STREET SMART

[Pplater]

It would definitely made a hell out of a difference if I had anticipate the hard brake by applying the 70/30 rule of front and rear brake, clutching in and gripping hard to the fuel tank. But in that few split-secs, I just wasn’t my usual self, I just applied more force on my rear brake...

 

Perhaps, that I was too complacent, cos it was those everyday route where u took from home to work, the thought u could negotiate so well cos u had probably gone thru a thousand times. Lesson Learnt: Never let your guards down.

 

ah... the key was to anticipate what made the driver hard brake and apply braking before he does. If you can brake so early before the driver even spotted the hazard and reacted to it, you can apply 70/30 or 30/70 or 50/60/70 and you can also stop in time :cheers:

 

However, even the most experienced riders sometimes make fatal judgemental errors or suffer from lapses in concentration. I'm sure you will make a better rider today then before ur skid. Cheers to good riding.

[gohjohan]

From what I remember from the Hurt Report, riders after a few years get into accidents, probably from complacency. I got into a few myself too. I'll try and post more from a book of motorcycling. It's from the US, but the principles are the same everywhere.

 

Edited to add: From the Hurt report (1981),

 

Experience Riding in Traffic Risk

0-6 months - 1.4

7-12 months - 0.96

13-24 months - 0.93

25-36 months - 1.52

37-48 months - 0.98

48+ months - 0.83

 

Can see that newbies are the same at risk with someone who has been riding for 2-3 years. The conclusion is experienced riders tend to be more cocky 'cos they feel that they learnt it all. The book I got the report from is Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough

 

When I think about it, I'm at that stage now. I kid you not. When I had my "wrong place, wrong time" accident 2 months ago, I was riding for 31 months.

[Spectrum]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/2100spectrum/Street%20Smart/Streetsmart360.jpg

 

360 Vision

 

Means to be aware of the traffic around us.

 

Always keep a constant glance at your rear mirrors.

(every few seconds)

Especially if u need to do hard brakin..

Eg a Truck/tour bus pulls out to the fast lane.

And u are doing a high speed cruise.

 

If the vehicle behind is not slowing down enough..

U may want to get out of his way.

 

Bikes get hit from the back especially at nite

When the visibility is reduced.

And it usually happens on the slow lanes.

 

Wear a Luminous Vest at Nite will reduce the risk.

[Pplater]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x215/czh2002sg/Default.jpg

 

One of the most under-rated and under-utilized, but one of the most effective and essential piece of gear.

 

Recently I pillioned a fallen rider who was wearing the standard armoured jacket, full face and gloves to the hospital. Such gears, if u must insist, is the highly recommended but seldom seen set of gears for local riding or tours. The rider suffered deeps tears on the knee which took more than a month to heal although no surgery or stiching was required. The rider painstaking cleaned her knees everyday with sodium chloride and applied dressings to bandage the wound as instructered by the doctors.

 

Today evening, i pillioned another rider to the police station to make a report. This rider was wearing the same set of safety gear, but plus knee guards.

 

In both accidents, the riders' gear absorbed full damages. In both accidents, the rider was not at fault and could not have prevented the accident through rider's action. However, the rider without knee guard faced more than a month's inconvenience on public transport, having fat people banging into her injured knee, spending several hours a day travelling both ways to work, and endured much pain and suffering. The second rider only has a sprained wrist.

 

I have been riding locally for a couple years with mesh armoured jacket, full face and gloves. I'm getting my knee guards asap. I've seen 2 broken knees with torn ligaments from rider friends and pillioned 2 riders, one with deep cuts and one without. I've seen first hand how knee ligament injuries can cost upwards of $10k to fix, on top of many months of physio and psychological trauma. Ask any athelete and you will understand the knees are the most important to mobility. You could hurt your ankles or thighs and still hobble. But hurt your knees, and chances are u hobble with much difficulty. I've seen how knee guards can reduce injuries. I'm convinced the knee guard is the most under-rated but most effective safety gear for the rider. A knee guard with external strap on is easy to wear (you don't have to slip your leg through it), is cheap (less than $50), and is effective in absorbing the first impact's damage even if it flies off in a violent accident. The first impact is what causes the deepest and most distressing injury to the rider.

