New crash study.

[Zedder]

I'll happily bring fireworks to that occasion

I'll supply the single malt!

[pritch]

That Suzuki clip made me feel uncomfortable as do a lot of clips made on European motorways. The riders are placing a lot of faith in the various drivers; wouldn't pay to do that here.

The Kawasaki one was more relaxed and it was a nice bit of road, nice weather too.

The Harley one included the classic that I expected to see, worth a giggle - if you weren't one of the "stars".

[Gremlin]

I forgot that you did coverage for cycling events. Been a bad couple of years in Europe for moto's and riders - UCI still hasn't worked out a way of bringing moto safety into the peloton...

Always the case, topic rears its head every incident. Events would be safer without vehicles, but cease to exist because of sponsors not getting air time.

While you lot were mass debating with cassina, World Master Games was on, and today was the criterium. Next weekend is triathlon and road race. Pic courtesy of a mate.

Just a note that the cyclists were definitely trying to keep up, but we play that game every time

[madbikeboy]

That Suzuki clip made me feel uncomfortable as do a lot of clips made on European motorways. The riders are placing a lot of faith in the various drivers; wouldn't pay to do that here.

The Kawasaki one was more relaxed and it was a nice bit of road, nice weather too.

The Harley one included the classic that I expected to see, worth a giggle - if you weren't one of the "stars".

That was the world famous Ghostrider, a mad Swedish guy who is also a very, very competent racer. The level of driving in Sweden is WAY better than here in terms of space and predictability - people there are trained much better than Kiwi drivers.

The Kwak film was from Cypress, he's a pretty good rider.

Never underestimate the ability of Americans on Harleys to surprise with their level of ineptitude. I have ridden with very few Americans who can ride competently.

[madbikeboy]

Always the case, topic rears it's head every incident. Events would be safer without vehicles, but cease to exist because of sponsors not getting air time.

While you lot were mass debating with cassina, World Master Games was on, and today was the criterium. Next weekend is triathlon and road race. Pic courtesy of a mate.

Just a note that the cyclists were definitely trying to keep up, but we play that game every time

Totally agree, it's a tough balance. As a camera platform goes, nothing beats a moto - I've always wanted to ride the TdF or Giro as a moto (I used to dream of riding the TdF but I lack talent).

Are you short of riders for the event?

We did some experimentation a decade ago with a world champion to see a what distance the draft from a motorcycle was actually still advantageous, and it's a long way further apart than any of us had guessed. Even riding close, directly alongside depending on the bike, there was some draft available (again, not what we expected to see).

[madbikeboy]

If thats the way you ride one thing is certain you will beat me into the cemetery. 2 riders went in yesterday in NZ did you know. The media reported that the cop at the scene said motorcyclists need to slow down and ride to the conditions which does give me the impression they were at fault. The cop also said the accident cause was still being investigated which appears in conflict with his first statement that he should not really have made under the circumstances.

I guarantee I'll live longer than you - your anxiety and fears have already killed the life in you.

As for commenting on an accident, for which you were not present, or have no direct knowledge of, only provides disrespect to the families of those involved. You should be ashamed of yourself. The fact that you aren't speaks volumes of your lack of character.

[Gremlin]

Are you short of riders for the event?

We did some experimentation a decade ago with a world champion to see a what distance the draft from a motorcycle was actually still advantageous, and it's a long way further apart than any of had guessed. Even riding close, directly alongside depending on the bike, there was some draft available (again, not what we expected to see).

Should be Ok, biggest is tri at 10 riders, should have that. In terms of draft, rules are 35m and usually 2-3m wide. Filming is when we're the red headed step child. Gotta get close to get the footage, gotta stay away to keep officials happy...

[Viking01]

I was just joking. I would never be fast enough to lead them anyway. They would just get bored and go on their own group ride with the person owning the fastest bike being the leader.

Look, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave the humour to me, and if you just concentrated on what you're good at
(leading them in circles and on flights of fancy).

[nzspokes]

Totally agree, it's a tough balance. As a camera platform goes, nothing beats a moto - I've always wanted to ride the TdF or Giro as a moto (I used to dream of riding the TdF but I lack talent).

Are you short of riders for the event?

