tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post941495702116496592..comments2023-09-10T16:35:32.651+01:00Comments on Captain Ranty-Lawful Rebel: Motorbikin'Captain Rantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07839241144954596066noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-19561508283455576532011-04-14T13:43:57.461+01:002011-04-14T13:43:57.461+01:00UN - I've long thought that car drivers were m...UN - I've long thought that car drivers were much better wrt bikers when almost all motorists started out on a bike for cost reasons. The Mini has a lot to answer for. However, forcing people onto a bike for a few weeks as part of gaining a licence is unlikely in todays H&S world. I still like the idea. No-one can read a road surface like someone whose life depends on it.<br /><br />Richard - yes, I've been around a bit! Passed bike test in 1973. The V50 is the one bike I would buy back in a heartbeat if it became available - a truly lovely little bike. The reason I don't like linked brakes* is exactly what you say - the rear can't be used in isolation. That may prevent learners from locking up the rear in a panic, but it removes a useful bit of the toolkit for the rest of us. Use of the rear in a corner doesn't load the front; that's the whole point. It slows you down without upsetting the balance of the bike. It works for me and, to be sure, I have used the front in bends too, if I felt it was useful. There is no right and wrong here, just better and worse ways of dealing with a huge variety of situations. As you correctly say, we're still here, so we must be doing something right.<br /><br />(* Yes, I know - on the Guzzi there was no independent rear brake. Thing is, the bike responded best to smooth, well-planned riding, and the 'footbrake' (i.e. rear and one front disc) was all that was needed in 99% of situations. If you went into a corner too hot, it was *always* best to lean further and hang on rather then brake - it always had a bit extra to give.)<br /><br />I'm going to dip out of this conversation now, and just wish Captain all the best with his biking. If he gets as much fun out of it as I have over the last 38 years, then I will be pleased.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15743685798068014455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-90622377369203707132011-04-14T03:54:19.449+01:002011-04-14T03:54:19.449+01:00NbC, we were indeed offering advice to a learner, ...NbC, we were indeed offering advice to a learner, but he (I think) took mine and has stopped the tendancy to drift offline - a potentially dangerous problem that learners often encounter. More lean and more throttle equals more grip and a tightening radius. <br />Richard, you are correct. Linked brakes mean that the rear brake can't be used in isolation, and is proportional; CBR (with increasing acclaim) Blackbird, plus a minority of others. If you want to scrub off speed with the rear, yes it'll work and it's certainly rare to need hard braking in a corner but it can be done, and it's a good idea to learn the art because one day you'll need to do it. Mr Badger doesn't respect the sanctity of corners. A V50? You're probably an old hand like me. If our approaches differ we still know what we're doing since we're still here. Not sure how only rear brake in a corner could possibly load the front and thereby increase grip should you need to tighten the turn or stop sharpish-like, but I'm sure you know what suits you best. <br />Happy biking to all.richardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-48085348183581016622011-04-14T01:35:16.370+01:002011-04-14T01:35:16.370+01:00I have found that a lot of motorists suddenly beco...I have found that a lot of motorists suddenly become a lot more conscious of motorcyclists after they -- in turn -- have ridden a bike for a while. You can tell them ... they are the ones in slow moving traffic who move aside and make room for a motorcyclist splitting lanes as he idles to the front of the queue.<br /><br />I do NOT recommend lane-splitting at anything approaching speed.<br /><br />I have always felt that we could slash all motoring fatalities to the bone if all motorists were required to ride a bike as part of the training/licensing procedure.<br /><br />Not forever ... just for a few weeks. It gets one out of the armoured shell "Nothing can touch me, I'm in a car!" Mindset.<br /><br />It's a thought,<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Uncle NastyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-49164236019176973972011-04-13T19:25:17.809+01:002011-04-13T19:25:17.809+01:00Captain
I think the previous posts go to show how ...Captain<br />I think the previous posts go to show how passionate 'bikers' can be about something that is 'better than sex'-well at my age- anyway.<br />If only we could get the 'sheeple' to become as motivated about the predicament we are in. We could remove the f'ing PTB,extract us from the EU, create a fairer banking system and live under the rule of LAW, Common Law, in no time at all.NewsboyCapnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-1680915544552405752011-04-13T18:33:21.107+01:002011-04-13T18:33:21.107+01:00Just so that you all know, I am taking it in.
