they give you funny looks but at least they've seen you.

in crazy weather like this at nighttime i would stay WELL clear of cars. you'll get home half an hour later than usual, but you'd be in one piece. it's good to remember that cagers are more desperate than usual to get home when it's raining and dark.

**howdamnhard** · 28th June 2008, 00:32

in crazy weather like this at nighttime i would stay WELL clear of cars. you'll get home half an hour later than usual, but you'd be in one piece. it's good to remember that cagers are more desperate than usual to get home when it's raining and dark.[/QUOTE]
Yes cagers seem to drive even crazier when the weather is wild,that example was only the worst of many tonight.
Agreed when in doubt ,toot,and waving will also indicate your friendly intentions.Unlike my open handed gesture tonight which was more along the line of ¨ what the f@#k do you think you are doing¨.

**howdamnhard** · 28th June 2008, 00:35

it a hailstorm half way home, then noticed that my pants had developed a small leak.

[/QUOTE]
Hmmm that hail is slippery stuff.

Get a one piece waterproof overall,keeps you nice and dry.I gave up with my Spool cordura pants.They would leak through the crotch seams,hmm wet crotch when taking your gear off not a good look.

**devnull** · 28th June 2008, 00:52

hehe.... my little boy didn't like my cold hands when I gave him a hug when I got home either

**howdamnhard** · 28th June 2008, 01:18

Originally Posted by devnull

hehe.... my little boy didn't like my cold hands when I gave him a hug when I got home either

The main thing is you got home to give him one.

**portokiwi** · 28th June 2008, 07:35

A new day more rain. my wet weathers are now wet weathers lol. Only so many days in a row you can ride before it starts to seep in.
Cold wet ride to work this morning at least not nany cars on the road at 0630.

**CB ARGH** · 28th June 2008, 08:57

Originally Posted by rie

for good measure, wave at them like crazy, as though they're your best friend you haven't seen in fifteen years. they give you funny looks but at least they've seen you.

Perhaps an even better idea is to keep both hands on the handlebars

I've got a lot coming my way, picking up the bike (writeoff) tonight, and hopefully she'll be on the road in a fortnight or so.

Cheers for the tips guys and gals!

**howdamnhard** · 28th June 2008, 12:49

Originally Posted by portokiwi

A new day more rain. my wet weathers are now wet weathers lol. Only so many days in a row you can ride before it starts to seep in.
Cold wet ride to work this morning at least not nany cars on the road at 0630.

Get a rain overall,only my feet get wet( dririder boots) now.Got an Ixion one from Botany Honda,they work a treat and dry off quickly.Gave up with supposedly waterproof cordura,now wear leathers under the waterproof overall.
Even less traffic at 0530,yeha.

**mouldy** · 28th June 2008, 14:46

They put kevlar knuckle protectors in gloves for a reason , if they don't use their mirrors they don't need them . all car drivers are miopic morons .

**alanzs** · 29th June 2008, 08:46

Originally Posted by rie

i think it's a good idea to toot your horn even when you THINK the cager MIGHT be in a position to not see you. give them the friendly, rapidfire toot bikers do whenever they pass a motorcycle shop so they don't think you're an angry c***

Preemptive actions saves lives. I have an extra loud Fliamm horn and use it whenever I even think the cage isn't seeing me. Survival is first, courtesy is much further down the list.

**The Pastor** · 29th June 2008, 10:08

Originally Posted by howdamnhard

I have found in the past the use of the horn very useful in letting cages know your there when they don´t see you in their blindspot(have that finger/thumb ready).

Woah. It's almost like they designed the horn for that exact reason.

What will be your next "discovery" round wheels rotate better than bent ones?

**howdamnhard** · 30th June 2008, 01:44

[QUOTE=renegade master;1627006]Woah. It's almost like they designed the horn for that exact reason.

If you haven´t got anything constructive to say shut the F@#K up!