en-us Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:50:43 -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 - Gas nozzle at some pumps hinder refillHouse_of_Dexterhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11063&REPLY_ID=107922Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:22:41 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11063
quote:
Originally posted by bluremi

I'm confused: what's wrong with putting the gas nozzle just below the level of the gas tank port and watching the gas level rise in your tank? I've been doing this since day 1 and have had no spillage or anything even close to an accident.

Am I unwittingly doing something dangerous?
I've notice around here in the Dallas area...Shell stations have vapor boots that have to be pushed back to engage the pump. If you use the McCuff you don't have to hold the vapor boot back with your hand as you pump.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Space=Time=Less TensionHouse_of_Dexterhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11095&REPLY_ID=107878Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:43:46 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11095 I add an extra second...because I know I'm probably counting to fast...]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Toolbooth = deathtrapRichC10http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11090&REPLY_ID=107845Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:41:59 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11090
quote:
Originally posted by MattInFla

I am keeping an eye on him in the mirror as I slow for the tool lane. Sure enough, he's not slowing, and is closing on my read end quite quickly.


Just a reminder, we really need to check the rear view every time we slow. A few weeks ago I was riding in the left lane of one of our major roads, approaching a red light. There was a car in the right lane going about the same speed, about 55mph. For some reason there was a line of traffic stopped in the right lane, none in the left. I began to slow so as to have a margin of safety if anyone pulled out from the right lane to the left, but the car didn't slow at all. It felt pretty helpless watching this guy barreling towards a stopped van at 55, but at the last moment he woke up/dropped his cell phone. He had plenty of time and space to serve around the van, but he just locked the wheels and ended up with a fairly light impact. That impact would still have resulted in serious injury or death if it were a motorcycle he hit instead of a van.
I check the rear view mirror much more now, every time I slow.....]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Are you being followed?Daddiohttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11086&REPLY_ID=107826Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:53:47 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11086 Welcome back Capt - I sense a bit of experience in this thread. Me - I am Mr. Anonymous. I don't tend to make folks mad at me. Sounds like you have been followed to purpose. I do take notice of patterns. I would notice the "Yellow Gremlin". Your avoidance tips are useful. I will be passing this to Mommio and three daughters. I will not leave out my son.

Glad to see you back!



]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Sometimes there are reasons for dumb instructionsrayg50http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11051&REPLY_ID=107548Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:43:55 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11051 I am cheating a bit here because I want to see if I can link to a photo and have it display. So I will do a before and after of the windscreen as an excuse.


[IMG]http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss295/rayg50/Shadow%20Spirit/Before.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss295/rayg50/Shadow%20Spirit/Windshield.jpg[/IMG]]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - PLP for new gearscottrnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11052&REPLY_ID=107545Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:21:19 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11052 I have two different leather riding jackets, one by Alpinestars and one by Dainese. They are similar enough that there is no real adjustment when switching between the two. But about six months ago I bought a First Gear Kilimanjaro textile jacket and that has required a few adjustments, mainly to where the pockets are, how they open, and how the vents work.

I took a fairly long ride with it when I first got the jacket in the summer and had all of the vents open but was still too hot. So the jacket sat in my closet until the weather cooled off. I got it back out a few days ago and wore it while riding to work and soon realized that I needed to close all of the vents now that the weather is cooler. I couldn't figure out how to close half of them while wearing the jacket with the slightly restricted vision of a helmet.

Fortunately the ride was only about two miles or I would have had to stop and get off to figure it out. Once I made it to work I took the jacket off and properly closed all five vents in it. I intend to wear that jacket most of the time for the next few months, but I'll still need to spend a bit more time examining it for pocket placement and make sure the sleeves go inside my gloves for wind protection at the wrists.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - No gas guage...orange light...sputter...Nieborhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11050&REPLY_ID=107536Sharing of Lessons Learned Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:41:03 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11050 I suspect most of us run out of gas at least once in ten years or so. This bike has a gas gauge, I've never... quite run it out. The latest close call was last spring. I was running late for a meet at the base of Pikes Peak. I figured I'd get gas just before heading up the mountain. It didn't occur to me that there is no gas between Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak. I started up on a 1/4 tank. The good news is that it's all downhill on the way back. [:D]

By the time we made it back to the Springs I took on 3.76 Gall in a 3.9 Gall tank. The dent I-70 left behind a couple years back likely reduces capacity about .1 G. Had to have been on fumes. [B)]

Regarding your electric fuel pump. In addition to cooling issues, the motor is a torque-limited design, meaning it will spin much faster when not pumping fuel. This is also quite destructive. I would advise never running a fuel injected bike below 1/4 tank. Same with your car, for that matter.