You...Just so that you all know, I am taking it in.<br /><br />Your (collective) advice, whether for a novice or an expert, has been most helpful.<br /><br />On Monday I was drifting onto the wrong side of the road. On Tuesday I had learnt to correct that.<br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br />CR.Captain Rantyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07839241144954596066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-61723618996406395552011-04-13T18:06:58.515+01:002011-04-13T18:06:58.515+01:00Richard@16:43
Agree with every word.
Richard@17:...Richard@16:43 <br />Agree with every word.<br /><br />Richard@17:05 "Your advice stands as good advice for a learner,"<br /> I thought we were offering advice to a learner, but as you say the captain will pick things up as he goes.NewsboyCapnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-50037998801842189672011-04-13T18:02:27.078+01:002011-04-13T18:02:27.078+01:00richard 17.05:
""and only use a minimum...richard 17.05: <br />""and only use a minimum of rear brake to reduce speed" they said."<br />No, this advice will lead to a fall or an impact."<br />Sorry, that's not true. I use the rear in corners - a minimum- fairly often and I am still upright.<br /><br />"Rear brake stabilises the bike only, it doesn't do much to slow it."<br />That's the whole point. If you need heavy braking in a corner, then you are going down no matter what. Moderate rear brake in a corner will take off a little speed, which is usually all you need to get round safely.<br /><br />"modern bikes have linked brakes anyway, the bike gives you one forward disc plus the rear if the rear brake pedal is used."<br />Sorry, that's not true either. (The minority of) modern bikes that have linked brakes use a proportioning valve which distributes braking effort to <i>all</i> brake discs, front and rear, in proportion to whether the rider is using the pedal or lever. The system you describe was used by Moto Guzzi 30 years ago (I had it on my 1979 V50) but even Guzzi now use a proportional system.<br /><br />"Maybe we're talking about techniques which are a bit advanced for a learner."<br />I think we are. Interesting to the experienced, but perhaps more confusing than helpful to the new rider.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15743685798068014455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-45724803287625210022011-04-13T17:05:58.202+01:002011-04-13T17:05:58.202+01:00NewsboyCap, "what the instructors say about f...NewsboyCap, "what the instructors say about finishing braking before cornering, being at the correct speed for the conditions holds true." <br />Agreed. <br />"both insist that all braking should be finished before making any cornering."<br />Agreed, it SHOULD be. <br />"if an obstacle appears in your path 'try' to steer around it.."<br />Yep, but what if you can't? <br />"and only use a minimum of rear brake to reduce speed" they said."<br />No, this advice will lead to a fall or an impact. Rear brake stabilises the bike only, it doesn't do much to slow it. Plenty of people use just the front (although they shouldn't) and modern bikes have linked brakes anyway, the bike gives you one forward disc plus the rear if the rear brake pedal is used. I always use both brakes when banked over if the need arises, but then I'm not a learner. Your advice stands as good advice for a learner, but braking with both brakes in a corner is a skill which must be developed. The bike will try to stand up if you brake when it's leant over, as you say, but that's why you counteract this with the appropriate input. <br />Maybe we're talking about techniques which are a bit advanced for a learner. The Captain will pick this stuff up as his motorcycling career takes shape.richardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-89307001576093374102011-04-13T16:43:26.851+01:002011-04-13T16:43:26.851+01:00Braking in corners is certainly possible, but to b...Braking in corners is certainly possible, but to be avoided if you can. Your tyre has only a limited amount of grip. If you're using 80% of that grip to go round a corner and then use another 10% to brake gently, no problem. If you brake equivalent to another 50%, down you go. Ideally, you scrub off all excess speed before the corner, come off the brakes, let the bike settle, and turn in. In the real world, sometimes it's useful to use a little rear brake. I find that the rear brake will steady the bike and not make it stand up. Using the front will compress the forks, alter the steering geometry and probably end in tears. Yes, I know Rossi trails his front brake into a turn while banked at 60deg, but he's Rossi and I am not.