Riding Safety Thread

[Nanduccio]

In light of the recent developments, I think it might be a good thing to start a PERPETUAL thread about safety. Similar in spirit to the SV sightings thread... You can check in to read up some advice, or chime in with some suggestions of your own.

Part of the reason I like this group so much is the emphasis on safety that the members here have! I've only met a few of you on a couple of rides so far, but it's very obvious that collectively, we take our riding seriously.

I was surprised on my 1st ride with you guys that pretty much everyone had leathers or similar, jacket AND pants. It sounds sorta dumb, but "peer pressure" actually works, and I soon decided that I needed some riding pants. Next, I am upgrading gloves, etc...You get what I mean...

Recently, I rode with some friends, one of whom is a "riding instructor". A newbie (invited by one of the group) was some 20 year old kid with a brand-new R6. Anyway, he shows up in a pair of "gym shorts"! :eek: With a Rocket jacket up top...

My friend, the instructor, basically took him to task about the shorts thing, and I also talked to him when I introduced myself. Now, he may have thought we were assholes, but I don't think he'll ever go riding again without wearing jeans, at least.

Some things I do:
1) I always use my high beam during the day until dusk.

2) I believe in active and liberal use of the HORN! I will beep cars poking out from behind parked cars, I will beep cars trying to make a left turn in front of me, I will beep cars which I believe may be merging into me when I'm in their blind spot. I USE MY FRIGGIN' HORN! Sometimes people may think I'm an asshole again :D , but at least, they noticed me.

3) I assume every car slowing down facing me or stopped facing me is going to make a left turn in front of me! I try and prepare myself for Emergency stops in this situation. I stare down the driver, and take nothing for granted.

4) I try and find an "out" if faced with a situation. Maybe the best place to avoid a collision would be to go for the space that the car is currently vacating, if I said that correctly. When slowing to a stoplight amidst traffic, I try and leave a good sized gap in front of me. I check my mirror for the car behind me. I am ready on the throttle and bars in case I need to dive away from the car behind me, if they are closing too fast.

5) I believe in using turn signals, lights, and as much Scotchlite/reflective material as possible. Alot of people "shave" signals, reflectors, and lights off their bike, but I feel safer with my big, stupid Dumbo-ear factory turn signals.

6) I wear a bright helmet (white), supplemented by a "Halo" Scotchlite band if I'm out at night. I have noticed motorists looking strange-eyed at me, trying to figure out what that glowing thing on my head is. I probably look dorky, but I don't care...they've seen me.

7) I "cover" the brake and clutch when in traffic. A few fractions of a second may save your life.

That's it for right now. I am certainly NOT AN EXPERT, and don't want to sound like a know it all or anything. I simply want to start a discussion about this stuff, one which I hope will be ongoing and informative to all...

My intention is to evermore try and help avoid anyone from this board getting hurt while riding.

Safe riding to all my new friends here, and to all the friends I've yet to meet.
-Fernando

[kc1717]

dont forget the importance of lane positioning

we are small and can use the whole lane, so do it.

if you are passing a car that is on your right, be in the far left ect...

like Nanduccio said, every second counts, and if someone moves into your lane and you were in the right position you should have enough braking room or room to gas it.

i always wear sidi boots, leather jacket, elbo/shoulder/back protection and a arai lid. i have yet found a good solution for something other thatn jeans,...but for everyday riding they work ok...cannyons,..full leathers, as well as long road trips.

[Monte]

Speaking of horns, is there any kind of aftermarket horn that falls somewhere between the crappy, stock SV horn and an air horn? A car horn, maybe? I'd like something that was audible without being too loud to still use liberally. Though, it would be nice to have that reallyfrigginloud airhorn as an option.

[GetnJgyWitit]

Hey Fern this is a great idea. I'm glad that I know of this group, really good ideas come out of here.

[CPM F4]

When sitting and waiting for a light, flash your brake light when there is someone approaching from the rear to make sure that they see you. Drivers may be looking at the light and not what's in front of them as they approach the intersection. As Casey said, lane position is important. In situations where there are cars trying to merge onto and off of a freeway (like the Gilman onramp to 5 South/52 East where there is just one lane for people either trying to get onto the 5 or trying to transition to 52 East from the 5 South) I stay to the left to make sure that cars getting off of 5 South see that there is a vehicle there and not just swerve in trying to occupy my spot as they attempt to merge onto 52 East.

Blind spots are another concern. When I'm on the highway, I usually squirt ahead of a car if I find myself in that person's blind spot. At the very least, I make my way to be right beside the person so that they know that I'm occupying the lane next to them (usually if I'm on the leftside. If I'm on the right, I try to stay a little ahead since then they won't have to turn their head as much to see me. They'll see me with their peripheral vision). If I find that I can't get past, then I maintain a position where I can see their face in their mirror where there's a good chance of being noticed (that's IF the person uses their mirrors).

[Nanduccio]

Originally posted by CPM F4
When sitting and waiting for a light, flash your brake light when there is someone approaching from the rear to make sure that they see you.

Oops, thanks for mentioning this, as I forgot about this one! Good stuff!

I definitely do this all the time! I flash my brake as I am looking in my mirror.

I also flash my brakes to warn riders/or cars behind me that I am making a stop or about to make a stop. People probably noticed this the other day during our ride.

Obviously, this doesn't apply in a "panic" situation when you just need to stop ASAP, but in a situation where you feel or sense a stop is imminent, or just to "wake up" the car or bike behind you.

[bling_thing]

What about putting Scotchlite material on your butt and flashing them at stops?

[cracked lid]

I am currently fighting the urge to get an undertail and swap out my signals. I know it would make my bike look that much sweeter, but I hate to affect the visibilty. Hell, I've still got all the ugly reflectors on there because I often ride at night.

As far as active safety:

I flash the brake light when I begin slowing and while I'm at a stop.

I ride with the front brake covered by two fingers at all times.

I never ride next to cars or in their blind spot.

I assume noone seems me, and I constantly scan for turning or merging cars.

Whenever I notice a car slightly meandering in its lane it's a signal that the driver isn't focused and I get the f*** away.

I look both ways before starting across an intersection, and when I see it's clear I gas it hard.

Whenever I don't notice a car that is set to turn across or merge into my lane in time to stop if I had to, I chide myself for my lack of awareness and vow to do better.

I adjust my lane position to be as far as possible from other cars.

When I am braking I stay towards the middle of the road so that I can split trafffic to get away if the car behind me isn't stopping.

I have been known to slap the middle finger on a driver side window when I nearly get run into. It scares them and makes me feel better.