]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Tire blowout + freeway = badRickRussellTXhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11031&REPLY_ID=107523Sharing of Lessons Learned Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:32:22 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11031
quote:
Originally posted by SkootchNC

Did you check Tire pressure before the ride? or any time in the recent past?


Yes, I checked the evening prior to the failure, and performed a fairly thorough inspection of the tire itself.

But, as I said, the design of this tire didn't have much tread on the centerline, and the tread near the centerline wore away very quickly, making it difficult to gauge how worn the tire really was. In future I'm going to go with a tire model that has clearer wear markings, even if it costs a little more.

[B)]]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Do you have any idea what you just did to me!!??!!Mystic Redhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10983&REPLY_ID=107333Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:47:52 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10983
quote:

Maybe he did see you. I see people do this all the time. Because you were in the right lane, perhaps he felt it was ok to pull out into the left lane.


Perfectly legal. Would be illegal to head for the right lane.

quote:
To be honest, I felt the OP handled this situation quite properly. He was aware of his surroundings and reacted accordingly. What surprised me was the degree of importance he placed on a situation that I would consider a normal occurance. In this situation I would have expected the truck to have cut out across both lanes without seeing me and I would have prepared for that. If he did indeed perform to my expectations, I would have been stopped or slowing on the paved shoulder and simply saying to myself "see I told ya". If he simply made the turn into the lane closest to him as his front wheels would indicate, then I would have simply continued on satisfied that this was a non-occurance. Getting bent out of shape over driver error or stupidity will simply serve to keep one in a constant state of agitation and undoubtedly lead to rider error at some point due to this distraction. When we ride, we assume the risk. To me assuming that risk is to expect the worst case scenario, ride accordingly and welcome the outcomes that are non-events.


Well said. People will treat you like you are just another vehicle, not a vulnerable one and to be expected to treated differently because you are on a bike is not realistic. That being said, I always like the guys who never come to a complete stop or start rolling into traffic before you get past them. Doesn't bother me too much with four wheels under me but really gets to me at highway speeds on two wheels.[:)]]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Claustrophobic - full face helmet - no problemRickRussellTXhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11006&REPLY_ID=107301Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:51:07 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11006 What a great story! You know, not many people would be willing to discuss their feelings about claustrophobia. You are to be commended, sir.

I think one of the "big misconceptions" about full-face helmets is that they block regular vision -- I hear the "field of vision" claim by half- and 3/4-helmet wearers all the time, yet I could tell the first time I put on a full-face that it blocked no useful part of the visual field.

In fact, I often wish a full-face helmet would block more of the sky, so I wouldn't have so many issues with glare. It's not like I'm worried about surprise blimp attack.
]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Stuck in Trafficnedj10http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10685&REPLY_ID=107297Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:58:26 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10685 As someone who routinely gets stuck in Atlanta stop n go traffic due to too many people trying to make not so legal left turns the one thing I would note here is, dress appropriately for your ride. Here in Atlanta we crest 90 degrees for 5 months out of the year during those months I wear a fully mesh jacket to keep all my armor in place but to keep my self from melting. With temp out of the way the only real problem is how long your left hand can deal with pulling and releasing your clutch lever and I am all for pulling to the side and resting if you find yourelf stalling the bike because your hand is too tired to release it slow enough(think moving a car length stopping for 2 minutes and repeat for 1 hour). Having not had more than an hour of stop n go to deal with yet that hasn't happened more than once and when it did I pulled into a gas station, had a coke and gave my left hand a rest.

ride comfortable, ride safe
Ned



]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Rural alertsportyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10995&REPLY_ID=107019Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:10:54 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10995
quote:
Originally posted by Tecpatl4

And in Ohio hunting season and the rut has started, so the deer are moving around a lot more.

I got within spittin' distance of one tonight (about
15' to 20'), looked like a yearling and wasn't the least
bit spooked by the Jeep. This was on dirt road, about
3/4 mile from the river, but they're not very skiddish
these days... Hope that one stays back by the river,
'cause if he comes out onto I-380, there's gonna' be
some F=MA goin' on...

