STREET SMART

chris 525 · May 19, 2005

Originally posted by Spectrum@May 19 2005, 09:09 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/StreetSmart18.jpg

Hi Genie...

COUNTER STEERING

The Use of Opposite force to steer in the same direction
as the Bike Speed increases.

When u Start off on your bike...
To Turn Right... U would Pull The Right Side of the Handle Bar... Yes...

As the Speed Increases... U will now Push the Right Side of the Handle Bar
To Turn Right. U do it all the Time.
(this is caused by the Gyroscopic Force
created by the Spinning Wheel... same with Bicycles)
U do this all the TIME... Nothing New...
But Interesting... For the Same Direction
U start by pulling, then Pushing.

SWERVING

Now, What that is Important to The Motorcyclist is
Learning How to Do this Quickly & Safely
to Avoid a Vehicle, Potholes Or Rubbish
that would be dangerous to U.

And to Do it within Your Own Lane!
(otherwise some vehicle behind will hit U)

Swerving is a Severe form of
Counter-Steering(changing direction)

Few ways to do It...
A Quick...
1. Push on your Handle bar to the Direction u wanna go.
2. Transfer of your weight to the Direction U wanna go.
3. Kick to your fuel tank with your opposite knee... to the Direction u wanna go.
4. Or a combination of all the above

& Quickly Doing the Opposite to get Back on Track.
So u would just avoid the obstacle.

So it is a safe way of avoiding danger...
But has to be practice... best on a clear highway like 2nd link

PM me if u need any more explaination...
Otherwise, can drop by "ENDLESLOOP" Road Craft Session
(Just PM Him to attend the next session)
Maybe can just practice it in KFC Kallang Carpark

Gyroscopic force, huh!@$#!@!%$%%#!#@#$$!

Now I am confused.

Spectrum · May 19, 2005

Originally posted by chris 525@May 19 2005, 10:59 PM
Gyroscopic force, huh!@$#!@!%$%%#!#@#$$!

Now I am confused.

It's Ok Chris...

No Need to Understand the Forces...

Anythings that turns creats a Force.

But What's Most Important is to Manoever our Bikes for a Safe RIDE

Avoid stuff we don't want to Hit...

RIDE SAFE!

May the Force be with U...

chris 525 · May 20, 2005

Hmm talking about Starwars, is the same techniques used for manoveouring the fighter ships around all those big mother goose ships. Or is the Force needed there too.

Spectrum · May 20, 2005

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Filter02.jpg

When There is a SPACE in the Traffic... BEWARE!

Traffic from the Right/Left may wanna jump in...

especially with that lane is just a little faster...

Indication: If their wheels are a little out of straight...

He's looking moving his head to see if lane's clear...

either looking at his mirror(probably can't see this)

... or turning his head

If He has his signal "On", let him thru...

But do warn the biker behind from overtaking u

& smack right into his car.

Spectrum · May 20, 2005

FILTERING

For Bikers...

A 3 Lane Highway Means 5 Usable Lanes

Especially when it is Jammed.

THE GOLDEN RULES OF FILTERING

VISION: Good vision & situation awareness are very important!

That means looking well ahead, but also understanding exactlywhat's going on to either side and to a lesser extend behind.

Be mindful of faster filterers coming from behind

ALERT: Moke sure you almost instantly put yourself into "Filter Mode" when you've been filtering for a few km, stay alert; dont't start wondering what to eat when u reach the Food Centre.

CONTROL: Good use of gears & brakes are essential. In the right gear gives u power to accelerate out of trouble & engine braking(lower gears) help slow quickly when your throttle off. Be ready with both front & back Brakes!

endlessloop · May 21, 2005

How to Avoid Hazards: Steering by using your Eye Focus

This is a follow up to previous posts on how to avoid unexpected hazards that suddenly appear in your path (eg: exposed manhole, a log, a carboard box).

The normal and natural reaction for a rider is that we will focus on the hazard (an exposed manhole) as in Figure 1.

http://www.picturesky.com/albums/userpics/11669/normal_SteeringWithEye%202.JPG

The problem is that unconsciously, we tend to guide our bike to where our eye is focusing at. We then find ourselves involunteerily heading towards the manhole.

How true is this?

Remember one of the stations in your bike circuit is the balancing on the plank.

Do you recall that one of the ways to stay on the plank is to get your eyes to focus far and towards the end of the plank? If we do that, we find that we can guide our bike to finish at the end of the plank without falling off.

So what should we do to avoid getting drawn towards the manhole instead of avoiding it?

See Figure 2. Focus our vision to the side of the manhole, or wherever you want your bike to go. And you will find our body will subconsciously steer the bike to where we focus at.

This technique could be useful because some times during emergencies, we do not have the time to think about how to counter steer or within the split seconds, have the time to use our body to steer the bike.

