Hit it or Lay it Down??
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From: Texas
Ghost
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Joined: Aug 2014
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From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
In all cases you want to "minimize" blunt force trauma, either by slowing it down or not taking a direct hit, so yeah the low side fall and slide is recommended I'm thinking. Bikes can be fixed and replaced.
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Joined: Aug 2014
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From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
I took a MC training course where we did a "hard stop" exercise, i was concerned with front wheel lockup, but the instructor said not to be. I the instructors defense, my wheel never did lock up, we were on blacktop in the summer time. But yes, you should practice hard stop maneuvers every once in a while, it can save you in a situation.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: FL
Just went through this a few weeks back. Thought for sure I was going to hit him but at the last second I managed to get around him. Not a scratch on me or the bike. Would have been a much different ending had I laid it down.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
I took a MC training course where we did a "hard stop" exercise, i was concerned with front wheel lockup, but the instructor said not to be. I the instructors defense, my wheel never did lock up, we were on blacktop in the summer time. But yes, you should practice hard stop maneuvers every once in a while, it can save you in a situation.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Jackson, OH
I guess we all have our thoughts. I feel confident in saying that most 'I laid it down' wrecks involve less planning/thinking/intention, and were more about an instinctive or incidental reaction. I'm definitely not inclined....logically....to lay a bike down intentionally before a wreck. Once the bike starts going down the rider surrenders all control and is at the mercy of luck...fate...providence. It's only while being upright and on 2 wheels that I can exert control (braking, steering, avoidance, etc) and maybe avert a catastrophic wreck late in the game. Drop the bike...abandon it...and I'm a very soft target for other vehicles. Completely defenseless.
With ABS I can brake full-on and avert a slide...at least up to the point I would cut/lean hard and potentially end up on the road sliding. One thing I know for sure: Getting rid of speed and momentum is the best way to reduce the forces of impact. I'd rather be braking hard all the way, vs going down and rolling or tumbling into chaos.
With ABS I can brake full-on and avert a slide...at least up to the point I would cut/lean hard and potentially end up on the road sliding. One thing I know for sure: Getting rid of speed and momentum is the best way to reduce the forces of impact. I'd rather be braking hard all the way, vs going down and rolling or tumbling into chaos.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
So out of curiosity how many " always ride it out with the brakes " guys rode old harley's or brits on the streets in the 70's ? Serious question and no your dirt bike experience as kid is not being asked for here.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Raleigh NC
as a general rule.... you are better off trying to stop, by using your brakes....
the combination of hard braking, and tires in contact will scrub off more speed than the side of a motorcycle, and or your body, sliding on pavement....
No body "layed 'er down".... they wrecked.... and if anyone feels better saying "I had to lay it down, to avoid a wreck" good for them....
What I hear is "I wrecked my motorcycle"
and yes... I learned how to ride on a British twin...my first bike was a 66 Bonnie
the combination of hard braking, and tires in contact will scrub off more speed than the side of a motorcycle, and or your body, sliding on pavement....
No body "layed 'er down".... they wrecked.... and if anyone feels better saying "I had to lay it down, to avoid a wreck" good for them....
What I hear is "I wrecked my motorcycle"
and yes... I learned how to ride on a British twin...my first bike was a 66 Bonnie
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,433
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
as a general rule.... you are better off trying to stop, by using your brakes....
the combination of hard braking, and tires in contact will scrub off more speed than the side of a motorcycle, and or your body, sliding on pavement....
No body "layed 'er down".... they wrecked.... and if anyone feels better saying "I had to lay it down, to avoid a wreck" good for them....
What I hear is "I wrecked my motorcycle"
and yes... I learned how to ride on a British twin...my first bike was a 66 Bonnie
the combination of hard braking, and tires in contact will scrub off more speed than the side of a motorcycle, and or your body, sliding on pavement....
No body "layed 'er down".... they wrecked.... and if anyone feels better saying "I had to lay it down, to avoid a wreck" good for them....
What I hear is "I wrecked my motorcycle"
and yes... I learned how to ride on a British twin...my first bike was a 66 Bonnie