-W
]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Dirt road sportbike tankslapper(?).Woofhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10999Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:30:03 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10999
Yesterday, I needed to be in Havelock, NC for a conference at 8:30am. My route options from Jacksonville, NC were to either skirt along the coast past Camp Lejeune and a through a few small towns (and multiple speed/school zones), or to ride through New Bern. The coast option was the shortest, distance-wise, although construction at the Lejeune main gate was likely to cause problems. The route through New Bern would tack another 15 or so miles onto the trip. I asked a longtime local (not a rider) which route he normally took, and he mentioned Catfish Lake Road as a poor alternative due its hard-packed dirt and rock surface. I Google Earth'ed the road and saw that it was paved at the beginning and end, but I didn't dig any deeper into its layout. The Google Earth route from my home to Havelock included Catfish Lake Road, and showed a total distance of 40 miles, and time en route as 1:11, which didn't make a lot of sense to me and should've been a good indicator of problems to come. Having encountered "inadvertent" dirt before without much drama, I decided to give Catfish Lake Road a shot.

The road was semi-curvy and more fun than a lot of the roads around here for the first few miles until it turned to dirt. The road widened (30-40 feet would be my guess) and consisted of hard-packed (very dry, on this day) dirt with scattered gravel. 45-50mph was comfortable for straight-line riding on the center 70% of the road. Within the first mile or two, I saw headlights behind me closing fast and thought, I'll be a nice guy and pull a little closer to the right. I very slowly pulled to the right, and rapidly found my bike sucked into the 2-3 of dust that had accumulated near the edge of the road. My brain went into high alert, and I gingerly tried to arrest the bike's rightward veer toward the edge of the road (and the ditch). When I was within a foot of so of the edge, my bike's bars started rapidly oscillating from left to right, the bike shook violently, and I was fairly certain I was about to be thrown off. I'd never experienced a tankslapper, but I'm pretty sure I was involved in one at this point. I fogged my visor as I repeated, You are NOT going to drop this bike! to myself a few times, and reacted by keeping off the the brakes, relaxing my grip on the bars, e-a-s-i-n-g off the throttle, and leaning my body ever-so-slightly left as I'd more or less lost steering effectiveness. I regained control at a very slow speed, assumed my previous position out of the river of dust, and continued on my way at a sedate 30-35mph. In hindsight, pressing on was the second worst decision I made, although I made it without further problems. I think I made it to Cherry Point around the 1:11 mark.

In my 38,000+ miles on the SV1000S, I never felt I was in danger of losing control until yesterday. If I'd had an ejection handle, I probably would've pulled it out by the roots. Riding ATTGATT (fully armored) in combination with the slow speed, I didn't believe I was in great physical danger; I was more worried about the embarrassment I'd feel after becoming another single motorcycle accident statistic. Following the incident, I had a much clearer appreciation for GS1200s and other dual-sport bikes.

My lesson learned: Leave the dirt riding to the riders and bikes prepared for the dirt. In the future, I'll put dirt roads into the high probability of failure risk management category.

I've never been afraid of a little dirt, but for me the risks (crashes, ruined suspension, dust intrusion into delicate bike bits) don't make up for any small amount of time saved by riding unimproved roads. I was lucky in that there were a total of five other vehicles on this 15-mile stretch of road which minimized my risk of sliding under someone else's wheels.

If the unpaved portion of the road were paved I'm sure it would be a heavily-trafficked time-saving route for a lot of people. I was told by a long-time resident that the road isn't paved as that section runs through a bear habitat, and environmentalists fought paving with the claim that bears were more leery of crossing an asphalt road than a dirt road. With food on both sides of the road, a paved road could've become a bear survival issue.
]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - My first Harley experiencehaithabuhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10990&REPLY_ID=106980Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:19:36 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10990 Right about the hot pipe. I got a tailpipe tattoo from the first Harley. One of the less-advertised risks of riding in shorts.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Beware: Cops can be unpredictable...House_of_Dexterhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10949&REPLY_ID=106932Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:38:44 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10949
quote:
Originally posted by burtsr
Just don't be in a hurry to judge when you don't know the facts. Always expect the unexpected from the police.

Burt
I don't judge them...but putting them in the unpredictable category hurts no one...and might save your life. Police officers are human...and might not have seen you when they did their maneuver.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - You will ride the way you driveNieborhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10952&REPLY_ID=106636Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:43:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10952
quote:
Originally posted by alton

quote:
Originally posted by Niebor

I'm not certain it would be an easy to search for the crashes our members have experienced...

There was a poll back in 2005... http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/t...OPIC_ID=1957. That should give some indication of what percentage of us on this forum have been involved in a wreck.

Oh the sheer irony! I crashed this one several months after responding to that thread. One cant help but notice very few of us survive to crash two or more times. I count myself among the very lucky.

Unfortionately, it turned out that thread had no prayer of meeting the objective intended. The rider dying was, pardon the pun, quite the thread killer. In it's brief tenure, at least two from that thread have survived a crash in the period since the poll.

