STREET SMART

Spectrum · April 29, 2006

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/StreetSmart119_resize.jpg

There are far too many incident that involves dozing off when riding.

(and smashing into barriers)

Remember... U need enough rest to remain alert thru your ride.

If u Going to ride thru the night...

Have a good nap before going.

And little wonder most incidents happens in the wee hours of the morning...

Cos your body is going into a sleep mode... that 's normal.

:sleep:

If u know u are tired...

And u know u are tired!

Pull into a petrol station... And Take 5!

Stretch, wash your face and have a drink.

Then continue...

U have more dreams & less nightmares...

There had be a couple of late nite crashes into center barriers...

Single bike accidents... not involving anyone else.

wonder if tireness could be a contribuition factor.

Spectrum · May 2, 2006

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Speed01m_resize.jpg

Speed

A subject that is close to our hearts.

What makes speed fun?

Why most love it… and some don’t.

With the amount of bikes in our country that can accelerate to speed

Of unthinkable proportion.

Perhaps it is good we have a look into this subject.

And perhaps begin to understand part our self.

Below, an interesting article from a British Magazine which

Deal with the subject.

2 reasons why we ride fast…

The first is because we’re compelled by our genes.

The second is because we like it anyway.

The trouble is,

Neither of those answers is any use.

We still want to know why we do it.

Below are Q & A on a Bike Journalist:

Perhaps u could ask yourself some of those questions…

What do u get from speeding?“I love the physic of speed, the thrill of riding fast.

There’s a beauty in it and a self-expression.

You know you’re using skill, like playing the guitar.

But there’s also a rush, adrenaline.

Rossi says the racing line is like a poem.

When I’m on my own on a road,

It’s like I’m dancing with the bike”

How do you know you are free from risk”

“I don’t. It’s about assessing risk.

Some guys ride as if they’re invincible,

With no acknowledgment of what might be round the corner.

I’m constantly talking to myself, imagining what might be round the corner.”

What does speed mean to you?

“It’s how fast you want to go. I think I’m the best judge of what speed is right”

How fast do you want to go?“Depends. There’s no glory in getting it wrong.

The glory’s in getting it right.

The there’s a film running in my head

about the family getting a knock on the door form a policeman,

then the image comes in: I’ve avoided that.

That fuels my decision-making.

I don’t’ wanna to die. I wanna live.”

When don’t u ride fast?

“I have to be relaxed and chilled to go fast.

What I don’t want to do is ride when I’m angry.”

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Speed04m_resize.jpg

Verdict(on the above speeder):

(from a psychologists point of view)

He can’t be dismiss as a thrill seeker.

For him – as for most of us –

Control and responsibility are equally important.

He is incredibly honest about the danger too –

Which is the biggest reason why he is alive.

Honesty allows his “inner voice” to take and endless string

Of life-preserving positive decisions –

Not a bad strategy for building and preserving confidence.

Instinctively I feel the fast-riding psychological profile

that emerged is correct: rule-breaking, opinionated, competitive, optimistic, laid back.

That seems to sum up something about so many of the other riders I know.

Maybe that is why bikers get along with each other so well.

We sense the same values in each other.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

If u have to do it.... ...do in a safely.

sfowner · May 2, 2006

On the subject of speed, I was just back from Cameron Highlands, but driving in a car, over the May Day long weekend. Many big Singapore bikes up there, as well as along the NS highway coming back... STs, goldwings, BMWs, R1s, Fireblades, FJRs, GSXRs... taking in the sights and the cool mountain air. Many on the sports bikes were all decked out in full leathers, some with luggage and quite a few carrying pillion. Along the NS highway, even going at about 140 kph, I was constantly being overtaken by some of these bikes who were easily going 30-40 kph more... so prob about 170 kph or more. With all the traffic because of the holiday, both lanes were used most of the time. At the speed the bikes were going, there is hardly any time for anyone to filter to get out of the way... so what they did was to weave in and out of the traffic, sometimes going over to the bike shoulder as well. There was one guy on a CBR1 I believe, all crouched over his bike and tearing down the shoulder. I only wonder what it will take for an accident to happen... a driver who filters without looking, a big Malaysian bus who decides to overtake, a little oil on the road, or someone who just decides to slow down a bit too fast. I worry for them and their passenger... I like a bit of speed too, but I find behaviour like this rather reckless. Just my 2 cents.... ride safe.

mastergenie · May 2, 2006

I recently dicovered this forum, and saw this thread some hours ago.

