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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kdxgsxmt
[quote author=Swanny link=1325883254/36#36 date=1329731086]When on the bike I just consider all car drivers as idiots that are not to be trusted
:)
wow, lucky car drivers don't stereotype bike riders at all ;)[/quote]
Its not stereotyping its trying to stay alive :] by considering every car drive a complete moron, you take far less for granted, i.e "Oh he's seen me" i've had it happen on innumerable occasions where a car driver has looked my directly in the eye, and pulled out regardless.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NoYou
[quote author=kdxgsxmt link=1325883254/37#37 date=1329742733][quote author=Swanny link=1325883254/36#36 date=1329731086]When on the bike I just consider all car drivers as idiots that are not to be trusted
:)
wow, lucky car drivers don't stereotype bike riders at all ;)[/quote]
Its not stereotyping its trying to stay alive :] by considering every car drive a complete moron, you take far less for granted, i.e "Oh he's seen me" i've had it happen on innumerable occasions where a car driver has looked my directly in the eye, and pulled out regardless. [/quote]
Exactly, staying alive is part of my plan. If it means tarring all drivers with the idiot brush then so be it :)
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
8. Instead of an expensive disc lock, take a trip to B&Q and get a good quality padlock. Make sure it fits through the holes in your disc. It'll save you quite a few spondulicks... :)
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Swanny
[quote author=NoYou link=1325883254/40#40 date=1329842624][quote author=kdxgsxmt link=1325883254/37#37 date=1329742733][quote author=Swanny link=1325883254/36#36 date=1329731086]When on the bike I just consider all car drivers as idiots that are not to be trusted
:)
wow, lucky car drivers don't stereotype bike riders at all ;)[/quote]
Its not stereotyping its trying to stay alive :] by considering every car drive a complete moron, you take far less for granted, i.e "Oh he's seen me" i've had it happen on innumerable occasions where a car driver has looked my directly in the eye, and pulled out regardless. [/quote]
Exactly, staying alive is part of my plan. If it means tarring all drivers with the idiot brush then so be it :)
[/quote]
fairy 'nuff - guess it was the car driving me that would prefer to have my behaviour 'pre-empted' as idiotic rather me as an idiot - is it that obvious that I drive a Volvo :-[
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kdxgsxmt
[quote author=Swanny link=1325883254/41#41 date=1329850457][quote author=NoYou link=1325883254/40#40 date=1329842624][quote author=kdxgsxmt link=1325883254/37#37 date=1329742733][quote author=Swanny link=1325883254/36#36 date=1329731086]When on the bike I just consider all car drivers as idiots that are not to be trusted
:)
wow, lucky car drivers don't stereotype bike riders at all ;)[/quote]
Its not stereotyping its trying to stay alive :] by considering every car drive a complete moron, you take far less for granted, i.e "Oh he's seen me" i've had it happen on innumerable occasions where a car driver has looked my directly in the eye, and pulled out regardless. [/quote]
Exactly, staying alive is part of my plan. If it means tarring all drivers with the idiot brush then so be it :)
[/quote]
fairy 'nuff - guess it was the car driving me that would prefer to have my behaviour 'pre-empted' as idiotic rather me as an idiot - is it that obvious that I drive a Volvo :-[[/quote]
I'm not saying all car drivers ARE morons, but by treating them all like morons you tend to stay alive longer xD
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
I think most of us on here drive cars, vans, lorries, buses..etc & in my opinion bikers make the better drivers as we are all to aware of the risks.
It's nice to get appreciated also when you give them room to pass. [smiley=thumbup.gif]
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
9. New tyres. They're as slippery as you like, when you first stick new boots on your steed. It's a waxy coating they use to drop the tyres out the mould at the factory. It normally takes between 50 and 100 miles to get them bedded in, depending on your riding style. However, with a bit of brave weaving, I've found you can get pretty close to the edge of the tyre, and get them bedded in much quicker. But be careful... :o
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
"The edge of the tyre"" wtf is that?? ;D ;D ;D
chicken strips R us!!! lol ;D ;D
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
10. Where do you sit? Where you sit on the bike can dramatically effect where the weight is being placed on the bike. The most common mistake we see is someone sitting too far back in the seat. I sit right up against the tank, placing my weight directly between the wheels. That way, the only way I can transfer weight form front to rear and vice versa, is by braking or accelerating. If you sit way back, you are taking weight off the front, and artificially putting more weight over the rear. This could make the front wheel become extremely light under acceleration, or even in normal riding.
