Motorcycle Rant

midwestpa24 said:
I no longer ride, but this Youtube channel belongs to a personal friend of mine. You can see just how fast something can happen. He has a wife and several small young children, and came that close.

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Similar thing almost got me. Was riding inside lane on a 4 lane, pickup turning right and the guy waiting at the stop sign didn't see me behind it.
 
Tantalum said:
Right?! This gets me too.. also, to add to your list: nothing more annoying than finding what you think is a good parking spot only to see a motorcycle in it.. particularly annoying around here where there are purpose designated bike parking spots
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A group of us stopped at a parking garage to visit a restaurant, and we told the attendant we could put all 6 bikes in one space. He said fine, but he'd have to charge us for 6 anyway. So, we started moving each bike to a space, and he got flustered as parking space was at a premium that day. He wouldn't budge on the price, so we occupied 6 spaces. Dummkoff!
 
Jim K said:
I consider myself an avid motorcyclist, and I dont disagree with anything in the op.... @Bill Jennings summed it up nicely.



If you dig into the statistics, it's a lot like flying in that if you avoid some simple, stupid things, your chance of getting killed approaches zero. Wear a helmet, don't drink & ride, and ride like everyone else is trying to kill you, and you'll be just fine. Occasionally a deer jumps out of the corn and you're screwed, but most accidents can be avoided. Even when a car pulls out in front of you..... you can see that coming a mile away if you're paying attention.
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My intent is country roads, daytime in fine weather if I can help it. Then maybe trailering up to the mountains. This is purely for recreation. No commuting to work.
 
Bill Jennings said:
He said fine, but he'd have to charge us for 6 anyway. So, we started moving each bike to a space
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that's absurd.. I would have done the same too then.. IE, park all 6 bikes in 6 different spots. You're paying for a space.. so if you can use one space pay for one. Ridiculous
 
Bicyclists frequently ride on the rural road I take to get to the freeway. Although they ride on the right side, they ride in narrow lanes and sometimes they surprise you if you come around a corner and there is traffic coming the opposite way. Sometimes they feel the need to ride side by side or in groups of side by side riders. I either have to speed up to get around them or slam on the brakes and wait for oncoming traffic. One of these days, one of them is going to get killed. Yeah, its their right to ride on the road but sometime one of them is going to be dead right. I just hope its not me that is involved.
 
bnt83 said:
Similar thing almost got me. Was riding inside lane on a 4 lane, pickup turning right and the guy waiting at the stop sign didn't see me behind it.
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Perfect example....file this under "don't blast through blind intersections at 70+ MPH"

I'm not going to claim I don't ride well above posted speed limits, but coming over a hill or to a blind intersection....always assume there's a person you can't see who's doing the WORST possible thing, and adjust your speed & lane position accordingly.
 
Not sure how relevant this is, but it came to mind anyway. I thought enough of it to scan it and keep it all these years.

Enjoy.

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Bill Jennings said:
I rather enjoy lane splitting, it's like the ultimate video game, except it's real.
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My favorite was on a fully loaded (GVW 1,370 lbs) K1600GTL between Valley Joe and Frisco during evening "rush" hour. Wife on the back seat did not much care for the experience.
 
FastEddieB said:
Not sure how relevant this is, but it came to mind anyway. I thought enough of it to scan it and keep it all these years.

Enjoy.

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That's kind of a deep response to the kid's letter. I like it.

I wasn't allowed a bike growing up. But one of the first things I did after moving out and getting my own job/place was getting a dual sport motorcycle. The first time my parents visited they weren't amused, and said I can't own one of those. To which I replied "I make my own money now and can pretty much buy whatever the hell I please." And that was the end of that subject. After that, I never heard one negative comment about owning bikes and in fact later my dad liked hearing stories about my travels on bike.
 
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I try to give cycles a break (brake) but when they split lanes, ride in my blind spot, weave through traffic, pass me on my right side on single lane roads and cut corners on curves to pass it makes it a little tough to be forgiving.

