View Full Version : Assess my riding
Id pretty much say im a horendous rider on the road. i cant go round corners correctly and seem to take the wrong lines all the time.
How would soemone feel about follwoing me for a couple of miles, then ripping me up for asse paper and point out all the rubbish and unsafe things i do whilst im thinking i was superb.
in return i will buy someone a nice pub lunch! just want to know how bad i really am!
its more to understand how i can make myself a bit safer riding really as i have had to many near misses
(it will have to be on a dry day tho as my bike is a bit like the wicked witch of the west)
Shellywoozle
17-10-09, 07:13 PM
Id pretty much say im a horendous rider on the road. i cant go round corners correctly and seem to take the wrong lines all the time.
How would soemone feel about follwoing me for a couple of miles, then ripping me up for asse paper and point out all the rubbish and unsafe things i do whilst im thinking i was superb.
in return i will buy someone a nice pub lunch! just want to know how bad i really am!
its more to understand how i can make myself a bit safer riding really as i have had to many near misses
(it will have to be on a dry day tho as my bike is a bit like the wicked witch of the west)
Why dont you go on a Police Bike safe day ?? Just a thought .. if not come over to mine ;) and I will get my Police bike buddy off duty to follow us both. I need him to come out with me to give me a few pointers
Why dont you go on a Police Bike safe day ?? Just a thought .. if not come over to mine ;) and I will get my Police bike buddy off duty to follow us both. I need him to come out with me to give me a few pointers
thats an idea!! I think he may want to take my licence away after tho LOL
Id pretty much say im a horendous rider on the road. i cant go round corners correctly and seem to take the wrong lines all the time.
How would soemone feel about follwoing me for a couple of miles, then ripping me up for asse paper and point out all the rubbish and unsafe things i do whilst im thinking i was superb.
in return i will buy someone a nice pub lunch! just want to know how bad i really am!
its more to understand how i can make myself a bit safer riding really as i have had to many near misses
(it will have to be on a dry day tho as my bike is a bit like the wicked witch of the west)
I could always come out with the other half. He has been riding for years and will be able to give you a good assessment.
Id pretty much say im a horendous rider on the road. i cant go round corners correctly and seem to take the wrong lines all the time.
How would soemone feel about follwoing me for a couple of miles, then ripping me up for asse paper and point out all the rubbish and unsafe things i do whilst im thinking i was superb.
in return i will buy someone a nice pub lunch! just want to know how bad i really am!
its more to understand how i can make myself a bit safer riding really as i have had to many near misses
(it will have to be on a dry day tho as my bike is a bit like the wicked witch of the west)
I'll give you some constructive criticism if you want....
Traffic filled roads or country?
do they do poilce bike safe days down here then? never seen anything advertisd
I'll give you some constructive criticism if you want....
Traffic filled roads or country?
all really...
When would you like to go out?
http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/
I don't think the Hampshire lot are doing anymore courses this year tho. Might be worth a call.
Shellywoozle
17-10-09, 07:22 PM
thats an idea!! I think he may want to take my licence away after tho LOL
No he is a cool guy he wouldnt ... he is like me off duty, you wouldnt think he was a Rozza
appollo1
17-10-09, 07:25 PM
why not get in touch with your local IAM and speak to them about doing a course.
kwak zzr
17-10-09, 07:32 PM
No he is a cool guy he wouldn't ... he is like me off duty, you wouldn't think he was a Rozza
remember we went to that bike safe lol they wanted to give me a fixed penalty for a small plate lol
Shellywoozle
17-10-09, 07:32 PM
remember we went to that bike safe lol they wanted to give me a fixed penalty for a small plate lol
They was at work then and that wasnt the bloke I am on about. They also said they wouldnt ;) ohhh Daz dont scare him
Miss Alpinestarhero
17-10-09, 07:33 PM
Id pretty much say im a horendous rider on the road. i cant go round corners correctly and seem to take the wrong lines all the time
How long have you been riding? As others have said, a bike safe course would be the way to go.