I tend to drive in the left lane because in town there is a lot fewer cars turning into and out of this lane as compared to the right lane. It also makes me more visible to the ubiquitous left hand turner.

[pfletch]

a brake light modulator automatically flashes for you when you apply the brakes. I have a headlight and rear(brake) light modulator and although it is not an excuse to let my awareness down, it sure does make me feel a little safer, especially when it is obvious someone in a car has seen me because of it, they kinda do a double-take. All the above posts make a lot of sense, espacially "avoid the blind spot, and lane positioning!!

Great idea for a permanent thread.

[dnakase]

I once had to ride a KZ1000 cop bike around for a shake down cruse to get it to leak oil.

Cagers didn't see me.

I just assume I'm invisable to cage drivers and that they REALLY want to KILL me.

I already had my run in with the left turner, when I was 14.5 yo. I was passenger on a Hodaka (remeber those?) and the driver and I sailed over the car, as did the bike. I landed on a lawn, the driver landed on the cement. I lived he died.

We could slip and fall in the shower. I'd rather ride than be found dead in the bathtub.

"What happened to Dave?"

"Stupid f**k slipped in the shower man, pretty pathetic."

[DeathRush]

When YOU on a HighWay STAY IN THE LEFT LANE!@!!@ unless there is a faster moving motor vehicle and you just signal, check your mirror and move out of the way. But if there are none STAY IN THE LEFT LANE!

All of our cager killer friends (newbs & senior citizens) drive in the right lanes!

You only have to worry about the vehicles to your right side when you the left lane and have a shoulder that is wide enough for the motorcycle to move out of the way in case some strange sh#t happens on the road.

Also Never use the Shoulders UNLESS ITS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!!! these spaces are filled with SH#T that has been left there from the 70s - today (nails, glass from crashes, tire threads etc..)

I repeat: It is VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THE RIGHT LANE ON THE HIGHWAY, AVOID IT LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!

[Tillers_Rule]

Originally posted by MrPython
Speaking of horns, is there any kind of aftermarket horn that falls somewhere between the crappy, stock SV horn and an air horn? I'd like something that was audible without being too loud to still use liberally. Though, it would be nice to have that reallyfrigginloud airhorn as an option.


I think Radio Shack sells some type of electric-air horn. I was thinkin of doin the same thing. Getting some loud ass semi sound going on and scaring the crap out of idiot cagers who arent paying attention.

[stough]

This a great thread idea! Has it been stickied?

Clothing:
Anyhow, I always wear my JR Atomic jacket and JR Ballistic or Pheonix pants and Technic Chicane gloves. I'm hoping for an Aerostich Roadcrafter suit for my b-day. On my feet, I either wear my Sidi Vertebras or a pair of 12" high Timberland hikers.

Mods:
I have modulators on the headlight and brake light. I installed a Fiamm AM80 horn, but think that the Fiamm RoadBlaster is probably better (can be found forsale on motorcycle safety sites) and I use the horn libreally. I use the Diamond Star modulator from Signal Dynamics and it modulates the HL when you hit the horn; this is a great feature for left turners and people who crowd your lane on the FWY (especially at night).

On Order:
Thanks 'Nando for mentioning the Halo. I just ordered a pair for my and my wife's helmets.

Later,
Tim.

[ward]

Hey Stough was that fiam horn a direct swap, I'd be into swapping my horn out but I don't want to add relays.

[stough]

For the plain old AM80, you just loosen the horn bracket and rotate it 45 degrees down. This gets the horn out of the way of the forks. I think that it may touch the fender at full fork compression, but it hasn't left a mark. You also have to drill a hole in the plastic part of the horn to allow it to drain water. No relay needed. However, it isn't that much louder... I recommend the RoadBlaster; it is a total drop in...

Later,
Tim.

[cracked lid]

Saw this on www.motorcyclenews.com this morning

A police bike rider has been involved in an accident, despite being stationary, in full uniform, and having his lights on.

Officer Duke Hettick, 47, was preparing to slow traffic for a funeral procession in California.

He was hit by a Chevy Blazer car, driven by Jessica Teixeira, 22. The California Highway Patrol reported that Teixeira was checking over her rear view mirrors and looking over her shoulder as she joined the freeway, and drifted into the stationary copper. Hettick attempted to jump from his bike when he saw the truck coming, but his leg was struck. His bike was knocked 142 ft down the road.

The officer suffered a leg injury and multiple abrasions. Teixeira was not injured.



Never think that the cager will see you.

[ward]

http://checkout.verisign.com/cgi-bin/ePages.filereader?3e722a340524dfa0271dc0a801bd067c +EN/catalogs/123656&2D293070

WWW.RIDESAFER.COM

Has some horns, I might get the 134db one, hmmmm

[Golden_Eternity]

This was a study of motorcycle fatalities done in 94. The causes may not be what you're expecting.

http://www.msgroup.org/TIP056.html

[Golden_Eternity]

Beware of soccer moms, so says MCN.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/detail?sectionID=50677&documentID=166338

And beware of pugeot drivers... It could be this chick.

http://www.orange-today.co.uk/news/story/sm_759965.html?menu=news.quirkies.heartwarmers

[cracked lid]

GE,

Damn you! You beat me too it. I was all set to post up the soccer mom story.

[Punkbrad]

I make it a point to use my horn liberally - i travel beach bldv daily, and i work at a school

- avoid schools like the plauge - IM SERIOUS -

know what times your local schools let in & out - i cant tell you how many times, ive seen the "late-birds" as we call them, doing IN EXCESS OF 50 MPH down a short cul-de-sac road of the school where i work. these same people putting other kids lives at risk, just cuz they are late for work, or cant get their lazy fscking asses out of bed on time.

ive been there a year, and the local cop i talked to said he has written over like 200 tickets in this school year, for speeding, cutting thru the Sizzler parking lot & basic unsafe driving.


remember - school zones are 25 MPH - those tickets are well over 300 bux in a lot of cases.... serves them right!

remember - avoid school zones from like 8-8:30AM & 2-3PM

Pb.

[Golden_Eternity]

I used to do parking enforcement ( :hog: ) and one week I was told to hit this elementary school hard... I went over and just walked up the street ticketing every car (they were all in violation)... And yeah, its crazy. Crazy people. They're all crazy. 8-}

[cracked lid]

Ok, I can see how it would be good to avoid schools, but how do I get to work seeing as I work at a high school? Does this then count as a high risk occupation for me?

[Golden_Eternity]

You should ask for hazard pay. They may be giving it to you already, though.

[Punkbrad]

i hear ya CrackedLid - I work at a school to - but i get there at 6 and leave at 2. if im late, i make sure i take the long way out around the back where there are no cars - im serious man - G.E. is right - they are alllllllllll crazzzzzyyyyy....

be careful.....

