en-us Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:19:45 -0500 ATM@msgroup.org 60 *All Things Motorcycle* - Sharing of Lessons Learned http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/ *All Things Motorcycle* for Guest http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/ http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/rss_32.png *All Things Motorcycle* RSS Feed 144 47 Sharing of Lessons Learned - David Houghhaithabuhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12211&REPLY_ID=117172Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:28:52 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12211 That struck me as well. We all use others' brake lights to alert us to slowing vehicles ahead, but we can't afford to rely on that exclusively. Trucks have this in common with motorcycles: that both are able to slow down significantly without touching the brakes.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Confession of a safety idiotIgorhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12220&REPLY_ID=117131Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:42:57 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12220 Thanks, James... good info. It seems to be a pretty good approximation whether your tire holds 6, 12, or even 24 litres of volume that +10F ~= +1PSI

For the rest of the world, that's about +5.6C. Keep in mind, however, that the rating for your tire maximum pressure is probably a "cold" figure....

Now that leaves us to simply wonder: how many degrees do they assume your tire will climb between cold and fully-warmed-up?

If I start a ride tomorrow morning, my cold tires will be about 20C. If the temp reaches 33C, plus I'm on the superslab which is much hotter, and I'm doing 120km/h which is flexing the entire tire about 1000 times per minute (~17 times per second) then it's probably not unreasonable to assume that the air inside the tire will reach temperatures in excess of 40C, maybe more... that would then equate to an extra ~4PSI...

I should take my food safety IR-thermometer with me tomorrow to get a read on the tires external temp after doing a few kms! I need more data!]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Here's My LessonMystic Redhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12227&REPLY_ID=117076Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:47:59 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12227
quote:
There are advantages to a frame mounted fairing that may not be immediately obvious to many riders. Do you feel that your fairing helped in protecting you and aided in maintaining control after striking the deer?


Had not thought about that but now that you mention it I didn't have fight the extra weight of a fairing. It all happened SO fast. No time to be panic, just grab brake, which is what I have learned after 32 years of professional driving. Complacently, which is what I fell into, was emphasized that morning! That was the purpose of this post.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Anti-Lock BrakesRobushttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12091&REPLY_ID=116871Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:07:36 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12091 Thanks Axiom. I haven't yet engaged front ABS yet. With the rear I feel a slight pulsing on the pedal, that's all. I haven't experienced a stoppie despite some pretty aggressive braking practice. I've read of other RT riders who have. What they reported seems undramatic; just a slight lift of the rear tire which then bounces back to earth. No danger of going over the handlebars, it seems (I hope...!) I wouldn't want to try it on a steep downhill though.

All in all, the braking is awesome on this machine. Even without engaging the ABS, the bike comes to a stop right now.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Practice braking and turning at the same timedhalen32http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12188&REPLY_ID=116859Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:15:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12188
quote:
Originally posted by CaptCrash

quote:
Originally posted by dhalen32


Out on the range their are several exercises where we encourage riders to experiment with using the brakes while cornering as well as upper body positioning in order to learn that it can be safely done and to see how it affects lean angle, suspension compression/extension, effect on ground clearance, etc.



So is this a "you might try trail braking in this exercise" kinda of thing or is there a trail braking exercise of some kind?


Capt Crash:
It is a "we want you to use braking" in one exercise and "we want you to try braking while turning" in another exercise kinda thing. We specifically comment on trail braking as a "track" technique during the classroom discussion on alternate cornering paths of travel. We do this because the slide we use to illustrate a late apex path of travel also has some words and a graphic representaion of trailing off braking pressure.
Dave
]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Helmets and helmet lawsScamperhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11751&REPLY_ID=116858Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:04:58 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11751
quote:
Originally posted by johncrosby
...not wearing a helmet isn't just a personal choice. It has huge repercussions for the rest of the country in which you live.


While I completely agree that not wearing a helmet is a foolish, risky thing to do, isn't making people wear them similar to legislating against attempting suicide? Or am I making too big of a jump here? I think riding without a helmet is akin to doing the same thing.