Around my home area 9 out of 10 bike accidents are the fault of the biker. I will also add alcohol plays into 8 out of 10 bike accidents.
 
midwestpa24 said:
I no longer ride, but this Youtube channel belongs to a personal friend of mine. You can see just how fast something can happen. He has a wife and several small young children, and came that close.

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I no longer ride either the advent of the smartphone and the increase in distracted drivers made riding less and less enjoyable. I still miss it.
 
Bill Jennings said:
https://www.amazon.com/Proficient-M...show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews

https://www.amazon.com/Total-Contro...lee+parks+total+control&qid=1593452393&sr=8-2





Lane splitting (sharing) is 100% legal in California, and I wish it was legal elsewhere. When I lived in San Diego, I pretty much split everywhere I went, it's a fine way to get around. Although some split at higher speeds, once traffic is going 35mph or so, I'm happy to merge back into the lane and ride with traffic. But, if it slows again, I'm headed for the white dashed line. I still go to Cali every few years for motorcycle vacations, and have no issues splitting even two up with sidebags. The last time I was out, traffic stopped right north of the Golden Gate, and I split the whole way up until it merged into two lanes at KDVO. Traffic then picked up and I merged back in.

No way was I going to sit there inching along in traffic, and as Micheal says, wait to get rear ended by an inattentive phone watching zombie.
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Yeah. I've got many years and hundreds of thousands of miles riding in California. When I left, not being able to lane split drove me rant worthy mad. Done safely it's, well, safe.
 
luvflyin said:
Yeah. I've got many years and hundreds of thousands of miles riding in California. When I left, not being able to lane split drove me rant worthy mad. Done safely it's, well, safe.
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Which is like anything with riding motorcycles (and flying), if the risks are properly managed...
 
Bill Jennings said:
I wasn't allowed a bike growing up.
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I was kind of shocked when, at the age of 15, my parents relented and let me buy a Yamaha 80.

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55 years later, I’m still here and still riding, so I guess their faith in me was warranted.

Find it cute that Schilling seemed to be putting forth that 40 was old!
 
I rode motorcycles in California for 29 years, 300+ days a year. A CHP friend said that in 20+ years on motors, he'd never been to a lanesplitting crash. I only responded to three, two of which were DUIs.

Lanesplitting can be done safely - keep the speed difference to 10-15 MPH, only do it where the lanes are freeway width, expect that some won't see you, and don't force a bad position. And don't do it outside California because it's not legal and it's unexpected.

I live in rural Florida now, and even going into town traffic is so light I've never seen the need here.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 
Zeldman said:
I try to give cycles a break (brake) but when they split lanes, ride in my blind spot, weave through traffic, pass me on my right side on single lane roads and cut corners on curves to pass it makes it a little tough to be forgiving.
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You could do all that too. All you have to do is buy a motorcycle. Of course, you'll freeze when the weather gets cold, broil when it gets hot, get wet when it rains and stand a much higher chance of dying.
 
As much as I enjoy lane "splitting", I much prefer living in an area where the prevailing traffic conditions makes it entirely unnecessary. When "rush" hour consists of being the third or fourth vehicle in line at the red light, life is much simpler. :p
 
:stirpot:

Sounds like a typical rant from someone who can't ride.
Also.
Sounds like a typical rant from someone who can't fly.
Also
Sounds like a typical rant from someone who can't sail.
Also
Sounds like a typical rant from someone who can't drive a standard.

Did I miss anyone? I'm trying to be as inclusive as I can.

Also
I'm a biker, and I can't completely disagree.
 
steingar said:
You could do all that too. All you have to do is buy a motorcycle. Of course, you'll freeze when the weather gets cold, broil when it gets hot, get wet when it rains and stand a much higher chance of dying.
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I had a couple bikes when I was younger. I rode year 'round. Only I rode smart and kept away from the danger areas. I knew passing a car on the right on a single lane road was not going to be safe. I knew that over taking a car quickly could catch the driver by surprise.

