I guess this fits in this section. Here in the UK we are allowed by law to filter, that's undertake or overtake traffic to make progress, although it's supposed to be at lower speed, not like big open motorway speeds as some bikers do. I have to go down 30 and 40 limit roads unfortunately a lot of the time when people are going to work too or dropping their kids at school. I was going up the right hand side of a traffic queue [remember we drive on the left here } and there was a school bus, his size meant it was easier for me to go past him on the left rather than be squeezed in the gap between his bus and oncoming traffic, he was stationary and I was doing 3mph max, soon as I pull up in front of his bus, he beeps at me! I turn round to ask what was wrong but can't hear a word he says [helmet padding maybe?] Is he not aware of the filtering law? Then on icy road with 50 limit I could only safely go at 35, it's heavy rain and dark too, bmw tailgates me, then overtakes with car oncoming towards him then beeps at me too! Is he not aware of having two wheels giving me less balance on slippery road and it not being safe to go 50? Today I overtook a line of cars and came up to the last car at some temporary traffic lights, so I pulled in just behind him and on the right hand door side of a 4by4, soon as I get there the light goes to green, I pull away and THEN the driver beeps at me, I pull in front of him and he comes up on my left trying to force his way past, I kept going and then as traffic slowed down again I waved him goodbye and filtered onwards. I don't get it, surely it's known that bikes are helping congestion by filtering? I'm pretty considerate compared to some riders but just feels like some drivers hate it. I don't have a car anymore for the reason that I hate traffic and bike is so good for that reason, but surely if you hate being overtaken why would you not consider bikes help your journey time and if you can, why not just dump the box and get a bike? Save on fuel too! Has anyone else had these sorts of experiences?
People are just angry. I get it all the time for passing on a solid line, which is allowed here. Filtering isn't, but I sure wish it was.
little example of how I do it, though nobody got angry in the video View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_OOrrPHURU&feature=youtu.be
People who don't ride just dont understand it. Traffic is heavy a bike is the only way to go. When I lived in Los angeles my bike was my only transportation rain or shine. A riding buddy used to carry old sockets in his jacket pocket cause he got cut off all the time, like white lining between cars when traffic was at a stand still on the freeways, we got cut off all the time like guys pulling over to the middle of the line to stop us, we even had guys so pissed off they would get out of their vehicles and getting in his face when traffic was at a stand still. Lots of close call by stupid drivers. I was never with him when he did this but he would tell me how he almost died and would throw the socket at their cars and once in a while broke a window or two. Definetly not good in anyway but I guess it made him feel better. Also gave bike riders a bad name.
that's pretty extreme but yeah, certainly adds to the bad boy biker image, if we tried that here the police would be given the sockets then be round after forensic examination to charge with criminal damage :{ I can't believe it isn't legal in every country. Have you got any videos of your 511?
I ride a lot on the street here in the US and wouldnt dream of lane splitting at any speed.... here drivers can barely drive let alone have to watch for a bike coming along on the line... I'm not in such a hurry that i'm gonna risk my life just to get to work.... and throwing stuff...wouldnt want to hit my car with a socket.....
When I lived in and around LA Calif I would lane split on the Harbor Freeway. I would follow the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as they would lane split when traffic slowed. However, I was side-swiped by some guy who didn't see me. My RD 400 didn't look so good either. When I moved to Arizona, they do not allow lane splitting so I no longer do it. Even if legal, no sure I would anymore.
I guess if you're worried about your safety then fair enough with not risking it, made another video of todays ride just to show how useful it can be though, this area gets more and more congested every week I swear, if you skip to near the end you'll see a prob I had with a bus. Mods if you don't want me posting any more videos this way please let me know View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVzAJzj6eNA and cognitive I'm sorry to hear about the rd, they were an air cooled 2 stroke too werent they? My dad had I think the 350 version
I do the same thing gaz the worst i had was i overtook a que pulled alongside the front of a transit van to let a bus out believe it or not, bus goes but as hes edging across the van drives into me, stationary no where for anyof us to go, mirror hits my shoulder at 1mph i ask him whats the issue he said "guess i dont care really" carried on driving into me... Bus moved on i shrugged my shoulders and smashed his mirror off with my bark busters, And off i go never saw him again but laughed last at his i dont care attitude. Its dangerous on bikes specially in winter. Ride defensively and keep a look out for everything!
You did the right thing made sure it was clear didnt hold anyone up no issues, i would cut my bars down like i do as they give you more confidence overtaking in narrow places.
Team bowles, it looks sweet but what is that red metal piece besides the tail light and the exhaust? Is that part of the frame?
and juicy I'm considering getting renthal bars which seem to be narrower as standard, the bars I have on are 13 quid ones from ebay what would you have done with that blue bus situation? Gone round the front?
Blue bus cutting off everyone, i would of waited like you. Then gone round the back and up the hill. Ive got renthal road bars that ive cut down to my shoulder width. I like em thisway have good upperbody strength and im short, helps in woods and traffic also on the track fighting for position. Not good for tank slappers tho not had any throw me yet.
how tall are you? I'm 5 ft 10 and quite stocky build, I've had a mild tank slapper on the rs 125 at 70 mph then the husky in 3rd gear up hill at max revs, maybe 40 mph, got to top of it and didn't let off so front wheel was only barely touching ground and became really light, swerved me around a fair bit and very scary!!
Am 5'7" an 10stone i like the front end light but on the road i like control done few accidental wheelies off speed humps, theyre fun also got a thing for dropped curbs at the moment pop the front off them as you roll on in 3rd most fun with your clothes on imo.
It's a quick release flag holder for dunes, it's required in riding area bikes quads sand rails etc....