Personally, I'm quite happy that wearing a helmet is mandatory here in Ontario but it wouldn't matter, I'd wear one regardless.

Reminds me of the time when I participated in the Ride for Sight. Whilst on the grounds of the event, no helmets were required. I got hassled for wearing full gear and my helmet but I don't care. Why? Because I know damn well right, not one of them is going to help me should I become injured. I better take care of myself.

]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Jeans Are Not ATGATTbachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12172&REPLY_ID=116669Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:30:19 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12172
Good ending to the situation anyways!

The cowboy/western wear description in NY for anything other than a photo shoot for Horse & Hound magazine in the fashion hub does kinda make me think of a few funny movies I've seen.

I'm taking your story as a warning though. My Jeeper had a defunct E-brake fixed twice as a recall and I've yet to go back in for a fix on this third count. Sometimes the things that fail to work on my cars give them more character.
I'm always parking in gear and careful of the grade and cocking the wheels to/rolling up against the curb.
Thanks to visions of your city wrangling Volvo rodeo, I'm going to throw some wheel chocks in the Jeep as added precaution.

~brian]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Practice like you ride. Ride like you practice.Robushttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12161&REPLY_ID=116543Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:00:29 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12161 Agree about practicing swerving around potholes and other surface hazards. It can be fun. On a potholed road with not much traffic around, its entertaining to work on slolom skills.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - This is probably not new, but...Igorhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12122&REPLY_ID=116463Sharing of Lessons Learned Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:42:17 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12122 I don't think this is common enough to warrant it's own thread so I'll drop it in here...

Rolling to a stop in a left-turn lane at a light I put my foot down only to have it slide right away (fortunately quick reflexes kept me from falling or dropping the bike). The culprit? A flattened plastic bottle that was directly underfoot! Slick as ice!]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Never Assume You're SafeRobushttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12130&REPLY_ID=116339Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:06:17 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12130 Maybe some luck, too Nightrain. It was broad daylight, 45mph speed limit, rural road, no driveways or side streets into which I might have assumed she was about to turn, just that intersection and no other cars in sight. She stood out like a sore thumb. In a different situation with more camoflage, she might have been harder to spot.

Trying to recall more details, I think what got my attention is that we had a green light, there was no other traffic around, and she had slowed earlier and more than what you would expect from a car about to make a right turn from that speed. That's what caused my "huh...?" double-take.

The lesson for me is when I feel that "huh...?", and see something ahead that I don't understand or that I don't like, ease off to give more time to figure out what's up.

]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Right turn on green.....no problem?asheppardhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12111&REPLY_ID=116217Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:06:38 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12111
I have been a claims manager, dealing with accidents all my life.

Most accidents are different in some way and fault is not always the way you think it might be.

If my jurisdiction was the same as yours the civil law (court) would be what did each driver do wrong and try and apportion liability in that manner if appropriate.

Just because the driver on the left had a red light does not automatically make him responsible, at lest not 100%. The other motorist always has the duty to make sure his way is clear as you did and avoid someone oblivious to what is going on. Sometimes the courts come up with different decisions, but it all boils down to defensive driving.

So you are correct in that operating your car, you should be as careful as you are as when you are on your bike, but we all have that feeling that we have the vehicle to protect us and drive a little less defensively. I know I do, but try not to!

Glad you made that left hand check, the shoulder before a turn is important as well.

Alan
]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Quick stops are SO handyrkfirehttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12075&REPLY_ID=115942Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:20:05 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12075 Speaking of not seeing a motorcyclist...the other day while riding my own bike, I was behind a slow vehicle. Knowing a long straight ahead had a passing zone, I moved left for a good view and saw 2 headlights way down the road but far enough away that it wouldn't be an issue for me. A double check just before I was about to pull out, I see what appears to be another headlight. It was a motorcycle that I hadn't noticed at all on my first look.

