My crash, what did I do wrong?

[madbikeboy]

Okay, some of this is good, some is shit.

From experience, knowing what is around you all the time is the key - as I'm braking, I'm checking my mirrors, checking for escape routes, planning ahead, changing down, braking progressively and correctly (which will differ depending on style of bike, and if you are 2up).

Intersections present danger from all directions - from in front (as you found out, from either side, and from behind. Use common sense - if the light is stale, be prepared to stop. Even if it changed two seconds ago, be prepared to stop or avoid the red light runner in any direction. As it changes red, be prepared to be rear ended. I always stop between cars, and use them as a defensive layer. The road code says I should stop behind, but that leaves me exposed. Shelter in the lee of heavy metal.

To be very, very clear - spend some of your attention (not all) to check what's behind you - KatMan has huge experience in the most dangerous place for motorcyclists on the planet - and he spent years doing it - take his advice on this one.

Go and see a mentor - there's lots of skills that you will learn in a very short time - some of it is blindingly obvious, some take longer to acquire.

Treat every intersection as a possible danger - it's where we are most exposed.

[Roki_nz]

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???

Just to clear that up I was doing 90 to 100km before i started breaking not when I came off, I bled a good chunk of the speed away before I crashed. I'm am not saying that I was going the correct speed when approaching that intersection as the result of my actions speak for them selves

[scuzeme]

Roki, what do you mean the road was slippery becuase of the heat? that doesnt make sense, you may have already answered these qustions but i cant be buggered reading all the replies.

I think that you applied too much back brake too quickly and locked it up mate thats why your bike started to fish tail and the back started to come round this is a classic back brake lockup scenario which leads to a high side.
Remember 70% of your braking comes from the front brake and contrary to popular belief you can grab a gob of front brake on a dry road, as long as your on a straight as opposed to a lean youl do a good stoppy and go over the handle bars before the front will wash out side ways.

The reason you got yourself into this situation in the first place sounds like you where:
1.following a little to close for the speed you were going
2.going to fast while approaching an intersection
3.paying more attention to what was happening in the rear view than what was happening up ahead.

Classic rules that we all brake everyday i guess you were just unlucky mate.
Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

Cheers.

[2wheeldrifter]

Just to clear that up I was doing 90 to 100km before i started breaking not when I came off, I bled a good chunk of the speed away before I crashed. I'm am not saying that I was going the correct speed when approaching that intersection as the result of my actions speak for them selves

Ok my mistake dude...

[MarkH]

practice your emergency brake!

I'll add my vote to this action as well. I you had been able to brake more effectively you may have been able to stop in time. Paying attention and starting your braking earlier is also a pretty good idea.

[Roki_nz]

Hi Guys

A big thank you to everyone for your good advice and feedback. It has given me plenty to think about while i wait to get back on two wheels.

Thanks