STREET SMART

[Spectrum]

Well said gentlmen...

 

A lot depends on one self...

What u see... and what u don't see that's gonna affect your safety.

As Dino said... no need to experience the painful way...

So we learn for their unselfish sharing...

 

And we keep away for dangerous situations.

 

saboon: Dressing up is important habit to have...

cos we don't really know when we will fall.

And best put something between our skin & road.

 

What's more important is dressing up shows the attitude from

within...

 

And that by itself had won 50% of the battle.

[endlessloop]

This is from our Safety friend over at TP on 14 Oct 06:

 

 

"...

 

One immediate concern - can you ask the guys to be careful as there have been a n increase in the number of motorcycle fatalities. can you get them to watch out especially at junctions and at road bends.

 

many thanks for spreading the road safety messages.

 

 

SIMON NG 黄泗强"

 

 

 

I take the same route to work everyday. I take the PIE towards changi, then exit Bedok South exit. This exit leads to a tight right bender.

 

I take this exit like any other day. Only difference today I noticed is that now there is a blue square temporary sign board erected on the pavement along the right bender:

 

FATAL ACCIDENT

It was a sign of a motorcyclist who died there. No other party involved.

[saboon]

Thanks guys for the invaluable advice and experiences.

 

I guess body protection complements the correct riding mentality and discipline. Can't work well without one of the components.

 

Another safe day of riding, another day with your love ones. For me, that would be the most important "incentive" for me to ride safe.

[kckerk]

Thanks Spectrum for all the advice and help. Thanks too to all the guys who posted important safety messages here. I just got my started to ride in August this year and have a lot to learn still.

 

Just one question, I intend to buy a full face helmet and a good jacket from Ah Boy at Kelantan Lane. Is it a good idea to buy there? I heard the stuff might be cheap but the sometimes the quality is not there. I hope to buy a jacket with air vents so that it would not feel so hot. Any advice?

[Dino Bravo]

Originally posted by kckerk@Oct 27 2006, 03:32 PM

Thanks Spectrum for all the advice and help. Thanks too to all the guys who posted important safety messages here. I just got my started to ride in August this year and have a lot to learn still.

 

Just one question, I intend to buy a full face helmet and a good jacket from Ah Boy at Kelantan Lane. Is it a good idea to buy there? I heard the stuff might be cheap but the sometimes the quality is not there. I hope to buy a jacket with air vents so that it would not feel so hot. Any advice?

there are quite a number of places where you can get these stuff from... LAB (ah boy) is one of them...

do take a look around as LAB does not offer the best stuff although it maybe cheap. get something that you can afford best within your budget.

take a look around, learn more about these products and take your time to find what you really want. diff brands come in diff material and cuttings.... some fit you well in the chest area, but bad in the arm area.

some fit very well all round, but neck area too tight. blahblah....

remember that only with the right fit, the safety gears will protect you.

you can have a look around these places... although not excatly cheap, but they do offer very good protection... as for address i'm not too sure the excact road name, can go source it out. hope it helps...

 

JR pte ltd (Mainly Dainese) ---- serangoon rd

Chiap Lee (Arai, Clover, Oxtar boots etc...) ----- serangoon rd

LAB (almost everything and anything) ------- kelantan lane

motorworld (shark, HJC, Spidi, Komine, etc...) ------- kaki bukit industrial

Chong Aik (shoei, nolan etc)--------- joo chiat/deskar

 

there are more than that... just take a look around and dun rush to buy anything... take your time...

[Guest embryo]

thx for sharing, dino.

 

it's very wise to highlight that protection do not make wear immune. I believe some would take on more risk when protection is worn given the false sense of immortality a bit exaggerating but it might be along that line.

[Dino Bravo]

Originally posted by embryo@Oct 27 2006, 08:32 PM

thx for sharing, dino.

 

it's very wise to highlight that protection do not make wear immune. I believe some would take on more risk when protection is worn given the false sense of immortality a bit exaggerating but it might be along that line.

i totally agree with you on the part regarding wearing protection give you the false sense of security and thus taking more risk...

that is a very important thing to note...

