Tim
Metrics and Passing
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 518
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From:
Metrics and Passing
OK Forum, I'm opening myself up to your bullets, barbs, cursing, shotguns, mines, rants, raves, torpedoes, rpg's and other weapons of brutal destruction.
Now why the hell would a fellow Harley owner do that? It ain't because my girls' too good to me, it's for simple education purposes. I speak for myself, not all riders. Remember that.
Subject: Passing a line of Harleys.
In addition to my Harley, I own and ride two metrics. Whether they're fast or not is irrevelant. All three of my bikes are GREAT IMO. HOWEVER, it irks me at times when coming up behind a line of Hogs riding so close together that they won't let me pass (even when I'm on my Harley). One thing THAT NEEDS TO BE UNDERSTOOD....is that there are a lot of riders, like me, that ARE GOING TO PASS. Why? Because I have a right to and I want to and I know how to without causing a wreck. Most wrecks are self induced I think.
While at the Gap area recently, I passed a line of Harleys while on one of my metrics and the trail rider seemed not to like me passing him in a safe area so he started tailgating me. After getting enough of it, I flashed my brake lights and waved him back. Once I saw him back off, I proceed to pass the rest of the line one at a time with no problems. This seemed to be the straw that broke my camel's back. This guy was looking for trouble and was about to get it in addition to me. I don't seek it out but will respond.
Point is, just because when riding our not so fast Harleys, it is wise to let the dudes go by that can and want to go by. Challenge yourself to throw your personal feelings about metrics and other bikes (Harley riders) aside and just let them pass....PLEASE!!
OPEN FIRE!!!
Now why the hell would a fellow Harley owner do that? It ain't because my girls' too good to me, it's for simple education purposes. I speak for myself, not all riders. Remember that.
Subject: Passing a line of Harleys.
In addition to my Harley, I own and ride two metrics. Whether they're fast or not is irrevelant. All three of my bikes are GREAT IMO. HOWEVER, it irks me at times when coming up behind a line of Hogs riding so close together that they won't let me pass (even when I'm on my Harley). One thing THAT NEEDS TO BE UNDERSTOOD....is that there are a lot of riders, like me, that ARE GOING TO PASS. Why? Because I have a right to and I want to and I know how to without causing a wreck. Most wrecks are self induced I think.
While at the Gap area recently, I passed a line of Harleys while on one of my metrics and the trail rider seemed not to like me passing him in a safe area so he started tailgating me. After getting enough of it, I flashed my brake lights and waved him back. Once I saw him back off, I proceed to pass the rest of the line one at a time with no problems. This seemed to be the straw that broke my camel's back. This guy was looking for trouble and was about to get it in addition to me. I don't seek it out but will respond.
Point is, just because when riding our not so fast Harleys, it is wise to let the dudes go by that can and want to go by. Challenge yourself to throw your personal feelings about metrics and other bikes (Harley riders) aside and just let them pass....PLEASE!!
OPEN FIRE!!!
Banned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,836
Likes: 7
RE: Metrics and Passing
True passing is passing,no matter what you ride.But the road determines if it's a good pass or not.On a three or four lane highway,,,,,,,,,knock yer self out.But if your on a single lane road with solid lines(no passing roads) then expect the wrath of a pissed biker.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Metrics and Passing
I get pissed when cought behind a "Biker Parade" .
Single file doing 30mph with a line of 30-40 bikes on a nice road is selfish. If people want to go faster . . . let em'
How does it effect you by letting them pass? Even when I had the sport bike if someone was way faster them me I would hug the shoulder and wave them by.
Us bikers have enough stuff out there pissing us off. We don't have to do it to each other.
Single file doing 30mph with a line of 30-40 bikes on a nice road is selfish. If people want to go faster . . . let em'
How does it effect you by letting them pass? Even when I had the sport bike if someone was way faster them me I would hug the shoulder and wave them by.
Us bikers have enough stuff out there pissing us off. We don't have to do it to each other.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Metrics and Passing
That is one of the things I dislike about group riding aside from the added degree of caution that is required. Anytime you want to pass me I'll pull over and wave you thru, Harley or metric.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 586
Likes: 3
From: OKC
RE: Metrics and Passing
As long as it's safe to pass, no problem.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 543
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From:
RE: Metrics and Passing
I like it even more when there are 20-40 bikes fanned out on a 2 lane (each way) 70mph speed limit highway...and they are ONLY GOING 60 mph and holding up traffic for miles behind them. Didn't last for but a few miles, but why?
Is that some sort of control issue? Expereinced this on US 131 in Michigan last summer coming home from family trips in the truck. For the life of me I can't figure that out.
Wolf, if you have never snowmobiled, it is even worse. People will poke along at 20mph on a flat smooth RR Grade that you can easily go 70+ on. But they are SIDE BY SIDE and have mirrors and WILL NOT let you pass. And if you do they wave their fist at you.
I have stopped sledding as of this year...but I sure am finding a lot of variables that are the same [:@]
Is that some sort of control issue? Expereinced this on US 131 in Michigan last summer coming home from family trips in the truck. For the life of me I can't figure that out.
Wolf, if you have never snowmobiled, it is even worse. People will poke along at 20mph on a flat smooth RR Grade that you can easily go 70+ on. But they are SIDE BY SIDE and have mirrors and WILL NOT let you pass. And if you do they wave their fist at you.
I have stopped sledding as of this year...but I sure am finding a lot of variables that are the same [:@]
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,179
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From: Boca Raton, Florida
RE: Metrics and Passing
Passed a cyclist on the way to work yesterday morning... He was honkin' along at a good clip. Normally (had I been in the car), seeing some skill exhibited, I would have given him a couple of feet and thought nothing about it (I'm a former competitive cyclist and see no reason for any more room given by a motorist!).
On the Bike, however, I gave him the entire lane! I think because of the noise of the bike, I didn't want him to feel crowded... really don't know why! Perhaps courtesy!
Haven't had motorcycle/motorcyle passing experience yet. I'm certain I'll hold up someone and when that happens I'll move right and wave for them to pass! No ego thing needs to get involved! We all have different speeds, different moods, and different days!
Jim aka kiltiemon
On the Bike, however, I gave him the entire lane! I think because of the noise of the bike, I didn't want him to feel crowded... really don't know why! Perhaps courtesy!
Haven't had motorcycle/motorcyle passing experience yet. I'm certain I'll hold up someone and when that happens I'll move right and wave for them to pass! No ego thing needs to get involved! We all have different speeds, different moods, and different days!
Jim aka kiltiemon
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
RE: Metrics and Passing
No group of bikes, Harleys or otherwise, owns the road. If you have room to pass and there are safe passing zones I see nothing wrong with it. The "group" will just have to understand that they do not set the pace for the rest of traffic. However, if the group is doing the speed limit and the passing zones are few and far between, then I think a little patience is in order for those wanting to pass. The road also does not belong to the make believe racers. I AM NOT implying that you are the latter Wolf. If everyone just exersizes a little common sense then there will be fewer tragedies.