I have seen too many riders that seem to think they have the exclusive right to be on the road and do whatever they wish, then blame others for their mistakes.

Not blaming all riders. I have seen plenty of riders that respect the traffic around them.
 
steingar said:
You could do all that too. All you have to do is buy a motorcycle. Of course, you'll freeze when the weather gets cold, broil when it gets hot, get wet when it rains and stand a much higher chance of dying.
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Meh... With the proper gear, the range of environmental conditions one can withstand are quite severe. :D

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Sure looks nice...I sure would look nice on it, relatively.
 
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Didn't we have a motorcycle bashing thread just last week ?
 
luvflyin said:
Yeah. I've got many years and hundreds of thousands of miles riding in California. When I left, not being able to lane split drove me rant worthy mad. Done safely it's, well, safe.
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Sorry, but no it isn't.
 
JOhnH said:
Sorry, but no it isn't.
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Curious...do you have reports or numbers to back that up. Not trying to be a smart-arse. Just seems that it is actually safer than it looks.
 
JOhnH said:
Sorry, but no it isn't.
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Sinistar said:
Curious...do you have reports or numbers to back that up. Not trying to be a smart-arse. Just seems that it is actually safer than it looks.
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Data Point: After 28 years on the street and over 1,000,000 motorcycle miles (including four years in California), I have been rear-ended in traffic but I have never crashed while lane "splitting".
 
NHWannabe said:
the advent of the smartphone and the increase in distracted drivers made riding less and less enjoyable.
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In 2011 I was struck from behind by an SUV on the interstate. I should have seen him coming but he really came out of nowhere and slammed into the back of the bike. By the Grace of God and a helmet I'm alive and well. Yes, I still own a motorcycle but my habits are adjusted a bit as it's a different world as you have stated.

I see a number of posters referring to riders in their blind spot. I thought staying where you could be seen was common sense. I don't ride in blind spots nor do I allow people to ride in mine. Always leave yourself an out ... always. I don't follow open bed trucks and trailers that have stuff in/on them. I'm a back road rider these days as I don't care for interstate travel. Doing the speed limit makes sense and most drivers are always slightly over the limit. On a bike most others are bigger than me and can hurt me so I keep that in mind.

I like to say that I ride a motorcycle like a deer drinks water during hunting season ... :eek:
 
smv said:
Data Point: After 28 years on the street and over 1,000,000 motorcycle miles (including four years in California), I have been rear-ended in traffic but I have never crashed while lane "splitting".
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You lane splitters aren’t The ones that have the problems. It is the people you scare the **** out of.
 
JOhnH said:
You lane splitters aren’t The ones that have the problems. It is the people you scare the **** out of.
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In California,it shouldn't scare the **** out of anyone! In fact,the CHP ran a number of commercials on TV in Cali explaining to drivers what lane splitting is and that it is 100% legal.

https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/california-motorcyclist-safety

The last time I was in Cali, most people actually moved over and allowed more room for the bikes to get by. Natives are quite used to it, tourists maybe not so much, but they should catch on quickly.
 
Daleandee said:
I don't ride in blind spots nor do I allow people to ride in mine. Always leave yourself an out ...
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I have noticed a huge upswing in this the last few years. Someone will come flying up behind you then "stop" right in the blind spot and just cruise there for miles, if you let them. Methinks they are using their peripheral vision to use you to stay on the road while they update their latest facespace status. COME ON PEOPLE! What happens if I need to swerve to avoid a bus full of nuns with penguins on their laps!?!?

Maybe it is the anti-terrorism training, maybe it is being naturally "socially distant", or maybe I just do not ride around with my head up my anus, but it just bugs the hell out of me to have someone 'parked' there like that.
 
