SV650.org - SV650 & Gladius 650 Forum - Announcements in Forum : Rideouts & Meetings

20-02-07 until 20-03-27

Please note:

Motorcycling is a potentially dangerous hobby and any rideout/event is attended at your own risk. SV650.org takes no responsibility for liability at ANY event advertised on this forum.

Group riding tips

# If you are planning a rideout, make sure you allow for regular breaks (at least every 45 minutes) and make sure everybody knows the route and the break points.

# Do not overtake the group leader. Generally they are experienced in leading groups and may alter the pace to assist “tail enders" catch up. If you want to ride faster, ride on your own.

# When riding in a group, try to follow in a staggered left/right formation where possible. This helps to keep the pack tighter with better visibility and keep a decent stopping distance between you and the person in front.

# When you get to a corner while riding in a stagger, fall out of formation to take your line of choice through the corner then re-form when appropriate

# When stopping at traffic lights/junctions, try to stop two abreast. This will shorten the queue and help get as many riders as possible through the lights/junction etc. in the time available. This also helps to stop the group from getting split up.

# Try not to overtake while riding in a group. If you do for whatever reason, then don't intimidate them by blasting past at high speed.

# Do not try to ride beyond your capabilities or what feels comfortable to you just to keep up. The leading pack will stop periodically to allow bikes at the back to catch up and re-join the main group (if they think the gap is getting too big).

# Do not ride by other peoples brake lights. Vee twin riders have a great deal of engine braking so they tend to use the brakes less......as a result you may arrive at a corner way too fast.

# If you want to overtake, make sure you put no one else at risk. Remember, you have other bikes following you!

# When you do overtake, remember that the bike behind you may have done the same. Give him room to pull in if necessary.

# Try to keep the rider behind you in view. Do not lose them as they need to see where you are or where you are going, otherwise the whole group behind them may get lost.

# If there is a turn while no one is visible in your mirrors, wait at the junction until they appear. Once they can see you, they will be aware of the direction you are taking.

# If you arrive at a junction/roundabout and not sure which direction to go (and no one is waiting), assume Straight On.

# Don't worry if you can't remember everything when out in a group, it will become easier with time/experience. No one is going to haul you up and have a go at you...... everyone has got to start somewhere.

# If you feel uncomfortable riding where you are, change your position after a break/stop. This will help you get a feel for the differing pace within the group depending on where you ride. No one will mind.

# Follow as many different riders as you can. Everyone has a different style and some will suit you more than others. Watch their line through a bend, their braking points etc. and use them as a guide but still use your own judgement.

# If new to group riding, don't feel ashamed to say so. Other group riders may expect more from you unless they are told. Once informed, other riders will be helpful and considerate rather than putting pressure on you to keep up, with dangerous consequences. Also, don't put yourself at the end of the group assuming you will be slow and hold everyone up as you will be riding much faster trying to catch up if you are "tail end charlie". Don't worry we have all been in the same situation.

# Lastly, make sure you know the route. Have a suitable map so if you do get lost you can still meet at the next break point.

Good riding and have fun.

20-02-07 until 20-03-27
Guest Posts: n/a	Important - Please Read Please note: Motorcycling is a potentially dangerous hobby and any rideout/event is attended at your own risk. SV650.org takes no responsibility for liability at ANY event advertised on this forum. Group riding tips # If you are planning a rideout, make sure you allow for regular breaks (at least every 45 minutes) and make sure everybody knows the route and the break points. # Do not overtake the group leader. Generally they are experienced in leading groups and may alter the pace to assist “tail enders" catch up. If you want to ride faster, ride on your own. # When riding in a group, try to follow in a staggered left/right formation where possible. This helps to keep the pack tighter with better visibility and keep a decent stopping distance between you and the person in front. # When you get to a corner while riding in a stagger, fall out of formation to take your line of choice through the corner then re-form when appropriate # When stopping at traffic lights/junctions, try to stop two abreast. This will shorten the queue and help get as many riders as possible through the lights/junction etc. in the time available. This also helps to stop the group from getting split up. # Try not to overtake while riding in a group. If you do for whatever reason, then don't intimidate them by blasting past at high speed. # Do not try to ride beyond your capabilities or what feels comfortable to you just to keep up. The leading pack will stop periodically to allow bikes at the back to catch up and re-join the main group (if they think the gap is getting too big). # Do not ride by other peoples brake lights. Vee twin riders have a great deal of engine braking so they tend to use the brakes less......as a result you may arrive at a corner way too fast. # If you want to overtake, make sure you put no one else at risk. Remember, you have other bikes following you! # When you do overtake, remember that the bike behind you may have done the same. Give him room to pull in if necessary. # Try to keep the rider behind you in view. Do not lose them as they need to see where you are or where you are going, otherwise the whole group behind them may get lost. # If there is a turn while no one is visible in your mirrors, wait at the junction until they appear. Once they can see you, they will be aware of the direction you are taking. # If you arrive at a junction/roundabout and not sure which direction to go (and no one is waiting), assume Straight On. # Don't worry if you can't remember everything when out in a group, it will become easier with time/experience. No one is going to haul you up and have a go at you...... everyone has got to start somewhere. # If you feel uncomfortable riding where you are, change your position after a break/stop. This will help you get a feel for the differing pace within the group depending on where you ride. No one will mind. # Follow as many different riders as you can. Everyone has a different style and some will suit you more than others. Watch their line through a bend, their braking points etc. and use them as a guide but still use your own judgement. # If new to group riding, don't feel ashamed to say so. Other group riders may expect more from you unless they are told. Once informed, other riders will be helpful and considerate rather than putting pressure on you to keep up, with dangerous consequences. Also, don't put yourself at the end of the group assuming you will be slow and hold everyone up as you will be riding much faster trying to catch up if you are "tail end charlie". Don't worry we have all been in the same situation. # Lastly, make sure you know the route. Have a suitable map so if you do get lost you can still meet at the next break point. Good riding and have fun.