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by cracked lid
I adjust my lane position to be as far as possible from other cars.

This is the only thing you mentioned that I have issue with... When I ride on the freeway, I always ride in the left lane. But I typically stay towards the right edge of the lane... It makes me more visible to people in the #2 lane, and it's less likely for them to move into my lane... Gotta be prepared to move over and use your whole lane though...

I could be wrong though, it's just what makes me feel safer...

[cracked lid]

Brad,

Driving close to the car makes you less visible not more. Because of the cars blind spot, the further you are from it the sooner you will be visible. To check, park and sit in your car like normal and look out your side mirror. Now have a friend stand behind the bumber on the drivers side about 3ft from the side of the car and begin walking towards the front. Have them stop when they first appear in your mirror. Mark the spot and have them repeat it, now walking 8ft from the side of the car. You will see them appear in your mirror earlier.

Here's a crude illustration:

[Punkbrad]

Originally posted by cracked lid
To check, park and sit in your car like normal and look out your side mirror.

Brad doesnt have a car - he shoudl borrow his girls's VW

[Nanduccio]

Originally posted by stough

On Order:
Thanks 'Nando for mentioning the Halo. I just ordered a pair for my and my wife's helmets.

Later,
Tim.

Be careful not to stretch the Halo out too much when putting it on your helmets... I stretched the scotchlite too much in one area and it's starting to come off. Still works though...

I believe it is designed to be put on your helmet and never taken off, so it doesn't respond well to frequent use and removal.

I've had mine for a while and like it alot, but soon may get some reflective/scotchlite tape to put on my helmet for a more permanent installation.

[Sentinel]

Any of you guys use that reflective rim tapes. How effective is it at night? I guess that would increase your visibility from the side.

http://www.tapeworks.com/RimStealth/Rimstealth.html :confused:

[pepperell]

almost found this out the hard way....

in heavy/fast moving freeway traffic be careful to give the car in front of you plenty of room. by following too closely you completely block your view of the road ahead (not to mention risk of rear ender). if this is impossible at least stay to the left where you have a view beyond the car in front and an idea of what might be coming in the lane ahead.

i was in fast moving but heavy traffic on 101 and was luckily staying in the left third of the fast lane. i just missed getting caught up in a sheet of heavy painter's canvas that was fluttering around in my lane. i had no idea (because i was following too closely) that it was there--it would have been very ugly had i hit it.

just a (long) suggestion to you all.

geoff

[solaris]

Originally posted by Nanduccio
Be careful not to stretch the Halo out too much when putting it on your helmets... I stretched the scotchlite too much in one area and it's starting to come off. Still works though...

I believe it is designed to be put on your helmet and never taken off, so it doesn't respond well to frequent use and removal.

I've had mine for a while and like it alot, but soon may get some reflective/scotchlite tape to put on my helmet for a more permanent installation.

Also if your helmet slopes more toward the neck, it can slide off and start flapping around your neck when doing highway speeds. I used double sided tape to hold it in for a while but it happenned again. On the other hand, my friend and his girlfriend both use it and it works fine.

[Golden_Eternity]

I got some reflective tape from ridesafer a while back, intending to put it on the rims of the SV... Well, a few weeks back, I decided to give some accents to my helmet. Check it out.

[marveyhushman]

So, I'm not usually one for giving advice where I don't believe I have truly "advice worthy" remarks to give...however, I think this may be something right on the border. Take it or leave it.

When you're in traffic, don't jump around (try not to get that stupid House of Pain song stuck in the 'ole noggin).

My wife, who I said before is very motorcycle friendly, just not motorcycle wise ("why do you clean that bike so much? are you trying to impress other biker's [said in genuine interest]. Response: no, it's so I can find stuff that's breaking before it breaks and so I can make sure everything still works) nearly hit a biker in her cage.

She drives an SUV. While our kids don't play soccer, she would fit the definition in a lot of ways. But, she's also the kind of cager who will get to the far left so you have room to split lanes and who will drive 4 seconds behind you so you feel a little safer.

Anyway, she was on the 805 N, in relatively heavy traffic -- heavy enough to be slow, but not so heavy that cars were bumper to bumper. She sees a sport-bike in her rear view, makes a mental note of where he/she is (wife is in #2 and motorcycle is in #3) and continues driving.

Two or 3 seconds go by, she looks left looks to the rear -- all clear -- turns on the left blinker and begins a lane change into #1 (mind you this is in second #4).

Biker had gone from number 3 to number one, grabbed some throttle and decided to try and squirt past my SUV driving, soccer mom resembling, pro motorcycle wife and she nearly clipped him/her.

Thankfully it didn't end in an ambulance and a traffic jam. She was shaken, he/she was pissed (gave her a couple instances of the finger) but the commute continued.

All I'm saying is this: in California traffic, give cagers a chance to know where you are. If you have plenty of space, do whatever you want. If things are tight and you feel like you're workin' your brain trying to practice S.I.P.D.E., don't be overly aggressive because even the friendly cagers can get you.

[bling_thing]

Exactly!

Swim like a shark.

Save energy for the important stuff...like your girlfriend, wife, and of course children.

You guys that zoom around at 7:30 in the hills have the right idea--do it when and where there's NO TRAFFIC.

I might have to get up early someday just to watch the show...

[Knightshade]

here's one.

Don't clip corners on left hand turns going through neighborhoods.

It's a 4 way intersection, but only two stop signs. We had the stop sign, hope that helps for a visual.

My brother and I are in his truck, coming up to the stop sign, not quite at it yet and a f4i rider comes zooming around the corner, totally in our lane and we got the evil eye.

[cracked lid]

Nearly went down today and here's what I learned:

I had just finished riding Ortega and was heading North on PCH through Dana Point. Traffic tends to get a little backed up and today was no exception. I normally split traffic to avoid it, but people were swapping lanes like crazy. I had some old guy change into my lane, and then slow way down to 25 and cruise along. So I go right around him and then back in front. I see 3 bikes coming the other way, look over and give them a little wave. Look back just in time to see that the car in front of me has decided it's his turn to stop for no reason.:eek: There was no red light, the cars in front of him weren't stopping, I don't know why he decided he needed to.

Thank God I always ride with 2 fingers covering the front brake or I would have been SCREWED. I hit the brakes HARD. However, I'm doing it with one hand because my left hand hasn't made it back to the grip after waving. I hit the rear brake hard and then released it so it wouldn't lock up as weight transferred. The front wheel locked up because I grabbed the front brake too hard before weight could tranfer, so I quickly let the lever out then pulled it in. Because I only had my right hand on the bars they started wiggling. Pinched with my legs to keep from accidently countersteering and it calmed down quick.

