Passing

[motorbyclist]

Ever had a guy fly past, in you lane, with atleast 50kph speed differential?

even if they go to the absolute far right it can still be a bit startling with that aftermarket pipe.

We can't be expected to have one eye firmly glued to the mirror for that 0.5 second window to see the rider coming.

So, perhaps some more considerate passing methods could be devised? a friendly toot toot?

[Gremlin]

Never in the same lane, but I have passed other bikes and cars with more than a 50kph differential (and then some, sometimes)

I have been passed by others while passing cars, with us both in the oncoming, just me to the left hand side of the lane, faster bike on the right hand side. Time and place, conditions. Certainly not safe, I don't do it any more, but it can be done if everyone is aware...

When passing, you have to either be certain they know you are there, or leave them room for doing something (including passing a car up ahead). Common courtesy really. You don't want to hit them, and you all want to go home at the end of the day. The pass can wait for a safer time if necessary.

I've had the rear locked up in the vicinity of 200 because another bike has suddenly pulled out and using the whole of the oncoming to pass... not the most fun times I have had

[motorbyclist]

When passing, you have to either be certain they know you are there, or leave them room for doing something (including passing a car up ahead). Common courtesy really.

right, so how can we know they know we are there? this is no doubt the cause of several accidents before now so it might pay to have a standard practice going

[Gremlin]

I like to always know whats around me, its about controlling my environment. Generally you can see people know you're there by a change in their lines, their head movement etc. Often quite safe to give a quick peak in your mirror exiting a corner. They can't be directly behind you because of the bend, and exiting a corner isn't too tricky.

It also depends on your experience. I don't get too disturbed by bikes passing, but I've also ridden in close quarters with other bikes (but I trusted them).