 

Just think about the first time u had an accident. Did you hurt your knees? While we ride safe and hope for the best, in times when we have performed what is humanly possible to prevent accidents but failed, we depend on our gears to reduce the suffering and pain. Your knee guards is your best bet to helping you walk to the motortiam to fix your bike without having to bring crutches along or being hospitalized and having your friends ride it to fix it for you.

[Yat_]

very informative indeed

[sfowner]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x215/czh2002sg/Default.jpg

 

One of the most under-rated and under-utilized, but one of the most effective and essential piece of gear.

 

I'm convinced the knee guard is the most under-rated but most effective safety gear for the rider. A knee guard with external strap on is easy to wear (you don't have to slip your leg through it), is cheap (less than $50), and is effective in absorbing the first impact's damage even if it flies off in a violent accident. The first impact is what causes the deepest and most distressing injury to the rider.

 

 

Very good advice. Can you recommend some places where it's available? Thanks.

[Pplater]

Knee guards are sold at most motorcycle accessory shops that bikers patronise. Like full face helmets, what fits one rider may not feel good for another. My gf uses Komine knee and shin guards. It costs $85 at Motorworld Lavender. Nick n Candy had great customer service and gave a good reccomendation But my pig trotter leg too big, not suitable for me. It comes with triple straps, good for lady riders and smaller size guys. If you die die want this you can extend the velcro straps easily using needle, thread and patience.

 

Regina also sells Alphine Star knee guards and another one or 2 brands. Some costs a lot a lot. Some ok. All look bulky like the off road kind. If you ride a off road bike this looks just right.

 

Heard from my friend this address sells a good one at $45. Say you are from bike forum/bike club and u get 20% discount off some accessories. Not too sure until when.

 

Wildroses, Sigg & Briko

#01-72/73

Velocity, Novena Square

 

They also sell Forcefield Armour. I have yet to visit them but intend to drop by. Other accessory shops like HKL or Chiap Lee might carry one or two of these. If u are stingy like me, SSDC one also better than nothing. Just strap it over without putting the leg through. Easy in easy off. A good knee guard that suits you on your tour or even daily ride is a "good to have". LIke full face helmets, comfort is the highest priority in choosing one Cheers to good riding.

[antartica]

i just passed my 2B recently (finally!!!) and will be re-reading all the threads again for a refresher...

 

but from what i've learnt from here so far, will be making it a point to always have my jacket, gloves, flip up FF and proper clothes & shoes whenever riding...

 

was actually thinking that if the posters of all the lessons don't mind was going to put it into say a MS Word format so can print easy and read anytime...

 

won't do it until the posters say it's ok else wouldn't be nice of me to do so...

 

thanks for all the great lessons...

[Pplater]

won't do it until the posters say it's ok else wouldn't be nice of me to do so...

 

when all the posters said ok, your NCB reach 20% already

whatever posted in this public thread is not copyrighted. In fact, do all the posters a favour, print it out, lend them to your rider friends to browse. That would be in the spirit of sharing all those forumers who posted here intended. I'm sure I speak for the majority of them, if not all.

 

Also, congrats on passing and welcome to the real riding world. With a good attitude at the start, you'll be a good example to your rider friends

[s4dreamer]

i just passed my 2B recently (finally!!!) and will be re-reading all the threads again for a refresher...

 

but from what i've learnt from here so far, will be making it a point to always have my jacket, gloves, flip up FF and proper clothes & shoes whenever riding...

 

was actually thinking that if the posters of all the lessons don't mind was going to put it into say a MS Word format so can print easy and read anytime...

 

won't do it until the posters say it's ok else wouldn't be nice of me to do so...

 

thanks for all the great lessons...

 

Hey! And not forgetting the knee guards, i hope...

 

More often or not... in an accident, the knees are the first parts of the body that will take the first blow. Speaking from personal experience...

[sfowner]

Knee guards are sold at most motorcycle accessory shops that bikers patronise. Cheers to good riding.

 

Thanks for the recommendations. Haven't seen anyone besides dirt bike riders with knee protection though. Maybe haven't bumped into u guys yet...