Firt, thanks to all of you who accumulated sooo much extremely useful information.

I feel sorry that I haven't been here from the beginnig to take part in the discussion.

I've read it all, but will read it again and again.

Now for my small contribution regarding protective gear; have you guys considered using the body armours (provided by most brands) like the below?

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1030/alpinestarsbionicjacket6iv.jpg

These types of body armours are hard CE aproved protectors placed over a strong net body suit.

Sure they make you look like robocop, but just put a long sleeved shirt over it and you look normal again.

The upsides are: it's net, so wearing them in the heat is not a problem, and more importantly, they provide all the protection you need on your upper-body, including the best protection for your spine.

endlessloop · May 4, 2006

"I only wonder what it will take for an accident to happen... a driver who filters without looking, a big Malaysian bus who decides to overtake, a little oil on the road, or someone who just decides to slow down a bit too fast. I worry for them and their passenger"

I ride as well as drive. And many times, I share the same feelings.

When I am driving in sg, I often witnessed and felt many bikers making moves that were only a hair's breadth away from hitting/or being hit by a car. The bikers appeared like they were oblivious of the danger and their narrow escape.

There were times I really wanted to stop the biker and let the rider be aware of the dangerours move the rider just made so that the rider will not do it again for his/her own safety.

But when I am riding, I do not see or sense the danger when bypassing cars. I wouldn't know if I just made a high risk move or not.

endlessloop · May 4, 2006

Originally posted by mastergenie@May 2 2006, 10:01 PM

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1030/alpinestarsbionicjacket6iv.jpg

Believe it or not, Mastergenie, I did consider before the armour suit you suggested.

Afterall, it's got hard armour at the right places.

Personally, I would consider wearing it when I go touring, day and overnight tours.

It offers better protection than normal touring jacket and pants. But cooling and light enough for Sg and My riding climate. It can be worn below normal T-shirt and pants, so one can walk around in it when touring.

Is there a name for such type of armour suite? What was its original intended use for?

I saw it before at Ah Boy, I think. Do you know where to get it and what's its approximate price?

It is a bit unconventional. But it should be considered as another type of riding protection available for a rider to choose from, depending on an individual rider's needs.

PegScraper · May 4, 2006

Originally posted by endlessloop@May 4 2006, 09:31 AM
But when I am riding, I do not see or sense the danger when bypassing cars. I wouldn't know if I just made a high risk move or not.

Motorcycling is mostly an activity done between our 2 ears. A function of the brain. When you're riding a bike, your brain is making a million calculations, observing things and making changes to your riding style as the environment changes. 90% of the time, the line or move that you calculated to make would be true. But we're more concerned about the other 10% of the time.

endlessloop, I can identify with what you mean, it is very difficult to sit in a cage and think about riding a bike. A biker has obviously enough experience that riding a bike becomes more like walking or jogging, only that the risks are higher if you come into contact with another vehicle. But your riding skills are so honed, that your brain takes evasive / corrective action without you knowing about it most of the time.

For eg, after reaching home tonight, try to remember all your traffic stops or lane changes; you wouldn't be able to recall if you really checked for traffic at a lane merge, but the fact is that you did. You have become that comfortable with biking. I'm not saying that it of as loss of concentration, but more of familiarity.

Ride Safe

mastergenie · May 4, 2006

Originally posted by endlessloop@May 4 2006, 09:41 AM

Believe it or not, Mastergenie, I did consider before the armour suit you suggested.

