Safety Tips from Seasoned Riders for CB1100

[lagoje_imp]

While I've owned a motorcycle for a 10 yr stretch in my younger days, I don't have near the miles that many of the forum members do. As I get back into riding, I'd like to get the thoughts of the seasoned riders on this forum on how to ride safe and is there anything that specifically applies to the CB1100. It's a much heavier bike them I'm used to which has its advantages & disadvantages.

As I get back into riding, my underlying philosophy is to ride like no one can see you, and if they can see you assume they're trying to kill you.

Thanks in advance for you input.

[rowlandphysics_imp]

I rode for 35 years and then took 4 years off. When I bought my current bike, I did the MSF Advanced Rider Course. For me it was money and time well spent.

[the Ferret]

One of the toughest things to do is to learn to stay back from the vehicle in front of you. This is so important. If they panic stop in front of you it gives you time to react either by braking or by an avoidance maneuver, secondly cars and trucks can roll right over things like dead animals, mufflers, wooden pallets, giant pot holes that you won't see until they make themselves visible after the car/truck has passed, generally right in the center of the lane you are riding in. If you are following too closely, you will NOT be able to avoid the item. Staying back takes conscious effort and must be thought of EVERYTIME you are in traffic.

[736cc_imp]

One of the toughest things to do is to learn to stay back from the vehicle in front of you. This is so important. If they panic stop in front of you it gives you time to react either by braking or by an avoidance maneuver, secondly cars and trucks can roll right over things like dead animals, mufflers, wooden pallets, giant pot holes that you won't see until they make themselves visible after the car/truck has passed, generally right in the center of the lane you are riding in. If you are following too closely, you will NOT be able to avoid the item. Staying back takes conscious effort and must be thought of EVERYTIME you are in traffic.

Never be in a rush, and don't trust your mirrors; turn your head and look. Plan neighborhood trips so they don't include left turns at busy intersections. Perform safety checks of your machine and inspect your riding gear every ride.

[Obleo]

I think the most dangerous accident site ,is at an intersection where cars are turning left in front of you when you are going straight. They turn right in front of you ,claim that they never saw you. I have had too many near misses like that.

[thumper_imp]

I've put a Whelen LIN3 flashing LED light on the back of all of my bikes for years. I'm paranoid about getting hit from behind from a driver who might be too busy texting with her BFF to pay attention to stopped or slowing traffic.

A picture on Post #2 here:

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....136#pid136

[12cb96vfr_imp]

One of the toughest things to do is to learn to stay back from the vehicle in front of you. This is so important. If they panic stop in front of you it gives you time to react either by braking or by an avoidance maneuver, secondly cars and trucks can roll right over things like dead animals, mufflers, wooden pallets, giant pot holes that you won't see until they make themselves visible after the car/truck has passed, generally right in the center of the lane you are riding in. If you are following too closely, you will NOT be able to avoid the item. Staying back takes conscious effort and must be thought of EVERYTIME you are in traffic.

^^^^
Excellent advice right here!

Also I'd take the MSF advanced course, I saw some other folks mention that. It's awesome - I have almost 100k miles under my belt in 6 years and I still learn new things constantly.

[dBuster_imp]

Are those flashes white or red? Hard to tell from the videos on their site

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[Greg_imp]

When I was younger I was invincible 24/7/365 (or so I thought). Now, if I'm not feeling 100% or if I'm distracted by some issue or other, or if I'm angry, or if I'm in a hurry, I simply don't ride. There are also certain times of day on certain roads that I prefer not to ride, such as afternoon rush hour.

Cagers are even more distracted and crazy during rush hour than normal. All that pent up frustration from a day at the office, plus hungry, plus low angle sun in their eyes, plus who knows what. It all adds up to a Thunderdome experience around here.

My best takeaway from the basic rider course was that accidents result from a combination of factors all at once. For example: Being distracted by a piece of gear, plus less than ideal pavement conditions, plus poor sight lines for merging or cross traffic, plus following too close, plus going too fast.

Never ignore a less than optimal factor and always take immediate action to eliminate them, even if it means pulling over and stopping.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

Stay alert do not allow your mind to wonder off task.