Why do you think you're not a good rider on the road? Apart from 'taking the wrong lines all the time', is there anything else that has happened to make you think that? Can you think of any situations where you have actually ridden fine? (im sure theres at least one..! :))
The way you think can have a big impact on the way you act. So if you get on your bike with a negative attitude or instantly criticise yourself when you feel you've made an error, I wouldn't be suprised if your riding wasn't up to scratch.
Shellywoozle
17-10-09, 07:35 PM
Road / Bike Craft book .... good starting point !!
How long have you been riding? As others have said, a bike safe course would be the way to go.
Why do you think you're not a good rider on the road? Apart from 'taking the wrong lines all the time', is there anything else that has happened to make you think that? Can you think of any situations where you have actually ridden fine? (im sure theres at least one..! :))
The way you think can have a big impact on the way you act. So if you get on your bike with a negative attitude or instantly criticise yourself when you feel you've made an error, I wouldn't be suprised if your riding wasn't up to scratch.
cos i cant keep up with normal bikers. they seem to have confidence around bends and seem to know how to handle the bike. when i was training a women pulled out on me and i swerved to miss her and hit a hedge. my instructor went nuts at the cage driver bashing her windows an all sorts. for soem reason i seem to be a bit edgy on the road and make mistakes. its these mistakes id like to rectify to allow me to ride a bit safer.
remember we went to that bike safe lol they wanted to give me a fixed penalty for a small plate lol
they havent seen my exhaust which was hand made in italy. U know the bikes coming believe me!
Miss Alpinestarhero
17-10-09, 07:45 PM
cos i cant keep up with normal bikers. they seem to have confidence around bends and seem to know how to handle the bike. when i was training a women pulled out on me and i swerved to miss her and hit a hedge. my instructor went nuts at the cage driver bashing her windows an all sorts. for soem reason i seem to be a bit edgy on the road and make mistakes. its these mistakes id like to rectify to allow me to ride a bit safer.
Don't you think you might be being a bit harsh on yourself by comparing yourself to 'normal' bikers? Those 'normal' bikers might have more riding experience which is why they may appear more confident. Confidence in your machine and your own skills will come naturally over time. Just ride more. And whenever you feel you've made a mistake, take the steps to recify it by altering your riding style or whatever
Why do you think you're a bit edgy on the road?
Id deff recommend riding more and booking onto a bikesafe day. Or even booking onto a course with the IAM?
Don't you think you might be being a bit harsh on yourself by comparing yourself to 'normal' bikers? Those 'normal' bikers might have more riding experience which is why they may appear more confident. Confidence in your machine and your own skills will come naturally over time. Just ride more. And whenever you feel you've made a mistake, take the steps to recify it by altering your riding style or whatever
Why do you think you're a bit edgy on the road?
Id deff recommend riding more and booking onto a bikesafe day. Or even booking onto a course with the IAM?
im interested in doing a bike safe day........do they check the bike over for legality first?
Miss Alpinestarhero
17-10-09, 07:54 PM
im interested in doing a bike safe day........do they check the bike over for legality first?
They check if you have insurance, tax, MOT & a licence (obviously!). Not sure about the nitty gritty legality like small plates / loud cans but when Matt (alpinestarhero) did his bikesafe, they didnt bat an eyelid over his exhuast.
They check if you have insurance, tax, MOT & a licence (obviously!). Not sure about the nitty gritty legality like small plates / loud cans but when Matt (alpinestarhero) did his bikesafe, they didnt bat an eyelid over his exhuast.
thansk maria.. i look in to it:D
Alpinestarhero
17-10-09, 08:20 PM
Firstly, if you can understand your riding is not very good, then why havn't you sat down and worked out how to make it better? Not having a go or being confrontational, but you admit you know your riding is not good, so you must have an idea of what should be right...right?
Never ever think about how fast other people are riding. My dad rides pretty quick, but I dont worry about keeping up. I ride at a pace I feel comfortable. If it feels fast to me, then it IS fast to me. Employ this tactic for yourself and dont worry about the "slow" jibes.
Confidence comes from riding lots on the same sorts of roads. I'm confident on sweeping A and B roads, I've ridden alot of them. I'm confident in towns in rush hour, because I've ridden in rush hour alot!