This technique is also useful for steering your bike around a tight bend.

If you find that a bend or a turn is uncomfortably tight, to be able to turn your bike in time, just look at where you want your bike to be at the exit of the turn. And whoa lah!

Try it!

endlessloop · May 21, 2005

An Alternative Way to Turn: Use Your Head

We had previously discussed about using counter-steering and the focus of your eyes to turn the bike.

This is a technique that utilises these principles.

When we are riding a straight path, our body and head are in line with the axis of the bike. For most people, when we turn our bike to go around a bend, a junction or corner, we tend not to change our body position or posture. As a result, our head position remains in line with the axis of the bike. See Figure A.

http://www.picturesky.com/albums/userpics/11669/normal_SteeringWithHead%202.JPG

There is nothing wrong with this method because we can still turn our bike.

However, there are times when we want to execute a very tight turn. Such as during an emergency or on the track. So how can we execute a tight turn?

Shift your head and upper body to be inside the direction of your turn, instead of being vertical above the bike. See Figure B.

For example, if you are turning right, then shift your head slightly further right of the bike. Your body should also lean slightly forward. Because your head is now further to the right, your right arm would be more bended and your left arm would be more straightened. Your eye should be focused on where you want the bike to go. If the turn is tight, your head might be tilted and pointing towards where you want to go.

What happens next? You will find your bike suddenly roll towards the right very quickly and you can execute a very tight turn.

If you try it, you should be able to turn corners even tighter than previous or you could traverse corners at least 20kmh faster.

Yes, this is one of the riding technique on the track. Do not confuse this with another track technqiue called hanging off. For the technique I described here, it is not necessary to hang off. Just use your head and upper body.

My objective is not to encourage you to go around street corners at outrageous speed. I hope that if you try out, you will realise that your bike can make tighter turns than your previously expect without you falling off the bike. And when you can go around a corner faster than you thought, you can realise that your bike has better grip/traction than you previously thought (assuming your tire is in good condition).

All these will be useful when you get into an emergency, you will have the confidence in yourself and your bike to pull off a turn to get out of the sticky situation.

For those of you who are thinking of upgrading your bike license and need to get back into the circuit, when you do the Figure of 8 station, remember this technique.

If you lean your upper body into the inside of the turn and get your eye to continousely to focus far as you traverse the figure of 8, you should be able to do well within the stipulated timing, even on the heavy class 2 bikes!

Try it! But do not get into the habbit of seeking thrill from corners as it increases your risk.

Spectrum · May 23, 2005

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Filter010.jpg

If There's a gap big enough for a car to fit in...

Expect the Grey Car to Try...

Especially if that lane is slightly faster...

Some cars signal then filter right

Some cars filter & signal at the same time...

Some cars filter then signal...

Which ever happens... we must always be prepared to give way!

Spectrum · May 23, 2005

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Filtering11.jpg

Roadworks up ahead have closed

the Outside lane,

causing traffic clog up.

It's is very tempting to rush thru the gap

between the lanes.

But remember,

Egery single car in the outside lane will need

to move into the middle lane some point.

Be ALERT!

Spectrum · May 24, 2005

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/16.jpg

Other Filterers

As on the Open Road,

Everyone rides according to their

Own Level of Skill & Experience.

It can be incredibly hard to pass another bike in heavy traffic,

So watch your mirrors

And let Faster Filterers pass when it's safe to do so.

Your might even learn something by following for a bit

LET THEM THRU'

jamez · May 25, 2005

Originally posted by endlessloop@May 21 2005, 01:42 PM
An Alternative Way to Turn: Use Your Head

We had previously discussed about using counter-steering and the focus of your eyes to turn the bike.

This is a technique that utilises these principles.

When we are riding a straight path, our body and head are in line with the axis of the bike. For most people, when we turn our bike to go around a bend, a junction or corner, we tend not to change our body position or posture. As a result, our head position remains in line with the axis of the bike. See Figure A.

http://www.picturesky.com/albums/userpics/11669/normal_SteeringWithHead%202.JPG

There is nothing wrong with this method because we can still turn our bike.

However, there are times when we want to execute a very tight turn. Such as during an emergency or on the track. So how can we execute a tight turn?

Shift your head and upper body to be inside the direction of your turn, instead of being vertical above the bike. See Figure B.

For example, if you are turning right, then shift your head slightly further right of the bike. Your body should also lean slightly forward. Because your head is now further to the right, your right arm would be more bended and your left arm would be more straightened. Your eye should be focused on where you want the bike to go. If the turn is tight, your head might be tilted and pointing towards where you want to go.

What happens next? You will find your bike suddenly roll towards the right very quickly and you can execute a very tight turn.

If you try it, you should be able to turn corners even tighter than previous or you could traverse corners at least 20kmh faster.

