North western/southern m'way

[nzspokes]

You should never go somewhere where your eyes haven't already been.

I like that statement. I shall steal it. Bwhahahaha.

[Maha]

No... you're assuming you know what is going on around you. You are assuming, as you do not know, as you have not looked.

You should never go somewhere where your eyes haven't already been.

You sound like my Mother. Do you know how to cook a Pav?

Does that also apply to blind people? assuming they are walking of cause.

[Berries]

You should never go somewhere where your eyes haven't already been.

That's my summer holiday in Hamilton knackered then.

[Madness]

That's my summer holiday in Hamilton knackered then.

Be thankful, very thankful.

[nzspokes]

That's my summer holiday in Hamilton knackered then.

Holiday and Hamilton dont go together.

[nzspokes]

You sound like my Mother.

Hes probably concerned for the wellbeing of those that dont check before they move.

[Gremlin]

Agree Rod, habits/methods are picked early on and some continue those through because they work for them. Motorcycling is a very personal thing and 'My Bike My Rules' applies vehemently.
At least you know how to voice an have an argument...

Equally however, and often very difficult, is to objectively review your riding. Simply stating you do something because it works for you, isn't sufficient. You should constantly strive to be better. As blackbird likes to quote:

Amateurs Practice Until They Get It Right, Professionals Practice Until They Can’t Get It Wrong

You'd be surprised at the wide range of candidates that approach IAM, and believe they are a sure pass for riding to an advanced standard. This includes riders from the UK, with an IAM presence, and former police riders too.

[MadDuck]

Equally however, and often very difficult, is to objectively review your riding. Simply stating you do something because it works for you, isn't sufficient. You should constantly strive to be better.

Or you could remember the reason you got into riding bikes was to have fun. Yep the smile factor.

[nerrrd]

This thread makes me want to get my head checked. And more training.

[Gremlin]

Or you could remember the reason you got into riding bikes was to have fun. Yep the smile factor.

They aren't mutually exclusive.

[MadDuck]

They aren't mutually exclusive.

Yes that is correct. For some people. A lot of us just like to ride and chill. Ride because we enjoy the road and being out there.

[T.W.R]

No... you're assuming you know what is going on around you. You are assuming, as you do not know, as you have not looked.

You should never go somewhere where your eyes haven't already been.

That's basic Situational Awareness and should be second nature on a bike after a bit of time in the saddle.
Look at where you want be not where you're going

[Maha]

You'd be surprised at the wide range of candidates that approach IAM, and believe they are a sure pass for riding to an advanced standard. This includes riders from the UK, with an IAM presence, and former police riders too.

There would a large percentage that would not measure up to the IAM standard of how things should be done.
Even down to getting your feet onto the pegs as soon as the bike moves, none of this dragging one foot bizzo

When it comes to being aware of your surroundings on the road (particularly around the spaghetti junction area during peak times) lane changing can be done easily and safely. It is my view that those who have to head check are the ones that drive/ride focusing on what's going ahead only (which is fine) and not around them.

[bosslady]

Define "have to". As I mentioned, 9/10 I never have needed to (it's probably more like 9.9999....). Sure, I don't have to, but I do it any way, it's not hard at all and something I think is worth that split second, just seems lazy not to JM2CW. And, I would and do advocate it to other newbies (mirror, indicate, head check and turn if it's clear, all in that order) most important to use it too when riding around in 50kmh-ish areas where cars / bikes / evil scooterists are more likely to cut you off, the motorway is easy because people are going faster, I still head check though.. My instructor was in IAM in the UK and I think these are great habits to have.

[nzspokes]

My instructor was in IAM in the UK and I think these are great habits to have.

That sounds like Phillip. I would say retraining even for people that have been riding for decades would be of use.