<br /><br />The best advice is - if you're going into a corner way too hot, leave the brakes alone, keep some power on (some, not a lot - remember you only have limited tractiion) look at your exit and lean it further for all you are worth. The bike is capable of far more than most riders imagine. Even a CG125 (which, by the way, I really like - a truly honest motorbike).Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15743685798068014455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-6785729531459155732011-04-13T14:50:50.718+01:002011-04-13T14:50:50.718+01:00Richard@13:43
I will have to agree to disagree wi...Richard@13:43<br /><br />I will have to agree to disagree with you and listen to the instructor who trained me for my bike test and the police instructor, who both insist that all braking should be finished before making any cornering.They also insisted that braking while banked over will 'stand' the bike up thus reducing your ability to follow your chosen line through the corner."If an obstacle appears in your path 'try' to steer around it and only use a minimum of rear brake to reduce speed" they said.<br />An increasing radius will require more power to maintain a desired speed but a decreasing radius will require less speed therefore what the instructors say about finishing braking before cornering, being at the correct speed for the conditions holds true.NewsboyCapnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-24569212564250134742011-04-13T13:43:41.397+01:002011-04-13T13:43:41.397+01:00For NewsboyCap, if you're drifting wide (or th...For NewsboyCap, if you're drifting wide (or the radius of the corner tightens) you lean more to get back on line. This is achieved, as you say, by contersteering and not by leaning the body. You then need to apply more power as increasing radius turns require acceleration to maintain the same roadspeed. Braking in corners? Err, YES! You shouldn't storm up to a corner and then brake to scrub off speed, or use the brakes in a corner at all if possible. BUT you need to be able to brake in a corner, and in fact the new CBT has just that skill as part of the test. Unless you think deer, badgers, emerging tractors etc will only oblige you with an appearance on the straights. <br />For Captain R, good luck, you're taking it steady and having fun.richardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-66101307868183821822011-04-13T09:22:57.751+01:002011-04-13T09:22:57.751+01:00The Captain may have balls of steel in certain cir...The Captain may have balls of steel in certain circumstances but he knows when he is a newbie and needs to take care!<br /><br />The scoot will do for getting some road-sense, but I am looking forward to my first motorbike.<br /><br />Checking out the biking magazines now to see what I fancy.<br /><br />CR.Captain Rantyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07839241144954596066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-32875491448704392652011-04-13T09:06:13.976+01:002011-04-13T09:06:13.976+01:00What???you mean the Capn's not aiming to be th...What???you mean the Capn's not aiming to be the next Ghost rider!!!!!<br />I admit what he is riding at the moment may need him to get off and push for the extra ooomph but hey we all have to make do with what w2we have at hand (have heard a nitrous kit helps those littlies go like hot snot)nominedeusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-7613035027793182642011-04-13T01:25:38.256+01:002011-04-13T01:25:38.256+01:00From NewsboyCap's wiki article.
