Triumphrat

bdtracey · 10-10-2012, 08:55 PM

I haven't read through all of this but I have read some good tips on here. Thanks! Another great resource is Keith Code's Twist of the Wrist. Saved me in a bunch of situations, taught me to corner better.

Disclaimer - I just dropped my bike on the weekend for no apparent reason. No gravel, no liquid, not excessive speed, not leaning...back tire just let go on me and next thing I knew I was sliding on my stomach.

TheHaymaker · 11-03-2012, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by echoraven

Riding through intersections

When I'm going to go through an intersection, I like to do so alongside a crate (obviously as long as there is more than 1 lane), people tend to more readily see crates than motorcycles.

But also keep in mind you should avoid "clusters". Never hang out beside a car, ESPECIALLY a big truck. It removes your buffer zone.

TheHaymaker · 11-03-2012, 07:49 AM

As a defensive driving instructor for my company, I could go on and on. Practical information for driving a commercial vehicle carries over the bikes perfectly. Things I have learned riding carry over to them also.

If you have never taken a DDC, get yourself signed up. Smith Systems, IMHO, is the best thing going. I don't care who you are or how long you have been riding, DD is what will keep you alive.

I will recommend two basics that have, so far, saved my can countless times.

1: If you have never ridden off road (Not on your Rocket), consider doing it. Yeah, it's fun should be the number one reason to do so, but it will also teach you everything you need to know about the dynamics of an inherently unstable two wheeled device. Proper scan, full braking with BOTH brakes, slide control and management, weight transfer, TARGET FIXATION, and much more.

2: Sure to raise at least one machomans ire, Do not fall for the "Loud Pipes Save Lives" line. It's been killing riders since they realized being deaf was cool. The majority or riders killed or injured in a collision with a Cage are resulting from the Cage making a left turn into your lane. Instead of wasting you time making noise, utilize it getting out of the way. Of course, learning to recognize the hazard ahead of time helps too, but not all are easy to read.

ATGATT!

Mekagojira · 11-20-2012, 08:27 PM

Fat hungry cagers often make leathal lefts into fast food places - not just at intersections. Beware of McDonalds!

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ETxCruiser · 12-16-2012, 09:52 AM

I have witnessed many vehicles drifting from inner to outer lane as they turn through intersections. Some of this may be due to centrifugal force, but most are due to laziness. Vehicles should stay in the lane they're in throughout the turn. I believe I am more safe on the inside lane whenever there is a multi-lane turn. That outside lane is usually where cagers end up. They never-ever look before drifting. Heck, I also have witnessed some that will even pull back into the inner lane as they realize they are now not in the lane they started in.

And so I admit my guilt...I probably burst my safety bubble cause I get the heck through, around and gone. I am too worried about the cager coming up behind me.

TheHaymaker · 12-16-2012, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ETxCruiser

I have witnessed many vehicles drifting from inner to outer lane as they turn through intersections. Some of this may be due to centrifugal force, but most are due to laziness. Vehicles should stay in the lane they're in throughout the turn. I believe I am more safe on the inside lane whenever there is a multi-lane turn. That outside lane is usually where cagers end up. They never-ever look before drifting. Heck, I also have witnessed some that will even pull back into the inner lane as they realize they are now not in the lane they started in.

And so I admit my guilt...I probably burst my safety bubble cause I get the heck through, around and gone. I am too worried about the cager coming up behind me.

Again, ride defensively. ALWAYS leave yourself an "out" and always leave a "buffer" between you and other cars. If this is done consistently, you should never have to do a quick reaction to a vehicle encroaching upon your lane.

smedo · 01-09-2013, 03:02 PM

when stainonary at a cross roads , trafic lights , t junctions i always have my rear brake light on as cage drivers have more chanch in seing the light then just a bike. i always get in the gear i need before the corner im taking , always look in front of you { the further the better}, think that every other road user is out to kill you that way you will ride in defence , always think ahead of your self ,if riding with a mate never ride like they do ride in your own skill level .

when i get back from a ride im always tired and worn out as im always thinking and observing the road in front of me .

be safe and ride free

colinbastable · 01-14-2013, 09:23 PM

Treat gas stations like T Junctions but worse: move over a lane if you can.

AshlandTriumph · 01-15-2013, 05:47 AM

If you haven't already take the Experienced Rider course through the MSF. Using your bike on a closed course with defined exercises is a tremendous method of familiarizing yourself with your bike, and a great way to learn how a new to you bike handles.

SecondGen7 · 01-23-2013, 10:47 AM

There's some good advice in this thread!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirkus51

I'm kinda amazed. Don't get me wrong, some very good advice, but no one has advised to obey the speed limit except one. OK, none of us do this probably, but in certain areas we should.

How fast you ride should absolutely vary with where you live/ride, road/weather conditions and even what types of road you're on at the time (for example: if you ride at the posted limit on Atlanta highways, you'll be run over in no time). There is no "one rule" to follow, including posted speed limits, except: be aware of your surroundings and adapt to them. Think of it as microevolution: adapt or die.

That all being said, it's my belief (and general practice) that traveling at just faster than the flow of traffic is safest. If you're constantly overtaking other traffic, you don't have to worry as much about idiots lane surfing through slow traffic that might not see you until it's too late. It's also a lot easier to avoid getting caught in blind spots & such, too. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying fly around at 10+ mph faster than everyone else - large speed differential on both ends of the spectrum increases risk - but being on the faster side of the equation introduces less risk than the alternative ... IMO.

Another bit of advice that's proved useful to me: keep your eyes moving constantly. Don't lock your gaze in at a certain distance or direction but constantly shift depth and area (including your mirrors). Doing so will help keep you alert & aware of changing or developing situations, prepared to (re)act in the event you encounter something unexpected, and even help (early) detect(ion of) your friendly neighborhood LEO, should you accidentally breathe on the throttle a bit too much.