[Guest embryo]

Originally posted by Dino Bravo@Oct 27 2006, 11:28 PM

i totally agree with you on the part regarding wearing protection give you the false sense of security and thus taking more risk...

that is a very important thing to note...

'cos i thought that over-confidence is 1 of the causes of accidents too

[j_csqaure]

Originally posted by yohji@Oct 24 2006, 11:03 AM

BTW I found this an article from another thread. It's an article illustrating the importance of riding gear (from the BMW MotorCycle Club of Singapore). It is a PDF file with real pictures of injuries substained by the author himself and his pillion with riding gears on. So imagine what will happen to them if they only wore t-shirt, shorts and slippers. Anyway, I hope everyone can take their time to read through the article, especially the first paragraph. It really makes me think much more about riding gears (they can cause injuries to the rider even when protecting him. but at least it's better than not wearing them). And now I can show this article to whoever says I am crazy by gearing up like a Power Ranger when I ride in Singapore's weather. Haha!

 

Here's the link: http://www.bmwmcs.org/documents/The%20Usef...tive%20Gear.pdf

 

Enjoy!

Up north in Malaysia, you see lots of Singapore bikers with proper riding gear. At the Sepang MotoGP, every second guy was walking around in full leathers and motorcycle boots. Back home in Singapore, hardly anyone wears protective clothing. I am also guilty, because in the hot Singapore weather, I also sometimes just grab a helmet and a pair of gloves and cross my fingers. It is as if we believe that accidents can only happen in Malaysia, or only when we are travelling at speeds greater than 90 km/h.

 

However, accidents happen when we least expect them, and not only when we are properly prepared for them. In fact, the Hurt study states:

 

12. Most motorcycle accidents involve a short trip associated with shopping, errands, friends, entertainment or recreation, and the accident is likely to happen in a very short time close to the trip origin.

and

16. The median pre-crash speed was 29.8 mph, and the median crash speed was 21.5 mph, and the one-in-a-thousand crash speed is approximately 86 mph.

 

After seeing this case of roadrash, I have decided to change my ways. In future, I will at least wear a full-face helmet, gloves, a mesh jacket and strong, closed shoes every time I get on my bike. I should probably think about boots and pants as well ...

[gohjohan]

I cross my fingers everytime. Now that I've got a spare bike, I should be getting spare raincoat and gloves to put into the saddlebags.

[Unagi]

Hi Spectrum and all,

 

Just wanna say thanks for your contributions. I've read about half of the Street Smart Tips to date and learnt alot!

 

I'm new here and doesn't even own a bike; but everytime I see you people post encouraging and advisary messages to each other it feels so heart-warming and makes me feel so much in wanting to be a part of the community!

 

Here's my part:

 

My one and only experience of a fall was when I was working as a pizza delivery rider. They were still using the old vespas then and I had self-skidded during a low-speed (20-30km/h) 90 degree turn into the housing estates. Luckily there were no cars behind me thus I only suffered abrasions on my knees and elbows.

 

The question is that the road was dry and I'm not the type to lean till my knee scrapes asphalt, so what caused my fall?

 

Highlight: I realise soon after that the spring holding up the main stand was so weak that it caused the stand to hang low and when I banked into the corner, the stand actually touched the ground and sort of acted as a pivot at a point, lifting my rear wheel and causing me to slide.

 

I believe not everybody will encounter this situation but hope you guys can add this into your pre-ride checks, especially for people riding old bikes.

 

Ride safe guys.

[Spectrum]

Hi Tridagger: When the the bike pivot on the main stand.. the wheel lose

traction... therefore the skid..

 

Unfortunate. But thks for sharing your experience.

It goes into this thread for all of us to learn.

[milo_peng]

I almost had a bad crash last week.

 

I was at bukit timah road going home from orchard, the incident occured at one of the small roads joining the inner road to the outer road. I was lucky to avoid that car in time, but my left foot smacked the bumper hard; just a little closer and i would've been flung off my bike.

 

Anyways, i would like to advise everybody who use that road at night to be careful. If there are no cars adjacent to you or close behind you, the car that is coming out may think that the road is clear. I was on the leftmost lane that night and the driver probably didn't spot me coming because i was the only bike on that road at that time.