Afterall, it's got hard armour at the right places.
Personally, I would consider wearing it when I go touring, day and overnight tours.
It offers better protection than normal touring jacket and pants. But cooling and light enough for Sg and My riding climate. It can be worn below normal T-shirt and pants, so one can walk around in it when touring.

Is there a name for such type of armour suite? What was its original intended use for?
I saw it before at Ah Boy, I think. Do you know where to get it and what's its approximate price?

It is a bit unconventional. But it should be considered as another type of riding protection available for a rider to choose from, depending on an individual rider's needs.

You're right, they are better for touring/or fast and long rides. But seeing as that they are actually much lighter than riding jackets, they can be a good alternative.

The name for these is "body armour".

They are actually intended for use in enduro/motocross riding, so the original intend is bikes.

The hard armour pieces are the same as those in heavy riding jackets, but in standard heavy riding jackets the back protector is usually is not as good as these.

As to where to get them, and how much they cost:

I don't know, as I'm not in Singapore. I'm intending to move to Singapore, and that's why I was looking at this forum. I'm actually a bit worried about what to wear in Singapore's heat, obviously I can't use my heavy riding jackets in the heat. I am considering buying one of these to bring with me.

I can tell you the prices in Europe though, the prices of the good brands are about €200. Not cheap, but they are good.

The picture is Alpine Stars, but I think I'll get the Dainese version (unless I can find one which looks less like robocop).

endlessloop · May 5, 2006

Witnessed Another Bike Accident

This one is self-inflicted. Perhaps we can learn somethings from there.

Venue: Along PIE towards Changi Airport. At Stevens Road Exit.

Time: 5 May 06, 11.20 am

Traffic was moderate. Neither heavy nor light.

Road surface was slightly wet from an earlier light drizzle.

I was riding on the extreme right lane along PIE. Just passed Stevens Road exit.

From the left corner of my eye, something caught my attention and turned to my 9 o'clock and looked. The whole scene happened like slow motion.

There was a car parked on the leftmost break-down lane with its brake-down signal lights turned on. The car was by itself. I could see two men, probably the driver and passenger, were standing at the rear of the car, smiling apparrently enjoying a conversation.

Short distance behind this car, a small Wave-like type of bike was approaching. Pillion was hugged closed to the rider, with pillion helmet hidden from view by rider helmet. Rider looked 40s "uncle" image, pillion "aunty" image.

All of a sudden, to my horror, the bike flips to its side and smashed onto the road. I can see parts of its signal lights and other debris breaking apart and spilling onto the tarmac. I could see the 2 men in their stunned expression as they saw the bike hit the road right next to their car. It happened so fast the pillion was still hugging the rider. Rider smashed onto the floor together with the bike. Bike, rider and pillion were tumbling and still sliding along the tarmac. But the whole scene already behind me.

I was on the extreme right and it was too late and too dangerous to stop to help, although that did come across my mind. To get off the next exit and come back here is also a really long way. The 2 men would probably be able to attend to the biker and pillion. I think they would probably suffered some abrasion but would walk again.

As I continued my journey, I keep wondering, how did the bike suddenly fall down by itself? It was not hit by any car at all. No cars were around it, other than the broken-down car by the road shoulder.

This is my guess of what happened:

- Rider rides on the left of the extreme leftmost lane. Almost toeing or even riding on the break-down lane marking. Many small bikes like to ride this way.

- Rider was talking to pillion and wasn't fully concentrating on reading traffic ahead.

- Rider suddenly sees car on the break-down lane and panics.

- Rider jammed brake from panic braking, resulting in wheels locking. This sent bike into a skid.