[s4dreamer]

I believe all bikers will get to use the NSH one way or another...

 

I'm very sure that those of you who travels long distances have encountered crosswinds before...

 

So what should we do when we are caught in crosswind while travelling on the NSH? Can someone enlighten us on this? Eager to hear from you guys!

[Dino Bravo]

Hello Spectrum Aka Alan, Ah Seng and guys. I've been out of action for quite sometime. You guys might not remember me already. I've been on a number of trips with you guys quite sometime back.

Maybe my story will bring back some memories and maybe you will remember me =)

 

I was reading the newpapers dated 20th Sept 2008. Page 4.

"Robbers took all my cash, then gave me $8 "Hongbao"

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,177380,00.html?

Under the section "scams", at the last part of the article, it suddenly came upon me, that the accident I had few years ago on NSHW could very well possibly be a scam.

 

I crashed on NSHW ont he way to Genting / Sepang...

How I crashed. A lorry carrying tyres suddenly unloaded its cargo onto the road into my path.

I remember just before I crash, I saw someone on the lorry reaching out.

I couldn't tell if he was trying to save the cargo or PUSHING the cargo onto the road.

Shortly after I crashed, a tow truck arrived. Less than 5mins. I didn't even have time to stand up properly yet.

The guy offered to tow the bike back to Singapore. He was very persistant.

I declined everytime he asked. Saying my insurance company will tow it for free.

He then insist that he tow the bike to the nearest R&R. Which is about 500m away only.

I agreed to shrug him off. He asked for RM$120! I was pissed that he was taking advantage of the situation. I was injured but I was pissed. I was willing to lose it all. I refused to pay. In the end he settled for RM$50. Costly for a 500m tow if you ask me.

He kept insisting he tow the bike to a workshop he knows. Or he can also tow back to singapore. I rejected his offer. While I was resting at the R&R, the kept looking in my direction. I felt really uncomfortable. Don't these guys have a job to do? They hang around all day. Or perhaps maybe this is their full time job. To look out for scam victims.

 

I thank god that I'm alive after this incident. To be able to relate my story to all of you. God is watching, these guys will be punished by God himself.

 

PLEASE RIDE SAFE EVERYONE. Take this as a lesson. It can happen to anyone.

To fall for a scam is bad enough. Your life matters more than anything else.

These guys will risk your life for a miserable RM$120. And perhaps your bike and spare parts as well. These people don't care about your life. Selfish muther farking bustards.

Your life costs much more than that. Life is priceless.

 

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q134/dino_bravo/Misc/K4%20Pics/IMG_6045.jpg

 

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q134/dino_bravo/Misc/K4%20Pics/IMG_6047.jpg

 

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q134/dino_bravo/Misc/K4%20Pics/IMG_6048.jpg

 

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q134/dino_bravo/Misc/K4%20Pics/IMG_6050.jpg

 

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q134/dino_bravo/Misc/Misc/80e91.jpg

[paiseh]

hi all,

 

pls read this. it happened in singapore and its all real yet we can do nothing?

 

http://www.mycarforum.com/forum/General_C1/General_Car_Discussion_F1/SYNDICATE_ORGANISED_ACCIDENT_SCAM!!_P2486152/

[gohjohan]

I believe all bikers will get to use the NSH one way or another...

 

I'm very sure that those of you who travels long distances have encountered crosswinds before...

 

So what should we do when we are caught in crosswind while travelling on the NSH? Can someone enlighten us on this? Eager to hear from you guys!

 

To handle the crosswinds better, slow down. I know this 'cos the strong winds buffet my tall windshield and I slow down to gain better control of my bike

[endlessloop]

Hello Spectrum Aka Alan, Ah Seng and guys. I've been out of action for quite sometime. You guys might not remember me already.

 

Hi Dino,

 

Of course we remember you

 

My own simple guide to myself when traveling in Malaysia, be it on bike, car, plane, tour group--treat it as a country with no police. You are on your own.

[endlessloop]

So what should we do when we are caught in crosswind while travelling on the NSH? Can someone enlighten us on this? Eager to hear from you guys!

