Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Seamaster on June 05, 2016, 03:25:37 PM
-
Hello everyone,
I just got my motorcycle endorsement a few weeks ago and went got a 2016 V7II Stone in flat black. The bike as today, is still at dealer. This is my first motorcycle! I know, I know, a new rider with V-Twin on the side, could be a disaster! Engine guards is on the way and I am not going to ride my baby until it is installed. I picked Agostini engine guard for the look, are these any good? I also need some advise on the bar end mirrors/mounts (Black only), adjustable brake levels, and a decent looking tank protector n(no fish bone please). can someone pass down some wisdom here?
Thank you!!
-
Fish bones ?
Diusty
-
My go to place for bar end mirrors is eBay. I do a search for "3" round bar end mirrors" and buy the cheapest ones I can fine. Usually about $15 per set shippped. I don't have the heart to spend $100 on a set of Oberlin's that look almost exactly like the eBay mirrors because I know I'm just going to break then off at some point.
Tank bags are a personal choice. If you get a magnetic one do not leave it on the bike for days at a time. Take it off at the end of every day's ride or the paint will distort where the magnets contact the tank.
-
Sounds like you bought from Moto International? Hook up with some riders from there. They'll let pick you their brains. National Rally in John Day, OR. coming up towards the end of the month. There are local riders out there.
-
Since you mentioned that you were new to motorcycles, my first suggestion would be a rider training course. Engine guards are nice to have, but with the skill gained from the course, you hopefully won't need them.
Enjoy the new ride!!
Tom
-
+1
-
I just finished motorcycle safety course that my work paid for it and I attend the class on the clock.
Most tank protectors look like fish bone :grin:
Yes, I bought my bike from Moto International. Dave was really nice and he installed a lower gel seat for no charge and also gave me back the original seat!
I will check out those mirror on ebay, but can they hold-up with the wind or vibration?
-
Pad up the bike. Twist of the wrist. Ride like a pro. Get some cones, do the practice. Don't go out on the streets naked. Good gear. Padded and anti-abrasion. Bright colors.
Learn the lines. Civy lines, not racing lines. Maximize chances. Late apex cornering. Keep it simple. No trail braking etc. You won't know the bike's limit (generally way out there) or yours. So learn the mechanics of riding the machine, the skill of the 360 ( knowing where everything is all the time), and the pace. Just a wonderful balanced pace with reserved and comfortable line, efficient energy state.
Always improve. Lean your body more than the bike. A tiny lean, shoulder towards the inside mirror, eyes through the corner. Start slow so you can roll on. Every corner perfect, every shift just right. You'll never get there, but strive for it.
The voice. When the voice says slow down, do it. When the voice says pull over, do it. One day the bike may decide to go straight instead of left at the light. Let the bike and the voice do it. That one saved my life.
Build a trauma pack and put it on your bike. More important, learn how to evaluate, manage an accident scene, triage, extract, run a rescue. I ran my own once, while carefully noting that I was headed for volume shock and didn't have a lot of time.
Drop ego. Ride for the ride, for the intimate feel of rubber on asphalt, for the wind, for the gentle build of power as the bike lifts into the straight, for dance. Be quiet. Listen to everything. A little tick of something loose. A change in the wind. The faint sound of a big vehicle ahead, around the blind corners, for the crows watching and whispering that you are mortal, whispering that this gift is a dance with death.
You cannot ride the same road twice, never forget that the next corner may be different than yesterday, or earlier today. Leave room for distracted, the too eager, the out of control, whoever - the fellow in your lane in your blind spot.
Have fun!
-
Pad up the bike. Twist of the wrist. Ride like a pro. Get some cones, do the practice. Don't go out on the streets naked. Good gear. Padded and anti-abrasion. Bright colors.
Learn the lines. Civy lines, not racing lines. Maximize chances. Late apex cornering. Keep it simple. No trail braking etc. You won't know the bike's limit (generally way out there) or yours. So learn the mechanics of riding the machine, the skill of the 360 ( knowing where everything is all the time), and the pace. Just a wonderful balanced pace with reserved and comfortable line, efficient energy state.