I hope we all can learn some lessons from here so that hopefully, it wouldn't happen to us.

sfowner · May 5, 2006

Lack of concentration due to general complacency is probably a frequent cause of accidents. What we can probably avoid or steer clear of, if we were to maintain focus, can easily cause a spill if we don’t spot it early enough or assign a higher risk element to it. Would anyone ride with one hand when filtering through heavy traffic on the expressway? Probably most will say not… but I saw one rider doing it… in heavy traffic on the PIE as he went between moving cars. Talk about living dangerously…

Spectrum · May 6, 2006

Originally posted by mastergenie@May 2 2006, 10:01 PM
Now for my small contribution regarding protective gear; have you guys considered using the body armours (provided by most brands) like the below?
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1030/alpinestarsbionicjacket6iv.jpg
These types of body armours are hard CE aproved protectors placed over a strong net body suit.
Sure they make you look like robocop, but just put a long sleeved shirt over it and you look normal again.
The upsides are: it's net, so wearing them in the heat is not a problem, and more importantly, they provide all the protection you need on your upper-body, including the best protection for your spine.

Thks for your contribution in Body Armour... (robocop)

It offers gd protection.

And generally use for moto-x with loose t-shirt over it.

But ahem... gonna look strange riding in the city.

I personally had looked at protection extensively

to be used during city rides.

Comfort would be an important issue...

especially with the

Hot weather here in Spore.

My search ended with A light wt. mesh jacket with guards.

I sometime just put on elbow guards w/ gloves.

As for touring... A heavy mesh or leathers will be appropiate.

With armour @ critical places....

Spectrum · May 6, 2006

Originally posted by sfowner@May 2 2006, 07:28 PM
On the subject of speed, I was just back from Cameron Highlands, but driving in a car, over the May Day long weekend. Many big Singapore bikes up there, as well as along the NS highway coming back... STs, goldwings, BMWs, R1s, Fireblades, FJRs, GSXRs... taking in the sights and the cool mountain air. Many on the sports bikes were all decked out in full leathers, some with luggage and quite a few carrying pillion. Along the NS highway, even going at about 140 kph, I was constantly being overtaken by some of these bikes who were easily going 30-40 kph more... so prob about 170 kph or more. With all the traffic because of the holiday, both lanes were used most of the time. At the speed the bikes were going, there is hardly any time for anyone to filter to get out of the way... so what they did was to weave in and out of the traffic, sometimes going over to the bike shoulder as well. There was one guy on a CBR1 I believe, all crouched over his bike and tearing down the shoulder. I only wonder what it will take for an accident to happen... a driver who filters without looking, a big Malaysian bus who decides to overtake, a little oil on the road, or someone who just decides to slow down a bit too fast. I worry for them and their passenger... I like a bit of speed too, but I find behaviour like this rather reckless. Just my 2 cents.... ride safe.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Speed01m_resize.jpg

Interesting Observation... Sfowner

There's definately risky business weaving around traffic @ high spd.

Just wonder any of riders that does the above

Would like to comment...

Perhaps it's just being young.

Or trying to catch up with the rest of the group.

Speed is exciting

but it also comes with responsibility.

Most Overtaking should be done on the right lanes.

But there are times when a slower vehicle would not move left.

That's when one overtake cautiously on his left.

(u definately not gonna follow him to KL)

As with my own ride North...

Most vehicles would move left

when they notice a faster vehicle behind them.

The Malaysian drivers does this quite quickly.

(can't say the same for our spore cars -

perhaps a lack of exposure)

So a little patience will do much for a safer ride.

Riding on Shoulder

For some reason...

It sometimes become a small bike lane.

Guess they find the lane a safe lane to ride on.

Away from the other vehicles.

But to use it for high spd overtaking will definately not be wise.

Won't be much room to maneouver to avoid rubbish or a break down vehicle.

Or a Kup-Kia...

endlessloop · May 7, 2006

"Riding on Shoulder

For some reason...

It sometimes become a small bike lane.

Guess they find the lane a safe lane to ride on.

Away from the other vehicles."

In Singapore, riding/driving on the road shoulder is prohibited.

The road shoulder is for break-down vehicles.

The confusing thing is this...

The Malaysia law actually requires bikes to travel on the road shoulder, except if your bike is 1000cc and above.

- This results in Malaysian bikers riding on the prohibited road shoulder on Singapore roads.

