How dangerous are bikes really?? - Page 2 - SV650.org

12-07-05, 09:31 AM

I would add 'peer pressure' to all of the above. When riding in a group, it is sometimes tempting to follow the guy in front into an overtake especially if other riders are large in your mirrors. It would be interesting to see stats on accompanied vs unaccompanied head-ons

12-07-05, 09:54 AM

FYI, there was a similar thread about my concerns a while ago.

http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=21396

As an update, I am really enjoying the biking, but I feel that it's definately good to choose what kind of riding I do. TBH, I ride the SV for pleasure only, and because I restrict myself to that I feel I reduce the risks. I rarely ride in a hurry, in places I don't know, in city traffic, in bad weather, in darkness, and with pillions and/or heavy luggage. Yes that means I generally ride on fast country roads and they can be dangerous (I almost hit a rabbit yesterday) but it's not a problem to slow right down as there is hardly any traffic.

Biking however has become a way for to meet new people and stay in touch with people I know. I also enjoy the physical aspect of looking after it and modifying it. I can and have spent hours of fun on it without going anywhere!

I think that if you like bikes, and don't spend time on them, you'll regret it one day. Just take it easy and use your head - and have fun!

12-07-05, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnsilver

I would add 'peer pressure' to all of the above. When riding in a group, it is sometimes tempting to follow the guy in front into an overtake especially if other riders are large in your mirrors. It would be interesting to see stats on accompanied vs unaccompanied head-ons

When I see a bike large in my mirrors I generally let it pass and have got plenty of nods of thanks for it.

12-07-05, 09:57 AM

A bike is as dangerous as the rider wants it to be...

mostly its down to the way you ride, but there are occasions when you could just be unlucky and get hit by some idiot...

nearly 8 years riding and only one "proper" accident

12-07-05, 10:10 AM

All of the above is good advice.

I would add keep your focus. In a car you can afford to let your mind wander a bit, on a bike you cant.

Try talking yourself through your ride (out loud if it helps) it can help you keep focused.
Why am I in this LANE
Why at this SPEED
What is MY PLAN for the next corner
What if that CAR pulls out

Not in any order, just an example of what your mind should be going over all the time.
Keep your focus, think your ride through and you will enjoy it more.

(O yes, IMHO)

12-07-05, 10:51 AM

I learnt to ride the sv in London as well, commuting from Dulwich to the city and back, mostly.
As others have already said, assume you're invisible and know your limits.
Remember, taking that extra risk or overtaking that extra car or whatever it is that you're tempted to do to make your journey quicker will probably only make a few seconds difference anyway.
Someone also mentioned pulling over to let faster bikers through when you're filtering. Please do this. They will love you for it and it's safer for you to be following someone else!
I would also highly reccomend getting lots of flourescent/reflective clothes/stickers. Anything that makes you more visible is good.
Enjoy!

12-07-05, 11:30 AM

Good question this one. I was going to set up a poll with a similar thing...

'Do people on this website crash more than average, or is biking more dangerous than I thought?' It seems to be partly that a lot of people here are pretty heavy users so I suppose they'll fall off more often (but may be better per mile?)

The filtering advice is good, esp in London. I used to think I was a bit slower than necessary until I noticed that a lot of bikes coming past had banged fairings and scratched exhausts - I'd rather get home in one piece.
Did let a pristine R1 through yesterday though - couldn't see him, but felt the vibration from his Akrapovic before I worked out where he was

12-07-05, 11:55 AM

Watch out for the "peer pressure" if riding in a group of more experienced riders

Its all too easy to find yourself being sucked along at a speed and doing over takes for example that deep down you know you aren't ready for and/or just isn't your riding style.

The time I did it resulted in me not riding with that group of people again

As has been said before, "ride your own ride"

12-07-05, 12:50 PM

4 years riding and no incidents worth mentioning.

12-07-05, 12:53 PM

This is a question i have been asking myself recently

Im currently nursing injuries from a recent accident.
I was hit by a car for the second time in 8 months. Boths accidents were investigated by crash scene investigators, and they found that i was not at fault in any way.
I dont want to sound like a killjoy but atm im seriously considering giving up bikes due to the risks involved (other road users, diesel spills, poor road maintainance etc

I dont want to quit as i love my bike and riding more than anything but if my current luck continues i fear being seriously hurt or worse. And i have to consider my familys feeling on the matter aswell.

Sorry to sound so negative about this, maybe the accident is still a little fresh, but this is how i feel.