Always improve. Lean your body more than the bike. A tiny lean, shoulder towards the inside mirror, eyes through the corner. Start slow so you can roll on. Every corner perfect, every shift just right. You'll never get there, but strive for it.
The voice. When the voice says slow down, do it. When the voice says pull over, do it. One day the bike may decide to go straight instead of left at the light. Let the bike and the voice do it. That one saved my life.
Build a trauma pack and put it on your bike. More important, learn how to evaluate, manage an accident scene, triage, extract, run a rescue. I ran my own once, while carefully noting that I was headed for volume shock and didn't have a lot of time.
Drop ego. Ride for the ride, for the intimate feel of rubber on asphalt, for the wind, for the gentle build of power as the bike lifts into the straight, for dance. Be quiet. Listen to everything. A little tick of something loose. A change in the wind. The faint sound of a big vehicle ahead, around the blind corners, for the crows watching and whispering that you are mortal, whispering that this gift is a dance with death.
You cannot ride the same road twice, never forget that the next corner may be different than yesterday, or earlier today. Leave room for distracted, the too eager, the out of control, whoever - the fellow in your lane in your blind spot.
Have fun!
Thanks for your advises bro, I will remember them like bible!
-
Master of the Sea,
Focus.
Be smooth.
Practice.
Watch the road far ahead, and put those bar end mirrors to use.
Evaluate.
Enjoy!
-
Aprilia Tuono mirrors are superior to stock and offer excellent visibility. Mirrors are a safety item.
-
Countersteer consciously, look where you want the bike to go, and don't ride at a pace beyond that which allows you to stop within your line of sight, without drama.
-
I have the black one piece Agostini crash bar on my V7 Special. Very sturdy.
Todd at Guzzi Tech sells adjustable levers.
Search AF1's website. Lots of stuff for the V7's, including tank protectors.
Congrats on your first bike! A Guzzi was a great choice.
-
Aprilia Tuono mirrors are superior to stock and offer excellent visibility. Mirrors are a safety item.
I am looking for bar end mirrors
-
I have the black one piece Agostini crash bar on my V7 Special. Very sturdy.
Todd at Guzzi Tech sells adjustable levers.
Search AF1's website. Lots of stuff for the V7's, including tank protectors.
Congrats on your first bike! A Guzzi was a great choice.
Thanks, I looked at KTM Duke 390 before I went to V7II. The KTM dealer is all about money. I am glad my friend Branden Hellman told me Guzzi is easy to maintain. Oh, I am a diesel mechanic by the way.
-
Make sure to attend the monthly breakfasts. Nice group of folks. They also have a number of other get togethers in the area.
-
All the gear all the time...don't ever think 'I'm just running down to the store' and neglect your personal safety for the sake of convenience...the things you learned in the Basic Rider Course really will save your life someday... :thumb:
-
There is a Bent Bike on Aurora in Everett and one on the Kent/Auburn highway (east valley rd?) in Kent. They have universal accessories. There are a number of UJM (universal Japanese machine or 'big4') shops on Aurora as you leave Moto International and head for Everett. They'll have stuff you can use.
I agree that a m/c safety course is highly to your advantage. If you've lived in the I5 corridor or near it you know that traffic pounces on the weak and inexperienced like lions on a wildebeest. The safety course is your best way to NOT meet the head of the WA chapter of the MGNOC (Moto Guzzi National Owner's Club), Dick Guthrie. He drives a WADOT trouble truck and just hates it when he has to mop up after a bike gets clobbered on the 405. A survivor reads traffic and reacts/proacts instantly. You can't do that if you don't know what to do and can't do it instinctively.
I did the combat commute for years from Oly to UW and Fall City to UW. With a half million or so miles on bikes, I'm not about to enter the fray abruptly when I barge my Guzzi south this summer. I'm going to do baby steps around Vashon and the Peninsula first. Even with experience it takes some getting used to.
