Reactions and reflexes.

[Edbear]

Ok.. so here is completely different view point.
Our brains are complex entities made up of a number of components that are often referred to as separate brains such as the reptilian brain. The functions of our brain are spread across these regions to varying degrees.
Physical co-ordination and movement is usually part of our lower brain function, these areas of the brain are simpler and as a result faster to react to stimuli but react in simple ways, such as panic... pull break lever hard!!!!
Really good riding and in particular really good high speed riding is about appropriate control and inputs to the motorcycle and we often talk of overcoming SR’s or Survival Reactions, such as “panic pull break lever hard!!!”.
So perhaps fast reactions are not what will save you from an accident but rather practiced and smoothly co-ordinated actions, which also explains why an experienced rider can often avoid an accident that will catch out a younger (faster reaction) rider with less experience.
I therefore propose it not about reaction time as much as it is about appropriate reaction in time.
We need to practice and even react a little slow so we can choose the right way to react.. there is a reason why beta blockers are used in skilled sports.

An interesting point. As with many my age, I learned to drive on gravel roads and cross-ply tyres. The Bradford simply didn't have the power or the brakes to have any fun in but my next vehicle was a '59 CA Bedford and while not a powerhouse by any stretch of the imagination, was very light in the rear and I had great fun with it, thus learning how to control skids and slides and panic stop, all at speeds around 50 - 60 km/h! I used to say I could write my name on a gravel road in the old Humber 80! Got a real shock, though, when Mum got a Morris 1800 and had to relearn, due to front-wheel drive, wider radial tyres and power disc brakes! So you're right it's not only speed of reaction but correct reaction.

Sadly, youngsters these days don't get that kind of practise!

[george formby]

As already stated experience allows us to react appropriately, no matter how fast you are if your input is wrong your going to come a cropper. Up to a point I think the experience & awareness gained over years of riding compensates for slower reaction times. I'm better at anticipating & avoiding hazards now than i was 10 years ago & notice something new to add to my "watch out" list nearly every time i ride.
When i have mucked up in the past I believe appropriate reactions saved me rather than speed, knowing what to do in that split second is the most important thing & you rarely have time to think about it.
Truly passionate riders seem to be like sponges when it comes to learning riding skills, every trip is a lesson in what if because they are paying attention, thinking & have total concentration as opposed to checking out their reflection in a shop window or trying to prove that they are the next Rossi / Fonda / Pfeiffer.

[Edbear]

As already stated experience allows us to react appropriately, no matter how fast you are if your input is wrong your going to come a cropper. Up to a point I think the experience & awareness gained over years of riding compensates for slower reaction times. I'm better at anticipating & avoiding hazards now than i was 10 years ago & notice something new to add to my "watch out" list nearly every time i ride.
When i have mucked up in the past I believe appropriate reactions saved me rather than speed, knowing what to do in that split second is the most important thing & you rarely have time to think about it.
Truly passionate riders seem to be like sponges when it comes to learning riding skills, every trip is a lesson in what if because they are paying attention, thinking & have total concentration as opposed to checking out their reflection in a shop window or trying to prove that they are the next Rossi / Fonda / Pfeiffer.

But, but... When you ride a C50T you just HAVE to check your reflection! It'd be rude not to!

[Max Preload]

The key to instant reaction is having your brain in gear and working constantly.

Too many drive/ride in a daydream.

A-fuck'n-men to that. Having to drive at 95km/h in a queue of others doesn't help the situation either.

[DEATH_INC.]

So perhaps fast reactions are not what will save you from an accident but rather practiced and smoothly co-ordinated actions, which also explains why an experienced rider can often avoid an accident that will catch out a younger (faster reaction) rider with less experience.
I therefore propose it not about reaction time as much as it is about appropriate reaction in time.
We need to practice and even react a little slow so we can choose the right way to react.. there is a reason why beta blockers are used in skilled sports.

Here's a bit of trivia pertaining a bit to this ( I can't remember where I read it tho...)
A while ago a study showed exactly this difference between men and woman. Woman have a faster reaction and response to prepared actions (you know like reaction tests and such) where men were better at unplanned actions. Now this isn't having a go at woman, but you can see it in racing, woman make very good dragracers for example, but not so many make it in circuit racing. Funny eh?

[scissorhands]

Here's a bit of trivia pertaining a bit to this ( I can't remember where I read it tho...)
A while ago a study showed exactly this difference between men and woman. Woman have a faster reaction and response to prepared actions (you know like reaction tests and such) where men were better at unplanned actions. Now this isn't having a go at woman, but you can see it in racing, woman make very good dragracers for example, but not so many make it in circuit racing. Funny eh?

Thats because they lack spatial vision, as do asians who you never see on the podiums.