It was a Harley with one of those smallish headlights, and not terribly bright. He was moving along at a quick rate. I think initially, his headlight may have blended in with the car in the distance with headlights on. This was in the daylight.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - When things go "sideways"Alabusahttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12080&REPLY_ID=115851Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:11:07 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12080 Glad you got through it with only a few lessons learned. We have several of those bottlenecks local to me. I have seen some crazy things happen at them.

Be careful out there, there are a bunch of crazies trying to kill us!!]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Proper ConductDonryuhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12082Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:45:52 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12082
It's a collection of etiquette and general tips on behaviour for those riders who do or may encounter three patch Motor Cycle clubs. Most of it really is common sense.

http://www.rcvsmc.net/index.html]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - It's like...magic :-)rayg50http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12074&REPLY_ID=115808Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 25 Jul 2010 07:16:45 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12074 Second Avenue in Manhattan. For a little perspective, the link should have you facing southbound, spin her around to look northbound so you can see what is trailing.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...,210.26,,0,5

Most Manhattan avenues in the lower part of the island are multi-lane one way roads. Given how light the traffic is on the cross street I would say this is very early morning.

What the photos will not show are the cabs picking someone up and then shooting across all the lanes to make a turn on the other side. For some unknown reason changing lanes is equated with making progress. Double parked delivery trucks force constant lane merges.

The good news is you don't have to worry about deer. [:D]

Edited to add a link to the FDR.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou....003975&z=18
]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Another "Thank You" to the folks hereSuperRookiehttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12067&REPLY_ID=115798Sharing of Lessons Learned Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:00:22 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12067 Good on ya for having your awareness up, covering your brakes and avoiding a bender[:)]

Like rkfire, I cover my clutch as well... seems like the right thing to do, and although I haven't had any difficulties doing so, I was wondering if it's considered a bad habit or poor form?]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Any road can be a good learning experience.Night Trainhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12052&REPLY_ID=115680Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:42:12 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12052 Steve, I think you got a LEO that stuck to the letter of the law and wrote you up accordingly. You may stand a chance of beating the ticket in court if you appear and plead not guilty. Represent yourself at your trial and base your defense on the argument that given the road, weather and traffic conditions of the time, it was reasonable and prudent to exceed the speed limit to affect a safe and expeditious overtaking of the slower moving vehicle. If you present your case in a civil and courteous manner, you could very well succeed in defeating the charge. I've been successful in doing this on an improper lane change charge and two speeding tickets where I was clocked by radar.

In most cases, the officer is quite correct in writing the ticket but you can stand a good chance of beating it if you take the time to fight it in court. Problem is most people don't take the time to do it.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - I hope I made a differencedogdoc427http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11920&REPLY_ID=115641Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:30:40 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11920 Warhawk,

Rest assured you made a huge difference in this couples experience! I am with you in the hope that all ends well. Thank you again for your service and KNOW in your heart that you did all that could be done given the circumstances.

Most sincere regards, Dogdoc427]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - In re-learning modeSuperRookiehttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12047&REPLY_ID=115622Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:54:37 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12047 Crtr, Scott, it's an old habit I had to break when I was first learning to ride. Sometimes, and I guess on many levels, I'm learning to ride all over again. I'm just trying to get back to where I was and hopefully beyond my previous skill level... taking it one day at a time though.

With regard to the Hough books, I've read them more than once and will re-read them again, taking the advice to work on my skill set chapter by chapter. It's not the 'principles' of operation for me currently, but the 'practice'.

Thanks again.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Conversation with a waiterDaddiohttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12013&REPLY_ID=115373Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:54:03 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12013 Orlando is a tourist haven. So many of the drivers are not local. I have inlaw relations from the UK that used to come over regularly to Orlando. It is an international destination. They said it was a great destination for UKers. They got a favorable currency trade and did not have VAT taxes on their Nikes and such. The outlet malls were brilliant! Every one would travel with expandable luggage to take home their low taxed booty. Now you not only have drivers that are not local, you have drivers that are used to driving on the wrong side of the road from the wrong side of the car! At least most of these can read the road signs in English.

