Nearly binned the bike this morning!

I very nearly lost it this morning due to some **** on a BMW K1200s........

We were going round a roundabout with lights and we were both going at a reasonable speed, then he decides to break quite sharp while the light is still green and pull into my line.

I breaked and unusually for me I used more rear brake (I don't generally use it at all) and because I was leant over a bit the wheel locked up and started to slide, I released and re-applied and it slid again so I released and applied a handful of front and a light touch of rear and managed to stop before the kerb and the BMW plank.

Bikers are normally really considerate of what is behind them and certainly never start slowing down just in case the light changes.

My question is this - what the f***?

Lucky miss!

He might of swerved & braked for some hazard in his line that you didn't see because you were looking at your line. For example, rather large stone.

Yes he should of steered around & carried on, avoiding your line. But I remember not long after I got the SV, turned back into my own road, the front wheel caught a large stone. Confronted with one at speed, whilst cranked over, wouldn't be pretty & it'd be time for emergency moves. Personally, I'd be more occupied with avoiding the hazard than I would be worring about where you were.

Harsh, but true.

Learn!

Don't assume anything. ANY road user is out there to kill you. And were you perhaps enjoying a bit of a dice with the Beemer.

Always expect the unexpected.

Anyway glad you're still in one piece.

One last thing. You say you don't usually use the rear brake. Why not? Unsettles the bike far less than the front when leant over.

Originally Posted by petevtwin650

One last thing. You say you don't usually use the rear brake. Why not? Unsettles the bike far less than the front when leant over.

I agree. I use the rear mid corner a fair amount. Too much pressure & yes, it'll slide.

My issue comes from using the rear brake in straight line & locking up.

This sounds like one to chalk down to experience to me. It sometimes takes a 'moment' like yours to give us all a gentle nudge not to get too complacent with another riders behaviour, even if you know them.

Easy to say but just try and keep a little more distance so that you can stop/take evasive action if the party in front/side does something unexpected. We're probably all guilty (I am anyway) of riding a tad too close to others bikes from time to time.

Originally Posted by krhall

Nearly binned the bike...

I know exactly what that feels like

Originally Posted by krhall

I very nearly lost it this morning due to some **** on a BMW K1200s........Bikers are normally really considerate...My question is this - what the f***?

To be fair mate...always expect the unxepected in front of you.

But on a (slightly) similar note....A BMW thing?

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=88419

Yes I agree - you should always expect the unexpected and you always keep this in mind with cars but perhaps don't so much with bikes for some reason and it did serve as a good reminder to me.

My confidence has been steadily growing with all this warm weather riding I have done over the last few weeks and a timely reminder to me that accidents can happen was actually quite good for me.

I only ever use the back lightly and perhaps the panic made me stamp rather than apply progressively causing the slide.

I think I need an IAM course but am struggling to find time, I certainly need to go for a ride with some more accomplished riders to see if I can pick up some tips.

As for the BMW rider, I continued to follow him all the way from where the incident happend to Greenwich (about 15ish miles) and his driving was very strange to say the least, slowing down for no apparent reason etc. It was a new bike though so maybe if he was running it in he had to be mindful of the revs?

A LESSON LEARNED

Very sensible response Kr.

We are all guilty of complacency sometimes I'm sure. Even easier on the commute ride where you know the route so well.

Not sure IAM training would have been much help in that instance, except to help with vision and anticipation.

If time is a problem then try and book a bikesafe course. They often only take up a day. Not as intense as IAM but you'll pick up lots of pointers and you can pick the cops brains about technique etc.

Safe and happy riding.

I know it's tempting to fall into the trap of assuming other bikes will be more considerate/better road users than people in cars, but it's a dangerous assumption to make. I've had people I know and ride with regularly do stupid things that have nearly taken me out. Other riders are an unknown variable. I've followed/been followed by other riders for several miles and they seem fine and you start to trust them, only for them to then start doing silly things that put you both in danger. I'd put it down to experience and leave a bit more space between other riders in future.