"Even mo...From NewsboyCap's wiki article.<br /><br /><i>"Even more so than on a bicycle, mastering the technique of consciously countersteering is essential for safe motorcycle riding, and as a result is a part of the safe riding courses run by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Canada Safety Council. At the higher speeds that motorcycles commonly attain, it becomes increasingly impractical to steer by taking advantage of the minute and random corrections needed to maintain balance.<br /><br /><b>Much of the art of motorcycle cornering is learning how to effectively "push" the grips into corners and how to maintain proper lean angles through the turn.</b> When the need for a quick swerve to one side suddenly arises in an emergency, it is essential to know, through prior practice, that the handlebars must be deliberately pressed away on that side instead of being pulled. Many accidents result when otherwise experienced riders who have never carefully developed this skill encounter an unexpected obstacle."</i><br /><br />Excellent stuff, Very lucid and through ... Thank you<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Uncle NastyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-58001112647017793142011-04-13T00:40:43.601+01:002011-04-13T00:40:43.601+01:00Heh. Bends are the best bit :)
YHM.Heh. Bends are the best bit :)<br /><br />YHM.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15743685798068014455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-32298459820447931662011-04-12T19:14:57.490+01:002011-04-12T19:14:57.490+01:00Well, just went out for a pint of milk. (A 12 mile...Well, just went out for a pint of milk. (A 12 mile round trip on country roads).<br /><br />Practised the tips given here and I did not drift once.<br /><br />I tried to analyse it and concluded that I used a combination: I looked ahead (around the bend) rather than down in front of the bike (scooter), I leaned a little more and I added some power, but not much. I also picked a line before I got to the bends and maintained it which also felt better.<br /><br />I feel a lot better about the bends now. Even a slight lean has quite dramatic results.<br /><br />Thanks again to you all for the tips!<br /><br />CR.Captain Rantyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07839241144954596066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-27194132408894281522011-04-12T17:43:19.957+01:002011-04-12T17:43:19.957+01:00captain,
Richard@15:12 I would suggest you read th...captain,<br />Richard@15:12 I would suggest you read this if you think that leaning more will stop you from drifting across the road. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countersteering<br /><br />And braking while cornering err NO..<br /><br />www.visordown.com/...motorcycle...cornering.../13573.html<br />This from a West Midlands Police bike instructor.NewsboyCapnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-84173918221360640272011-04-12T16:28:09.132+01:002011-04-12T16:28:09.132+01:00I wouldn't say we're ganging up, Richard, ...I wouldn't say we're ganging up, Richard, we just don't want to see the Captain come a cropper. All motorcyclists like to help a newcomer. But yes, you can only learn and enjoy it by doing it. I was a bit annoyed that the instructor said it's a matter of not if but when, though; there's no point in frightening people, and no need if your instruction is good enough to instil the necessary mindset and skills.richardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-86079653101950282242011-04-12T15:52:49.421+01:002011-04-12T15:52:49.421+01:00Looks like we're all ganging up to tell you ho...Looks like we're all ganging up to tell you how to do it! Ignore us and go your own way, for God's sake.<br /><br />As for the drifting across the lane, I suspect this is because you are used to driving a car, where you don't have much choice on road position. On a bike, you can ride where you want, and if you don't have a plan, then you will end up going hither and thither. Most riders will position for forward vision (left approaching rights, right approaching lefts), with due regard for any potential hazards on the way. This leads most to riding by default in roughly the position of the driver of a car, about 2/3 from the kerb to the centre line. Good forward vision, easy to pull back if circumstances demand it. If you plan a line through a corner (roughly: wide going in, turn when you can see your exit clear, power out), then you won't drift across because you will be consciously following your planned line.<br /><br />I can't find a contact email, or I would have sent you a couple of things.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15743685798068014455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-80034364446475016002011-04-12T15:12:00.688+01:002011-04-12T15:12:00.688+01:00"Twice when I was bearing left on a bend I dr..."Twice when I was bearing left on a bend I drifted all the way across the white line..." <br />See? I told you. There was a story in Bike magazine of a newly-qualified rider doing just that and ending up dead, horrifically drifting in front of an oncoming lorry. Remember; more power plants the bike, and more lean gives you a greater contact patch on the front end. It will NOT break away in the wet or dry (unless there's oil or other contamination) but it's not a tip I gave you, it's a fundamental rule. If you think it's running wide give it gas and lean more. Practise until you can do it, or it'll do you. <br />Remember, "In like a lamb, out like a lion!" Which would be in at about 45 on a CG, then nail it if the road ahead is clear, halfway through the corner. Practise on a quiet roundabout 'til you can go round it fast, and keep your foot just over the end of the peg so you can feel it touch down before the peg digs in. There is much to learn; get it right and you'll live. If your local cops do a rider assessment programme get them to cast an eye on what you're at. They're skilful riders, enthusiasts too, and will help you if they can.richardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-46551675440793341112011-04-12T12:12:46.528+01:002011-04-12T12:12:46.528+01:00captain,
Possible reason for drifting across the r...captain,<br />Possible reason for drifting across the road,-look where you are going- or where you want to be going, not where you are!! I now this sounds stupid but if you focus on where you want to be rather than the immediate piece of tarmac in front of the bike your body will react accordingly.As Richard says, safe 1st, slow 2nd the quick will come with confidence.<br />Have fun and smile to yourself.NewsboyCapnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-40450806641951640642011-04-12T10:30:07.147+01:002011-04-12T10:30:07.147+01:00"A white okada in Lagos"
book title?
