biking manners, advice needed

So i was out this morning having a blast, going past all the cars etc, then ended up behind this guy on a cbr600 with an oval can wearing all the racerboy gear.

Usually not a problem because he should be going faster than me, but today he was going a bit slower than i would like (maybe 10-15%). I really want to overtake him but feel this would be rude as his bike should be a lot quicker than mine and he is probably a few years older than me.

I quickly realised he was probably going to be taking the same route as me, so after about 10 minutes of boredom stuck behind him i decided to pull over and have a fag for 5mins then i set off again. Problem solved. But could I have politely overtaken him somehow? is there a signal i can give?

I wouldnt want him to think i was trying to race him, its just that i hadnt had a decent blast in ages and needed to let off some steam.

I am relatively new to biking so i havent learned all the rules yet, so i also would like to know if i am supposed to nod at mopeds/easy riders if they nod at me first.

Any help on this would be really appreciated,

Harry.

[mattSV]

Just because he is on 'a better bike' does not mean that you shouldn't!

My advice would be:-

1) Do not overtake him if he is at the back of a queue of traffic and looks as though he might overtake - sod's law says he will pull out in front or into you.

2) Do not sit directly behind him - position yourself so he can see you in his mirrors before committing to overtake.

3) When you do overtake, give him plenty of room (rather than 'buzzing him at full revs )

4) I usually give a quick wave of the left hand in acknowledgement

5) Check your mirrors to make sure he is not right up your @rse looking for revenge

Overtake as you normally would,

Carsick wrote:

Overtake as you normally would, giving them the finger as you pass.

:P

Overtake whilst pulling a wheelie!

Seriously, mattSV has probably covered all that needs to be done. Give plenty of room and position yourself so he can see you. When I go for a slow ride I let faster riders know that they can overtake if they want to. Otherwise it's a race!!

Originally Posted by hcorf

i also would like to know if i am supposed to nod at mopeds/easy riders if they nod at me first.

Personally, I nod at moped/scoot riders if they are wearing proper gear and riding properly. Chances are they could be a "real biker" commuting to work or summat. Chavs in trainers I ignore.

"Easy riders" are a bit more difficult as some nod, some don't. Most don't in my experience. I let them make the first nod, as it were.

I always nod to coppers on bikes; round here, most nod back.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by hcorf

because he should be going faster than me

Not necesarily so. Everbody rides differently. Just because hes on a sports bike doesnt mean hes going to go faster than you are.

I'd tend to agree with Mattsv. Thats all good advice. Its OK to overtake just as long as in doing so you dont put each other at risk.

I'll nod at anybody else on two wheels. We're all bikers doesnt matter what you ride.

Originally Posted by Jabba-the-Hutt

"Easy riders" are a bit more difficult as some nod, some don't. Most don't in my experience. I let them make the first nod, as it were.

That's 'cause they're too damn righteous to acknowledge folk

[Biker Biggles]

My sportsbike will do 170 MPH.If I rode it at it's full potential anywhere I would'nt have a license so I choose my own speed.Sometimes I just bimble around(OK always)so it won't bother me if you want to overtake.

BB...Expect the Royal Finger when I next pass you also! :P :P