My heart goes out to Butterfly, I sure hope she has gone on to become a happy and safe rider.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Wind (!!!!)haithabuhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10771&REPLY_ID=106634Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:24:49 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10771 I lean forward, bend my elbows slightly and hold each handlebar firmly in a two-finger grip. I try to avoid making a full fist. This allows the bike to adjust itself to the wind but I still have the ability to apply firm inputs when I need to. If I see a gust coming (ie, an oncoming semi) I will anticipate it a bit by countersteering slightly against the gust just before it hits and allowing the shock wave to push me back on track. But it's important not to overdo the countersteer, because as jhaake pointed out, the dead air after a gust can be just as disconcerting as the gust itself.

]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Buzzard's glidepathRHayneshttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10533&REPLY_ID=106242Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:53:30 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10533 I had had my license for a few months and had a seagull dive for something, it ended up catching a wing on the stubby antenna of a Rooster fairing, do a 270 pivot and go 'thataway' from cetripetal (cetrifugal?) force.
Nasty wobble was the extent of it, thankfully. Much smaller than most of what's reported here, but scary at the time.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Flying Wood on the Freeway (with video)NinjaVikinghttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10424&REPLY_ID=106220Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:16:22 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10424
quote:
Originally posted by greywolf

Handguards baby! Don't leave home without them. Gymnast is always focused on learning. [8D]


Definitely something to consider!
I imagine that a piece of 2-by-4 hitting the front brake lever would also cause all kinds of problems.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Close call, good safety lessonSloppyJalopyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10803&REPLY_ID=106182Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:33:27 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10803 Southern Indiana is cyclist heaven (see Breaking Away), this was a constant distraction for friends who rode in college. They're just like any other issue including deer and other vermin: they can come oout of nowhere and really ruin a good ride if you're not being careful (and I'm not comparing cyclists to vermin, either ;)]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Help With Accident Analysisrayg50http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10910&REPLY_ID=106179Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:29:29 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10910 Have you ever momentarily blacked out for no reason?

]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Riding tired + sloppily = a spillSteveShttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10889&REPLY_ID=106164Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:47:14 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10889 Hi Cash

Night Train answered clearly as usual.

I ride with many riders who have auxilary/passing/spot/ lights. I was giving one possible answer that works for me. We also have manditory headlight tied to ignition as are manditory amber front running/turn signal lights and manditory red rear running/stoplight. All of these are wired to the ignition switch.

Steve]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Turn signalsRHayneshttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10830&REPLY_ID=106066Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:31:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10830 It's my opinion that you can't give too many indications of your intent to other drivers.
A friend of mine in converting a dirtbike to road use got some LED aftermarket signals. They were very small, only about 1.5", but NO way to miss those. I considered getting them myself and swapping out my stock ones.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Air tank questionTecpatl4http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10844&REPLY_ID=105738Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:02:28 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10844 I normally just use a bicycle floor pump. If it's just a matter of adding a pound or two, it's much easier than unpacking the pump, hooking it up etc. using my $20 walmart pump I can completely fill the tires on my dual sport in less than 5 minutes. I only use the tank if I have to seat the bead.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Leather suit or just panths delemma..please helpscottrnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10829&REPLY_ID=105672Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:07:51 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10829 I have leather pants which I wear for all serious riding. But I also have some textile overpants that I expect to wear more once the hot weather is over with (we're just about there).

I know that leather pants will protect against abrasion better than textile, but textile riding pants with knee and hip armor are much better than just a pair of Levis. The best protection is what you'll wear regularly. In other words, the better leather pants don't do a whole lot of good when you leave them home in the closet because they don't fit over your regular clothes.

I've also occasionally worn knee/shin guards designed for dirt riding underneath a pair of jeans. Those protect my knees and shins, but not much else.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Cut grooved Pavement & bikes not goodbachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10708&REPLY_ID=105432Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:02:34 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10708
quote:
Originally posted by Robus

Strange as the squirelly feeling of the tires might be, I have not found it to be a problem.


Me too.
I happened upon a road on the way to work and found it a bit unsettling the first few times although I read about that effect, and like gravel, sometimes just let the thing find its way ever-so- slightly. I traveled that road regularly for a time to get that experience off my To-Do list. The more interesting part of the road was where the road curved to the left and the grooves did not follow the turn radius but widened out to the edge of the road. I was forced to negotiate those grooves a few at a time as a sidestep but no harm. I followed Hough's concept of finding those challenges and working on them rather than avoiding them.
(At least those you are likely to see again and again.)