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12-07-05, 09:31 AM	#11
Johnsilver Guest Posts: n/a	I would add 'peer pressure' to all of the above. When riding in a group, it is sometimes tempting to follow the guy in front into an overtake especially if other riders are large in your mirrors. It would be interesting to see stats on accompanied vs unaccompanied head-ons

12-07-05, 09:54 AM	#12
thor Guest Posts: n/a	FYI, there was a similar thread about my concerns a while ago. http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=21396 As an update, I am really enjoying the biking, but I feel that it's definately good to choose what kind of riding I do. TBH, I ride the SV for pleasure only, and because I restrict myself to that I feel I reduce the risks. I rarely ride in a hurry, in places I don't know, in city traffic, in bad weather, in darkness, and with pillions and/or heavy luggage. Yes that means I generally ride on fast country roads and they can be dangerous (I almost hit a rabbit yesterday) but it's not a problem to slow right down as there is hardly any traffic. Biking however has become a way for to meet new people and stay in touch with people I know. I also enjoy the physical aspect of looking after it and modifying it. I can and have spent hours of fun on it without going anywhere! I think that if you like bikes, and don't spend time on them, you'll regret it one day. Just take it easy and use your head - and have fun!

12-07-05, 09:57 AM	#14
Iansv Guest Posts: n/a	A bike is as dangerous as the rider wants it to be... mostly its down to the way you ride, but there are occasions when you could just be unlucky and get hit by some idiot... nearly 8 years riding and only one "proper" accident

12-07-05, 10:10 AM	#15
Addick Guest Posts: n/a	All of the above is good advice. I would add keep your focus. In a car you can afford to let your mind wander a bit, on a bike you cant. Try talking yourself through your ride (out loud if it helps) it can help you keep focused. Why am I in this LANE Why at this SPEED What is MY PLAN for the next corner What if that CAR pulls out Not in any order, just an example of what your mind should be going over all the time. Keep your focus, think your ride through and you will enjoy it more. (O yes, IMHO)

12-07-05, 10:51 AM	#16
Nekkid Guest Posts: n/a	I learnt to ride the sv in London as well, commuting from Dulwich to the city and back, mostly. As others have already said, assume you're invisible and know your limits. Remember, taking that extra risk or overtaking that extra car or whatever it is that you're tempted to do to make your journey quicker will probably only make a few seconds difference anyway. Someone also mentioned pulling over to let faster bikers through when you're filtering. Please do this. They will love you for it and it's safer for you to be following someone else! I would also highly reccomend getting lots of flourescent/reflective clothes/stickers. Anything that makes you more visible is good. Enjoy!

12-07-05, 11:30 AM	#17
Yokel Guest Posts: n/a	Good question this one. I was going to set up a poll with a similar thing... 'Do people on this website crash more than average, or is biking more dangerous than I thought?' It seems to be partly that a lot of people here are pretty heavy users so I suppose they'll fall off more often (but may be better per mile?) The filtering advice is good, esp in London. I used to think I was a bit slower than necessary until I noticed that a lot of bikes coming past had banged fairings and scratched exhausts - I'd rather get home in one piece. Did let a pristine R1 through yesterday though - couldn't see him, but felt the vibration from his Akrapovic before I worked out where he was

12-07-05, 11:55 AM	#18
Tris Guest Posts: n/a	Watch out for the "peer pressure" if riding in a group of more experienced riders Its all too easy to find yourself being sucked along at a speed and doing over takes for example that deep down you know you aren't ready for and/or just isn't your riding style. The time I did it resulted in me not riding with that group of people again As has been said before, "ride your own ride"

12-07-05, 12:50 PM	#19
snoopy Guest Posts: n/a	4 years riding and no incidents worth mentioning.

12-07-05, 12:53 PM	#20
WelshWop Guest Posts: n/a	This is a question i have been asking myself recently Im currently nursing injuries from a recent accident. I was hit by a car for the second time in 8 months. Boths accidents were investigated by crash scene investigators, and they found that i was not at fault in any way. I dont want to sound like a killjoy but atm im seriously considering giving up bikes due to the risks involved (other road users, diesel spills, poor road maintainance etc I dont want to quit as i love my bike and riding more than anything but if my current luck continues i fear being seriously hurt or worse. And i have to consider my familys feeling on the matter aswell. Sorry to sound so negative about this, maybe the accident is still a little fresh, but this is how i feel.