 

Now i will always go on the centre lane whenever i'm alone at night, sometimes it's not the driver's fault, just a case of really bad coincidences.

 

Ride Safe!

[Guest embryo]

back in 2000, along jalan boon lay, betw Lakeside & Chinese Garden MRT heading towards J.east, I was travelling towards J.east within the speed limit of 70kph. I was slowing down as I approach (nearing the 1st of 3 big white arrows on road) a T-junction traffic light on the extreme right lane, a spanking new dark blue Cefiro on my 10 o'clock position suddenly changed into my lane right in front of me, w/o signalling abt 3/4 car length. I could see the face of the driver, next thing, i crashed into his bumper. Caused a single scratch below his right tail-light, almost to the side of the car.

 

Only my bike mirror was smashed as the bike fell to the ground. The driver was in his mid to late 60s.

 

I was warded for 2 days & MC for 7days. If it's on a highway, I might be in a box.

 

Lesson learnt, always think of a way out. I crashed into his bumper 'cos I had none. TP came & it was determined to be his fault by looking @ the bumper. That was proof enough that I had the right of way & his abrupt lane change.

[Unagi]

Welcome Spectrum! BTW I'm a Hornet lover too

 

embryo : I do meet with these situations too and have a couple of close calls but always managed to brake in time I think is due to my distance and constant slow speed of 55km/h or less. The reason being if I go any faster than 60km/h the engine would sound very strained and vibrations occurs (riding my dad's old SR w/o tachometer). Blessing in disguise!

 

Anyway good that you're alright but the amazing thing is that this is the first time I hear you hit people from behind and still not at fault...

Don't get me wrong - I understand that you are the victim in this case but I always thought that the one being hit would have a stronger case and the one hitting, more liability (in the eyes of the law)... But looks like TP can be reasonable too after all!

[Unagi]

Would like to share with you guys something which I found on another forum.

 

It shows the different areas on a helmet which is more likely to get an impact in the event of a crash. Kind of strengthened my belief into wearing a full-faced helmet already.

[Guest embryo]

Originally posted by tridagger@Nov 4 2006, 12:02 AM

....Anyway good that you're alright but the amazing thing is that this is the first time I hear you hit people from behind and still not at fault...

Don't get me wrong - I understand that you are the victim in this case but I always thought that the one being hit would have a stronger case and the one hitting, more liability (in the eyes of the law)... But looks like TP can be reasonable too after all!

I did ask the TP i/o, a s/sgt, how did he know straight away?

 

He said that I almost bang the right side of the car, which is the same as my story that he came into my lane from 10 o'clock (from left to right), so 1st contact point of the car would be right side.

 

It sounds v.simple yet I cant figure it out b4 asking either. I was shaking afterwards...shock lah

[james70]

Originally posted by Spectrum@Nov 3 2006, 05:05 PM

Hi Tridagger: When the the bike pivot on the main stand.. the wheel lose

traction... therefore the skid..

 

Unfortunate. But thks for sharing your experience.

It goes into this thread for all of us to learn.

Bro,

This thread still going strong man ........

Upz for u ........ U r the man .......

Cheers

[endlessloop]

Rainy season is coming again.

 

Not having a proper set of rain coat can increase your risk of getting into accident.

My blog explains why.

[saboon]

Hey endlessloop,

 

Read your blog about the rain coat thingy. And coincidentally i am also using the pro grip rain coat too. (First pair of rain coat ever. Previously always soak until underwear wet wet)

 

I too find it cheap and good. Kept me dry and happy in very heavy rain. Feels shiok riding in the rain actually, pure child-like joy.

 

Only thing i lack now is a pair of shoe covers. Have to do some sourcing liaoz.

[Finity]

Hmmm got a question to ask about helmet ... did asked my friend b4 about this question ... is it better to buy a helmet tat wont break(price diff/brand diff) after a fall ? He reply is good but even thought helmet wont break but cant guaratee tat yr head wont break ... eventually he recommend me to buy ogk helmet ... so any1 any recommentation ? wanted to buy a ff helmet ... like nolan but with the price can buy ogk with same protection.

[Spectrum]

James 70: Nice of u to drop by...