~brian]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Tree limb falling in the road88Honda Hawkhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10824Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:52:53 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10824 I went riding today with a couple friends. We went for a ride up on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The eldest driver, 47, took the lead for the first few hours and at halfway point I took the lead on the way back. It was a peacefull sunny day, no wind at all. You couldnt of asked for a more perfect day. Well, at the very bottom of the mountain going down the last hill wood to my left and a cliff to my right on a 4 lane road and I in the inside lane, I caught something comeing from my left peripheral vision. Withouth thinking, I quickly moved to my right lane (I had watched the rearview and knew a right lane was clear just in case I needed to get over for some reason) But within seconds, while making it to the right lane, a tree landed on the high from the hill to my left. It missed my bike by about 2 feet and the other drivers were safe because they followed my lead and got to the right lane also. We stopped, well more or less I stopped immediately and they followed suit to warn other drivers of the tree in the road at the time. And also so I could check myself for any damage I didnt notice on the bike of myself and also to check and see it I wet my pants. That was alittle tense. We could not see a reason for the tree to have fallen, but it just fell, uprooted at the ground and it wasnt windy at all. I guess at that time mother nature couldnt hold the tree to the groung any longer and it went. Thankfully I was spared. Please be safe guys and always listen to that little voice inside that tells ya to get over and also, use those peripheral, thaey have always worked for me.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Thanks for the answers88Honda Hawkhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10823Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:56:57 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10823 Sharing of Lessons Learned - Questions about safety gearThe Meromorphhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10817&REPLY_ID=105410Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:17:08 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10817 Motorcycle specific Leather is very good for abrasion resistance. If you regularly ride in the rain it is probably not the best choice. Motorcycle specific armored textile jackets are up close to leather nowadays, if you go for at least 1000 denier overall and 1500 - 2000 denier in the key places. And they will keep you much drier in the rain.
I won't ride without Full Face Helmet, Armored MC Jacket, Armored MC overpants, MC boots, MC gloves, and earplugs.

I recommend www.newenough.com and www.leatherup.com as good online sources of quality gear, often at substantial savings.

Would you like specific brand recommendations?]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - ParkingJames R. Davishttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10591&REPLY_ID=105310Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:12:14 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10591 They were yellow. (Well, they were NOT blue. It's actually most likely that they were white.) We waved at a security guard when we parked and seeing him wave back we assumed it was okay to park there.

When we were inside eating I happened to look out a window and saw a policeman writing a ticket and rushed out to explain what we had done. He bought my explanation, but because he had already written Cash's ticket, he could not take it back or void it. He did not write one for me but he watched as I moved both bikes to another area on the lot.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Dragged a peg today for first timecincyjackethttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10571&REPLY_ID=104418Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:34:22 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10571 James,

You wondered why the original poster could not lean into the dragging peg. I'm thinking it was because he did not trust that response due to his lack of experience. He probably thought that would make things worse.

I think the concept may be a little counterintuitive to understand, but I will give it a try. Imagine that you have your bike leaned over. I will call the side of the bike closest to the road the "low-side" and the other side of the bike the "high-side". If you put your weight on the "high-side", that will actually push the "low-side" of the bike closer to the ground because now you have your weight over the bike.

Now if you do the opposite and lean into the turn, that takes weight off of the bike and stands it up for two reasons. For one, the weight of your upper body is no longer being applied to the bike. Two, the parts of your body still in contact with the bike (your feet, hands, and butt) are now pushing away the bike in the direction opposite of the lean.

Like James mentioned in his advice, go out and experience this sensation out in the parking lot out of harm's way. That way you can see that the technique works and you will trust it when you need it.

Good luck!]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - She saw me but did not.The Meromorphhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10714&REPLY_ID=104402Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:21:56 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10714 I use a Signal Dynamics Diamond Star headlight modulator (about $70).
It is a little more difficult to install (involves splicing wire) than such as the 'plug and play' Kisan (about $100) module, but has several advantages. Most importantly, it modulates both high and low beams, whichever you have on. This means that you can ride normally on a modulated low beam and switch to a modulated high beam when you desire it (low-beam modulation is much less likely to annoy people, yet it still grabs their attention effectively). It also offers two levels of modulation, and automatically switches to the other beam if one beam fails.