I have not been to see Mickey in about 10 years. It semed to me that 192 was under a constant state of construction. Is all the "Major" construction done yet? I went regularly for several yaers and saw no end.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - On second thought...IronHenryhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11998&REPLY_ID=115313Sharing of Lessons Learned Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:06:38 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11998 Yeah, that's what I figured about calling the police. I just thought I'd see if this ever worked for anyone. Maybe if you had some video with an image of the driver and the plate number...


quote:
Originally posted by D RMany years ago, I witnessed a hit-and-run accident. I followed the fleeing car only long enough to get the license plate number, then broke off and returned to the accident scene. I gave the plate number to the police. I never heard back from the police so I don't know what came from it.
Good for you! You'd think most anyone would do the same, but don't count on it.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Flat Tire Survivalgreywolfhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12008&REPLY_ID=115287Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:59:16 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12008 Almost all flats on pavement are on the rear tire if tires are properly inflated. The front can roll over an object on the road and flip it up where the rear tire can catch a sharp end. For a front tire to get punctured, an object would have to be sitting up, like a nail in a piece of wood. The only front flat I ever got was in my first year of riding from braking on an under inflated tube type tire and breaking the valve stem. If you get a front tire flat, you'll know it in a hurry. It's much more attention getting than a rear flat.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - State Good Samaritan Lawsaidanspahttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12009Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:35:35 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12009 Rescue Riders site and and a link to each state's Good Samaritan Law at the bottom of the page.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Head Checks Are Good!Jsinhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11977&REPLY_ID=115032Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:45:40 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11977 On my third road ride I went to a subdivision that my friend lives in, and the road splits into a Y, I was in the left side of the right turn lane due to a speed bump I wanted to go wide, and a truck was pulling beside me on the right side. Now I just maintain the right side of the lane until I need to make the wide turn.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Heat and High HumidityD Rhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11974&REPLY_ID=115006Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:16:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11974 Consider getting yourself one of these...

http://camelbak.com/en/sports-recre...ydrobak.aspx

... or something similar.

When the temperatures top 80 degrees, I always wear mine.

Additionally,if your ride home is less than two hours, consider one of these...

http://www.coolsport.net/index2.html (click the button at the top which says "Motor Sport Cool Vest")

My commute is approximately one hour (one way) and on hot, humid days, the vest and the water pack prove to be real life savers. (My water pack is usually near empty by the time I reach home.)]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Very close encounterIronHenryhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11948&REPLY_ID=114981Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:51:44 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11948 I'd be curious to know how he handled the high pressure wave at the front of the truck. It had to have pushed him away from the truck.

I'm glad that his stupidity didn't cost you.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Riding tired + sloppily = a spillPeter Darbyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10889&REPLY_ID=114973Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:05:43 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10889 Glad you are all right. All good advice above. One thing I can add is that when you go off the road and find yourself still upright as in your second incident come to a full stop and regain your equilibrium. That is something I learned from my dirt bike and whitewater canoe days. My parents first wreck was exactly like your second ride off the road. Like you they just drove back up on the road. Unfortunately unlike you they encountered an unseen three inch lip between the road and the high grass that flipped them both off in a high side as they hit coming back onto the road. Stopping the bike and ensuring evrything is calm then easing back onto the road would have left them with only a good story instead of two broken collar bones.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Finally encountered a deerMoseshttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11939&REPLY_ID=114798Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:05:41 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11939 staticattic -

You get an "attaboy"!

From what I can tell, you did everything absolutely right, and it served you well. Now that you've actually been in the situation, you know what I mean when I say that proper & aggressive braking is the only thing that should cross your mind in the fraction of a second available to you when a deer jumps out.

As pointed out in other threads, "laying it down" when coming into a curve too fast on a race track is the ONLY time that I can think of that such a move would be understandable. (The alternative would be risking a high-side crash, which would be the worst outcome). HOWEVER, "laying it down" is NEVER a thought that should be allowed to pop into your head when an unexpected obstacle suddenly materializes in front of you - EVER!