Many years ago, one of our ex-pupils had a nasty accident coming down the 'ski slope' in Frome. There used to be a nasty bump at the bottom, that could upset even the best of riders. Our man had a habit of sitting too far back in the seat, consequently causing the front wheel to skip into the air over this bump, landing into a 'tank slapper'. The loss of control took him across the road into the armco. Although we had tried to correct his riding style, it took this accident to make him realise. It may seem a small thing, but it can make a big difference.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark_Able
10. Where do you sit? Where you sit on the bike can dramatically effect where the weight is being placed on the bike. The most common mistake we see is someone sitting too far back in the seat. I sit right up against the tank, placing my weight directly between the wheels. That way, the only way I can transfer weight form front to rear and vice versa, is by braking or accelerating. If you sit way back, you are taking weight off the front, and artificially putting more weight over the rear. This could make the front wheel become extremely light under acceleration, or even in normal riding.
Many years ago, one of our ex-pupils had a nasty accident coming down the 'ski slope' in Frome. There used to be a nasty bump at the bottom, that could upset even the best of riders. Our man had a habit of sitting too far back in the seat, consequently causing the front wheel to skip into the air over this bump, landing into a 'tank slapper'. The loss of control took him across the road into the armco. Although we had tried to correct his riding style, it took this accident to make him realise. It may seem a small thing, but it can make a big difference.
A very good tip that only the other day when I took my bike out that I have changed to street fighter, did I realise just how much difference where you park your bum makes.......it was a :o moment,lol
lesson learned the hard way lol
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Thats very useful to know, I always wondered where to put my bum :)
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
;) ;)My bum has never got me in trouble thank god. ;) ;)
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
I'm a bit behind, but U'll add the following to tip 6 about carrying spare bulbs - wrap them in a bit of bubble wrap!
a) it stops your bike rattling them to pieces if the bike vibrates like my CG, and
b) you can then stuff them in a little gap somewhere e.g. under your seat, where they will be nice and safe. 8-)
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
11. Weighting footpegs - the myth. Applying weight to the footpegs does not steer the bike. It helps with the overall turn, but does not make the bike change course. It helps stabilise the bike, as the weight is now lower down, lowering the centre of gravity, but it does not make the bike turn. If you went along at a reasonable speed, let go of the handlebars, and tried to make the bike turn by putting weight on one footpeg or the other, the best you'll get is a slight change in course. The bike won't lean over. The only way to make a bike lean is to counter-steer. Tip no.12 coming soon... ;)
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Never overtake when there is a layby on the other side of the road....if anyone comes out of it they will be looking behind them and away from you! :o
This does happen from time to time on the A350 near Chippenham... ::)
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
12. Where you look, is where you go. Most of you may have sussed this out already. If you look round the bend, you go round the bend. If you look at the hedge, you ride into the hedge. One of our main panic reactions, when things start going wrong in a corner, is to look where you 'think' you're going to go, not where you 'want' to go. Normally triggered by excessive speed, excessive lean angle, or a decreasing radius corner. Look around the bend by pointing your head as well as your eyes into the corner. Look at the 'vanishing point' (where the hedgerow on the nearside meets the hedgerow on the offside of the road). Watch the racers and you'll see how much they point the bonce into the bend. It also counts if you see a hazard in the bend, like a pile of horse poo. Keep looking at it, and you'll ride through it. This panic reaction is called 'fixed attention'. See the hazard well in advance, then forceably look one side or the other. Look at it and you'll be heading at it.
Which brings me to 13.....
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
13. Panic reactions. We all panic from time to time. Why? Normally because you've misjudged a bend, and entered too fast, leant too much, and misjudged your talent. Every bend should be entered a little too slow, then progressively, you should accelerate through. By doing so, weight transfers to the fat rear tyre, giving you more grip, and taking weight from the skinny front tyre. Slowing in a bend does the opposite. Loading the front tyre is a sure way to a low side (as Biaggi used to do each time Rossi came up behind him).
If you think you're going too fast, or think you're leaning too much, not only will you close the throttle, but you'll also look in the wrong place, and probably tense up. Tensing up stops you from steering the bike. The only way to get round a corner is by looking where you're going, keeping the power on, and leaning more (achieved by counter-steering more). When you think you're going too fast, you're not. When you think you're leaning too much, you're not. I have yet to see anyone fall off a bike by leaning too far (some will disagree). I've only ever seen someone fall off because they've either closed the throttle or braked mid-corner, or because they've given it too much throttle (only on a track), and high sided themselves.
Think to yourself, it can't possibly be the bike, if someone else can do the same corner faster, without falling off. That other rider can only be doing something different. He's planned his corner, and entered at a speed where he can control his panic.
