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+--- Thread: Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB1100 (/showthread.php?tid=13516)
Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB1100 - emptysea - 04-21-2017
There are several threads on this forum pointing to articles about distracted motorists and/or invisible motorcyclists, but other than a couple of firsthand reports on this forum, I have not seen our CB1100 mentioned in any of these articles.
This morning, thanks to a Facebook post (by an Indian Springfield rider), I came to find two articles about the perils we face on two wheels in which the author's 2014 CB1100 is mentioned. As it turns out, the author is forum member JackBaruth (who should know not only that the red ones are faster, but that they more visible.
) http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a28306/why-you-dont-see-motorcycles-on-the-road/
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a29483/maybe-distracted-driving-is-the-lesser-of-two-evils/
Jack has several other articles and blog posts about the CB1100. Google "Jack Baruth CB1100" for more of his perspective.
He'd be a great addition to the Eureka Springs rally.
RE: Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB100 - the Ferret - 04-22-2017
interesting read. Drop him a note and invite him.
RE: Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB100 - Nortoon_imp - 04-22-2017
Sometimes they do see you and make the left hand turn anyway because you are just a motorcycle. While attending a rally in Sudbury, Ontario I witnessed a driver make a left hand turn in front of a Goldwing rider. When the policeman asked her "Did you not see him?" Her response was "Yes I saw him. I know him."
You will often read people that suggest that you watch the drivers eyes. Over the years I have had numerous drivers look right at me on my bike or in my car and pull out in front of me anyway. By the time you can see their eyes, it's too late.
Now while riding I gear down, slow down, cover the both brakes, consider escape routes, and watch the vehicles wheels. They are far bigger that a persons eyes. Sounds like a lot of things to do, but after a while it is as automatic as shifting.
I am 6'2" inches tall. When I drive a car the rear view mirror blocks my vision to the right. I can have a vehicle pull up on my right to a 4-way stop intersection and never see it. I now have the habit of ducking down a bit to see if there is a vehicle hiding behind my mirror.
Much worse are the small traffic circles that are now becoming popular at busy suburban intersections. Now both me and the vehicle on my right are headed to the same spot at 40 or 50 KPH (25 to 30 MPH). Riding a motorcycle through these small circles, especially the two-lane ones, is a heart pumping adventure.
RE: Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB100 - Stichill_imp - 04-22-2017
The phenomenon of drivers looking right at you and not seeing you is often related to lack of relative motion between the bike and the background behind the bike from the driver's perspective. This is combined with the relatively small change in perceived size of the motorcycle as it approaches. It has to be right on top of you before it looks like it is getting bigger.
This video gives the perfect explanation.
Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB100 - Elipten_imp - 04-22-2017
I was taught that in my MSF class in 1976.
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RE: Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB1100 - the Ferret - 04-22-2017
I mentioned doing this (I call it " the weave" ) back in 2014 and that I had been doing it for a year after reading about it someplace
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4351&highlight=the+weave
I think it helps. People really stare at you as you weave past them when they are about to pull out. Of course I'm also wearing my high viz vest a lot these days and a white modular helmet. Everything helps.
Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB1100 - Elipten_imp - 04-22-2017
And I am a believer in the modulated high beam for safety.
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RE: Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB100 - flynrider - 04-23-2017
(04-22-2017, 02:59 AM)Nortoon_imp Wrote: Sometimes they do see you and make the left hand turn anyway because you are just a motorcycle. While attending a rally in Sudbury, Ontario I witnessed a driver make a left hand turn in front of a Goldwing rider. When the policeman asked her "Did you not see him?" Her response was "Yes I saw him. I know him."
You will often read people that suggest that you watch the drivers eyes. Over the years I have had numerous drivers look right at me on my bike or in my car and pull out in front of me anyway. By the time you can see their eyes, it's too late.
Now while riding I gear down, slow down, cover the both brakes, consider escape routes, and watch the vehicles wheels. They are far bigger that a persons eyes. Sounds like a lot of things to do, but after a while it is as automatic as shifting.
I am 6'2" inches tall. When I drive a car the rear view mirror blocks my vision to the right. I can have a vehicle pull up on my right to a 4-way stop intersection and never see it. I now have the habit of ducking down a bit to see if there is a vehicle hiding behind my mirror.
Much worse are the small traffic circles that are now becoming popular at busy suburban intersections. Now both me and the vehicle on my right are headed to the same spot at 40 or 50 KPH (25 to 30 MPH). Riding a motorcycle through these small circles, especially the two-lane ones, is a heart pumping adventure.
^^ What he said! The wheels are a dead giveaway that a car is about to turn in front of you.
If I'm entering an intersection without other cars beside me, I also use Ferret's weave within the lane to make me a bit more noticeable.
RE: Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB1100 - Stichill_imp - 04-23-2017
I ride with daytime high beam. If I think someone may not see me, I ride straight at 'em to direct the headlight to their eyes. Then I start the bob-and-weave maneuver that ferret mentioned.
RE: Why Drivers Don't See Us - Featuring the CB1100 - emptysea - 04-23-2017
This may have been posted before, but it seems appropriate to post it here in light (no pun intended) of the conversation. [url=http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/research/documents/research-reports/motorcycle_conspicuity_ii_w_cvr.pdf]Motorcycle Conspicuity - What Factors Have Greatest Impact
Incidentally, I feel like I have a pretty good vocabulary, but I had no idea that "conspicuity" was a real word until about two weeks ago.