If you would have attempted some kind of swerve to avoid the critter, you may have gotten away with it, or else one of these things might have happened:
- There very likely would have been one or more other deer right on the tail of the one you just missed, and you could have easily nailed one. Bad result.
- You swerve, and at that instant the deer does a 180 and smacks right into you. Bad result. (Anyone who thinks that a deer can't make a drastic direction change at full sprint doesn't know much about deer - they can change directions faster than you can, and they will.)

If you were covering your front brake when Bambi surpised you, then you deserve a double attaboy. It reduces your stopping time significantly. If you weren't, think about how much faster you could have come to a stop if you had been covering it.

Thanks for starting this thread - it hammers home the point quite effectively. I'm glad it turned out well.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Many myths aboundTonicBIAhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10613&REPLY_ID=114714Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:10:54 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10613 Keep working on it. Track braking skills carry over to the street more than any other. You'll also start shaving seconds off your lap times with being able to carry your braking points farther down the straights]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Three-Wheeled Squidbachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11934&REPLY_ID=114646Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 20 Jun 2010 01:01:35 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11934
quote:
Originally posted by D R


While travelling home from work on the center lane of the interstate, I had noted the Spyder behind me in the center lane. I needed to change lanes to the left lane, so I activated my left turn signal, checked my mirrors and head checked the left lane. The left lane was clear (closest visible vehicle in the left lane was at least 1/8 of a mile back), and the Spyder was still in the center lane behind me. As I began shifting to the left lane I conducted a second head check and was shocked to see the Spyder also shifting to the left lane and accelerating very rapidly.


I'm a stickler for using my signals and it's often that I think it actually incites certain types to pull these stunts.
It seems obvious many times; Once they see my intentions and my forgiving amount of room to work within, they take over as if their very wish is to nullify my courtesy and need to change lanes.

They were not speeding, racing or driving aggressively before, yet my blinker seems to evoke the Jekyll and Hyde behavior.

It's just too d*mn rare that I see the dangerous types getting nailed by LE Officers ... (IMO).

~brian]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Tired means get off the roadbachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10573&REPLY_ID=114625Sharing of Lessons Learned Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:26:28 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10573
quote:
Originally posted by Nightwatchman

Bachman,

For me it's not so much the stopping to eat, or stopping to eliminate unnecessary materials from the body... but it's more along the lines of my arse hurting me after sitting on my seat for so dang long. I've been taking long trips... Colorado Springs, Evergreen, rides like that... I could go on and on until my gas tank was needing a top off if I had a more comfortable seat that didn't put my poor arse to sleep.


LOL --- [:D]

Try some bike shorts with a chamois liner or padding. You can get a pair and wear under your normal gear. They are comfortable, inexpensive and most important... designed for just such a SITuation.

I'll wear them on my mtn bike since it has a seat the size of a large cell phone butt I don't need them on the motorbike.. at least not yet. If I were doing a longer ride of something on the order of 400 miles or a few days strung together, they'd be part of my gear for sure because I'd feel very likely to use them. Riderswearhouse even sells them stating they are a good crossover item from bicycling.

If you experience pain , itching or redness ... please don't post it here! [88]

~brian

~brian]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Full face vs. 3/4James R. Davishttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10527&REPLY_ID=114589Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:13:38 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10527 Biggunbob,

It's one thing to offer advice. It's quite another to decide that someone else is an unsafe rider or is somehow 'missing fundamental safety requirements' and to challenge them here based on essentially no information at all.

I challenge posts that contain information that is inappropriate here, but challenging members because they have had accidents without examining those accidents is rather beyond what I would consider appropriate.

If 'James hasn't replied in some manner' just might be because none was required as far as he was concerned.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Throttle cramp bluesscottrnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10307&REPLY_ID=114587Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:45:33 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10307 Since BigGunBob is resurrecting all of these old threads from a year ago, I should at least report on my use of the CrampBuster.