- This results in Singaporean bikers not realising the road shoulder is meant for bikers in Malaysia.

- This results in a car or bike, travelling on the leftmost road lane, along the Malaysia NorthSouth, may be overtaken by bikes on both its left (the road shoulder lane) and its right (the next rightmost lane).

Regarding the 1000cc thingy, in my personal opinion, it is not the most appropriate measure. Most Singaporeans who ride into Malaysia and ride on normal car lanes, don't know about this rule because their TP don't really enforce this rule unless you are unfortunate enought that they need a coffee break.

yohji · May 7, 2006

Originally posted by endlessloop@May 7 2006, 08:45 AM
"Riding on Shoulder

For some reason...
It sometimes become a small bike lane.
Guess they find the lane a safe lane to ride on.
Away from the other vehicles."

In Singapore, riding/driving on the road shoulder is prohibited.
The road shoulder is for break-down vehicles.

The confusing thing is this...

The Malaysia law actually requires bikes to travel on the road shoulder, except if your bike is 1000cc and above.

- This results in Malaysian bikers riding on the prohibited road shoulder on Singapore roads.
- This results in Singaporean bikers not realising the road shoulder is meant for bikers in Malaysia.
- This results in a car or bike, travelling on the leftmost road lane, along the Malaysia NorthSouth, may be overtaken by bikes on both its left (the road shoulder lane) and its right (the next rightmost lane).

Regarding the 1000cc thingy, in my personal opinion, it is not the most appropriate measure. Most Singaporeans who ride into Malaysia and ride on normal car lanes, don't know about this rule because their TP don't really enforce this rule unless you are unfortunate enought that they need a coffee break.

Wow I didn't about this rule that only 1000cc bikes can ride on the proper lanes on the NS Highway. Imagine a 800cc VFR going at 160km/h or more on the Msian bike's lane?? Can't expect the VFR to travel at 120km/h all the way to KL right? Hehe!

Spectrum · May 7, 2006

Interesting...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Lane01_resize.jpg

Talking about Motor cycles lanes.

This ones approaching Pontian...

Well...

Lanes may just end abruptly.

Quite a bit of Debris (maybe due to road works)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Lane02_resize.jpg

May be a good idea to...

stay off the bike lanes...

And if u gonna stay in one...

be alert for surprises...

The ones on Malacca Bridge are quite well organize...

Generally, there's not much room to overtake.

So... keeping to the spd of the bikes.

Spectrum · May 8, 2006

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Breakdownlane01m_resize.jpg

And for whatever reason if u had to ride on the shoulder...

Look Long & Look Far...

For what lies ahead may stop u dead in your tracks!

Remember... U gonna see this breakdown vehicle

Very, very late in a dark night...

Pending the speed u are riding...

My advise... Stay of the Shoulders.

And off the left lane when riding fast!

There are just one too many dead slow lorries/bikes with no lights!

Hit any thing big or small... and u are all over the tarmac!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Nite03_resize_resize.jpg

On one of my nite ride on 2nd link back to Spore...

I only saw the bike when his brake lights came on...

Guess he knows I was coming behind him

and he just wanted to warn me that he in front of me.

Much appreaciated.... but please go fix your lights

Or carry a replacement bulb(or circuit breaker)

gohjohan · May 8, 2006

Unbelievable. Actually it happened to me once too, when my tail light blew. My brake light was working, so had to watch my back for a while.

That time I was a newbie with bikes, so it took me a few days to find out that the tail light was the same as the cars

Spectrum · May 8, 2006

Well, sometime in our hurried life... a Pre-Ride Check is always good...

And our riding buddies will be the 1st to inform us if our lites are out!

Always good to have a few spare bulbs in the bag when on tour.

Doesn't cost much but will be real useful when we need it.

Spectrum · May 8, 2006

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Jam01m_resize.jpg

It is important to recognise if this is something that gonna affect us.

That by itself is a positive step forward...

Ahem... the next step is to cool down...