The amazing thing was I slowed with plenty of room to spare, split between some cars, and got myself out in front of all the cars. All if this happened so quick, I saw the car braking, said "Oh, Damn!", and it was over. Whole thing took maybe 2 seconds. The weird thing was that I was totally calm. I never even got an adrenaline rush after it was over. I think it's because I expect stuff like that to happen, and take it as part of the acceptable risk of riding.

So here is what I learned:
1. When riding in heavy traffic, cagers will do things that make absolutely no sense at all.

2. If you want to wave, do it quick and don't check out the bikes if you are in heavy traffic.

3. Ride with your front brake covered. I think this is what really saved my butt.

4. The 919's brakes are AWESOME! The bike is also super stable under hard braking and attempted tank slapping.

[GetnJgyWitit]

4. The 919's brakes are AWESOME! The bike is also super stable under hard braking and attempted tank slapping


all with one hand!

[cracked lid]

I was thinking about posting this last night and decided to after my ride today. I was taking a left hander and for some reason, rather than allowing my eyes to track through the turn, I kept them focused on the same spot as I approached it. Sure enough, bike starts to come up and I start heading for the side of the road. As soon as I looked throught the turn the bike leans back over and I carved through no problem.

When you watch the video keep an eye on the lead rider. He's barely leaning with plenty of room, and then the bike starts to come up and he runs right off the road.
Classic target fixation.

target fixation movie (http://www.helmetcamera.com/images/crash1.mpg)

[Karter18]

Had an interesting ride today. We were going down Jamboree towards Tustin and suddenly out of the bed of the truck in front of me a box for like a 30" TV blows out of the bed onto the road with all the foam packing pieces and the wood four wheeled dolly that they were holding the box down with. Luckily I had a little space cushion and my wife was on her SV 2 seconds behind me. We both drove through the debris field after hitting the binders to access a clear path through all the stuff blowing all over the road. I think it was actually easier to drive through on the bikes because if we were in a car we would have had to plow through some of the stuff. A lot of it was just foam corner for packing but I did not want to take any chances hitting one of them.

The MSF course definitely helped us out today.

[Nanduccio]

Originally posted by Karter18
Had an interesting ride today. We were going down Jamboree towards Tustin and suddenly out of the bed of the truck in front of me a box for like a 30" TV blows out of the bed onto the road with all the foam packing pieces and the wood four wheeled dolly that they were holding the box down with.

Thank goodness you guys are ok.

This brings up a good point though. Something I always try to do is not follow a loaded pick-up truck, landscaping truck, tow truck, etc...basically anything that is carrying a load of some kind.
All it takes is a good bump in the road to possibly send stuff flying in your direction. This wouldn't be a problem if people always tied down or covered the load, but humans being humans tend to say "aaah, don't worry about it...we'll get there just fine"...until the TV box blows away on them.

I experience this every time I ride Malibu on the weekend with all the landscaping trucks going to work in the mornings. Lawn mowers, garden tools, etc... piled loosely in the bed of a pick-up.

My best advice: Never follow a loaded vehicle of any kind. Pick-ups, SUV's with roof racks and luggage, that Jeep with the mountain bike hanging off the rear rack...you get the idea.

As soon as you can, gas it and get out of there...

[Natedawgg]

I was just curious how many people have avoided an accident by doing a head check.

I was riding to work the other day in the left lane and, even though I was 100% sure there wasn't a vehicle in the right lane just behind my perepheral vision, I performed a head check as I was shifting over to the lane. I did the check simply because it has become an ingrained habit.

Remember, I was Gawdamned sure the lane was empty.

Imagine my suprise as I peered closely at the hood ornament & grill of a truck that had some how managed to sneak into my blind spot. Those pesky fullsize Dodge pickups are just too small these days.

I dumped a load in my shorts and jerked back into my lane, thanking God and MSF for checking before I changed lanes.

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by Natedawgg
I was just curious how many people have avoided an accident by doing a head check.

Several times...

[SteveH]

Kudos!!

Not too many sights are concerned about safety theories.

This is all good.

Just remeber, being conspicuous is good but being aware of EVERYTHING goes hand and hand.

Don't forget the SIPDE process.

Scan - never focus on one thing, Scan 12 seconds ahead, don't forget what's behind you.

Identify- see the hazards as early as possible.

Predict- What's the worst possible thing that can happen

Decide- if this happens, what do I need to do?

Execute- speed up, slow down, cover your controls, etc.

If you'll notice, all things above with the exception of EXECUTE are part of the MENTAL process.

In other words, make sure you're head is in the right place.

good thread. KEEP IT UP!!

[Guzzigirl2000]

I thought Rocko's blinking headlight was an interesting safety measure.

[rb643]

Here's a story of why you should wear riding gear. May be graphic for some :p

http://www.pics.ryanchapin.com/albums/biker_peeps/clip.html

[digbeee]

fernando
sounds good
2 more //ok?
1) dont jackrabbit the green light////red runners may be lurking about in 60s style american cars
2)every time you get on the bike its a whole new ballgame

adios

[Nanduccio]

A couple things which I realized a week or so ago when I was almost taken out by a left-merging car on the 10 freeway. the guy was a jerk and basically came all the way left across 3 lanes in a couple seconds, and didn't even see me...

1) Lane-position really helps buy you time.

I was lucky I was practicing what someone else here had suggested. I was towards the left side of the left lane. A couple of split-seconds gave me extra time to decide what to do. Which turned out to be diving down on the median to get out of the way. No other way out! I was lucky...

2) Forget any incident you may encounter, and CONTINUE TO CONCENTRATE ON THE ROAD AHEAD.

I was so pissed at this guy, gesturing at him and what not. I kept going playing the thing over in my head, getting more pissed and pissed. And then, I realized I had ridden about 5 minutes or so on the friggin' freeway with the only thought in my mind of the incident and how pissed I was. I wasn't concentrating on the road ahead.

[Knightshade]

I've done something similar to that, except that I was trying not to go over 80, which resulted in me looking at the speedo...ALOT. I was so worried about my speed that I wasn't paying attention to the road ahead.

That was my first time on the freeway. But I was seriously spending about $4.50 of that $5 on the speedo..dumb, dumb.

[SV650canuk]

Originally posted by MrPython
Speaking of horns, is there any kind of aftermarket horn that falls somewhere between the crappy, stock SV horn and an air horn? A car horn, maybe? I'd like something that was audible without being too loud to still use liberally. Though, it would be nice to have that reallyfrigginloud airhorn as an option.