I'm not so confident on really tight roads with tight hairpins and stuff. I feel the same as you do...rubbish.
Get out there, slow down a little and concentrate on smooth riding. Assess yourself; were you in the right gear? Did you take the safest line you could? hat hazards did you spot early? What did you miss?
Consider things like seeing as far ahead as possible when going round turns.
Above all, enjoy your riding :D
Ross - I did a Bikesafe day about 8 years ago with Hampshire Police - on my 650 with twin renegade cans - only comment from them was 'bloody hell, they sound nice' :cool:
Made me a faster, smoother & safer rider - highly recommended
ArtyLady
17-10-09, 10:05 PM
cos i cant keep up with normal bikers. they seem to have confidence around bends and seem to know how to handle the bike. when i was training a women pulled out on me and i swerved to miss her and hit a hedge. my instructor went nuts at the cage driver bashing her windows an all sorts. for soem reason i seem to be a bit edgy on the road and make mistakes. its these mistakes id like to rectify to allow me to ride a bit safer.
You probably cant keep up with them because they're going too fast - you'll be safer not trying!
Sounds to me like you need to join your local IAM/Rospa - Bikesafe is good but only one session whereas IAM is regular training to instill good riding standard and increase your confidence.
sunshine
17-10-09, 10:33 PM
you really do need some more training, dont get on edge because of a cage driver, watch them expect them to try and kill you.
take the outside line on corners so the line is longer and you can maintain your speed. when in a straight line dont aim for going flat out having some fun i keep up with my mates on the round the bends when they slow down for the racing lines.
If your ever in the midlands let me know i can tell you where your going wrong if anywhere. get positive about your riding without getting cocky.
it doesnt matter how many times you take a bend there could be something different next time you go round it there could be something on there to take you out.
if your trying to ride with speed slow down first and know how your bike feels speed comes with time, like years of riding.
try riding a cruiser. Corner lines... keeping up... speed... filtering... swerving... its all pie in the sky :cool:
joshmac
18-10-09, 01:11 AM
I'd also recommend doing a bikesafe day. I did one last year up in London. They check your MOT certificate, insurance and license. In my experience and from what I've heard from others, loud cans and small plates aren't an issue. The only comment the copper said about my exhaust was to say he thought it sounded great. I don't consider myself a good enough rider to give other people advice, so I won't offer personally.
Gene genie
18-10-09, 06:24 AM
i'd go for more training myself and just enjoy it. as for your riding i would say enjoy that too at your tempo and always remember the basics, to be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear and as for corners, slow in and accellerate out.
Buy this as a start:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-Roadcraft-Police-Handbook-Motorcycling/dp/011341143X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255855028&sr=8-1
I live in Southampton and I'd say I'm a very safe rider, I never break the speed limit, quite good with hazards (I assume no one else knows how to drive) and I know when I've made a questionable decision on the road.
I've only been riding 2 yrs though and I'm not very good at being authority so I probably wouldn't be able to help you :p
custard
18-10-09, 09:21 AM
www.rapidtraining.co.uk
I went out today with a friend. I used to be as fast if not faster than him when I had my CBR, but he was totally roasting me since I've had the R1. It is a totally different riding experience and I have had a bit of a crisis in confidence. Did about 160 miles today. First half was awful. I was just slowing right down for corners and pottering round them or feeling like I was going in too hot and standing the bike up with the brakes. Mark was following me all the way.
We parked up had a coffee and a chat and he gave me some good feedback on my riding. Second half I followed him for about 50 miles. Riding at about 60% and just concentrating on lines, braking and cornering and progressively getting faster. The last 20 miles was brilliant. Had confidence in the bike and was able to lean on it into the corners. All the "feeling" had come back and I could feel the grip. Totally banzai'd him on a few corners.
I'll go out with you if you want and we can do the same. Start slow and concentrate on your braking / road positioning to start off with and gradually increase the pace. No need to go balls out. I think that sports bikes need to be pushed a little to get the best out of them. It's when they are being pushed that they start to work. They are not made to bimble.
