My crash, what did I do wrong?

**cowboyz** · 1st May 2009, 23:19

I get really nervous about being rear ended, I am just not that type of guy.

When braking I make sure if anyone behind me then they know what I am doing and if I am the last in the queue then I stop aside (but still behind) the vehicle in front of me and keen 1 eye on my mirrors. I have had one occasion where a vehicle didnt stop where they should have and I did the fuckoffski to avoid getting squashed between 2 cars.

**awayatc** · 1st May 2009, 23:21

if you don't brake in time, that's when things break.....

**discotex** · 1st May 2009, 23:21

Originally Posted by Roki_nz

I suspect that in the rush I only released my front break and failed to release my rear

That's probably why you couldn't save it.

Personally I think it's much safer to learn to do all your braking with the front brake only as in a real emergency you don't usually have the ability to modulate both brakes. For whatever reason it seems many people let off the front when the rear locks. That's about the worst thing you can do.

You're much better to be using the front brake as it can stop you - unlike the rear.

(cruisers not included)

**cowpoos** · 1st May 2009, 23:22

Originally Posted by Roki_nz

so what do you think I did wrong and what should I have done differently?

You didn't practise....

**2wheeldrifter** · 2nd May 2009, 08:41

Seems to be clear to me that you were going to fast into an intersection, you said came off around 100k's after your braking!!! So how fast were you going???

Looking into your mirror was NOT the problem, I check whats behind me when coming to any stop. Some of us can brake and look into our mirrors at the same time... for god's sake we a riding a machine that requires multiple tasks to be performed all at once and some seem to be finding it hard to just brake in a straight line and check your mirror!!! WTF!!!!!

**alanzs** · 2nd May 2009, 10:36

Originally Posted by 2wheeldrifter

Seems to be clear to me that you were going to fast into an intersection, you said came off around 100k's after your braking!!! So how fast were you going???

Looking into your mirror was NOT the problem, I check whats behind me when coming to any stop. Some of us can brake and look into our mirrors at the same time... for god's sake we a riding a machine that requires multiple tasks to be performed all at once and some seem to be finding it hard to just brake in a straight line and check your mirror!!! WTF!!!!!

Not to brag, but one time I was braking both brakes, looking in my mirror AND thinking about the text my wife sent me telling me she was waiting for me in bed and could I get home immediately. That would be three things, all at once.

**DELLORTO** · 2nd May 2009, 11:01

unless you are on a freeway you should not be doing 100k, sounds like you
were going too fast for your level of attention and ability. when riding in a group, tailgating is going to get you into trouble, ride in a staggered formation and don't keep you eyes on your mates or on someones cool bike all the time. having said that we all need a spill to wake up to our true riding abilities.- dellorto's dad

**owner** · 2nd May 2009, 11:06

I'm with Poo's practice! get to know your brakes well, Your bike is an awesome machine. Practice emergency stopping!
If your riding slow enough for something to be behind you, sure check your mirrors while braking.
Practice rear wheel slides when your tyre is nearly had it, to get an idea of pressure on the pedal and they are fun to do
Also practice stoppies. I had done a few track days and 15000km of road riding braking with my fore finger only. Once I started practicing stoppies I discovered I can brake alot harder with two fingers Its all practice.

And planning and avoidance

**ecnal** · 2nd May 2009, 11:48

I am a licenced motorcycle instructor, I agree with dangerousbastard, no point in repeating what he said,
I would reitterate though the need for more front than rear brake, you will suprised how quickly you can pull up a bike with good braking I always recommend to learners 60% front 40 percent rear, as you get to know your bike and yourself you should be increasing this ratio, to max of about 75/25, you must use both to keep the bike balnce and to have it set it iself down on the suspension as you brake.

**James Deuce** · 2nd May 2009, 12:38

Originally Posted by DELLORTO

unless you are on a freeway you should not be doing 100k, sounds like you
were going too fast for your level of attention and ability. when riding in a group, tailgating is going to get you into trouble, ride in a staggered formation and don't keep you eyes on your mates or on someones cool bike all the time. having said that we all need a spill to wake up to our true riding abilities.- dellorto's dad

What the hell is a freeway?

If you're attempting to intimate that SH2 doesn't have a 100 km/hr speed limit then you'd be a bit incorrect in your assumption.

**AD345** · 2nd May 2009, 13:14

I had a very similar experience last Sunday on the "Make My Day" run. It was a tad wet and the group was bunched as we came to the turn off from SH2.

I was wiping my visor and looked up to see rows of brake lights, over braked, biiiig fishtail left, then right then left again...

..then straight and on my way. I've gotta be a little less lazy on the front brakes.

For reasons I won't go ito now I don't stress too much about the rear fishtailing - it can be quite fun.

However, it is not optimal for braking. It can usually be ridden out of pretty easily with practice.

there was the time when the Kat went 50 or more metres sideways down the Mangaweka hill............but that's another story

**Felix52** · 2nd May 2009, 13:30

Something a driving instructor once told me about was "stale green" traffic lights. The idea is that if you see a green traffic light, and didn't see it change to green, then it's stale, and you should be prepared for it to change to orange at any moment.

It means you end up fairly cautious any time you're coming up to traffic lights, which isn't a bad thing.

Anyway, good on you for getting advice to try and stop it happening again (and this thread's made me think about going and practicing my emergency braking some more...)

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 2nd May 2009, 13:38

Originally Posted by Roki_nz

My crash, what did I do wrong? ?

You didn't stop in time... that is what you did wrong

Obviously traveling to close directly behind the rider in front of you (should be staggered) and that split second glancing in your mirror when the problem was ahead of you not behind you?

You probably need to practice some emergency braking...

**CookMySock** · 2nd May 2009, 15:46

Originally Posted by Felix52

[..] "stale green" traffic lights. The idea is that if you see a green traffic light, and didn't see it change to green, then it's stale, and you should be prepared for it to change to orange at any moment.

That is one of the few things I picked up in my Defensive Driving Course. I'd never heard of the term before.

Originally Posted by ecnal

I am a licenced motorcycle instructor, I agree with dangerousbastard, no point in repeating what he said,

I make good scones too.

Steve