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Found this post in the Motorcycle safety forum, and though it related to what we've been discussing:


rioguy
Ex-Member

Posted - 06/25/2009 :  8:43 AM                       ï»¿Like

I chose this situation as it is one that causes a lot of crashes which I feel are planned by the rider who fails to compensate for known common errors of other drivers.

It's a fact that if we put ourselves in a position to be left-turned, our probability of being left turned will be some value for N. Say 1 in 100. (Used for an example, and not intended to be accurate.)

We can reduce our probability of being left turned by 50% just by reducing exposure 50%. I think it's possible to reduce exposure by about 90%.

What can we do to reduce exposure?

The first part of the Roadcraft system is information.

Part of the information phase is giving information. Some things one can do to increase visibility. Wear a white helmet. Wear a brightly colored vest. Use high beams. (Don't flash them as it may be taken as a "go" signal.) Auxiliary lighting. Headlight modulators. By looking well ahead, one can usually see a vehicle approaching a position to make a left turn.


Let's call this the completion of the information phase. In my opinion, the critical part of the information phase occurs 12 to 17 seconds before the hazard although it doesn't stop there.

Now on to positioning:

Often, speeding up a bit will get us through the intersection before the vehicle gets in position. Or slowing down creates a space big enough for the vehicle to obviously complete the turn before we get to the intersection. If done early enough, the speed change may only be a few mph.

If there is no hazard to the right and it's otherwise appropriate, moving to the right lane could be a choice. If already in the right lane, be aware the other driver's site line may be blocked. I try to avoid having a big space to my left that the left turner might be tempted to use. I'll either creep forward or drop back so I have a blocker in the intersection.

I haven't mentioned everything there is to know about left-turners. In fact, I've completely skipped the end game. Not that it's not important, but I didn't want to write a book.

Roadcraft is big on assignments. Find a corner where you can observe how motorcycles position themselves for left turners. Make notes on what you observe. A voice recorder is good for this. Or set up a video camera. Sometimes one has to give up riding to do these things.

i almost can't wait to take it back to the dealer to change out the fluids now that I'm past 500 miles.  It should be broken in good and I'm looking forward to going for a nice long Sunday scoot soon.

They aren't on in your pictures are they?   Mine are brighter than stock.  I wonder if it is because you are using the same power tap for the blue driving lights?

My worries with the flasher is that it may give someone the idea that you're telling them to pull out in front of you, unless you use the horn together without slowing down. Anyway, I've always been afraid to use it as it may give mixed signals to a rider.

-Wolf