Tips
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
Tips
What tips can you more experienced riders give on how you determine the road may be slippery or present a potential hazard before you enter the dangerous area? We know about painted surfaces, manhole covers, etc. but are they ways you have learned to spot unexpected moisture, diesel fuel, sand, asphalt sealers, or anything else that can be slippery? What do you look for when approaching a corner or a curve?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1
From: Southwestern Virginia
RE: Tips
During the summer, watch out for grass cuttings in a hard curve after a light rain. In the fall, watch out for wet leaves in a curve. Both of these can be slicker than pig-snot if you're not careful.
<><Peace
<><Peace
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 0
From: Severna Park, Maryland 21146
RE: Tips
.
You probably already know this, but any time it's been real hot for a long while, be careful after a rain as it will bring oil to the surface. Also be leery after a thunder storm or heavy rain as it will wash gravel out into the road, seems to always be in the turns.
You probably already know this, but any time it's been real hot for a long while, be careful after a rain as it will bring oil to the surface. Also be leery after a thunder storm or heavy rain as it will wash gravel out into the road, seems to always be in the turns.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Tips
The tar strips (tar snakes) that are used to fill long cracks in the road can be treacherous if hot from the sun or wet from rain. Because the road is o.k. where you're at, don't assume (*** of u and me) that it will be o.k. in and around the curve that you can't see.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,146
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From:
RE: Tips
ORIGINAL: dadofsix
During the summer, watch out for grass cuttings in a hard curve after a light rain. In the fall, watch out for wet leaves in a curve. Both of these can be slicker than pig-snot if you're not careful.
<><Peace
During the summer, watch out for grass cuttings in a hard curve after a light rain. In the fall, watch out for wet leaves in a curve. Both of these can be slicker than pig-snot if you're not careful.
<><Peace
Banned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,481
Likes: 4
From: Triangle, VA
RE: Tips
As impractical as it may be...ride dirt. I don't think any single thing can prepare you for the street like dirt bike riding, searching for things that will take you down, like sand on hardpack andwallows,becomes second nature. It's also easier to learn, on a 200lb bike,how bikeshandle in certain situations and what you have to do to correct for it than a 700lb scoot.
Barring that, constantly scan and keep your eyes moving, don't become focused on any single point. Search the road for anything that looks abnormal...different coloring of the road surface (darker asphalt, debris etc.) and err on the side of caution...that area that only looks like a patched piece of asphalt may be oil.
I usually keep a little manueverability on hand (don't push it to the edge) when cornering so that if I have to make corrections in a curve I can. I try not to brake in a corner (occasionally a decreasing radius turn forces me to bleed off some speed, but I try to avoid it at all cost). Cornering reduces the amount of contact patch that is available for keeping the scoot upright and even less for braking, if at all possible bring the bike upright to brake in a corner.
Set up for a corner, brake before entering and accelerate through the curve. This sets the suspension and the bike and prevents the scoot from getting squirrely in the corner and also allows for any adjustements you need to make while cornering.
Take my advice for what it's worth...it's free and you usually get what you pay for
Barring that, constantly scan and keep your eyes moving, don't become focused on any single point. Search the road for anything that looks abnormal...different coloring of the road surface (darker asphalt, debris etc.) and err on the side of caution...that area that only looks like a patched piece of asphalt may be oil.
I usually keep a little manueverability on hand (don't push it to the edge) when cornering so that if I have to make corrections in a curve I can. I try not to brake in a corner (occasionally a decreasing radius turn forces me to bleed off some speed, but I try to avoid it at all cost). Cornering reduces the amount of contact patch that is available for keeping the scoot upright and even less for braking, if at all possible bring the bike upright to brake in a corner.
Set up for a corner, brake before entering and accelerate through the curve. This sets the suspension and the bike and prevents the scoot from getting squirrely in the corner and also allows for any adjustements you need to make while cornering.
Take my advice for what it's worth...it's free and you usually get what you pay for
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon, Missouri
RE: Tips
ORIGINAL: whaap
The tar strips (tar snakes) that are used to fill long cracks in the road can be treacherous if hot from the sun or wet from rain. Because the road is o.k. where you're at, don't assume (*** of u and me) that it will be o.k. in and around the curve that you can't see.
The tar strips (tar snakes) that are used to fill long cracks in the road can be treacherous if hot from the sun or wet from rain. Because the road is o.k. where you're at, don't assume (*** of u and me) that it will be o.k. in and around the curve that you can't see.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 4
From: Johnson City TN U.S.A.
RE: Tips
One thing that is often over looked...
Watch areas where vehicles may have over heated.
Those areas may have anti-freeze on the road and it's nearly invisible.
Such areas are typically the end of exit ramps from Highways, intersections, etc.
Watch areas where vehicles may have over heated.
Those areas may have anti-freeze on the road and it's nearly invisible.
Such areas are typically the end of exit ramps from Highways, intersections, etc.
