When and where do you overtake

**TonyB** · 31st January 2005, 12:55

During a good yak with one of this sites self-confessed hoons, the subject of overtaking and when and where we do it came up. I did a ride a while back with some guys that basically overtook anywhere, any time. Quite frankly it gave me the shits and I kept to my usual technique of passing only when I can see and the road is clear of oncoming traffic. But it made me wonder why they did it. Could they see enough around blind corners to make it safe? Did they just figure the chances of a car coming the other way at that exact moment were low? I have no idea- so I thought a poll was in order, to see what people do. If you feel the urge to explain your motives, post away, but all I really want to see is what people do.
You can choose as many options as you need, so if you pass anywhere, anytime, you'll need to click them all I guess.
No one can see what you voted for
'Oncoming traffic' means a car going the other way will go past while you are overtaking

**Mongoose** · 31st January 2005, 12:59

People that overtake on hill crests, blind corners, yellow lines do it because they be tossers with a death wish. No doubt they will have another explanation, but that is mine, like you i only over take when i can see the road and it does not involve guess work and a prayer befoe i start.

**ALTRON** · 31st January 2005, 13:10

I have been pasted many times on blind corners in heavy traffic mainly by dudes on Harleys. I just think "WTF is that fool doing?!"

**Pwalo** · 31st January 2005, 13:17

I only overtake when I have a clear view ahead. Doesn't necessarily exclude corners, but I tend to be very wary. Only lane split if the traffic is travelling real slow.

Life's short enough, and I really don't want any more time in hospital.

**Deano** · 31st January 2005, 13:18

Originally Posted by Mongoose

People that overtake on hill crests, blind corners, yellow lines do it because they be tossers with a death wish.

Fully agree with the first two, but yellow lines on a clear straight road with no oncoming vehicles ?????

Im no tosser and I don't have a death wish, but if it seems safe to me I'll do it. Prefer when the vehicle moves slightly to the left to avoid crossing the lines, but if not and its safe enough, too bad.

You may just have been generalising, but each case on its own merits.

BTW - years ago in my car I was coming up behind a truck just before a crest - he moved slightly to the left and indicated right - I waited a few seconds and he flicked the right indicator again - he was signalling me past
as he had a clear view of the road from his elevation. After the second signal I decided to overtake - all good.

**Midnight 82** · 31st January 2005, 13:36

All the time where its safe

**R1** · 31st January 2005, 13:37

depends if im doing wheelies or not, if its straight and there is oncoming trafic i tend to pass on 2 wheels, no oncoming trafic then one wheel it is otherwise what fun would it be for the person(s) being past (shrug).......we deed some shrugy smilies

**Mongoose** · 31st January 2005, 13:39

Originally Posted by R1AaronKDX

depends if im doing wheelies or not, if its straight and there is oncoming trafic i tend to pass on 2 wheels, no oncoming trafic then one wheel it is otherwise what fun would it be for the person(s) being past (shrug).......we deed some shrugy smilies

then you wake up, move out of the wet patch and go back to sleep, right?

**avgas** · 31st January 2005, 14:20

i ONLY need to pass on the straights, cos if im infront of you going into the corner - im good as gone

Well one way or the other
nah but seriously folks, there isnt much point in passing in a corner, you only gain a whole 2m before the other person can get back on the racing line (in your slipstream i might add).

**Sniper** · 31st January 2005, 15:06

I just overtake when I deem it same for myself and the person(S) Im overtaking

**Biff** · 31st January 2005, 15:42

Yep, I'm with the majority I think - when it's safe.

Open roads, no oncoming & with oncoming traffic (depending on traffic speeds & avoiding wherever possible crossing the centre line in order to avoid heart attacks and negative rep for bikers from oncoming cage drivers)

Corners - when I can see that the exit is clear and that there are no oncoming cages.

Never on blind corners, blind hillcrests - stupid, stupid, stupid.

**Sniper** · 31st January 2005, 15:44

Originally Posted by Biff Baff

Never on blind corners, blind hillcrests - stupid, stupid, stupid.

Yep, and very dangerous and dumb

**Coyote** · 31st January 2005, 15:47

I don't try anything daring. I'll overtake on a straight thats clear, on a passing lane, or if a car stops to let me pass. What have I got to prove by taking people on blind corners and crap anyway?

**Nutter34** · 31st January 2005, 16:21

I'll go with Deano, the double yellow is not a good indication at all.
I'm in Nelson, so we have a passing lane stretch, therefor three lanes of road, with double yellows and a good view. Then after that, they have a set of blind corners with barriers both sides, some access drives but guess what? NOTHING to stop you from overtaking except common sense.
That's part of the reason why there are so many accidents. The road markings SUCK!

As for any other situation, only when I can see it's clear, be it on a straight or corners or if a car pulls over sufficiently for me to get past if there is oncoming traffic.

**Hitcher** · 31st January 2005, 16:26

Bikers who undertake Blatantly Stupid Passing Manoeuvres® are the ones who give the rest of us a bad name with the rest of the motoring public (who incidentally outnumber us by some considerable margin).

Mind you, Harley riders with no gloves, short-sleeved shirts and pudding-basin helmets are, by definition, invincible.