Had a massive grin and so much more confidence after todays ride. Take it slow and build up the pace gradually. No prizes for dragging itr out of a hedge!!
christopher
18-10-09, 03:10 PM
I've just done a Bikesafe course with Cheshire Police and found it quite useful, 6 hours in the classroom (there were about 12 of us, I was the youngest at 23 and the oldest bloke was 70) split over two evenings, then a 2 hour observed rideout 1 to 1 which was this morning.
The classroom side of things is pretty basic and you'd hope common sense to most but it's suprising how little some people know/understand or what you forget over time. Not much to say here, but everything covered is in Motorcycle Roadcraft (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/011341143X) including all the diagrams, anagrams and techniques they use. Worth getting a copy of that book no matter what.
The rideout was excellent and the copper wasn't interested in my unbaffled Yoshimura (until we got going then stopped to talk when he took a decent look and just smiled), he honestly did just want to see me riding how I usually would so he could analyse it from a safety aspect (that's what the whole course is focused around, safety). He commented on a few little things but nothing serious, mainly just how overtakes could be done in a more step-by-step process. So he went ahead and (by exaggerating each stage) showed me how they would perform them.
Overall it was well worth doing, especially as mine was free which I think everyone's should be, not that it's not worth paying for just that the whole point is to push safety first etc. And if that's there goal then surely they'd get a much wider audience to push that message to if it was free.
joshmac
19-10-09, 12:42 AM
I never break the speed limit
Really? Never at all?..
Really? Never at all?..Really.
im going take scoobs up on his offer to follow em as he is local ! Im going to approach the MoD police about the bikesfae today as i notcied they do one as as im part of a MoD establishment maybe i can jump on the bandwagon!
Ill Pm you scoobs to arrange a time thats good for you......
Drew Carey
19-10-09, 07:39 AM
Hiya mate
Few questions…….firstly, what tyres are you running at the moment? I found that changing the tyres was the biggest confidence boost I ever received. Secondly, roughly how many miles have you done so far? What bikes do the guys ride who you tend to spend most of the time with (and how long they been riding)?
Are you happy with counter steering (please lets not get into the argument of whether it exists or not). I only ask as I was taught this on my DAS but I know a lot of people don’t. The one thing I learnt above all else is that when going through the corners if you need to tighten up, proactive counter steering enables you to take the corner smoother and with more confidence. Also, as has been mentioned, try and not aim to keep up with the others, but ride for yourself and as smooth as possible. What you will find is that if you ride smoother and more relaxed your speed especially through the corners will pick up. The worst possible thing is following someone into a corner who you don’t 100% know the riding skill. It causes you to tense up and slow right down.
Agree with what others have said re bikesafe etc. If you can. Don’t worry about them slating you etc. That’s what they are there for, constructive criticism. Their aim after all is to make riders safer, so it is in their interests to help you as much as possible. But most importantly…..relax, ride for your self….no one else.
Drew
Really.
Must be a pretty boring ride out with you then ;)
yorkie_chris
19-10-09, 08:49 AM
Heh. I would think the same, but there are a couple of roads around here where you can do some serious feckwittery without exceeding 60.
I figure they're more guidelines.
Ill Pm you scoobs to arrange a time thats good for you......
No worries buddy.
Hiya mate
Few questions…….firstly, what tyres are you running at the moment? I found that changing the tyres was the biggest confidence boost I ever received. Secondly, roughly how many miles have you done so far? What bikes do the guys ride who you tend to spend most of the time with (and how long they been riding)?
Are you happy with counter steering (please lets not get into the argument of whether it exists or not). I only ask as I was taught this on my DAS but I know a lot of people don’t. The one thing I learnt above all else is that when going through the corners if you need to tighten up, proactive counter steering enables you to take the corner smoother and with more confidence. Also, as has been mentioned, try and not aim to keep up with the others, but ride for yourself and as smooth as possible. What you will find is that if you ride smoother and more relaxed your speed especially through the corners will pick up. The worst possible thing is following someone into a corner who you don’t 100% know the riding skill. It causes you to tense up and slow right down.