-
Make sure to attend the monthly breakfasts. Nice group of folks. They also have a number of other get togethers in the area.
That is cool! Yeah, Branden spent 12 years to convince me to get a motorcycle.
-
Don't trust anyone's turn signal, not even your own (don't forget to turn yours off)
-
rodekyll,
Agree, the I5 traffic is crazy, are there are always accidents. People, get off your phones!
-
Most tank protectors look like fish bone :grin:
Carbon fiber?
-
Riding since '75, killed once and been on the ground both racing and streeting more times than I care to recount.
If you do no other thing, find a parking lot with clean pavement and practice your 25mph-0mph fast stops, with front brake only. Practice until you can lock and release the front brake without panicking.
This should take a long time to get comfortable, maybe 100-200 stops. Another few hundred to get good at it.
Set up cones, stop one direction and loop back around to the start point.
Discuss after you've tried it.
E.
-
Carbon fiber?
Sure.
-
If and when you go with a group. Ride your own ride. Find out where they''re going. Go last and don't let your ego tell you to keep up. Show up on your terms.
-
Is it too late to say
Start on a dirt bike
OK , probably too late
Good luck , some good advice here . If no one has mentioned it , never panic , keep a light touch on all the controls .
Oh , have fun , if it isn't fun , what is the point .
Dusty
-
Fish bones ?
Diusty
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TpKu7O4HL._SY300_.jpg)
-
Is it too late to say
Start on a dirt bike
OK , probably too late
Good luck , some good advice here . If no one has mentioned it , never panic , keep a light touch on all the controls .
Oh , have fun , if it isn't fun , what is the point .
Dusty
I use to ride mountain bike, well, that does not really count.
-
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TpKu7O4HL._SY300_.jpg)
That is a fish bone, which does not belong to this type of bike.
-
If you get a magnetic tank bag, don't take in your workshop where you drill or cut metal. The tiny metal slivers get on the magnets & can ruin a paint job very fast. Always look at th magnetic contact points before putting the bag on you new tank!
-
never ride with a group.
do 600 miles in the most remote place you can find.
then do the 600 mile service yourself. search here for the proper info and oil capacities.
next reread the bible from the MSF class and practice everything again and again. it makes a lot more sense after a bit of experience.
-
Fish bones ?
Diusty
Diusty?
-
Diusty?
I was channeling you :laugh: Posted from my phone , it doesn't automatically sign my name . That's my story and I'm sticking to it :rolleyes:
Dusty
-
Wow....again this board floors me...lots of outstanding advise....Toaster.. .so well written....the Sunday morning school parking lot practice with cones is essential. Don't ride in a group until you are extremely comfortable....and then still don't...find a good experienced friend and follow from afar.Stay away from every thing.... Buy a good helmet.
Take nothing for granted...every day, hour, minute, and second...each is a gift and a second or two can mean the difference between safety and tragedy. Pay attention to the car in front of you...but more so the three cars in front of it.
Congrats on your first bike...and great choice. Be safe
-
Just a few more thoughts.
Brain fade. Doing something complex too long dulls the edge. See it up here on our local attraction. People fade out after 200 curves and do something silly, or run off the edge. Watch out for it.
Stay in shape. I used to do things with airplanes / airports. Change use, see where the planes were most likely to fall, see whether zoning needed changing. Below about 20 hours / month, the accident rate goes up. Keep at it, stay proficient, when you aren't, take it very easy and work your way back into the groove.
Manage your energy state very smoothly. That's the ticket, nothing abrupt, everything smooth smooth smooth. Look up "The Pace" - which a bit above what you'll be looking to do, but manage everything. Pick the turn in, pick the apex and exit as much as you can, listen, roll off to the entry speed, catch the bike with the throttle, head turns looking for anything amiss, considering the road and the line, shoulder towards mirror a cm or two, weight shift in butt, throttle rolls on as the bike tips in, catch it with the rising power and lift it to and through the apex, setting up for the next. Smooth as glass. Keep a reserve so you can brake. Use your eyes to move around obstacles. Throttle is everything, brakes for control, a touch of the rear for stability. Plenty of time, plenty of room, well within the envelope.