I finally removed mine and stuck it back in the hard back with all of the other junk that I haul along on my ST2. It's so rare lately that I ride with a steady throttle that I've finally figured out that it's in the way most of the time. Next time I'm "droning" on the freeway for long distances and think I would like a wrist rest of some sort, I'll stop and get it back out. But most of the time, I'm happier without it.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Good samaritans are scarce however very much appreciatedJames R. Davishttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=7029&REPLY_ID=114524Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:04:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7029 You documented properly and your efforts cannot be misconstrued. Rest easy. Thank you for your service to our country and to that unknown gentleman and his wife.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - This site stopped a crash. Thanksbiggunbobhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11594&REPLY_ID=114496Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:47:54 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11594 Good job,stay aware and be as safe as you can. There are so many drivers out there that simply make enormous mistakes and get away with them by dumb luck and yet others can cause accidents without even knowing they were the ones that initiated the flow of events as they drive away as other cars collide because of their actions.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Close one... stupid me.bostonshttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11913&REPLY_ID=114495Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:43:05 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11913 Thanks, Jim. I've played this over and over in my head and have been unable to remember any other detail about what happened.

Brian- Thanks for your comment. I felt that it was important for me to share this experience with everyone. Stupid me. Anyway, I've learned some valuable lessons that will hopefully keep me safer in the future.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - 2 months, 1400 miles, and a first close callaidanspahttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11905&REPLY_ID=114488Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:51:25 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11905 Lots of good advice given, but I would suggest that you copy DataDans's post and tape it to your bathroom mirror until you've memorized it.

The importance of each of his points can't be overstated.

The driver of the truck/camper did only that which you gave him the opportunity to do. I am very glad luck was on your side (this time). Controlling the space and time of exposure between yourself and other vehicles, and that ONLY YOU are in charge of that, are the most critical lessons you can learn from your first close call, in my opinion.
]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Gotta watch those stopping at a stop signmd2lgykhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11861&REPLY_ID=114480Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 14 Jun 2010 06:27:48 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11861 This thread touches on two of my pet peeves, especially rolling of stop signs. Just exactly when did actually stopping at them become optional?

It's the one thing that makes me wish I was still an LEO.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Two years, nine days...biggunbobhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11323&REPLY_ID=114465Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 13 Jun 2010 17:32:17 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11323 Gary, glad to hear you were doing so well,sorry to hear about your tuba mishap. Mr.Davis mentioned sometimes things just happen and that's true to an extent. I find alot of things happen on the roads because people no longer accept responsibility for their driving habits(I don't mean you but the woman who came out in front of you). In today's society and where we seem to be headed for the future, many feel that they aren't at fault for anything and that absolves them of responsibility simply because things happen. Many will not accept that they happen due the fact that they are distracted and therefore negligent because they are not in control of their vehicle at all times. I could go on but I won't. I wish people would realize and accept their responsibilities when operating a motor vehicle. Godspeed in your additional healing.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Friend's first rideD Rhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11879&REPLY_ID=114354Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:00:18 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11879
quote:
Originally posted by gdickelman


The losing battle began long before this person "mashed the back brake and put it down." Right..."put it down." Nobody "puts it down." Physics takes care of that, as a result of losing control of the bike and the situation.


+1 to what Gary said.

If your friend is going to continue riding, you need to bring this to your friends attention.

Given that he only recently completed the BRC and his limited riding experience ask him the following:

1. Where did he learn this technique and who taught it to him?

2. How often did he practice this technique so he could become proficient?

3. Where did he practice this technique and who's motorcycle(s) did he practice on?

When he realizes he has no answer to those questions, then perhaps he will be honest with himself and admit that he screwed up and got in over his head.

Making a mistake is not necessarily a big deal if one is willing and able to learn from it.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - My friend is lucky to be alivekacinpahttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11870&REPLY_ID=114192Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:57:06 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11870
quote:
Originally posted by The Postman

[quote]Originally posted by kyle5574


I am glad he apparently is making a good recover. However I would not recommend red bull or similar high sugar drinks when riding. For riding purposes, I consider that group dangerous stimulants.