Agree with what others have said re bikesafe etc. If you can. Don’t worry about them slating you etc. That’s what they are there for, constructive criticism. Their aim after all is to make riders safer, so it is in their interests to help you as much as possible. But most importantly…..relax, ride for your self….no one else.
Drew
hi drew. my bike has perelli corsas on it. they are really soft. I feel like they are letting me down slightly though and have a uncofident feeling about them. To be honest im not completly ofay with corners due to the leaning, (i think my bike will fall over) so that tends to make me steer into a corner instead which inturn causes issues by tightneing up and slowing down!!
the guys i ride with have a mixture of bikes....GSXR - Triumph crusier type thing. Never really understood the whole counter steering thing. Not sure if i even do it correctly (is there a right or wrong way?)
hi drew. my bike has perelli corsas on it.
So does mine. Sounds like you are having the same issues I had. They do feel better the more you push them, but it is a vicious circle innit. If you don't have the confidence then you won't want to push them.
Never really understood the whole counter steering thing. Not sure if i even do it correctly (is there a right or wrong way?)
Don't worry mate. You will do it subconsciously. The bike won't turn if you don't do it. We can do that as well when we hook up. We'll find a nice quiet road and practice countersteering. We can do it on a straight road. Don't even need corners to understand the principle of it.
joshmac
19-10-09, 10:17 AM
Really.
Fair enough then
Must be a pretty boring ride;)
That's what I thought at first. Sitting at 70 on motorways would make me lose concentration.
Heh. I would think the same, but there are a couple of roads around here where you can do some serious feckwittery without exceeding 60.
I figure they're more guidelines.
That's also true I s'pose. Some of the country roads round here are nearly impossible (for me) to get up to 60, not that that's a problem though.
Fair enough then
That's what I thought at first. Sitting at 70 on motorways would make me lose concentration.
That's also true I s'pose. Some of the country roads round here are nearly impossible (for me) to get up to 60, not that that's a problem though.
not just the motorway mate, staying at 60 MPH on most roads bores me to tears, i tend to stick at about 75-90 on the A roads higher if they are wide and open. 50-70 ish on the twistier A and B roads.
As for the motorway, rarely below a ton on a trip.
and yes i know i am a very naughty boy before i get flamed, but i know the risks accept them and get on with it. i did not buy a sports bike that can do 160 to sit at less than half its top speed. It does 86 in first for a start :p
yorkie_chris
19-10-09, 08:29 PM
not just the motorway mate, staying at 60 MPH on most roads bores me to tears
Come up here and try some of little roads. See if you can hit 60 never mind stay above it :smt033
Come up here and try some of little roads. See if you can hit 60 never mind stay above it :smt033
One day, I'll take you up on that - given that I'm fairly familiar with the area anyway. Neio may remember my riding on roads I'm very familiar with - and for now, it seems I'm keeping my bike. :)
Anyway, to get back to the topic...
It seems blueto that you have at least taken the first step. You want to improve. You appear to realise there's areas for improvement, but you're not sure how to improve on them.
There's only so much that friends (ie, folks here) can do to help, then it's a matter of looking for futher training. I did BikeSafe, but when I did, I knew RoadCraft inside & out - and BikeSafe is based on RoadCraft (as all advanced courses are pretty much).
The next advanced course I do, will be something like RoSPA (aiming for Gold hopefully) in the Alps. :cool: But that's a while off due to finances.
By all means go out with folks from here, but don't forget other forms of further training too - it sounds like you'd benefit from it.
(P.S. For those reading the above that have ridden with me, knowing and using the knowledge are two different things - riding to the letter of RoadCraft/BikeSafe etc bores me to tears, so I just pick & choose bits of it that I feel are relevant).
Alpinestarhero
20-10-09, 10:51 AM
Another suggestion; my old riding school used to organise rideouts, there was one instructor in particular who was always in attendance.
Maybe your old riding school, if its close by to you, does the same sorts of things? Maybe your old instructor wouldnt mind going for a social ride with you?
Come up here and try some of little roads. See if you can hit 60 never mind stay above it :smt033
a challange i like that, could combine it wit ha track day up there, is it Oulton in north Yorks?
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