Yes, this is one of the riding technique on the track. Do not confuse this with another track technqiue called hanging off. For the technique I described here, it is not necessary to hang off. Just use your head and upper body.

My objective is not to encourage you to go around street corners at outrageous speed. I hope that if you try out, you will realise that your bike can make tighter turns than your previously expect without you falling off the bike. And when you can go around a corner faster than you thought, you can realise that your bike has better grip/traction than you previously thought (assuming your tire is in good condition).

All these will be useful when you get into an emergency, you will have the confidence in yourself and your bike to pull off a turn to get out of the sticky situation.

For those of you who are thinking of upgrading your bike license and need to get back into the circuit, when you do the Figure of 8 station, remember this technique.
If you lean your upper body into the inside of the turn and get your eye to continousely to focus far as you traverse the figure of 8, you should be able to do well within the stipulated timing, even on the heavy class 2 bikes!

Try it! But do not get into the habbit of seeking thrill from corners as it increases your risk.

Actually this is the technique that i think everyone has used b4...in the circuit when you were taking lessons! Anyone who has gone thru the figure 8 in the circuit wud have used this technique...well from my point of view anyway.but most of the people includinf me..tend to forget how to apply this useful technique when on the roads.Be more conscious of wat we do on the roads gentlemen.

jamez · May 25, 2005

Sidetrack abit from the current focus. I am relating a lesson learned the hard way.

My 1st crash was at a filter lane to an expressway. The type of filter lanes where u have slight left curves? i was nearing the opening and checking the right side for vehicles going straight. I did not see any vehicles..so i accelerated...without looking wat was in front of me. bingo...the vehicle in front decided to stop..while i was accelerating.so u can imagine wat happened nex.

Lesson no 1: Look back b4 u decide to accelerate.

Lesson 2: wat i do now whenever i come across such filter lanes is if there is a vehicle in front..i try to keep as left as possible without danger of hitting the curb so in the event that the car stops unexpectly..i will have more time to brake becos i am not directly behind him...im beside him.i find that this gives me more time to concentrate on vehicles coming on straight. however i do not practise stopping beside the car whenever the car stops.juz that in cases of emergency i know i have space. but this method has a backlash.becos u are keeping left...vehicles behind see space..and will tend to squeeze beside u on ur right as well. after exiting the filter...where it is spacious...applying all those checking Spectrum has gone thru about vehicles movement...and use ur motorcycle's acceleration to good use.

sorry no pics. i know my english is a bit bad..but i think u get the idea..haha.

Spectrum · May 26, 2005

Interesting Observation

by one of the Bike Mag...

CAN You TURN A BIKE BY JUST LEANING?

During one of their skill riding training...

The Instructor had the Steering Locked Straight.

No One Could turn the Bike by

Shifting Their Weight away from Center(bike axis)

Interesting...

Now...

With the Steering Unlock...

The lean angle let them do turns tighter & faster...

Spectrum · May 27, 2005

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/streetsmart30.jpg

STREET SMART Tip of the DAY #30

Do not assume that all vehicle will accelerate to join Express Way.

There will be times when

A Vehicle in front of U will come to a DEAD STOP!

Wayang · May 27, 2005

Originally posted by Spectrum@May 27 2005, 01:10 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/streetsmart30.jpg

STREET SMART Tip of the DAY #30

Do not assume that all vehicle will accelerate to join Express Way.
There will be times when
A Vehicle in front of U will come to a DEAD STOP!

actually the filter lane INTO the expressway isnt so bad.. chances r low the vehicle infront wil come to a deadstop.. slow down more likely but to stop completely.. rare la..

i feel a NORMAL filter lane is more frightenin.. esp when u tot the vehicle infront has moved off n u check the oncomin traffic.. ok can go.. turn back ur head to find one idiot dead in ur tracks.. if no time to siam.. kiss backside.. if can siam oso need to do stuntman like evasive action..

tats y always slow down when filterin n look out for the vehicle infront of u..

Spectrum · May 27, 2005

Just like Jamez...

Filtering into Highway... Was caught by Surprise...

Leading Vehicle into the Highway decides to Stop Dead...

Wah Piang! Emergency Braking!... " #!%&*"

Happened before... Split seconds oversight...

remember well this time...

jamez · May 27, 2005

Originally posted by Spectrum@May 27 2005, 01:10 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/streetsmart30.jpg

STREET SMART Tip of the DAY #30

Do not assume that all vehicle will accelerate to join Express Way.
There will be times when
A Vehicle in front of U will come to a DEAD STOP!

kata_killer · May 29, 2005

Originally posted by endlessloop@May 15 2005, 10:03 PM
Aftermath of accident between a ST1100 and a Taxi

At cross junction between Jurong West Ave 4 and Jurong West St 71/61, next to Pioneer Mall

http://www.picturesky.com/albums/userpics/11669/normal_ST1.jpg

http://www.picturesky.com/albums/userpics/11669/normal_ST3.jpg

http://www.picturesky.com/albums/userpics/11669/normal_ST5.jpg

I hope the ST rider will recover soon.