I just changed my stock horn to a low-tone loud car horn made by Fiamm ($26 in Canada). It simply bolted into place and plugged in. I needed to bend the stock bracket for the plastic trumpet, but the sound is much louder and deeper. It's about 25% larger. 10 minute job.
I did this because a mini-van almost plastered me on a lane change despite my blaring of the horn. The driver was very old, and the hearing impaired can't hear high pitches at any volume.
This guy shouldn't have been driving, but until they change the laws on geriatric drivers..beware.

It's not politically correct, but I profile drivers on the road, avoid:

1. Volvo drivers (cars for _their_safety)
2. the guy in the white van with the hat.
3. Elderly (in Crown Victorias or Cadillacs)
4. Anyone arguing with spouse
5. Cell phone drivers
6. Any car with several occupants (they love to throw things out the window).
7. Old Pickups in rural areas (usually drunk, brakelights always out)
8. Tailgating SUVs-let them pass because they sure-as-hell can't stop those boats in an emergency.

Also, 66% of traffic fatalities happen between 5pm friday and 4am sunday.

[Setter32]

......just bought a pair of military style boots from Big 5.......

......these are great for the streets............they go way up pass the ankles.............they're reasonably padded........good quality..............with a side zipper for easy on and off..................they also have the non zip style if you prefer.......

.....the name brands will charge you a ridiculous amount for a similar set up................I bought mine for twenty somethin bucks...........~$30 with tax........

......just a heads up..........for you penny pinchin bastards.......





:D

[Loyolan]

Hey are those the "tactical" ones I think I saw advertised? Are they black? I think I wanna go get me a pair of those...

Glad to hear you like them. The price is unbeatable!

[Setter32]

....yeah.......they are tactical.....and black.........SWAT style and all that crap.......

.....but are comfy and great for riding on the streets.....

....and you're right.........the price is unbeatable.....

....why would anyone wear tennis shoes.......or ankle highs when riding..................when you can get these babies for $30?.......:confused: .........




:D

[license2ill]

Big 5's still sellin those things? They've been on clearance for $25.00 bucks for like over a year.

My buddy got a pair about a year ago, they look kinda cool, they're lightweight, fairly comfy. But man are they cheap, not sure they belong anywhere near the rider safety thread.

Have to admit that I was jealous considering I paid $100 bucks for my steel-toe Timberlands, but there isn't really much of a comparison. Then again, I just sold my Timberlands on Ebay to make room for some real riding boots.....

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by license2ill
Have to admit that I was jealous considering I paid $100 bucks for my steel-toe Timberlands

Ouch, I got my steel-toe Stanley's for about $50 at payless... They're better than tennis shoes, but most normal boots won't have the ankle support that I want out of a riding boot.

[Setter32]

. But man are they cheap, not sure they belong anywhere near the rider safety thread.


.....I don't agree with that evaluation.......

.....I had a pair before..............I 've thrashed them around quite a bit..........crashed in them.................held up nicely in my oppinion...

.....the only reason I'm getting another pair is because I scraped my toes down to the point where there's almost a hole now......

.....they're no Sidi race boots (which I also have)..........but for street boots.........and compared to other non armored riding specific boots...........you can't beat them in term of value.......

.....but to each his own......




:D

[No_Brakes23]

Hey what do you think of this?

http://www.motoloco.com/ArrowHead02.htm

I think I could do the same thing with cranial tape, (Air Wing Marines and Sailors know what I mean,) without fucking up my graphics.

I am going to try this when I go back to work next week. I will take pics of the result.

Can anybody think of why this is a bad idea?

[illustr8dman]

Interesting idea. Have you seen the Third brake light strip that sticks to the back of your helmet? It's a row of l.e.d.'s that have a battery and are trigered on and off when the Newly supplied brakelight is activated. I thought it was pretty neat but only works with bulbs. Must be hard on your passengers eyes too....

[pinkyblake]

hey illman, hows your bike doing? try to keep at least one wheel on the pavment. have a good safe weekend!

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by No_Brakes23
Hey what do you think of this?

I put some accents on my last helmet with reflective tape... You can kinda see them in this shot...

[illustr8dman]

Originally posted by pinkyblake
hey illman, hows your bike doing? try to keep at least one wheel on the pavment. have a good safe weekend!

The Bike is Sweet..... I just took off the SV650s stickers and can now roll in stealth mode. I got a wheel hugger too but one side doesn't fit so I'm bummed about that. Don't worry I'll keeep the shiny side down, ...er, Up I mean!:D

[No_Brakes23]

Yeah, GE, that's kinda what I was thinking of doing.

[No_Brakes23]

Well I did it on one side of my Okada Graphic Arai Quantum, and not the other, to dmonstrate the difference. I meant to take it to SD bike night this week, but I should be up there next week, 13th nov. Will post pics in a while.

[No_Brakes23]

here goes, Sorry for the pic quality, my digicam is extra-shitty.

This is my lid without 3M reflec tape:

[No_Brakes23]

Here's the other side with tape, and the flash turned off:

[No_Brakes23]

Okay, it looked pretty normal without the flash on, but look at the change where I put blue 3M tape, in front of the dragon's hand, (The pic doesn't do it justice, but it gives you an idea. You should see it on the road.)

[Philo]

Too many close calls and scary stories for me to tell. I don't have a car and commute daily on the freeway. DEFINITELY don't follow too close on the freeway in the center of the lane. I was approaching slow moving van in the left lane. Closing at about 3 car lengths away on my 1 week old ZX-6R, I saw a large rolled up foam pad (the kind you put on your bed) spit out from underneath it. Tried to avoid it but the wind blew it right back in front of me. Both wheels left the ground violently at ~70mph. Landing wasn't pretty but I held on. Never scared me or made me shake until I got home and realized how close I got.

For me, lane position is purely instinctual. Sometimes all the way left for extra padding, sometimes riding the center of 2 lanes for easiest escape of emergency brakers (between traffic, as they tend to jump onto the shoulder to avoid the car in front). As stated before, priority #1 when getting on the freeway is moving left ASAP. STAY THE F*CK OUT OF THE MERGING LANES AT ALL COSTS!!!!! Most of my traffic riding is instinctual and actually revolves around being invisible or gone. I absolutely do not recommend this to anyone else and I'm probably wrong and it goes against what people a hell of a lot smarter than me are saying, but I believe it. Here's a great article I found that explains the way I feel better than I could say it.
http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/cafe/cafe6_98.htm

I suggest people ride smart and go with the odds and listen to MSF, other SCSVR riders, and smart people. But for me, it's all about taking responsibility for my own life. I don't trust those damn SUV's or minivans further than I can piss at them while on a bike at 80mph. (wish I could do that) :) Agree or disagree, remeber this.....on the freeway WE are the prey. So I run like one.

