flitecontrol

Came across this on another site and decided to add it to my riding technique. Take a look. FYI, SMIDSY is short for what British bikers hear as the guy who just turned in front of them walks over to see if they are OK; "Sorry mate, I didn't see you."

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

JunkyardDog

Interesting. Nothing I haven't known for a long time, and I totally agree with it. I always lookout for other vehicles, intersections or not, and always assume they are going to try and run over me. I don't believe most of them actually intend to, but it really doesn't matter, the end result is the same. Put cars, and car operators, on the same streets with motorcyclists, and what you basically have is urban warfare. I also agree about visibility, my usual riding outfit is a solid white helmet, and an orange reflective vest. Many people think neon green is more visible, but I know from many years involvement in the hobby of model rocketry, that nothing shows up like bright orange and white, either in the air, or on the ground, So all my rockets are painted orange and white. What I did notice in the video, is that the bikes windshield almost completely obscured the view of the rider from the front, a good case for riding without a windshield. I have also installed a headlight and brake light modulator on my Vulcan 750. The only thing in the video I don't agree with, is the weaving back and forth maneuver. While perfectly safe for an experienced rider, it is likely to get you a ticket for reckless riding in the U.S. Jerry.

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Colours

Thanks for posting that vid, always helps to see the veiwpoint of another.

I have only been riding for a short while... but living in a city I have quickly learnt to look at the driver and not the car. I find it helps a lot in anticipating a "smidsy"

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flitecontrol

Yes, usually when you make eye contact (or THINK you have!), the driver will yield the right-of-way. However, I've had them look right at me (or right through me) and pull out. As a result, I no longer even look at the driver. I watch the wheels on the vehicle. If they remain stationary, fine. If they move, it's the first indication that they don't see you, and you need to implement the evasive action plan you mentally made when you first saw them.

__________________
I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

flitecontrol

Hopefully, all riders learned basic motorcycle skills, such as the weave, before venturing out in traffic. Since the bike remains in its lane, I would think that few officers would consider an obviously controlled weave to be reckless driving. If I did get a ticket, I would go before the judge to plead my case, bringing a copy of the video to bolster my defense.

It's sort of like the policeman's father telling his son "I rather go to your trial for murder a dozen times than your funeral once". I'm going to take whatever action I feel is warrented to remain safe while riding. And that includes doing the "weave" when approaching cars stopped at intersections.

__________________
I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!