A drink with that much sugar is a definite No-No for a diabetic as well. Even if he was experiencing low blood sugar, about 2 sips would provide enough sugar to bring him back to normal.

I am an Insulin Dependant Diabetic and I alway check my blood sugar before I drive or ride. In my opinion, if a diabetic doesn't have excellent control of their blood sugars they do not belong on a motorcylce.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Stupid Mistake and I Knew Betterkyle5574http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11852&REPLY_ID=114177Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 06 Jun 2010 08:48:53 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11852
quote:
Originally posted by aidanspa

I find it interesting that 2 riders "fessed up" to doing virtually the same thing, but one has decided to never do it again, and the other may well continue to do it


Add me to the former group. I have ridden without gear one time and, though nothing serious happened, it will be the only time. A friend was coming over who had ridden for many years, but had to sell his and hadn't been in the saddle for a while. I decided to warm the bike up for him so he could ride it when he got to my house. In jeans and a t-shirt, I took off for a quick ride around the neighborhood. I made it about a quarter mile before a ~10-year old girl on the sidewalk yelled at me to wear a helmet. Almost immediately after that, a bug flew into my right eye. I took those two completely innocuous occurrences as signs that I was being stupid and shouldn't ever do it again.

Helmet, jacket, and gloves are my absolute minimum--across the parking lot, around the neighborhood, or across the state.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - My first Harley experienceRobushttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10990&REPLY_ID=114141Sharing of Lessons Learned Sat, 05 Jun 2010 02:31:39 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10990 Interesting how different makes prevail in different parts of the country. Here in Chicagoland, I'd guess 80% of the bikes I pass on the road are Harleys. And probably 90% of the Harley riders are unhelmeted. Visiting home in Austin, Texas last summer, the wide majority of bikes I saw were Japanese sporters. Most of the riders were wearing helmets, and a big percentage of them were fully geared up. That was in the middle of a heat wave where temps were in the 100-104 range for several weeks straight.

Yeah, Harleys do vibrate. First you get used to it, then you get to like it, then you start to crave it!]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - 3 Strikes, but luckily not outdogfishhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11851&REPLY_ID=114075Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:39:27 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11851
quote:
Originally posted by greywolf

I got a tip once from a flier about using reserve. He said common aircraft practice is to use the reserve position for a short time after every fill up. Otherwise, water and contaminants will accumulate at the bottom of the tank and never be touched by the main delivery pipe opening above them. After many fills without using reserve, going to it will dump those contaminants full strength into the carbs. Using the reserve position for a while after every fill up pulls contaminants through when they are low in number/amount and won't bother things.


I've heard arguments like this (as well as the opposite--don't let your car's tank run empty to suck in the dirt at the bottom!).

Personally I think that the gas sloshes around enough in your tank that there isn't much settlement. This is probably especially true in a motorcycle due to the constant leaning. Granted, there is probably some truth.

Now, there is quite possibly a different benefit. Mechanical devices, not unlike our bodies, will seize up over time if they're not utilized. By practicing this, you may actually keep the reserve petcock from seizing up...which could be a real bad problem at the wrong time.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Newb mistake almost cost me.anthonysemonehttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11855&REPLY_ID=114056Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:49:32 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11855 kacinpa,

you and I must be leading parallel lives. I journeyed to NJ on Sunday - glorious day for sure - to take a test ride on a BMW R1100S. For stupid reasons, I did not put on my Bohn lower body armor, which of course made it so that the trousers I was wearing were way more loose and longer at the cuff. I had all the rest of my gear on, however; you name it, I was wearing it (including Level IIIa concealable ballistic body armor). As I approached a stop sign, given that it was a bike that I had no prior experience with, I slowed very carefully, clutch and front brake only (linked ABS), and just as I came to almost a complete stop, I began to put down my left foot, and the cuff of my left trouser leg promptly caught on the foot peg.