[dodgy]

Hi Guys,
Couple of thoughts from OZ, we have a wonderful organisation called "Stay Upright" here who's training has helped keep myself (and many others) alive for years. They also put handy hints on their website (just remember to reverse left and right lanes/turns etc.) www.stayupright.com.au
I hit a Kangaroo once; doing about 60, and their technique worked (both me and the 'roo survived). Here's how (practice it for dogs which are probably more common in CA):
As you are approaching the animal and braking, hold the clutch in and click down through the gears. At the last moment (you should be in a low/good acceleration gear at this point) you release the clutch and accelerate hard. This unloads the front suspension, so the forks have FULL travel, and (hopefully) bounces the animal out of the way and keeps you and the SV in a straight line. (well it worked for me).
To avoid animals is hard, but aim for their TAIL. It's a bit of human nature to look at their head, and this is where you will go (bad because they are running into you). Not many animals will turn back (foxes sometimes do) so you should hit with least impact..

[dodgy]

More thoughts,
Melbourne used to have a leathers manufacturer called "Ascot".
Years ago someone graffiti'd their sign with "Leather is Murder",
someone else responded with "So is gravel rash..."

Leathers work, but they don't prevent broken bones....

Jeans work, for about four feet of sliding on you ass...

[petec999]

I was on a side street last week and had a van decided to make a sudden turn into a parking lot. I had been in the right half of the lane due to branches in the road. I ended up locking up the rear wheel (I've only had my sv for two months and am still learning the limits). The van saw me in the right hand mirror and instead of going straight or turning into the lot the drive simply stopped, leaving a great target for me to miss by only a couple of feet! One big problem is that most care drivers don't know what to do in emergancy situations.

I've been riding for close to 20 years. I'll be taking the MSF advanced course next month. Hopefully my insurance rates and my near miss rate with go donw:)

[dodgy]

On the back brake locking, when you stamp on them (with or without front brake applied), they tend to lock because of the forward weight shift.
But I feel that the std rear pads in the SV are way too soft, causing poor control (most of the rear brake's use) because they grab too hard. I swapped them for a harder pad within a week of getting the bike and it improved things hugely (they squeek though).
Not all companies make hard compound pads but "race" pads often are.

[PoopinClumpin]

Someone posted this (http://www.amadirectlink.com/magazine/2001/story3sept.html) on the Ninja 250 board (http://ninja250.kingston.net/board/cgi-bin/article.cgi?165144).

http://www.amadirectlink.com/magazine/2001/story3sept.html

‘Inattentional blindness’ studies shed light on car-motorcycle accidents

It's an older (2000) AMA story about a study that might explain that nature of car drivers seeing motorcyclists but not "seeing" them. If you ever wondered why someone makes a left in front of you even after looking straight at you and presumably taking notice, this is probably why. It's interesting because it shows that it's not just the size, shape, and visibility of the motorcycle that counts in being noticed. Just thought someone might find it interesting if it hasn't been posted before.

[TIE_Pilot]

Hey I still lurk there... what name do you post under?

[PoopinClumpin]

I don't really participate much in the forum except to troll a lot. But usually I'm "some guy on the internet" or "some dude". Hmmm, I might have actually posted something once as Dr.PoopinClumpin but I don't remember what. I generally hate that forum (especially the circa 1994 site layout) except for the useful FAQ on 250's.

[Chicago_SV]

And this is why they make these

http://www.comagination.com/mod.htm

To wake and shake up the blind, cell phone talkin drivin, left turning, blind to anything their minds can't pick up type drivers

Ya Headlight modulators look like shit ,make you look like a wimp but I don't look to cool in a wooden box six feet under the ground with a wind screen in my teeth either :mad:

[TIE_Pilot]

I have one... they annoy people, but I don't care for the reasons you state.

[Knightshade]

I have one as well...and it definetly gets people's attention...which is all I want.

[PoopinClumpin]

Well if you read the article, it explains that it's not necessarily going to help by being more visible if they see you there, but don't process that you are a vehicle that needs to be given the right of way. The article states clearly that no amount of reflective tape and headlight modulators are going to make people aware of you if drivers just don't take notice of motorcycles even when they physically see them.

[TIE_Pilot]

Right... hence the first commandment... "Always assume they don't see you."

[corsastrada]

I ride with my hi beams on in the day time and people flash me to let me know they are on and that they are anoyed by them but I'm glad they noticed. I would disagree with the modulators not being effective. Flashing lights from a emergency vehicle always get my attention. And that makes sense because we are conditioned to look for the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. So a modulator may be initially mistaken as an emergency vehicle. And those fast blinking turn signals on the typical import racer/econo car anoy the hell out of me but they did get my attention.

[NukleoN]

Ever since a dimwitted bluehair performed a left turn in front of me and then stopped...I use high beams during the day. Anyone that doesn't like it can go straight to Hell. I even flash my headlights when I think someone is about to do something stupid (in addition to planned evasive maneuvers).

I also believe in large patches of color...on the bike and on the body (leathers or textiles). I think this makes you easier to see rather than breaking you into smaller pieces (like having too many graphics on your bike, helmet, leather, etc.). I almost think some patterns almost camoflage the rider when the intended effect was just the opposite. Just my little theory....

[streko]

wow this is a great thread. i'm a very new rider and these tips sound useful. I may need some of those reflector stripes on my helmet at night because I have currently a black/silver helmet and leathers, and probably a solid black bike soon.

Are HJC helmets decent? I spent only $100 for a new hjc cl12 and then I started hearing about people only recommending arais or shoeis.

I was told a while ago that it was smart to get a really loud exhaust so people know that there is a vehicle of some sort near them. Is this a valid idea?

[GsxrGregor]

How did they come to the conclusion that an aftermarket pipe increased your statistics of being in an accident? Or was it just that, of all the bikes that were reported in accidents, there happened to be more of them with aftermarket pipes? I think most enthusiasts are going to put a different can on their bike once they ride it for a while - whether for more power, the sound, whatever. It makes the bike more unique and personal to the individual. I think it's absurd for them to report that simply adding a different exhaust is going to increase your risk for an accident.

Wow, that lit a fire under me didn't it?

I'll get off my soapbox now :D

[Jarasco]

Originally posted by EviL4FuN
According to the HURT report a few years ago, an after market pipe increases your statistics of being in a accident.

It probably says something along the lines of "after-market exhaust systems are positively correlated with accidents." Or at least I hope it says something like that. That way they're not saying that pipes CAUSE accidents, just that the people who have pipes have more accidents...