We did some experimentation a decade ago with a world champion to see a what distance the draft from a motorcycle was actually still advantageous, and it's a long way further apart than any of us had guessed. Even riding close, directly alongside depending on the bike, there was some draft available (again, not what we expected to see).

There are plenty of tours you can do with backup on the TDF routes. A few let you do the easy bits and van you up the hard bits. Or stop at every winery along the way.

I was on Alp De Huez in 03, they recon there was 1 million people on the hill. I would not have wanted to be parting the way up that on a Moto.

[Voltaire]

I have decided to call myself The Pied Piper of Kiwi Biker as a result of the following I have and I bet if I was leading a group ride of them they would follow if I went over a cliff.

That would only happen as you don't have ABS and relying on 70s twin pot calipers, everyone else on said ride would stop in time.

I bet your father ranted on about how good horse and carts were....

[george formby]

While I don't know the specifics about Swedish driver training I have read a few posts on here and other forums that claim European driver training is better than ours. If that was the case though why then do they kill on NZ roads when they come to visit? Just because someone says they learnt to drive in a particular country never assume they are a better driver than you.

A persons opinion on the answer to your question would depend on how effective they considered training to be.

[Viking01]

But you are yet to make me laugh. I have make poster AllanB laugh so 1 to me 0 to you.

Well, humour is a very personal thing and it's not always possible to make everyone laugh
(especially those without a sense of humour).

And as for the score being 1-0 in your favour. In your dreams. You haven't seem my email
Inbox the last few days

[Laava]

But you are yet to make me laugh. I have make poster AllanB laugh so 1 to me 0 to you.

There is a big difference between laughing at you and laughing with you. Cant for the life of me work out why you pursue this topic? If you are serious = fail! If you are trolling= fail!

[Voltaire]

I was just joking with that comment. Did you see my post about ABS cars crashing more than non ABS cars due to their drivers thinking ABS will save them in any situation that was stated in an article I read? I guess its a bit like guys on here thinking going to a riding school will keep them safe no matter what too.

For what its worth I have actually test riden a bike with ABS and the same bike without ABS but having new technology sintered brake pads and I only noticed a slight stability improvement with the ABS on a dry road and compared to the sintered only pad bike. I did not notice any difference in stopping distance. I felt though going from an organic brake pad to sintered improves stopping distance. There has been debate on here in the past about ABS and non ABS stopping times and others have said there is litte difference with one or 2 posters claiming their non ABS bike can stop quicker. Disc size and the number of pots as you say no doubt plays a part too.

I had a Ducati ST4S with ABS and I only tried it out once on a dry road and yes it worked.
Didn't keep the bike long as downgraded to a 900SS which I prefer.
I've seen the vids and yes an ABS bike will stop in a shorter distance than a non ABS bike.

I suspect with non ABS brakes extending following distance with cars, especially in the wet on the motorway ( when its moving) is a good idea as highly likely in an emergency stop I'd lock the front.

I did nearly crash into the back of a Tuk Tuk a couple of years ago in Agra India....a moments inattention, the dig in the ribs from the Missus had me full on the brakes...well ...what passes as brakes on a Royal Enfield.

[Gremlin]

For what its worth I have actually test riden a bike with ABS and the same bike without ABS but having new technology sintered brake pads and I only noticed a slight stability improvement with the ABS on a dry road and compared to the sintered only pad bike. I did not notice any difference in stopping distance. I felt though going from an organic brake pad to sintered improves stopping distance. There has been debate on here in the past about ABS and non ABS stopping times and others have said there is litte difference with one or 2 posters claiming their non ABS bike can stop quicker. Disc size and the number of pots as you say no doubt plays a part too.

Excellent, but you're missing some of the key factors.

In perfect conditions, mentally prepared, yes, it's quite possible that ABS may be beaten by a good rider without ABS. Now let's factor in any combination of:
- poor weather
- bad road surface
- unskilled rider
- panic reaction

The simple fact is, even if you practise emergency braking, you're mentally prepared for it while practising, or have done it several times over. But when you're on the road and a car suddenly pulls out in front of you, name the most typical reaction? Difference is, you weren't in the mental mode of emergency braking. Like most safety aids (let's include rider training) it's not a magic bullet to stop any chance. It just helps stack the odds in your favour.