Don't let the bike get ahead of you. That's another aircraft issue. Usually it's a doctor or something. Or JFK Jr. Jumps up a level to a Bonanza or something. It isn't really any more difficult. Except his 150 he was flying 2 miles ahead of, and he doesn't realize he's always flying at or a little behind the plane. Then one day he's low and slow, trees are close, full throttle and back on the stick. The accident reports use the term "power curve" - pilot is behind it and does two things where only one will work. So understand how power, speed, rpm, lean angle etc all work for your bike. Oh, for the plane, have to just throttle up and go around. Can't point the nose up, too! The thing will mush right into the trees. Same thing with a motorcycle - only have so much power at each rpm, have to balance everything out.
If you don't practice knowing where you are in your performance envelope, or where you are in the corner, you can find yourself in trouble. This is very bad with groups. Let's take a popular curve. The Whip at mile 10 of the Dragon, US 129 in Tennessee, southbound. The five Harleys were tight, about 1/2 second or less apart, each following biker looking through as well as at the ones ahead. They looked pretty good. You can find this turn. https://tailofthedragon.cld.bz/Tail-of-the-Dragon-Brochure/3 (https://tailofthedragon.cld.bz/Tail-of-the-Dragon-Brochure/3) and
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Deal's+Gap+Motorcycle+Resort/@35.5131228,-83.9862072,432m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x885ebe304269d55 1:0x6fe234824fb11a30!8m2!3d35.4667507!4d-83.9194677 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Deal's+Gap+Motorcycle+Resort/@35.5131228,-83.9862072,432m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x885ebe304269d551:0x6fe234824fb11a30!8m2!3d35.4667507!4d-83.9194677) It's a perfect example. Two straights and a sharp turn, hairpin. The first rider comes in southbound, right up on the yellow, hotter than I would, turns his head hard, tips in and swings through the apex about 2/3 of the way around, maybe 3/4. The next guy follows him. But he's watching the leader and is just a little lost. Looks fine, but his turn in is just a little more early (he's not really seeing the turn) and the apex backs up a few feet. There aren't very many feet to back up. This happens again, until the last guy hits the apex at about 1/2 of the turn, figures out his line is going to be in the middle of the left lane, and there's nowhere to go. He was lucky, popped vertical and braked hard, but he still would have hit any oncoming traffic.
So don't ride in groups, don't ride someone else's ride, understand your performance envelope.
Watch out for squids. They will annoy you and distract you. When a bunch of squids are around, let them go. Pull over, let them get out of sight. They're bad news all around. Let me find you a local one: http://killboy.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK02IR060396&po=710&pc=1127 (http://killboy.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK02IR060396&po=710&pc=1127) No gear, and naked Jr to shred. These guys will over ride their abilities, get in your lane, go fast in the straights, then brake hard and coast through the curves.
If you can find a friend to loaf along with, that's perfect. On longer trips, an experienced rider can get you there by pacing the ride where you're comfy.
Don't sweat the small stuff, pack some rain gear and get out there.
Here I am up on the Dragon last year http://killboy.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK02IR020431&po=604&pc=3593 (http://killboy.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK02IR020431&po=604&pc=3593)
-
Besides practice at riding my biggest rule in traffic is not to be in a blind spot and not have a car/truck on both sides of me at the same time. If you are in one of those spots get out of it as soon as possible. Not as hard as you might think, even in heavy traffic. Basically, always try to have a way out.
-
Wow, people over here are very kind and caring. Thanks for the advise; yes, no group riding until i get better. I will tour the olympic peninsula this fall with just one friend, who is very experienced, but again, I will not ride others' ride and always on alert!
-
(http://thumb.ibb.co/k7VTBF/Screen_Shot_2016_06_03_at_11_27_27_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/k7VTBF)
BTW the bike I am getting will look exactly this one with HB Junior 30Ls, minus the rear rack.