As Greg said, the more avid riders are probably going to put a pipe on... the other group that would be likely to put a pipe on is the poser group. Posers might crash more often 'cause they don't know how to ride, and avid riders might crash more 'cause they push their limits more often.

So it may be true that pipes are related to accidents, but in a very round about way.

Damn experimental methodology classes grrr. :p

[bling_thing]

Originally posted by EviL4FuN
According to the HURT report a few years ago, an after market pipe increases your statistics of being in a accident. I could be wrong, i got fed that information by my msf teacher.

Evil, I have to completely disagree. Your teacher was probably just worried about students breaking noise abatement laws.

Screw that. You know you have a Leo on board.;)

All SV aftermarket pipes are quieter than those pig Harleys.

[GsxrGregor]

Sweet avatar Evil.

As for those pencil pushers and their surveys and statistics, they can kiss my :ass:

:p

[dabame]

i to admire your avatar evil. where do you guys find these. i just took this one from my brother but where do people get these avatars???

[Jarasco]

Some people make them (see my half assed attempt,) some people buy them (crashgirl does some fantastic drawing,) some people see something cool and "borrow it" :)

All this has to do with riding safety because I claim that cool avatars keep you from crashing. hehe.

[Aeteocles]

I've seen black reflector tape for sale. I'm thinking this will work nicely with my black helmet. Any thoughts? I mean, if the reflector tape is black, how much light is it throwing back?

Also, short of wearing one of those bright orange Cal-Trans construction vests, what can one do to increase visibility at night? I have a black JR Atomic jacket, and it's got one pipe of reflective fabric about 8 inches wide--pretty pathetic in my honest but inexperienced opinion. Is there a brand of reflective fabric that I can buy that I can stictch onto my jacket in key locations?

How about blinky lights? What are the legalities of those? I mean, I would love to put two blinky blue LEDs in the front and back, and have everyone think i'm a motorcycle cop from the distance--at least they'd see me, but I don't think that's a good idea legality wise. Blinky red LED's in back, like on a bicycle? How about throwing on two or three dozen of those little annoying magnetic LED's that you get at theme parks and use at Raves? the kind that uses magnets to clip onto your clothes? I'm sure you can find a million steel bolts or screws to stick those on. And they're freakin' annoying...bound to get attention.

Just a thought. Any ideas?

~Aeteocles

[Lonedog]

Always I repeat. always ride like you are invisible and no one can see you.

never leave it in the hands of other drivers.

even if they are looking rite at you you must still act as thou they cant see you.

while reflective tape & all that stuff can help your visibility.

it also can cause you to let your guard down because you assume they cant miss you with all that bright shiny flashy stuff.

but they can and will fail to see you the moment you stop thinking that they cant see you.

[CrowLaw]

Be alert! The world needs more lerts! 8-}

[Gillyzx7r]

Originally posted by MrPython
Speaking of horns, is there any kind of aftermarket horn that falls somewhere between the crappy, stock SV horn and an air horn? A car horn, maybe? I'd like something that was audible without being too loud to still use liberally. Though, it would be nice to have that reallyfrigginloud airhorn as an option.

I replaced my stock horn with a car horn that I got at Auto Zone. You may have to bend and shape the brackets as I did to make it fit, but the horn is much louder than stock. I've found that the low tones are better than the high tones.

BTW, great section.

[calvoracer]

HAHA...I didn't realize what you avatar was until just now. I have deffinitely seen it before but I never knew what you were on. Is that one if those springy things at the playground? and you are in full leathers on it?
HAHA
nice:D

[a8ksh4]

One of the guys on the ninja250 board, Jeb, uses one of those round strobing orange lights on the back of his courier bike to be more visible. As far as I know it's totally legal.
Also, It's my understanding that a blinking red light is legal, too, so long as it is attached to the rider and not the bike. One of those strobing bicycle lights strapped to the back of your jacket or helmet would work.

A couple years ago I had an oncoming pickup make a left turn in front of me. I'd only had my bike for a little over a month and locked up the front brake, dumping it. It was run over by the truck. I should note that this guy was about 30 years old, wasn't using a cell phone, or drunk. He did have a previous driving record though; says something about his driving.
My accident could have been avoided by simply paying better attention. If the same thing happened now, I would spot the truck ahead of time, slow down a bit (I wasn't speeding at the time) and <i>be ready</i> to make an evasive maneuver.

Never becoming overconfident and always keeping yourself in check make a world of difference.

[Wadeo]

What are peoples favorites for pants? Im having a hard time finding a pant that looks casual, has leather, and has armor in it. The nearest thing I can find is Icons TiMax Textile pants. They would be perfect if they were leather. Gal Darn

[goona]

Thank you for this great thread .... for me being absolutely newbie .. yellow sv650s being my first bike .... reading this was really something i needed before my first ride out :) I hope there is not going to be any experience in this field any soon for me ... Have a gread days riding

[newbie]

Wow...great thread for a newbie like myself. I just checked out this forum tonight from a recommendation. The guy that recommended it sold me the 2000 SV650 I am riding now, :) Great bike so far, but only got it in second gear for now. Hope to have great riding days ahead. Keep up the great information!

[Aeteocles]

Hrm...Ducati Exhaust....is your bike flat black with heat wrap on the pipe? If it is...it's Manek1's....Welcome to the board.

[newbie]

Why yes it is, :)

I just practiced riding it up and down my street yesterday. Good brakes, nice pick up, and pretty easy to manuever.

[Aeteocles]

Newbie, take the MSF course yet? It'll get you on the roads confidently ALOT faster....and you won't have to relearn correct technique to get rid of the bad habits you might be picking up while you clutch up and down the street.


Also...It saved my life. It'll probably save yours too. It's worth the 200 bucks.

[newbie]

Yeah I'm signed up. I will take it in the second week of August. Till then I am using my brother as a coach. He has taken the MSF course and has a few years of experience on a bike.

I found out today my biggest problem is the shifting and finding neutral when I'm sitting at a light. But other than that I feel pretty confident, of course always keep my eye out for the cars. :)

[Aeteocles]

A trick for finding neutral at a light....keep it in first ;). Makes it easier to bolt if some b*ith in a white minivan comes barreling down behind you...

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by Aeteocles
A trick for finding neutral at a light....keep it in first ;). Makes it easier to bolt if some b*ith in a white minivan comes barreling down behind you...

Yeah, I rarely shift to N at a light. MSF will have you do some drills where you are supposed to end up in neutral, but on the street you'll always want to be in gear.

[james4396]

If your not in 100% control of your bike in the turns then your going too fast. If you can't control your line well then your going too fast. Do everyone a favor and control yourself and keep your speed within your limits. Complete control ... of your bike, of your line and of yourself.