 

Gents: Thk for sharing... being prepared for potential danger

is the key to a safe ride.

 

Finity: Full face helmet.

It is a BIG Plus if u can get use to using a full face all the time...

 

A riding buddy just went down last month over a patch of oil/diesel...

5 stiches on the chin... with a open face helmet.

A mark that will stay with him for a long, long time.

 

As for the Helmet to Buy...

 

OGK, Nolan are all good helmets.

 

There are different fits...

The full sport riding helmets should be tight.

The city riding full face are more comfortable...

But remember...

During fitting...

 

Push hard against your face after u wear the helmet...

If your face touches the visor....

It's too loose...

 

In a crash... your face will be sustain impact!

Sometime it is due to wear & tear...

and the cushion becomes compressed...

So it time to replace the cushions....

 

Do consider cushions that can be removed & washed...

U know how how sweaty it can get in our weather....

 

[Spectrum]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Streetsmart153.jpg

 

Street Smart Tip of the Day #153

 

Wear Protection All The Time

 

The Point is We don't Know When...

...will we fall.

 

Hopefully... Never.

But We all know

In life,

there are plenty of Surprises...

of the ugly kind.

 

That being the case... we need protection.

 

All the below cases are real

and it occurs within the last 2 mths.

(stories was related to me by rider... thks)

All not wearing riding jacket.

 

Case 1:

 

Flltering into Highway in Malaysia.

Too fast.

Over ran the curve into the grass.

 

Injury: Factured bones... face & spine.

Abrasion.

Full face too loose...

Jacket with the usual back protector can help prevent

the spine.

Padding will help reduce abrasion.

 

Case 2:

 

Filtering into R & & for Highway in Malaysia.

Hit Patch of Oil/Diesel.

Skidded & Fall.

 

Injury: Bad Abrasion. Arms & Hands

Factured arms.

Chin needs 5 stiches. (open face helmet)

Blood dripped all the way to Spore from chin.

(no jacket or gloves)

 

Case 3:

 

Outer lane (1) spore espressway.

Car stationary on lane 1.

Unable to stop in time.

Crash into car.

 

Bad abrasion.

 

Buddy behind also fell.

But with Riding jacket. No Abrasion.

 

The Riders do wear Protection....

But for the above rides did not wear any.

Regret...

Yes...

Learning Pt for all of us...

Yes.

 

Let us always dress for the fall...

 

Point:

If the Crash is bad...

What ever we wear... it's not gonna help.

But It is the smaller falls that we can save some skin & bones.

The spine protector will help to break the 1st impact.

(The ones in the jacket is a little thin... but better than none.)

And it may decide if u will walk again.

 

There are too many spinal injury caused by motorcycle accidents.

 

The above pic is a rider on a S4 with a rain coat.

May I suggest a riding jacket with gloves.

(jacket usually have a rain protector as a free add on)

 

If u do not own a riding jacket.

My recommendation:

 

1. RJ riding jacket @ Regina Jalan Besar (Lim AH Boy)

$150

or

2. Taiwanese Riding Jacket @ Chiap Lee Desker Road.

$120

 

Both are mesh. so much cooler than wear unmesh or rain coat.

 

And for those who owns a riding jacket...

Have it on all the time u are riding.

U never know when u need it!

[endlessloop]

Saboon U very lucky to select a good rain coat on your first attempt!

Others have to go through trial-and-error.

Of course, I'm not proclaiming ProGrip is the best.

There could be better ones but it is one I will buy again.

 

 

 

If the rain is heavy enough => cool enough, I will actually wear my rain coat over my armoured air-mesh jacket (which I normally wear even in Sg riding).

It wouldn't be hot and it is faster than to do it this way. And besides, during that time, all the more u need yr armoured jacket.

 

I used RJays bought from Regina/Ah Boy.

Cool enough for Sg riding even under noon sun.

[Spectrum]

The $120 riding jacket I brought for Cheong Aik.. Comes with

(correction on the post #153... should be Cheong Aik @ desker rd

And not Chaip Lee.. Sorry)

A rain coat neatly stowed at the back of the jacket.

Extra protection for the spine..