It turned out to be a non-issue, given that I had in fact come to a complete stop at that point, so I simply put down my right foot, and, since the seat was so beautifully adjustable, I was able to flat-foot on my right side. In retrospect, I had planned very poorly; I had not given any weight at all to the fact that the foot pegs had been lowered on the R11S, and so they were in a position different from what my "muscle memory" recorded as where they should have been relative to my K1200S. All in all, I did a pretty crummy job, although as my flight instructor taught me many years ago, tongue in cheek: "any landing you can walk away from is a good landing." (NOT)

My plan for the future: ATGATT and all of it :) Any other suggestions from you all I will gratefully welcome. Thanks for your post, sir. BTW, I'm just outside Chestnut Hill.

tony]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - I could possibly be an idiot....rayg50http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11794&REPLY_ID=114044Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:16:25 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11794
quote:
Originally posted by The Meromorph
"Your actions are not following my plans for what you would do!"


+1 Very nice.

I am going to steal that sentence from you. When teaching the younger members of my family to drive I have told them they cannot drive 2 cars, theirs and the other persons. They can only drive theirs.

Your one sentence can replace my 5 minute speech on anticipating but not depending upon the other drivers actions. BTW, I will give you proper credit.

]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Side by side is dangerous...SkootchNChttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11660&REPLY_ID=114008Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 02 Jun 2010 05:02:10 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11660
quote:
Originally posted by hoot

I was sitting at a 4 way stop and as sometimes happens, the other bike rider pulls up beside me on my left to talk. I am turning left with my blinker on but am in the right side lane. I did not tell him that I was turning left, thought he saw my blinker. As we left the intersection, I was cutting him off as he thought we were going straight. No collision, but was close. On another occasion, I was the right side bike, another on my left at a light. When the light went green, I went straight and he went left assuming I knew where he was going. .


quote:
Originally posted by dogfish

[quote][i]

I did get the impression, however, that the OP was riding with someone; this wasn't a stranger. In which case there should be staggered formation with an established lead bike.

Typically the lead bike is in the LEFT track, and if they depart first, then the scenario that was originally described should never occur.


I missed that......

Yes, in hindsight, he WAS riding with a friend.... as you noted, and we've all said... the lead bike should be in the left track...had the OP, simply looked at the other rider, and pointed left,the second rider would have understood, the lead, was turning left.

Don't "assume" the rider (or the car behind you) sees your turn signal. Use the turn signals, but use your hand signal as well.... Some rear light units are difficult to see, compared to a cars much larger units. The hand signal will catch the eye of the trailing vehicle, more easily.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Room for improvement ;dhalen32http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11836&REPLY_ID=113982Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:19:57 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11836 Al:
Yikes! A memorable trip for many reasons ... I'm glad you lived to tell about it because it's kind of funny too. [:)]
Dave
]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Tankslapping hijinksNight Trainhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11797&REPLY_ID=113677Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 21 May 2010 03:04:13 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11797 Thanks for the editing James, after I finished watching the hockey game I thought about what I had posted and came back to edit it but you had picked up on it quite quickly. I usually try to put more thought into my posts but the admission made in this one was obviously void of any reasonable thought.

My Mama always used to say, "think before you speak". A lesson I seem to be forgetting as I age. Perhaps with the advent of technology, that sound advice could be amended to include, "think before you type".[:)]]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Don't Get Cockygdickelmanhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11740&REPLY_ID=113540Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 16 May 2010 21:56:51 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11740 Lots of lessons here (in addition to "Don't get cocky."):

Do not trust mirrors. Turn your head and check, especially with regard to spaces near you / alongside you.

Do not make sudden moves; somebody else probably has the same idea.

Patience is the virtue of a saint; be saintly, especially in traffic - as it is the most likely place for something to go wrong.

Traffic delays are designed to trap and crash motorcycles. (This one is not scientific, but only anecdotal and based on personal observation and experience.)

Expect the least expected.

Glad that you are okay!
]]>