Tips on how to be safe and stay alive.

alaska cajun · 03-31-2005, 01:30 PM

For the seasoned riders here,lets post up our safe ridding habits for the newbs.

Safe tips only please,no flames.

Off the top of my head,when comeing to a stop light or stop sign.don't wait until the last min to stop.Start your stop about 150' from the sign or light.This forces the cage behind you to do the same instead of rearending you.

Keep it civil and simple guys

Süsser Tod · 03-31-2005, 02:08 PM

Here is what has kept me alive:

a) Ride with your brains, not with your balls

b) If something doesnt feel "right", back off, probably something is wrong

c) No points give to the fastest one on its way to the grave

d) Its easier to avoid getting into trouble than getting out of a bad situation.

e) Know your bike, work on it if it is possible, learn about it.

f) Hear your bike! She is the one on top of the pavement, she knows!

g) Cages are out there to kill you, they won't use turn signals, all of them have blown stoplights and all of them leak some slippery fluid. Never trust a cage, don't let your guard down!

d) After a blind turn, there is always somethign waiting for you to crash. Never outride your sight!

Last one, and most important:

ENJOY THE RIDE! If you are not enjoying it, it is time to stop and take a break.

Get_1 · 03-31-2005, 02:13 PM

ride like your invisible to everyone

Rascus · 03-31-2005, 02:15 PM

SCAN SCAN SCAN!!!! Look at every possible thing you can..just for a brief instance and determine whether or not what you are looking at may come your way.

Quote:

Never outride your sight!

Espcially at night...never outride how far your light projects. Watch the other vehicles lights for bumps, etc.

HONDARC · 03-31-2005, 02:38 PM

Expect the unexpected...

bumblebee · 03-31-2005, 02:41 PM

ride defensively and pack a big handgun...

jasfrmn · 03-31-2005, 02:49 PM

It has been my experience to always take the turn only lane if you come up to an intersection that has a turn only and next to it an optional lane. EVERYTIME i decided to turn from the option lane a car will go straight from the turn only lane and on several occasions i would have been plowed into if I hadnt stopped very fast mid turn. THat is the kind of thing I dont think many riders could do safely without the MSF course

mercutio80 · 03-31-2005, 08:31 PM

When sitting at a stop sign or red light, keep hitting the brakes so your brake light is flashing.

ecir · 03-31-2005, 08:53 PM

Slow down before intersections and when a cage is turning left so you can react if he doesn't see you

Ride in the leftmost part of the left lane for high visibility

When possible travel through intersections with a cage to your right

Always plan your exit routes. Every car is a threat

Watch your rearview at intersections and keep the bike in gear until a cage stops behind you in case you have to move quickly to avoid getting run down

Never ride in a blind spot

The right lane is the most dangerous lane to travel in

RIDE THE PACE in the twisties

Get_1 · 03-31-2005, 09:21 PM

hey guys theres alotta good ones on here..

dennisred69 · 03-31-2005, 09:25 PM

Always check your tires before you ride. Always check your lights especially your brake and tail light. (mine went out in the middle of a ride tonight).

Wei · 03-31-2005, 10:00 PM

Be VERY cautious at intersections, this where most accidents happen.

Avoid being rear ended
1. Brake early
2. Flash brakes after you have stopped & when cars are approaching after you stopped
3. Leave some space between you and the car infront of you
4. All the above apply even more if you are the first in line at the light

Avoid being hit
1. Wait a few sec after the light turns green, some people gas it to try to make the light.
2. Scan Scan Scan (as mentioned above)
3. Ride like no one sees you
4. Leave bike in gear

Misc
1. Dont stop in the middle of the lane[Oil collects there form POS cagers], pick a left or right division of the lane.
2. Watch for sand/oil/debris, adjust riding accordingly
3. Watch where you place your feet/weight a rock or debris can roll you ankle
4. Dont be distracted by the hotties in the convertible next to you

dug · 03-31-2005, 10:36 PM

Don't ride when you're not up for it. When you're tired, pissed off, sick, etc. you lose a little focus on the important things like not getting killed.

Adjust your bike to fit you - move levers, handlebars, pedals to positions that allow you to operate them with no extra thought; adjust the throttle and clutch freeplay to where you want them to be.

If you live in a state where you can split lanes, do so at stoplights so you aren't the last person in line - you can end up being the meat in a car sandwich. If you're not in such a state, keep the clutch pulled in, flash your brake lights, and keep an eye on the guy coming up behind you. Leave yourself enough room to get to the left or right in case he wasn't paying attention.

Wear ALL your gear ALL the time, even if it's a quick trip to the corner store.

Know your abilities and don't exceed them. Don't try a wheelie 'coz some chickie motions for it. Don't try and keep up with other riders who are faster than you are, ride your own pace. And like Tod said, enjoy the ride!

TachyonS14 · 04-01-2005, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dug

Wear ALL your gear ALL the time, even if it's a quick trip to the corner store.

That's a biggie. One thing you don't want to do while on a bike is RUSH. It causes nothing but trouble. Leave plenty of time to put on all your gear, let your bike warm up, check your chain tires etc. then ride. If you have to get somewhere fast, I suggest taking a car.

alaska cajun · 04-01-2005, 02:24 AM

This is turning out really well.

Can we get a sticky?