The image of ST riders is normally associated with that of mature, steady and experienced riders who are not into risky riding.

This is a reminder that no matter how experienced we are, what kind of bike we ride, we have to be vigilant at all times, once we mount our bikes.

So U r d one who post this pic up. Heard from "ReBornBikeR" tat u allow him to post this photo up for his Signature.

Okay, anyway, D owner of this St11 saw this post, N also d few PM tat "ReBornBikeR" have sent to me. Nw, d owner of this St11 son wans to speak to u guys. Pls PM me ure contact no. as his sons will call u shortly.

BTW, Pls edit off this photo.

comics00 · May 30, 2005

Originally posted by Spectrum@Mar 9 2005, 03:13 PM
GLAD U Drop By...

Take a Few Minutes to Read
'Cos U really have less than 2 Sec
to React to a Situation on the Road...

But the KEY is not to Get Into The Situation...

Spectrum

Note: Just Read One "Tip of the Day" Every time u logged in...
Don't Read thru the thread in one go...
Feel free to quote whatever point as u share your own experience with us.
Thks.

appreciate for starting this tread

comics00 · May 30, 2005

personally i sum up my technique as 'situation awareness'.

1) awareness of our vehicle capabilities/condition

2) awareness of own physical & mental condition

3) awareness to the road condition

4) awareness of other road user

after reading this thread guess i will add more to my book.

1) always presume that i m invisible; never presume that other road usercan c me

2) try always to wear bright, eye catching clothing (i prefer plain n dull colour)

3) always do a 2min check b4 riding

*~^12yrs accident free & i intend to extend it till the day i decide to quit riding

Spectrum · May 31, 2005

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/TheU-Turn.jpg

STREET SMART

TIP OF THE DAY #31

Be it the Intention of the Vehicle to U-Turn out...

Or Just Pulling Out of the Parking Lot.

His Front Wheel would Indicate His Intention.

(or if u see him turning his head to look back.)

We Just Have to Make sure He Knows

We Are Coming!(flash lights/horn if necesary)

Or just slow down & prepare to

Stop

if driver Miss Seeing Us...

Spectrum · May 31, 2005

Originally posted by comics00@May 30 2005, 12:32 PM
personally i sum up my technique as 'situation awareness'.

1) awareness of our vehicle capabilities/condition
2) awareness of own physical & mental condition
3) awareness to the road condition
4) awareness of other road user
after reading this thread guess i will add more to my book.

1) always presume that i m invisible; never presume that other road usercan c me
2) try always to wear bright, eye catching clothing (i prefer plain n dull colour)
3) always do a 2min check b4 riding

*~^12yrs accident free & i intend to extend it till the day i decide to quit riding

Way to Go... More Comis to Read Above...

chris 525 · May 31, 2005

Originally posted by Spectrum@May 31 2005, 02:24 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/TheU-Turn.jpg
STREET SMART
TIP OF THE DAY #31

Be it the Intention of the Vehicle to U-Turn out...
Or Just Pulling Out of the Parking Lot.

His Front Wheel would Indicate His Intention.
(or if u see him turning his head to look back.)

We Just Have to Make sure He Knows
We Are Coming!(flash lights/horn if necesary)

Or just slow down & prepare to
Stop
if driver Miss Seeing Us...

Spectrrum, in your photo you got a CyberMan and Darlek. If the black-cab does not knock you off , then the cyberman and darlek will, since these two are sworn enemies to mankind (and were arund way before starwars).

Where did you the pix from ?

Spectrum · May 31, 2005

Hi Chris... Pic from UK motor Mag...

Go watch Starwars III.... Nice!

No Dr Who though...

An Experience Rider would always look for

Tell tale Signs

that can prevent a Crash...

comics00 · May 31, 2005

did something really bad yesterday...

was driving back 'cos 1st time in that place not share of the route so decided to check the map while vech still moving since it's kind of ulu & dont c any car around. pick up the map with 1 hand no the steering wheel & 1 hand trying to fold the map. then place the map on the steering wheel alternating my sight between the map & the road, at this point i've completely forgot abt checking the rear & also vech was going like zic-zac on the lane. then suddenly a truck speed up to my left & the driver gave me a WTF sign & follow by his middle finger i knew wat happened then immediately apologise

lessons learn:

1) never presume that the road is clear

2) always check the mirrors

3) concentrate on the road, if need to stop the vech thencarry on with wat ever u wan to do

4) plan ur route b4 driving/riding

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