I whole-heartedly recommend it. When I went to a high-viz jacket and helmet, there was a noticeable decrease in people pulling out in front of me. Wen I got the headlight modulator there was a virtual cessation of people pulling out in front of me.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Full Lock 360s on a slopeBearyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10710Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:48:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10710
So I've been practicing full lock 360s on slopes at a nearby school parking lot. They have several degrees of slopes, so I can work my way up. What I find is that when you are at the bottom of the 360, you can be going pretty fast from picking up speed coming down from the top. Since you are turning into the slope, you have very steep lean into the slope and you are at a much greater risk of dragging a peg. On the top side of the slope the bike is turning away from the slope, which produces a larger lean angle than normal for the same speed on level pavement. I have found the risk is you need more speed to keep from falling over.

So I find myself having to find a rhythm of adding throttle going up the slope so I will have enough speed to give me the centrifugal force to keep from falling over into the turn at the top. Then using enough brake on the down slope side to keep from building so much speed that I drag a peg through the turn.

What make my driveway difficult is I have to turn down hill to start my 180 turn to dodge the other cars. Gravity has a way of starting me faster than I'm comfortable.

I know it will take a lot of practice to get where it is second nature, so I will keep on. But I sure am open to any advice from someone who has a lot of practice with turning on slopes.

Beary]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Emergency preparednessradan2http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10683&REPLY_ID=104147Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:55:17 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10683 I have taken both Red Cross First Aid and Rescue Diving courses, but they are years out of date. Here is what I remember about what we were supposed to do.

1. Immediately call 911. No help can come until you call.
2. Protect the scene. Use whatever resources you have to prevent things from becoming worse. If you have flares or reflective warning devices, deploy them. Prevent anyone from interfering with the victims unless that person has training.
3. Locate and identify as many victims as you can. Don't be hung up on the first unconscious person you come to, and forget to see if there are others involved.
4. Do not move the victims unless their safety urgently requires it. Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet, no matter how badly it is damaged.

These 4 things DO NOT require specialized training. Anyone can do them. From this point on, what you can do depends on whether you are trained or not. CPR, primary assessments, etc., depend on training.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - ...raptor5618http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10556&REPLY_ID=104032Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:00:03 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10556 My question came to mind when someone said that you can high side even at a very slow speed such as in a driveway. That is what got me wondering why. I think that difference is traction. We used to slide the bike sideways a good bit and bring it back but I am sure that the tire could not achieve the traction needed to toss you ahead of the bike.

I have seen several instances of a high side in a few of the races I caught on TV and it is an experience I hope to never have. Hitting the ground looks bad but usually the bike flipping around behind them seemed to pose an even greater risk. Saw one where the bike had to be 6 feet up and land right behind the rider, never hitting him but if it did I have to believe that the consequences were very bad.

Thanks for taking the time to answer a question who's answer was pretty simple if I thought about it correctly.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - First -ride- beyond the commute ...Texasphotographerhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10668&REPLY_ID=103991Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:46:48 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10668 *
After farm animals, I'll move on to planets of the solar system .. [88]

~brian
[/quote]

Farm animals[:x)]. After going to do some PLP today, I was coming home and there was a llama in the road. I slowed not knowing what he/she was going to do and planned to speed-up to throw his timing off if he ran towards me, but he just stood there looking at me. Found out who he belonged to and called him to let him know one of his animals was wandering on the road.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Lessons gleaned from my first tourbachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10677&REPLY_ID=103989Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:21:37 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10677
Sounds like you had a nice trip overall .... congrats !

Many of the points / tips you mention are good ones and match some of things I've read by others here at this site.

I'm curious as to your research before this big trip ... did you get a chance to peruse this site (or some other source) and search to find tips and posts by others related to higher mileage trips and issues to be mindful of?

You will find many good sources here and I wish you well on your future rides. I'm pretty new to the roads so my big trips will be sub 100 miles for a bit. Can you give a brief mention of your riding experience / history previous to this first tour?

Thank you for sharing the experience.

~brian

]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Witnessing a domestic violence incident while ridingraptor5618http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10538&REPLY_ID=103878Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:01:35 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10538 A very tough situation. I think at the very least 911 was appropriate. I have been witness to a few incidences where I took action to make sure I had info to pass on to the police.

From your description it could also have been an abduction or a disagreement of an employer employee within the oldest occupation.

In any case taking it a step further and getting involved is a more difficult decision. I think we have become a society of let the other guy take care of it and anyone who remembers the story of Kitty Genovese had to have asked themselves why someone did not get involved. If there is a group around it is very interesting that there is little action by anyone until some one decides to take action.

Should you have chased that guy if you could and tried to get the woman away from him. I do not know and the common opinion is that you should stay away. However, just in the last week there are two news stories about guys running up to a burning car to rescue kids trapped inside. It certainly was a dangerous and unpredictable situation but we praise them for doing it. Yes some do not survive when they try to help so certainly the risk is just as great.

