Dangerous riding?

I went on a road trip recently to France. While we were plodding along at legal speed, every so often, I’d dip my hand in my pocket, pull out my phone, raise my left arm, press the “camera” button on top a few times to take a few shots (quick glance at screen, then click click click click), back in the pocket it goes, all nice and safe. No alarms, no madness, no swerving or danger…

I then get called a madman, a nutter (although they didn’t complain about the pictures), even though I’ve got more riding experience than all the blokes I was with, put together…

So, im a nutter, a madman, but I stick “long way down” on last night, and sure enough, there’s Charlie, 1 hand on throttle, one hand holding up his GPS to the camera waving it going “look where we are” etc….

Is it dangerous, or is it a lack of confidence from the people who aren’t as confident/skilled on their bikes. Is it really that dangerous? Have you ever taken a hand off the wheel in a car to do something? I can’t see it as any more dangerous really. I wouldn’t do it on a B road, but sitting on a motorway???? Whats your thoughts, and how much riding experience have you got with that opinion?

I wasn’t bothered at all about my mates comments really, I know what im doing, but was interested to see other riders, both newbies, and experienced, opinions are.

Wouldn't fuss me mate, common sense and judgement in effect of course. As long as I deemed it safe I probably would have done the same.

Originally Posted by DanAbnormal

Wouldn't fuss me mate, common sense and judgement in effect of course. As long as I deemed it safe I probably would have done the same.

+1.

Sometimes to stretch out on the bike I will get both hands off the bars & lean back - also has the added benefit of making the exhaust appear louder whilst engine braking.

So long as you saw no risk to yourself or those around you - not a problem.

Much akin to wheelies really. So long as done in a "safe environment" - all good.

Do that in this country and you will be done for use of mobile, and probably careless etc.

If you are feeling rich, buy one of the camera mounts and a cheap camera that does video and takes a huge SD card. Youll need to keep your screen clean though :P

Personally, I like to have both hands on handlebars and resent taking one off to wave thanks at motorists who pull over to let me past, but that's just me being paranoid.

Originally Posted by AndyW

Personally, I like to have both hands on handlebars and resent taking one off to wave thanks at motorists who pull over to let me past, but that's just me being paranoid.

Stick your left foot out instead and wave that about

Personally it`s not something I`d do.... not only are you taking your eyes off the road (albeit briefly) but you can`t anticipate whats going to happen in the time your hand is not on the bars. I`d prefer to have both hands available to use in an emergency.

[Nobbylad]

I'm just back into riding again after quite a few years away, when I was younger, I couldn't resist taking my hands off the bars every now and then, as well as stretching legs out etc to 'realign' the family jewels or reposition my gear.

Having been back on two wheels I've found that age hasn't changed me!!!

As above, if the only risk is to yourself, then it's your call and yes, don't get spotted doing that in the UK!

Originally Posted by Speedy Claire

Personally it`s not something I`d do.... not only are you taking your eyes off the road (albeit briefly) but you can`t anticipate whats going to happen in the time your hand is not on the bars. I`d prefer to have both hands available to use in an emergency.

Are you saying you never take your eyes off whats in front?

How do you do lifesaver glances, check your mirrors etc if you can't take your eyes off the road?

We're talking about 8 hours riding here too, not a quick blat to work or something.

Can I ask how long the people who have said they think taking even one arm off is dangerous (to them, which is fine) have been riding, to compare experience Vs opinion.

I'll post some of the images in a minute. I must have took about 30, but could only use about 10 due to being out of zoom, or out of picture etc...

Originally Posted by DanAbnormal

Wouldn't fuss me mate, common sense and judgement in effect of course. As long as I deemed it safe I probably would have done the same.

+2

Like Baph I'll sometimes cruise along with both hands off the bars, either to give my wrists a rest or just to show off !

I also quite often 'adjust myself' or have one hand off the bars. I'm always also checking my pockets to see if I've lost anything!

Not a problem as far as I'm concerned.

PS: From what I've seen Charley Boorman is a very good rider mind!

Originally Posted by Daimo

Can I ask how long the people who have said they think taking even one arm off is dangerous (to them, which is fine) have been riding, to compare experience Vs opinion.

Not saying its dangerous, just I don't like doing it. (I do take my hand off the bars to wipe visor, lift it etc.)

And 1 year commuting on a 125, and another year commuting on the SV, so 2 total.