It can be done...

gohjohan · May 9, 2006

Originally posted by Spectrum@May 8 2006, 08:12 PM
Well, sometime in our hurried life... a Pre-Ride Check is always good...
And our riding buddies will be the 1st to inform us if our lites are out!

Always good to have a few spare bulbs in the bag when on tour.
Doesn't cost much but will be real useful when we need it.

so it's recommended to bring headlights, tail lights and signal lights? I was sure that the petrol stations sells them. At least for the tail light.

philiplolc · May 10, 2006

wow, 29 pages of safety tips already... didn't go thru all so i'm not sure if this has been mentioned previously... learnt this overseas long time ago and have been using ever since, but i thought it'd be useful in SG too, so here goes...

ever see those really slow bikes, mostly older men, keeping to the left and letting cars overtake them dangerously on the right? that's bad news as these cars see there's space on the right and will be encouraged to try & squeeze or overtake dangerously...

to discourage cars from doing this (right hand drive roads):

a) for 2 way roads one lane each with a center divider line, keep to the right of the lane, abit right of the center oil line

b) for 2 lane roads, if on left lane keep right... if on the right lane keep left

c) for 3 lane roads, if on left or center lane keep right... if on the rightmost lane keep left... and etc...

above is only if you're don't want cars to try and squeeze... like if you're just following behind the vehicle infront...

if you overtaking or lane splitting then no count and of cos if you want to let behind car overtake you, then move left to let them pass..

i actually learnt this in overseas traffic school, and points are deducted in traffic test for not observing the above... i don't recall the SG traffic school teaching this or maybe they do now...

hope this was useful to someone..

gohjohan · May 10, 2006

Originally posted by philiplolc@May 10 2006, 08:28 PM
wow, 29 pages of safety tips already... didn't go thru all so i'm not sure if this has been mentioned previously... learnt this overseas long time ago and have been using ever since, but i thought it'd be useful in SG too, so here goes...

ever see those really slow bikes, mostly older men, keeping to the left and letting cars overtake them dangerously on the right? that's bad news as these cars see there's space on the right and will be encouraged to try & squeeze or overtake dangerously...

to discourage cars from doing this (right hand drive roads):
a) for 2 way roads one lane each with a center divider line, keep to the right of the lane, abit right of the center oil line
b) for 2 lane roads, if on left lane keep right... if on the right lane keep left
c) for 3 lane roads, if on left or center lane keep right... if on the rightmost lane keep left... and etc...

above is only if you're don't want cars to try and squeeze... like if you're just following behind the vehicle infront...

if you overtaking or lane splitting then no count and of cos if you want to let behind car overtake you, then move left to let them pass..

i actually learnt this in overseas traffic school, and points are deducted in traffic test for not observing the above... i don't recall the SG traffic school teaching this or maybe they do now...

hope this was useful to someone..

That's the same thing I've been taught in Australia too

So far it works. But I do feel bad hogging the road sometimes. Now with a v-twin, I can keep up with everyone

Spectrum · May 11, 2006

Well Said Gentlmen...

Lane positioning is very important in ride safety...

gohjohan · May 11, 2006

Also with the lane positioning method, you can see the cars behind you in your lane and the one next to you.

But, don't neglect to check your blind spot.....

philiplolc · May 11, 2006

Originally posted by gohjohan@May 10 2006, 11:16 PM
That's the same thing I've been taught in Australia too

So far it works. But I do feel bad hogging the road sometimes. Now with a v-twin, I can keep up with everyone

ahah, i got it from Australia too... i always tot that was something useful that SSDC could have taught here... especially when i see cars in front of me overtaking a slow bike on the leftmost lane and cutting halfway into the right lane...

i've even seen some cars, even if the right lane got vehicle, they still try to squeeze between that and the slow bike on the left... wa piang... some scary sh*t man... one wrong move from that car, and the slow bike will go flying...

i'll be going... DAMN!... if only that bike kept right side of his lane, that car probably wouldn't have tried that crap, endangering the slow bike and vehicles on the right lane too.. jeez..

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