Sounds like you did all that you could do at the time. Maybe later you might of though that you could do this or that but in the heat of the moment you tried to do what you could. I hope you called the police even if it was much later and reported what you saw and any description you had of the vehicle and people involved. It is possible that every one thought the other person would call.

If I had seen the same thing but was in a position where other options were available I hope I would come up with a way to do something. I like a previous poster have not been in a fight since I was very young so it is not exactly my nature but your description paints a picture where it seems to me that the woman could be in grave and possibly fatal danger. Not sure I would do anything and not sure I would have thought as clearly as you.

I am pretty sure that most people really do not know what they would do. I know some people who would have jumped right into the middle and some who would shrug it of as to bad for her.

I think as far as you go, you need to accept that you did what you could and as best you could at the moment. Stop beating yourself for not doing the impossible or doing something better. It will get you nowhere and no matter how many times you think it over, not one thing will change. What you need to consider is what will you or could you do in the future if you come across a situation like that one or any event where someone is doing wrong to another.

Just like riding it is a good thing to consider problems you might face and what actions you need to take to resolve the situation. Then your actions are productive and positive. Oh if there is anything that you feel like you should do go ahead and do it is never too late to do what our mind tells us we should do.

I know I would be looking out for that vehicle every day when I went down that street and hope I see it and that guy.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Be aware of your fatigue level!Daddiohttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10616&REPLY_ID=103530Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:27:08 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10616 Correct me if I am wrong.

I thought Snell rated helmets were a higher standard, but in low speed impacts can transmit more force to your head. They are better at protecting you in a high speed impact.

I thought DOT helmets actually deformed more easily at lower impact forces. This may be more effective in protecting your brain at lower speeds. However, the helmet may give too much at high impact speeds.

The helmet should definitely be replaced since it experienced a drop with the weight of a head inside.

One thing for sure. I cannot describe the actual protective foam in my helmet as soft. I can see plenty of force being transmitted to my head in a slow fall. I hope it would collapse at a rate to prevent catastrophic transmission of force. Of course the thing it will protect from is a sliding accident where you cannot keep your head off the pavement. Direct hits aren't easily protected against.

]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Sometimes the mind's eye is fooledradan2http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10531&REPLY_ID=103514Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:57:00 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10531 Another problem arises when the lights are not hung directly over or in front of the lane they control at multi-lane intersections.

I was at such an intersection several years ago. The light directly in front of me turned green, and I went ahead, straight into another car (fortunately both of us moving at very slow speed). It turns out the light in front of my lane controlled the lane on my right. The one that controlled my lane was actually in front of the lane on my left. To find out which lane each light controlled, you needed to count the lights and know which lane you were in.

Apparently, mine was only one of many such accidents. Within a few weeks, the lights were re-hung on new cables, so they are now in front of the lanes they control.

This accident has made me very careful to observe the lights and make sure I have correctly identified the one controlling my lane.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Many myths aboundShadyriderhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10613&REPLY_ID=103506Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:21:47 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10613 Karnack the Magnificent, might have an answer such as... "what saves numerous lives?" where the answer may be "linked brakes on a motorcycle."

For some people I think linked brakes may in fact the only way they will use a front brake. Sad.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - A rider died needlesslyTexasphotographerhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10609&REPLY_ID=103459Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:37:12 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10609 Leaky, I have reflectors on the back sides of my saddlebags, on the back and sides of my helmet and on the front side of my rearview mirrors. I had not thought of putting them on the bottom of my bike. Thanks for a great idea.

Have to brag, my bike went over 10,000 miles yesterday. This makes more than 13,000 miles since March 29, 2008 with 101 days not riding for bad behavior. (I was hurt)[:I]]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Glad I practice the swerveCash Anthonyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10529&REPLY_ID=103347Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:36:39 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10529 It's somewhat amazing to think about how hyper-vigilant we were as new riders, and then how a more experienced rider can become sufficiently acclimated to riding that you could fall asleep.

But I know it's possible. I've been very, very close to nodding off several times, usually because of monotonous freeways with uniformly long segments, where the joints drum, drum, drum under your wheels. In east Texas and Louisiana, on I-10 over the swamps, there's nowhere to pull off for miles, and the humidity and heat and lack of movement except in your same direction, the lack of any other stimulus, can make the eyelids get heavier and heavier.... We typically have to stop at the first pull-off after we're back over solid ground, where there's a tourist / visitor center. I've been known to take a nap on the picnic table there, simply overcome with sleepiness, even when I'm not really fatigued.