JOhnH said:
You lane splitters aren’t The ones that have the problems. It is the people you scare the **** out of.
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Not really sure why it would scare anyone.... Unless you are referring to the jackwagons with their "Loud pipes save lives" lifestyle who think that the percussion of the noise coming from their open pipes will deflect the traffic from around them.
 
smv said:
I have noticed a huge upswing in this the last few years. Someone will come flying up behind you then "stop" right in the blind spot and just cruise there for miles, if you let them. Methinks they are using their peripheral vision to use you to stay on the road while they update their latest facespace status. COME ON PEOPLE! What happens if I need to swerve to avoid a bus full of nuns with penguins on their laps!?!?

Maybe it is the anti-terrorism training, maybe it is being naturally "socially distant", or maybe I just do not ride around with my head up my anus, but it just bugs the hell out of me to have someone 'parked' there like that.
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Or someone who comes up behind and tailgates you for miles when the other lanes are open. If you watch in your rear view, you see the same thing. They're kinda watching you while they play with their phone. Annoying in the car, on the bike, time to check out.
 
Bill Jennings said:
In California,it shouldn't scare the **** out of anyone! In fact,the CHP ran a number of commercials on TV in Cali explaining to drivers what lane splitting is and that it is 100% legal.

https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/california-motorcyclist-safety

The last time I was in Cali, most people actually moved over and allowed more room for the bikes to get by. Natives are quite used to it, tourists maybe not so much, but they should catch on quickly.
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I recall the first time I pulled onto the freeway outside of LA on my '76 GL1000. It was like Moses parting the Red Sea (that is the right guy, no?) Folks were going out of their way to get out of my way. Made that 20 miles crash-caused backup go rather smoothly for me... Sure, now and then you get some "You ain't getting in front of me!" idiot that tries to block you, but that does not last long as the lanes move and shift there will be a new opening in short order.
 
Bill Jennings said:
Or someone who comes up behind and tailgates you for miles when the other lanes are open. If you watch in your rear view, you see the same thing. They're kinda watching you while they play with their phone. Annoying in the car, on the bike, time to check out.
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Ha! Yah... Those folks are fun to play with. I am usually found at or just over (1-2 mph) the posted limit with the cruise control set. When I get someone like that behind me I will tap the DECEL button once every 20 or 30 seconds slowing down ever so gradually. Eventually they will get the idea and either back off or go around. :devil:
 
And now it’s time for my rant. Cagers have always been dangerous for us bikers, no doubts there. It’s always been the case that I’d have to pull some escape maneuver once a month or so. But with the advent of smartphones that number has risen to one in two. Last ride I did I had to get away from someone who for outward appearances was trying to murder me. Stop looking at your damn phones!
 
Bill Jennings said:
I rather enjoy lane splitting, it's like the ultimate video game, except it's real.
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But no reset button. :eek:

smv said:
Ha! Yah... Those folks are fun to play with. I am usually found at or just over (1-2 mph) the posted limit with the cruise control set. When I get someone like that behind me I will tap the DECEL button once every 20 or 30 seconds slowing down ever so gradually. Eventually they will get the idea and either back off or go around. :devil:
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Back when I was being tailgated in the company car, I'd yank the handbrake...just for an instant, then release. Nice little puff of smoke, the car yaws a little bit, but doesn't really slow down.

But gets rid of the tailgater!!
 
SoCal RV Flyer said:
Back when I was being tailgated in the company car, I'd yank the handbrake...just for an instant, then release. Nice little puff of smoke, the car yaws a little bit, but doesn't really slow down.

But gets rid of the tailgater!!
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On a clean road with a good handling vehicle, I sudden swerve to "avoid" a phantom object works wonders. Often times you can see them twisting around in their seats trying to see what it was they "almost" hit...

One better is swerving around actual objects in the road just in time to avoid them but leaving no time for them to avoid. Years ago, there was ongoing construction on I-64 in the southern Hampton Roads area. At one point they had a mini-chicane. Only about a half lane's width. Just enough that on the motorcycle I would go from one side of the lane to the other simply by going straight. You can imagine the fun I had there with tailgaters that were not paying attention any further than my rear tire.
 
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