Atrophy's Safety Hints

Last updated 06/03/2009 19:52

  • Introduction
  • Over-braking
  • Passing slow traffic
  • SMIDSY 1
  • SMIDSY 2
  • Sixth Sense
  • Cellphone
  • Tailgater
  • Unsafe Trailer
  • Crocodiles
  • Road Crosser
  • Fifty-fifty
  • Distraction
  • Other atrophy links
  • Over-braking

    Shortly after I was "born again", I went on my first "long" trip, 120 miles to my in-laws'.

    Riding my new Bonneville, approaching a roundabout, I slowed to about 20mph. Just as I started to turn to go onto the roundabout, I saw a car coming round.

    Instead of continuing, there was actually plenty of space, I panic-braked. By snatching the front brake, the bike, already leaned over a bit, simply washed out from under me. The car I was trying to "avoid" simply stopped before running over me and the bike, so there was obviously plenty of time.

    Damage to the bike was fairly superficial, a broken gear change lever, scratched mirror, and twisted forks, the latter straightened easily later by undoing the top nuts. There was damage to my jacket and trousers, but they did their job; I sustained slight bruising to my hip, and a huge bruise to my ego.

    This was all a result of my lack of confidence. I was scared when leaning the bike, unsure of its handling, and really not sufficiently experienced. It also showed the need for smooth application of that front brake, to allow weight transfer to the front to get full braking. The amount of lean was not enough to prevent hard braking, but enough to guarantee a low-side!

    Other atrophy links