 

 

Spots along NS where crosswind are prevelant are marked with road signs. The sign are wind sock icons. The best defense against cross winds...slow down before hand and hunched down a little. Cross winds are sideway vectors that hit your bike. The slower your bike is, the smaller the lateral drift is before you have time to react. If you do 90-110kmh, you should be quite safe.

 

If you find yourself able to react to crosswind and know which side the wind comes from, you can steer into it. This should counter the sidway force and add greater stability.

 

Most times, crosswinds aren't that severe along NS.

 

Not only should riders beware of crosswinds, pillions too. Their best defense, huddle close to the rider.

[Petrified]

Hey guys!

 

Hats off to the founding fathers of this tread! The knowledge here is important to us bikers! Keep em coming! I just passed the ever elusive TP test last week and am in the process of purchasing a bike! If all goes well i will be getting it some time this week!

 

I want to do things right and safe, and have already decided to invest in good protective gear, namely a FF, riding gloves and armour jacket. Do you guys recommend knee pads as a must have too? Got any suggestions on a pair that is easy to wear and remove? haha! lazy la!

 

FF fit wise, should my face move slightly when i turn it left to right while holding my helmet steady? If it does not move at all, it will be damn tight and painful la!

 

Also! When is the next HOV? My brother that is taking his TP soon also! We both want to get serious about safety for riding! Willing to chia lunch! Bribe included!! Haha!

 

Cheers!

 

P.S ; if got any holy grail advice for new riders like myelf for riding in singapore, please feel free to share!! Apprecieate it!

[s4dreamer]

Wow! It's really encouraging to see more riders being eager to wear full protective gear. And the FF, gloves and armoured jacket is really good way to start your riding career!

 

As for the knee guards, I think it's being understated. It's actually pretty important in case of a fall. The knees are normally the first parts of the body to come into contact with the tarmac. Actually, knee guards are quite convenient to wear. Just strap over your jeans or pants and you are all set to zoom off!

 

Petrified... As for your FF helmet, just make sure it fits snugly! And make sure that it doesn't make you feel restricted. But I think it shouldn't be able to move left and right. If it does, then it's probably too loose for you!

 

And yup yup, I'm also very interested in attending HOV! I've been wanting to attend it but always couldn't for some reason... 1 year plus loh!!!... Gosh!

 

I hope I can attend it the next time round!

[Pplater]

Pplater calling Endlessloop! Shifu... when u conducting HOV again huh?

[antartica]

Thanks Pplater for bringing up the subject... i so new i paiseh to ask... but been hoping for another course...

[Petrified]

HOV calling endlessloop! Baby crying out to his father!

 

My bro and i 2pax already, + s4dreamer and antartica = 4pax! lets get together!?! kopi teh or me on me! I may have another friend interested, so tt makes 5pax hopefully?! Perhaps can get some tips for a newbie that is going to be riding through the monsoon season?!

 

As for the kneeguards, yea, i am looking for one that would be inconspicuous and comfy to wear la! Been balancing the lecehness of wearing it, to to lecehness of try to walk around without kneecaps! Haha!

[Pplater]

Ok, next HOV meetup is coming up. Please scroll down to the last post at the HOV thread linked below. Do ask your rider friends who may be keen to come along.

 

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194551&page=2

[endlessloop]

I'm here. PPlater has told me about HOV class. PM PPlater your oobile phone to register because we have only that few radio sets.

 

You miss this one, you will have to wait half-a-year

[s4dreamer]

HOV calling endlessloop! Baby crying out to his father!

 

My bro and i 2pax already, + s4dreamer and antartica = 4pax! lets get together!?! kopi teh or me on me! I may have another friend interested, so tt makes 5pax hopefully?! Perhaps can get some tips for a newbie that is going to be riding through the monsoon season?!

 

As for the kneeguards, yea, i am looking for one that would be inconspicuous and comfy to wear la! Been balancing the lecehness of wearing it, to to lecehness of try to walk around without kneecaps! Haha!

 

I think the Komine Extreme Knee-Shin Protector is quite comfy...tried it before! and it doesn't restrict your movements. And best of all, it's black in colour so I don't think it's that obvious lah...

 

Oh i think you have forgotten to sign up for the course! Do it now at http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4694844#post4694844