Jim's had the same thing happen, though I don't think either of us has been actually wobbling on the bike. We've usually been sufficiently in tune with the circumstances that, if I don't hear anything on the C.B. for a while, under those conditions, I'll blip some kind of message just to wake him up and make sure he doesn't get drowsier.

These are the times that call for a stop right away, because you can get into trouble so fast when you start to lose your awareness. It can all go downhill from there in a second.



Cash]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Peer PressureTburdhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10587&REPLY_ID=103314Sharing of Lessons Learned Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:19:58 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10587
quote:
Originally posted by Silver Girl
Ride Your Own Ride isn't just a nice saying - I live by it.


I think you did the right thing. Part of seeking out extra knowledge and learning, is using it. You probably would have been Ok but if something had happened you would be kicking yourself for knowing better. We need to work the odds to our advantage if possible and "Ride Your Own Ride" is very good advice.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - What does everyone use in place of cones?Tecpatl4http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10582&REPLY_ID=103207Sharing of Lessons Learned Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:24:12 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10582 I go down to the high school where they teach BRC. The lines are painted on the parking lot.
When I want to do plp during the week, church parking lots are a good place. Two normal parking spaces are about the same width as the u-turn box, and are also useful for judging stopping distance. Weaves are a little harder but with a little thought most of the plp maneuvers can be worked on this way.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Full face vs. 3/4Leakyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10527&REPLY_ID=103190Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:42:23 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10527 Well, today was good news. I attended our local HOG chapter road captain's meeting a few nights ago, and told my story about the 18 wheeler running me off the interstate and totalling my bike. I showed them my flip face nolan helmet that was broken in the crash, and we had a very animated discussion about ATGATT, full face vs "wife beater beanies", and brightly colored vests.

Today on our monthly weekday ride, there were several riders with new full face helmets and orange or green vests. We all agreed we'd rather look "dumb" than DEAD.


My wrist is out of it's cast 2 weeks post surgery, and I am constantly reminded (ouch) just how lucky I was, with everything on but the bright vest. A good friend gave me a new one last week.

I was particularly impressed while riding home on city streets today how other drivers would do a "double take" as they started to change lanes into me. It really gave me a good feeling I had done the right thing, overpowering any peer pressure to look "cool.

Sorry this is so long winded, so beat me, lol.

There was a woman in our group who broke a collarbone and ribs wearing a full face years ago, and after talking with her, realized she was just bent on being a statistic. I have been riding since 1968, and have broken SIX helmets now, and each was worth every penny I paid for it.

My worst crash was sliding on my back at 70 mph into a mileage marker, nearly severing my arm, and taking a softball sized chunk out of a new Bell Star. Major cervical injury, but I'm still here to bore you all with details. I now have enough titanium in me to nearly outfit a stealth fighter.

Thanks to all of you that have read this thread and responded to it. It gives me a great feeling that enough of you care enough about your bodies to get consider and get the right gear.

Bruce

]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Don't be lazy - Follow your Braingymnasthttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10578&REPLY_ID=103159Sharing of Lessons Learned Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:25:36 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10578 OilBurner. Check out www.smith-system.com or Google "The Smith System Defensive Driving". Your point is supported by "the ground vewing habit" portion of Smiths system of "space cushion driving" which is widely used in both commercial driver training as well as many high school driver and traffic safety education programs.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - New meaning to 'full face'nedj10http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10378&REPLY_ID=103134Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:12:48 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10378 I have seen commercial mowers do exactly this more than once, this is the first time I have heard of them putting a rider at risk, but here in ATL there are small rocks and pebels everywhere. On no less than two occasions I have seen these mowers pick up said rocks and vaporize automobile windows....

Glad to hear the helmet did its job and protected the head inside it.


Ned
]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Some days your just better than othersrayg50http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10579&REPLY_ID=103131Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:30:09 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10579
Thank you for sharing that. I had a bad PLP my last time out and it was bothering me. Glad to know that anyone can have a bad day. So I will set it aside and look forward to the next one.

]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Tired means get off the roadTexasphotographerhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10573&REPLY_ID=103070Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:38:03 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10573 Gary,

So happy this was an non-event and you were able to realize the fatigue factor.

Just as I wrote a about heat and its effect on a rider fatigue has a way of sneaking up on us (yawning as I write this)[8D]

Been doing a bunch of two hour trips in the early AM as its so hot here in the afternoon. I make it a point to get off my bike in shade once an hour as soon as I can find some shade or a convenience store with cold water.

]]>