What not to wear (the road)

**pritch** · 7th November 2007, 14:50

Originally Posted by discotex

Haven't read that book but I've always known passing a big gap to be a super dodgy place to be. I'm assuming that's what he defines as the death spot?

There is a nice big diagram in the book but alas I'm at work.

The death spot is forward of the blind spot, basically alongside the car. Exactly where if he changes lanes or whatever, he will take you out.
He will of course then tell the world he never saw you...

**HungusMaximist** · 7th November 2007, 16:57

Originally Posted by discotex

Will give the SV650 a go when I get to test riding. I'm a daily commuter with weekend rides and a lust for getting out to trackdays. Planning to do some longer rides (out to east cape for example) in the next year or two as well.

I'd been considering the SV1000S as on paper it seems pretty much the same power as a 600 IL4. Apparently they have the same 1/4 mile and top gear 60-80mph roll-ons. It's the only thou I even considered and it was only because it seemed pretty mellow (compared to a 1000cc IL4) on paper.

I really don't want to outgrow my next bike within two years which is how long I plan to keep it.

Can't wait to get out test riding and feel the differences for myself!

Ha, I am actually looking in getting an SV650 myself as I commute on my bike every single day. I've been looking around and I'd love to have a fast ass sports bike but I'll probably end up regretting it after awhile.....

As for the SV1000 I wouldn't exactly bother as there isn't a huge difference for the money *honestly*. You pay for more petrol and it's only a few more horsepowers, 80 hps on the SV650 is plenty for commuting and touring.

It's also usually your big ass ego doing the talking in how you want a 1000cc just for kicks. Remember it's the corners that matter, not the straights. I've seen some wicked peeps on their 250's beating fast ass sports riders around the corners because they are just a better rider, period.

Take a few courses and a few track days and I will guarantee you will be kick ass on any bike. Cheers.

**obstacle** · 7th November 2007, 17:19

Originally Posted by discotex

Waiting for obstacle to pick up his steibel so I can hear how loud they are.

oh yeah! now where did i put warlock's details?

**discotex** · 7th November 2007, 21:43

Originally Posted by HungusMaximist

It's also usually your big ass ego doing the talking in how you want a 1000cc just for kicks. Remember it's the corners that matter, not the straights. I've seen some wicked peeps on their 250's beating fast ass sports riders around the corners because they are just a better rider, period.

Take a few courses and a few track days and I will guarantee you will be kick ass on any bike. Cheers.

That's exactly what I'm planning to do

Can't wait to get out on the track once I get my leathers.

I hear what you're saying about the SV thou but I'm not so sure it's just my ego talking me into a 1000cc bike. I'm basically considering a 600 IL4 or a bigger twin as roughly equal. No way in hell would I look at a 1000cc IL4! Can't see the need for it to be honest.

I will check out the SV650S though to see how it handles and see if it's got enough balls to keep me interested in the long term.

**Hawkeye** · 8th November 2007, 06:25

Originally Posted by DMNTD

100% agree with you there,all too often it appears to be "that bloody cagers fault

However, in this case the

have already decided it was the 'bloody cagers fault'.

Good to hear that your OK Discotex.

The one thing I have learnt about splitting. The 'didn't see me' is not always true. I have done it a number of times when in the cage. Seen a gap, looked in the mirror, other lane is moving almost the same speed (maybe 5k - 10k difference). Was about to move when I caught sight of a bike splitting. As a biker, I know that the bike in the mirror is moving possibly 20k faster than the cages and compensate (ie do not move). None bikers do not compute that. They may see the bike but do not recognise the speed differential. They are still working on the 5k - 10k difference so presume they have the time.

Whenever a gap appears in the traffic I 'expect', 100% of the time, that whichever cage is alongside the gap, they are going to move into it. It's the only way to survive.

**discotex** · 10th November 2007, 09:41

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

However, in this case the

have already decided it was the 'bloody cagers fault'.

Good to hear that your OK Discotex.

Thanks Hawkeye. Still a bit stiff and sore but the good news is my insurer is writing the bike off. The last thing I wanted was them trying to repair it (taking months) when I was planning to sell it in 2 weeks anyway.

Just hope I don't have to fight to get paid out a decent amount.

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Whenever a gap appears in the traffic I 'expect', 100% of the time, that whichever cage is alongside the gap, they are going to move into it. It's the only way to survive.

Totally agree with you there. I'm always watching to see which lane is moving quicker as well. If the gap is in the faster lane you know to be on guard. You also ususally get some warning from watching the cars jump lanes further up ahead. Being a nation of sheep once one person starts...

The policeman said the guy in this case said he had decided he wasn't going to get on the motorway and went to go around the roundabout instead.

That would mean I've put the red car one too far forward in my diagram. It would certainly explain why he crossed the whole lane so fast instead of the usual 'slip out' you get when splitting.

He'd have had to turn 90 degrees at least to make it back around the roundabout rather than the normal 15-20 degress to slide into the lane next to him.

Makes me feel better as no-one would expect what amounts to a u-turn on a motorway on-ramp!! Also explains why I got no time to react when I was already expecting someone to pull out.

**scumdog** · 10th November 2007, 09:56

An excellent description of what happend, clear and welll aid out AND most important: easily read by the more 'senior' site members!

A shame about you 'off' but glad t see you were not seriously hurt.

Riding a motorbike in traffic really homes your survival skills eh? - just never, ever rely on motorists NOT to do somehting stupid - if there's an opportunity they will take it, safe/legal or not.

**discotex** · 12th November 2007, 18:37

Originally Posted by scumdog

An excellent description of what happend, clear and welll aid out AND most important: easily read by the more 'senior' site members!

A shame about you 'off' but glad t see you were not seriously hurt.

Riding a motorbike in traffic really homes your survival skills eh? - just never, ever rely on motorists NOT to do somehting stupid - if there's an opportunity they will take it, safe/legal or not.

Cheers SD. Hopefully a few people got something out of it. Took long enough to draw that bloody diagram in mspaint haha!