Well, I have a chance to chose 30/30, or 40/30, or 30/40 HB bags. What do you think? O know the 40L are large can hold a helmet, but look really big.
-
You can't tell how big they are when they're behind you, but you can sure as hell tell what you had to leave behind. If I plan to tour I get the biggest bags I can fit. Every time, always.
-
Good to have you onboard! Lots of good advice so far. Many wise heads here who have logged millions of miles and lived to talk about it.
Understand that every ride is life or death. Remember that. It's no lie. If your mind is wandering to some work or family problem, pull over and refocus on the work at hand, which is arriving safely.
Skip the alcohol and skip the group rides. Learn, learn, learn and enjoy building proficiency.
Best,
Nic
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEC-AanEl5Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEC-AanEl5Q)
Nearly misses the first bend, then zooms up to Whipsaw I described above. Starts on the inside instead of the outside, sort of the ultimate early apex, and bops right up to the yellow line, has to readjust. Anyway, this isn't the way it's done. None of it. Not how it works. Work watching!!
-
Sorry for the bad manners :embarrassed:
Welcome for sure :thumb: Yes we are a friendly bunch , well , except for one old grouch :laugh:
Dusty
-
That guy in the YouTube video is a mad man, he is not really good at his craft. He just took a wild guess and turn for it! I think he was losing focus by the end and too rough on the technique, well if he got any......
oldbike54, I turn 40 this year :tongue:
-
That guy in the YouTube video is a mad man, he is not really good at his craft. He just took a wild guess and turn for it!
oldbike54, I turn 40 this year :tongue:
Good grief , another youngster :laugh: No , the old grouch shall remain nameless :evil:
Dusty
-
(http://thumb.ibb.co/k7VTBF/Screen_Shot_2016_06_03_at_11_27_27_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/k7VTBF)
BTW the bike I am getting will look exactly this one with HB Junior 30Ls, minus the rear rack.
Well, I have a chance to chose 30/30, or 40/30, or 30/40 HB bags. What do you think? O know the 40L are large can hold a helmet, but look really big.
I have 40's on a EV Touring and thinking about 30's instead. The 40's are wide!! The 40's would probably be wider than your handlebars. Not a bad thing. But, one thing to think about is that if your bars can make it through a gap, the bags might not. But. if your thinking of turning this into a touring bike with a shield and all, the 40's would be a good way to go. If it's more general purpose to sport, go 30's.
Glad to hear you already took the course. Riding is fun!! But you gotta watch out for the other guy with the phone, coffee and a sandwich all at the same time in his hands.
Have fun and be careful!!
Tom
-
I have 40's on a EV Touring and thinking about 30's instead. The 40's are wide!! The 40's would probably be wider than your handlebars. Not a bad thing. But, one thing to think about is that if your bars can make it through a gap, the bags might not. But. if your thinking of turning this into a touring bike with a shield and all, the 40's would be a good way to go. If it's more general purpose to sport, go 30's.
Glad to hear you already took the course. Riding is fun!! But you gotta watch out for the other guy with the phone, coffee and a sandwich all at the same time in his hands.
Have fun and be careful!!
Tom
My friend has a Ducati GT1000 with HB 30/30. I was based on his experience.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iqTFrF/Ducati_GT1000_09_1.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iqTFrF)
-
Welcome to the two wheeled club! Beware of the oncoming cagers turning left.Beware of your backside at every stop light,leave your motorcycle in gear,and leave enough room in front of you for an escape route. Watch your surroundings,notice the farmers working in the fields,they use the same roads as you do. Going up nice hills means ANYTHING can be in the road ahead as you crest....slow down. Road riding is NOT a race. Remember that motorcycles are the bottom of the motorized food chain....you will lose even if you are in the right. We have all been cut off in traffic....thats the way it is...dont lose your head....survive =win= ride another day.
-
Ride like you're invisible. Don't expect them to see you!
