Road-craft 'skills'.

[BMWST?]

Another.


Use other vehicles as shields. Especially useful on multilane roads. That impatient looking twit waiting at the stop sign ahead, he's watching the line of traffic, looking for a gap. When he sees a gap that doesn't have a car roof in it, he's going to dive for it. If that gap happens to have *you* in it, too bad. He's not going to see you and not going to care. So, use another vehicle to keep him off. He might be willing to dive for that "gap" , even if you're in it, but if you're beside a car, he'd have to take on the car too. He won't do that. Is good at lights , too. Stay beside the bus or truck for a few seconds, until you're though the intersection, then give it gauntlet (Just watch the shield doesn't end up moving in on you though )
'

dont agree here...dont "hide" behind other vehicles ,like your other skills tho...

Another skill
be aware that its easy as a biker to be in the blind spot of 4(plus) wheelers...a clue here is if you can see their face in their mirrors thay have a good chance of seeing you(if they look) position your self so they can see you esp if overtaking them

[cs363]

dont agree here...dont "hide" behind other vehicles ,like your other skills tho...

Another skill
be aware that its easy as a biker to be in the blind spot of 4(plus) wheelers...a clue here is if you can see their face in their mirrors thay have a good chance of seeing you(if they look) position your self so they can see you esp if overtaking them

I suspect that Ixion's advice may have been lost in translation as he was suggesting to use the vehicles as a shield rather than hiding behind them. Subtle but important difference, but I expect he'll be in to clear that up at some stage.
Very good advice regarding blind spots - I see so many motorcyclists endangering themselves by riding like that, on that subject something that needs mentioning when talking about blind spots are large trucks (especially B trains and semis) if you can't see their mirrors then they most definitely cannot see you. This is especially important for bikers to remember as often your approach speed is such that the truckie probably didn't even see you coming up behind him. A little consideration goes a long way with most (long haul) truckies, I've found them to be very amenable to bikers if treated with some respect, often pulling over to let you go past, seeing how we don't require as much passing room or distance as the average cage.

[FROSTY:Me]

......but always remember, the person that has the greatest potential to kill you is yourself.

Indeed you are right. in fact Ill edit

[Katman]

in fact Ill edit

Good one. Now it looks like I've just repeated you.

[Winston001]

Currently on dial-up so I'll read this thread once its downloaded.

FWIW the skill I value most - and which I picked up from this site - is to look where you want to go in a corner. Moving from an upright bike to a sports bike it's been extremely valuable.

Weighting the outside peg has been good to know too.

[FROSTY:Me]

Good one. Now it looks like I've just repeated you.

Fark in mon put a smile on ya dial

[sinfull]

With a two second gap...ensure you have good eyesight... even at 100 km's/hr...thats a good distance...

Fark in mon put a smile on ya dial

I hear peyote cacti are good !

[BMWST?]

I suspect that Ixion's advice may have been lost in translation as he was suggesting to use the vehicles as a shield rather than hiding behind them. Subtle but important difference, but I expect he'll be in to clear that up at some stage.
.

Agreed..just making sure that its important that your space isnt seen as a gap...and its easy for a bike to be hidden from view.

[cs363]

Agreed..just making sure that its important that your space isnt seen as a gap...and its easy for a bike to be hidden from view.

As well.

[PrincessBandit]

Cool - I loved KITT. Stands for Knight Industries Two Thousand for those not in the know.

snigger snigger, it was really KITTs driver you fancied ay???.....
(The Hoff, for those not in the know).

Seriously though, for me something I need to remember to do more is be aware of what might be coming up (fast or out of control) behind me when I'm stationary at an intersection. I'm pretty good with what's in front and coming from the sides but tend to forget the behind bit.

[Sable]

Weighting the outside peg has been good to know too.

What does this achieve?

When lanesplitting be very careful even if it seems like there's plenty of room because sometimes maggots like to pull out slightly to block your progress.

[PrincessBandit]

yes, i was quite aware that some cars seemed to take umbrage at my presence and started to creep to whichever side to block me. That meant a number of tempting corridors went "unused". Despite others being quite happy to take the risks I was content with my progess.

[vifferman]

Despite others being quite happy to take the risks I was content with my progess.

That brings up another point.
Patience.
I've probably saved myself some aggro by reminding myself that it's not a race, and asking myself, "Do I really need to be at my destination a few seconds earlier?" While it's a real buzz zipping through traffic, lanesplitting, overtaking, weaving in and out, etc., just dialling back a bit, relaxing, taking the time to look out for hazards, and thinking before you do something could save your life. It also makes you less stressed, and arrive at your destination less tired.

[Winston001]

Originally Posted by Winston001
Weighting the outside peg has been good to know too.

What does this achieve?

To be honest, I don't know the physics involved but when I tried it, it immediately felt right. The bike seems more solid on its line and fell into the corner better. Probably it causes the rider to unconsciously counter-steer but that's just a guess.

[Katman]

Learn the difference between 'fun' and 'enjoyment'.

If you want 'fun' on a motorcycle buy a dirt bike.