A..."A white okada in Lagos"<br /><br />book title?<br /><br />About 18 months back - I did see some Nigerian lads with a Yamaha 600 howling absolutely flat out through the traffic back and forth on the Lekki coast road about 10Km east of town.<br /><br />They appeared to be having some kind of competition, same 4/5km of road - backwards and forwards, changing riders etc...<br /><br />Reminded me of one of those US cop video shows with the insane, crazed escaping biker - the ones that make you flinch.Gordon the Fence Post Tortoisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04426735271858751220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-38844984378824204442011-04-12T09:27:45.606+01:002011-04-12T09:27:45.606+01:00Gordon,
:)
Actually, I was fully qualified to be...Gordon,<br /><br />:)<br /><br />Actually, I was fully qualified to be an okada BEFORE I did the CBT! The Lagos lads don't have any licenses, tax, MOT, insurance or common sense.<br /><br />Mind you, I could earn an extra few Naira in the evenings. What a novelty! A white okada in Lagos. I would be the first ever!<br /><br />I was hoping to buy something a bit bigger than a 125 though. I'll bung a piccie up when I graduate to a bigger machine.<br /><br />CR.Captain Rantyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07839241144954596066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-57226815351535587052011-04-12T09:23:13.960+01:002011-04-12T09:23:13.960+01:00Guys
I went out on my sons Sym 125 last night. (J...Guys<br /><br />I went out on my sons Sym 125 last night. (Just after 5pm so it was in bright sunshine).<br /><br />It was blowing a gale so probably not ideal conditions for practising, but I figure if I can handle wind and rain I won't worry too much about.<br /><br />Twice when I was bearing left on a bend I drifted all the way across the white line and ended up on the wrong side of the road. Just as you guys are describing here. There was no oncoming traffic but it could have been messy if there was. I had forgotten Richards tip where he said to apply more power-my instinct was to ease off the throttle, which did not help matters.<br /><br />I have to correct that otherwise I am going to hurt myself.<br /><br />I'll try the technique out later today. Luckily my roads aren't that busy.<br /><br />Thanks again for the help and advice.<br /><br />CR.Captain Rantyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07839241144954596066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271194216217582823.post-90200046275067661002011-04-12T08:13:01.175+01:002011-04-12T08:13:01.175+01:00Thank you NewsboyCap and Richard for your comments...Thank you NewsboyCap and Richard for your comments.<br /><br />I realise I may have overstated my case. OK, back to reality. Find a nice stretch of wide, level road, preferably low on traffic.<br /><br />At moderate speed, centre your bike slap in the middle of the lane and maintain that position.<br /><br />Going straight as an arrow? <br /><br />Right. Push <i>lightly</i> against the left grip (i.e. away from you) The bike and you will swoop -- there's no better word -- towards the left lane - instantly.<br /><br />Relax the pressure and you proceed once more straight down the road. Try the same on the right and you will be back in the lane from where you started.<br /><br />Then ... try it with two fingers, then one. Be subtle. Smile like a loony when you realise just how precise you can be ... just how much control you have.<br /><br />It's like waking up one morning with wings.<br /><br />Let us know how you get on -- and beware the Jubjub bird, the Frumious Bandersnatch and the bike-eating Fiesta.<br /><br />Uncle NastyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com