Motorbike realities

Hotblack Desiato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120256885#Comment_120256885

Per km travelled motorcycles are safer than bicycles, but that doesn't stop the government demeaning the former and promoting the latter.

Hotblack Desiato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120264792#Comment_120264792

€30??? The one I wear was free with a copy of Bike Buyers Guide 😁

Hotblack Desiato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120264897#Comment_120264897

Passing on the left in the same lane, arsehole.

dbas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120351242#Comment_120351242

Saved up and bought one with a zip to the front.

Saved me feeling like batman with the Cape trailing behind me on the road

Hotblack Desiato

The free one has a zip too

Breezin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120351209#Comment_120351209

Not doubting you, but I would love to see the stats for that.

Irish TuneR

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120264434#Comment_120264434

Just on this, i ride but coming out of lidl one day in the car i had this incident. Its a T junction that goes downhill to RHS the way i was going, coming up that hill was a biker on a black bike, with black helmet and black gear on black tarmacadam. Looking down the hill, didn't see him and edged out, looked again and spotted him. I probably spooked him but all ended well. It was a nice sunny day too. So wearing ghostrider gear can hinder/hurt you, F9 has a good video on how are brains are programmed to look for wider vehicles too. Also dont forget that if you come off the bike at night and are lying on the road in the same gear that it wont end well when the next car comes on you.

OT i started biking when 36 5 years ago, loving it. Very much enjoy going for spins and sometimes the way home from work. I generally commute on the bike but its only 12m a day. Fell over/off when stopping on gravel, i was practically stopped but then the gravel got real deep.

Tech_Head

Am on my 20th anniversary of biking in Ireland this year. Used be be my sole mode of transport but it’s mainly recreational now.

Have been in hospital once when a parked car pulled out on me. Follow your instructors guidance and give them plenty of space.

I use more safety gear now than I would have before. Have a Tech Air 5 Airbag and a Richa Flare vest for when I’m out in the dark. Am I being over cautious - most likely. Does it give peace of mind to my family - definitely.

flatty

I’ve nearly fallen asleep on the bike once. Very nearly. Easily enough done.

boredatwork82

I have to agree that the level of risk is dependent on your driving style and attitude, and parking your ego.

Wear hi viz, take it handy, drive defensively,drive within the abilities of other road users ability to react to something they aren't looking out for. Continue training and learning, do advanced driving courses every now and again to stay refreshed.

Do all that and you will be fine, and you will have many happy miles of biking.

macdragon76

As someone else says Drive cautiously at first.

use proper lane positioning, to be visible in their mirrors.

Dry weather only, until you have all the right gear, maybe?

Daytime at first until you are confident at night, but then wear High Vis.

Would avoid filtering until maybe 3 months in.

Hydration, Food and correct Gear, all may play a part; Cold, Hungry, Thirsty; Prone for accidents at first.

Wear thin layers at first and then layer up. - Don't cook in the sun!

Tyres, Lights, Chains and Oil, worth a check about once a week, maybe?

Avoid Groups until maybe 3 months in, Build Solo confidence first.

Overtaking; watch out for Gravel in Middle of lane, Line paint, Catseyes, Potholes.

Overtaking: Avoid overtaking coming up to a left or right turn, Cagers only care about their turn, they will not see you in time!

When filtering, look at their Mirror, what you see, is what they see!

At the front of lights, position yourself, so that you can pull away first.