-
Don't trust anyone's turn signal, not even your own (don't forget to turn yours off)
So true that! I accidentally left mine on one time and nearly got run over because of it. When I realized it was my own fault, I was quite upset at myself.
Ride like you're invisible. Don't expect them to see you!
What he said. Also, assume they DO NOT see you! Pay attention to cars at intersections. Look for wheel movement.
John Henry
-
I use to ride mountain bike, well, that does not really count.
Congratulation on your new bike!
Riding mountain bike helps a lot, specifically if you spent some time on the decent single track. You will be able to apply the same skills when braking, balancing, going over the obstacles on a road. As a new rider myself (picked my first motorcycle 2016 Audace 4 weeks ago) my only advice is to concentrate on throttle and clutch control, specially at slow speed when making sharp turns. Be careful when/where you put your feet down, a slip of your foot may lead to putting a bike down. Other then that I think you are ready to fly!
Drive save and have a fun!
-
Yeah, please, don't die out there....
Simplify things...left turn? Position yourself in the right car tire line...right turn, left tire lane SO THAT you can see as far as possible around the curve...most of your attention should be on the 3-5 seconds in the future
Try the speed limit, always a safe sure suggestion
Slight accel in corners lifts the bike off the suspension, closing throttle quickly in a corner lowers the bike onto suspension which reduces cornering clearance
Smooth throttle, no abrupt on/off, especially leaned over
Braking is pretty much a straight line activity before you turn into corners
Good luck, have a blast
Anything moving or static is trying to kill you
-
First of all WELCOME to the forum. You have joined an eclectic group to put it mildly! Lots of good advice from some experienced riders, like watch for wheel movement also look for heads turning toward you, if they're on the phone, chances are, they're not seeing you. I also like "ride like you're invisible" very true. I ride like I really never have the right of way while thinking they're all out to kill me, makes it fun doesn't it? Since the invention of cell phones and texting, it seems like that's more true than ever.
Another biggie is staying out of blind spots, the trucking industry calls it the "no zone" better to blow someones doors than ride in a blind spot.
Good idea to hook up with an experienced buddy. Have fun out there and enjoy your Guzzi. Watch out they're addictive!
-
And don't be surprised if your riding habits carry over to the cages.
I was driving along and my wife asked me why I was slowing down cause the light at the intersection was green. I laughed and pointed out the guy on the other left turn lane starting to inch forward and the guy on the side street about to make a right in front of me. Didn't occur to me I was in a 3/4T diesel truck instead of on the bike :D
-
Good God fellas! I know your trying hard to help this guy out, but if I were him, I might be double thinking this whole riding thing after reading all this!
Don't get me wrong, there is a ton of great advice here, but how about throttling back a little on the scary stuff. If it's been said already three or more times, no need to say it again. We want him to be as safe as possible, but we still want him in the community right? If he gets anymore redundant advice via a computer keypad he might just take of kiting instead.
Welcome, ride safe, and have fun, we want to be hearing about your journey for years to come!
-
I didn't see any bad advice from the above posters. After all, we're all alive with collectively millions of miles.. just saying. The first 6 months are a pretty steep learning curve for a beginner. My favorite is pretend you are invisible. You truly are.
Now, for that problem you are likely to have as a newby. Don't cover your front brake at walking speeds. If you apply the front brakes in a gentle turn at those speeds, you are likely to fall down and scratch your new bike. If something unexpected happens, you'll clench your hand, lock up the front wheel, and down you go. When making that final few mph stop or in gravel, use the rear brake only.
I read an article one time that said the best street riders look 14 seconds down the road. I thought, "I don't know about that.. that is a *long* way." Went for a ride, and timed where I would normally be looking. Yeah.. 14 seconds. Of course, you can't do that on winding roads, there you have to look as far as you can see.
At any rate, riding is an absolute blast. All senses being on full alert is actually part of it..
-
Good God fellas! I know your trying hard to help this guy out, but if I were him, I might be double thinking this whole riding thing after reading all this!