Remember, it's 'IN SLOW, OUT FAST'.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
14. Headlights. It's either off or on. Sidelights are pathetic. Nobody sees them, so why do some people insist on riding with just sidelights? Are you saving your headlight bulbs? Do you only want other road users to 'maybe' see you? I know most modern bikes have dipped headlights on permanently, but the old bikes are still switchable. Incidentally, there is the odd occasion where you are more visible without them on. If the sun is going down behind you, by switching off, you become silhouetted aginst the sun. Whereas, with your lights on, you become part of the glare.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark_Able
14. Headlights. It's either off or on. Sidelights are pathetic. Nobody sees them, so why do some people insist on riding with just sidelights? Are you saving your headlight bulbs? Do you only want other road users to 'maybe' see you? I know most modern bikes have dipped headlights on permanently, but the old bikes are still switchable. Incidentally, there is the odd occasion where you are more visible without them on. If the sun is going down behind you, by switching off, you become silhouetted aginst the sun. Whereas, with your lights on, you become part of the glare.
When the alternator cannot keep up with the mainbeam and regardless, the main beam is useless to see with!!!!! ;D
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Some good tips here from Able... 8-)
Picked up some of these myself through riding for 20 plus years, and some had to be shown me by IAM and ROSPA.
The vanishing point one I had to be taught, and was amazed. Its such a brilliant way of getting the right speed for any corner:
If the vanishing point is constant you are at the correct speed (all other things being equal)
If its coming towards you you, the bend is tightening up and you need to slow or turn
If the VP is receeding then the bend is opening out and you need to get on the throttle and level up...
So simple, yet it really works. Given that many bike accidents are related to incorrect bend assessment its a lifesaver - yet I had never heard of it until three years ago. :-[
If I can add one tip of my own, I'd say the essence of good riding is (if possible) not to ask the machine to do more than one thing at a time....
For instance turning and braking at the same time, or accelerating and turning at the same time. The less complex the demands on the tyres the better the grip.
The only way to ride like this is to plan ahead and take control of the ride, rather than reacting to events.
One plan I always re-make every few seconds if needed is my escape route. If something pulls out or stops suddenly, my instinct is always to keep moving and go around rather than stop (or a combination of the two to give more stopping time and hence less load on the bike).
Smooth planned riding has helped me stay safe in the absence of truly sharp skills (which I most certainly lack). :-[
I'm going to try and do the IAM again this year (if they'll let me). You can never have enough training IMHO. :)
Oh and lights? I always fit extra ones - in as braod a spread as possible to make the vehicle look wider. Research shows we are also more likely as humans to pick up patterns based on curves, rather than lines, so I try to aim for a 'smile' of lights running accross the bike.
Dolores (AKA The Fat Lady) my Valkyrie, has 5 lights.
Rooter
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
15. Hanging off. A lot of folks like to hang off the bike and attempt the knee down riding style. It has it's uses, but to be honest, it's only really important when you run out of ground clearance. That means, if you have a habit of dragging your footpeg/exhaust/bellypan/etc, it's probably about time you tried hanging off. By hanging off the side of the bike, you're basically pushing the bike more upright, and as a consequence, reducing lean angle. The other advantage is you keep the bike on the fat part of the tyre, and can get your knee down. However, when you move your weight to one side of the bike, you need to do it without upsetting the steering, and before you start to turn. If you're already in the turn, you'll upset the bike by trying to shift your weight around. So as with braking and gear selection, your body weight should be shifted before you turn into the corner. I would normally start shifting my weight (using my legs to lift and lever myself over) while still travelling in a straight line, before I start braking and shifting down gears. Once I feel I'm in the correct body position for the turn, I'd start my braking and selecting the necessary gear for the turn. Pretty much as soon as I've completed braking, I shove the inside handlebar (counter-steer) to turn the bike into the corner. If I want to get my knee down, I'd stick it out in the breeze. If getting your knee down is your only goal, then just make sure you're hanging off far enough. Once you've settled into the turn, a little extra nudge on the inside bar is normally enough to get plastic in contact with tarmac. I've seen people get their knee down on a bike that was virtually upright, just by hanging way off.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Great thread and great tips, thanks Mark. Enjoying reading these :)
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dabz
Great thread and great tips, thanks Mark. Enjoying reading these :)
Ditto!