If you get hurt it extremely bad for you, very bad on your friends and your riding group. Speed comes with better skill. Speed does not necessarily equate to skill. So stay in control. Ride within your limits. Give yourself the chance and time to become a better rider.

[soulofadra6o]

most of u all have come across them at one point or another....i dont really know if there's a signal to let others know that a cager who obviously doesnt like bikers..or isnt paying attention is around...most helpful in groups...anyone think that doing the traditional "crazy" signal (pointing index finger to head and moving in circular motion) and pointing to the cage would be understood?

[sirrom]

So far I haven't come across any drivers that dis-liked motorcylists (maybe I'm lucky in that regard) usually its just dumb stupid drivers not paying attention to what's going on around them.

But to your question, I think the crazy sign maybe understood.

[NukleoN]

They're all crazy, so save youself the signals. :D

[soulofadra6o]

Originally posted by NukleoN
They're all crazy, so save youself the signals. :D

and another funny ass remark goes to...NUKLEON :worthy: :groove: =D>

[NukleoN]

and another funny ass remark goes to...NUKLEON

I agree, you're right! :D:D:D (inside joke) hah! AND IT COUNTS! ;)

[unit74]

Screw making hand signals......Break their mirror off and kick in there door pannels.

[Slaughter]

Usually it's a full-pucker "OH F*CK!" and a moment later the clueless cager is gone. No time for more than single-syllable profanity.

We were heading up for the Crest along Angeles Forest when this punk-a$$ed kid in a mini truck coming the other way is drifting across the double yellow - obviously sliding the rear out of control. Missed me but I panicked thinking that if he lost it totally, he'd take out Sunny behind me on her bike.

Fortunately for us, all ended well. Unfortunately, he's still out there.

(mini-rant: Why oh why did NA$CAR decide to do trucks so these clueless dweebs in minitrucks think they're racers now? - I mean, they've got the weight distribution and basic handling of a.... um... a TRUCK fercrissakes!)

[soulofadra6o]

well im talking bout the cagers that follow or stick around

last weekend me and 2 other buddies were riding down to the beach (forgot what it's called) but we were on the 5 and there was this person in a F150 that was following us for a good 10 miles....he kept getting right on my ass...so we sped up, changed lanes...that guy was still on my ass (i was back of the pack) unfortunately one of my other buddies isnt as comfortable speeding excessivly otherwise i just would've took off....but that guy was pissing me off...it's one thing if he was checking out our bikes..but to continuously stay on our asses and promoting danger? that's what i call crazy cager

[Slaughter]

Yeah... I can see what you mean.

The "crazy" sign - finger looping in circles around the side of the head gets used waaaay too much around me so that won't work but the aggravation of being tailgated for miles ought to be called to somebody's attention... somehow...???

Yeah, for a mile behind or next to you checking out the bikes. I've had a car pull up next to me for a "thumbs up" and a smile - but then they're off... not just hanging there.

[Tillers_Rule]

I just do a standup wheelie next to them and urinate into the through their window.

[sirrom]

Originally posted by Tillers_Rule
I just do a standup wheelie next to them and urinate into the through their window.

That might just work.......:grin:

[tel_m]

that reads pretty sensible stuff - especially the mental exit plans if required.

how do we get the cars to do the same

I had a car centre-punch me once on an intersection but managed to keep my legs and walk away

[DOC]

Originally posted by NukleoN
I agree, you're right! :D:D:D (inside joke) hah! AND IT COUNTS! ;) That's one.:p
DOC

Originally posted by soulofadra6o
well im talking bout the cagers that follow or stick around

last weekend me and 2 other buddies were riding down to the beach (forgot what it's called) but we were on the 5 and there was this person in a F150 that was following us for a good 10 miles....he kept getting right on my ass...so we sped up, changed lanes...that guy was still on my ass (i was back of the pack) unfortunately one of my other buddies isnt as comfortable speeding excessivly otherwise i just would've took off....but that guy was pissing me off...it's one thing if he was checking out our bikes..but to continuously stay on our asses and promoting danger? that's what i call crazy cager Yeah, that really pisses me off. I usually tap the brakes 3 or 4 times real quickly to flash the lights at them. They usually get the message and either back off or pass me.
DOC

[deaner14er]

I degreased the sprocket area of my bike the other day and lubed the chain. Pulling out on the road at a pretty good lean the rear end slid out and I jammed on the throttle and it came back. I got oil or some thing on the sidewall of my rear tire and did not notice it. Almost dropped it.

[Ron Sutton]

Being a retread to riding after 10 years, I need all the information I can get on riding safely in traffic. Ive read all the current books on how to ride safely and have taken the MSF beginners course. Keep this thread going It is needed

[Chris_az]

Originally posted by DOC
That's one.:p
DOC

Yeah, that really pisses me off. I usually tap the brakes 3 or 4 times real quickly to flash the lights at them. They usually get the message and either back off or pass me.
DOC


in this situation i turn around in the seat and shoo them away and then i use my left index and thumb to show just a little bit (imagine you're holding something between index and thumb).. they usually back off and then i wave.

failing that you have a few options: A- Get agressive: popping the exhaust at 'em usually works. (gas it up, clutch in thumb the kill switch off then on right quick.. instant backfire/fireball. Not too good for the bike but neither is having your bike converted into a hood ornament.) B- Passive: Pull over. let the Jack Mehoffs pass ya by.

B is the obvious choice but i'll admit with a straight face that i do A more often.

Improving the biker image one driver at a time.

Chris.

[Chris_az]

Cut down the shrubbery with a herring.

[04RoyalBlue]

Doc Martens - the best all-around riding shoe. good protection yet still enough control to feel the shifter.

I just ordered a pair of alpinestars knee/shin guards to wear under denim when I'm too lazy or too close to put the pants on. Anyone have any experience with these to know if they even work? Thought is was worth a try.

Leave an out - my motorcycle mantra.

[outwest007]

Great thread; read thru it, and (not surprisingly) many share my daily "rituals"...
(sorry if this is a re-hash);
on the freeway/highwy- even if im 10 carlengths from the car in front of me, i "flash" my brake lights (4x clicking of the brakelights) as i slow down w/traffic ( draws attention to the driver behind me)_, and ALWAYS leave room for a "get-away"...
ride safe all, and keep the suggestions comin.. great thread to *bump*....:)
and...
not a shameless plug, but...
not a "stunter", but i recently bought some of the new Icon riding boots for my daily commute; VERY comfortable, and reasonably priced;
looked at the "Docs", but went with Icon- the ratchet system (ankle protection) swayed me.... any other opinions?!?