Don't get me wrong, there is a ton of great advice here, but how about throttling back a little on the scary stuff. If it's been said already three or more times, no need to say it again. We want him to be as safe as possible, but we still want him in the community right? If he gets anymore redundant advice via a computer keypad he might just take of kiting instead.
Welcome, ride safe, and have fun, we want to be hearing about your journey for years to come!
Bad Chad is absolutely right, of course.. but this is a whole crash :smiley: :smiley: course on what to do and not to do. I've said before that experience is a tough teacher.. it gives you the test first, and *then* the lesson. :smiley: The above postings give you years of experience to fall back on for when the test comes.. :wink: Welcome to WG!
-
When you see dust ahead of you assume somebody just screwed up and get real conscious.
I saw a dust plume ahead once and slowed, when I got there I saw a limo had left the two lanes going the other way further up on the hillside, come down the hill, crossed over my two lanes and gone further down the hill.
Today I was being tailgated getting off a long fast exit and I was trying gently slow us both down when a big dust plume came out of the brush ahead. I got high profile on the slow down signals and came around the corner to a car facing the wrong direction - he'd gone wide and off into the shoulder, over corrected and did an involuntary U-turn to wind up in the shoulder facing backwards.
-
and get real conscious.
*Always* be real conscious. :smiley: See that water running out of the car wash out onto the road? It's slick as snot. Stay out of the middle of the lane. That's where the cars drop oil, especially uphill, and after a gentle rain. Don't cross the center of the lane on an on ramp for the same reason. Painted lines on the road.. you get the picture. :smiley:
Look. It's fun.. but it's dangerous. If you don't believe it is dangerous you have no business on a bike. <shrug>
-
Yes, a lot of scarey stuff to throw at Seamaster, but Seattle is a very scary place to ride. Lots of out of towners who don't know where they are going will turn abruptly in front of of you. My piece of advice: Do NOT tailgate on the freeway. Anticipate traffic slowdown so that you do not have to panicstop.
Keep an eye on your mirror(s) when you come up on slow or stopped traffic. I like to weave a bit in my lane to catch the attention of the driver behind me.
And do come down to Enumclaw the first Saturday of the month and have breakfast with us.
I live just South of you in Tukwila.
Bill Lovelady IS
Eskimo Spy
-
^^^^
Advice from a high mileage local guy. Pay attention. :laugh:
-
Master of Sea:
"Watch your six o'clock". Here is an example from my home town, happened yesterday. I will be riding this exact road next Wednesday.
Give yourself an out if possible. Blink brakes, wear high vis gear, keep bike in gear and ready to move out of way of behind-you coming traffic. This scenario is perhaps my worst nightmare:
http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20160606/NEWS01/160609748/Motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-identified#/storyimage/DU/20160606/NEWS01/160609748/AR/0/AR-160609748.jpg&maxw=620&maxh=400
-
Master of Sea:
"Watch your six o'clock". Here is an example from my home town, happened yesterday. I will be riding this exact road next Wednesday.
Give yourself an out if possible. Blink brakes, wear high vis gear, keep bike in gear and ready to move out of way of behind-you coming traffic. This scenario is perhaps my worst nightmare:
http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20160606/NEWS01/160609748/Motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-identified#/storyimage/DU/20160606/NEWS01/160609748/AR/0/AR-160609748.jpg&maxw=620&maxh=400
Condolences to the friends and family of the fallen rider. Two things: 1. Note the extreme imbalance of driver/rider outcomes in this 3 vehicle crash (the two drivers were looked at on the scene and didn't require additional medical attention), 2. This comment from a reader make the fallen rider sound like a very responsible motorcyclist: "Condolences to his family...R.I.P..... ..Saw this M.C. rider around town all the time. Helmet protective gear, curtious driver and cautious always stayed back and gave room, never speeding around cars. So very sad to hear he was killed. In excusable, someone not paying attention!"
Watch your 6! Great advice LD.