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
16. Squeeze with your knees. It's well known that a relaxed rider is a better rider. By being relaxed in your arms, it is less tiring on long journeys, and makes it easier to steer the bike. In fact, to get the best arm position, your forearms should be roughly parallel to the road surface, which in turn means bending your elbows. By having your arms flexed at the elbows, steering takes much less effort. And as an addition, your arms will also flex to help absorb bumps, helping your suspension. It is very difficult to steer a bike if your arms are locked at the elbows. So to get in this relaxed position, try making a conscious effort to hold onto the bike with your legs (squeezing the petrol tank), and relax your grip on the handlebars. The bike becomes more stable, and less twitchy. Your arms stop aching on long journeys. It's easy to steer. You feel more 'part of' the bike. Occasionally you may get the handlebars twitch around on uneven surfaces, but by being relaxed, the bike sorts itself out.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
I read in a bike mag, watch car wheels at a side junction as it's easier to see the wheel move before the car. May give you a split second warning that it's about to pull out in front of you.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Swanny
I read in a bike mag, watch car wheels at a side junction as it's easier to see the wheel move before the car. May give you a split second warning that it's about to pull out in front of you.
interesting Ive never seen one of those cars that the wheels move ......and then the car body...lol ill keep an eye out
only joking, eye contact I find is the best thing, and remembering that I am still moving and the traffic is still possible in front of me !!!! :-* :-*
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
At junctions it's a mix of moving wheels and eye contact.......I'd say the eye contact / head turned your way is crucial to staying alive!!
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
17. Earplugs. Some use them, some don't, some aren't aware of how useful they are. Firstly, inside the average helmet, wind noise at 70mph exceeds 100db. 30 seconds of that and you've already started damaging your hearing. Not only does it preserve your hearing, but it also makes long journeys a lot less tiring. To begin with, you probably won't like them. Try this:- get on a long dual carriageway/motorway and ride for several miles with earplugs in, stop at services and remove them, then rejoin the carriageway. I guarantee you'll stop at the next services and put them back in.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
I've tried... but I absolutely hate anything in my ears when riding... drives me mad!!
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Never use them myself but it does help if your helmet is only 85db inside and have great wind protection :) If you don't have that luxury then some form of protection is wise.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
I didn't used to use them but now hate riding without - I find I'm a lot less tired after a full day's riding if wearing earplugs.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Highly recommend ear plugs.
I had a pair of Ultimate Ear "squigy" ear plug moulds taken at the NEC show a couple of years ago and within a couple of weeks the squidgies came through post together with the moulds (so replacements can be ordered if you lose a plug).
OK, they are a quite a bit more expensive than 50p foam ear plugs, BUT as a mould of your ears they are a perfect fit, very soft material and comfortable.
If you really want to push the boat out, they also do moulded plugs with micro speakers in.
They can come and take ear impressions where you are rather than having to go to their Kent premises !!!
http://www.ultimateear.com/product/squidgy.php
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by python
I've tried... but I absolutely hate anything in my ears when riding... drives me mad!!
Same here. Drove me insane. Would rather be deaf.... saves listning to bull..... :D
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AHenson
Highly recommend ear plugs.
I had a pair of Ultimate Ear "squigy" ear plug moulds taken at the NEC show a couple of years ago and within a couple of weeks the squidgies came through post together with the moulds (so replacements can be ordered if you lose a plug).
OK, they are a quite a bit more expensive than 50p foam ear plugs, BUT as a mould of your ears they are a perfect fit, very soft material and comfortable.
If you really want to push the boat out, they also do moulded plugs with micro speakers in.
They can come and take ear impressions where you are rather than having to go to their Kent premises !!!
http://www.ultimateear.com/product/squidgy.php
A cheaper option - although they aren't moulded to your ears - are Alpine Earplugs. I use the musicians ones as I originally bought them to go to concerts, but they do motorbike ones now too. I spent about £15 a few years ago and got three plugs and 3 sets of filters which cut out progressively more - I use a lower filter for my bikes and the highest for concerts.
http://alpineearplugs.com/
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
I HATE riding without earplugs now and agree I find it a lot less tiring riding any distance.
It took me a while to find some that I like - they come in quite a few shapes and sizes and some were just damn painful.
I did notice when I first wore them its easier to go much faster without realising it than before - I guess having been used to a certain level of sound without previously. :o
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Never ride without them in.
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
have never ridden with any sort of ear protection over a 30 year period. I like the permanent ringing in my ears, it eases the pain of my wife's demands..........."what was that dear?" ;D
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon_W
[quote author=python link=1325883254/69#69 date=1333406344]I've tried... but I absolutely hate anything in my ears when riding... drives me mad!!
Same here. Drove me insane. Would rather be deaf.... saves listning to bull..... :D[/quote]
Trust me you wouldn’t. Riding bikes for many years without ear protection was probably the biggest cause of my deafness. I feel isolated in most social situations – that is why I love to write because I’m on a level playing field with everyone else.
My excuse is that I was young and ignorant, but I wish I could turn back the clock.
Great thread Mark [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
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Re: Riding tip of the week.
I always wear ear plugs for any journey over 5 miles