how do you know if you're going to be rear ended at an intersection?
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Central NY
how do you know if you're going to be rear ended at an intersection?
along the lines of the accident threads, I do watch my mirrors, but how do you know if you're going to be hit? my sporty vibrates alot, and honestly, it distorts the view, but I do watch, but when do you know, other than at the last second, they really aren't going to stop behind you?
How much lead space do you leave in front of you and the next vehicle up, (I think I leave about a half car length-ish, maybe less, but I"m not right behind the vehicle). and when do you know if you should use an out to the side?
How much lead space do you leave in front of you and the next vehicle up, (I think I leave about a half car length-ish, maybe less, but I"m not right behind the vehicle). and when do you know if you should use an out to the side?
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 631
Likes: 17
From: Finger Lakes NY
Leave a little extra space in front of you, always have an escape plan and watch your mirrors. What more can you do? It seems it's getting worse out there. Amost every ride now I have a cager trying to do something stupid.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,392
Likes: 184
From: Big ol Titties
Luckily I haven't been plowed into at a light yet but not much else you can do accept for having good situational awareness and a plan/exit strategy. I mostly leave a bike and a half or so room in front of me and am usually inline with the drivers side mirror of the vehical in front of me (if there is one). Keep an eye on the mirrors and watch any cars approaching from the rear. If it looks like they are coming in to hot or not paying attention then I get ready to hit it. I see a lot of guys that throw it in neutral and almost start posing on their bikes even if it's at a really short light. I'm to ugly to put on a fashion show though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,164
From: Oxford, Nc
With all the bikes and all the accessories purchased over the years, the absolute best investment ever has been the run/brake/turn signal upgrade from Harley for $59.
My close calls have since been reduced to almost "0".
My close calls have since been reduced to almost "0".
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Leave enough space in front of you so you can get the bike out of there. If the car behind you isn't slowing down be prepared. Depending on the speed, i'd say to make the dash out of there 2 seconds before impact. If the car behind you looks like it's slowing then it should be safer.
I have the BAL1 and when I see a car behind me I modulate the brakes until i'm comfortable the car behind me is slowing down and will stop. Then I keep the brakes on at least until the car stops.
If you don't have a modulating brake light (get one) then just keep pumping the brakes. It works.
I have the BAL1 and when I see a car behind me I modulate the brakes until i'm comfortable the car behind me is slowing down and will stop. Then I keep the brakes on at least until the car stops.
If you don't have a modulating brake light (get one) then just keep pumping the brakes. It works.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
Likes: 6,196
From: In your head rent free
I never saw it coming.
Heard her engine in my ear about 1/100th of a second before I was looking up at the sky.
Have a plan. But don't think you will have any more than a split second to react.
Heard her engine in my ear about 1/100th of a second before I was looking up at the sky.
Have a plan. But don't think you will have any more than a split second to react.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 22
From: Spring Branch, Texas
What is the HD p/n for this run/brake/turn signal upgrade of which you speak?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,061
Likes: 12,988
From: Texas, USA
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...11-6946106b--1
As an aside, if you plan on changing to HD LED turn signals, you will not require the conversion kit. When wired as instructed, the LED turn signals will automatically function as run/brake/turn lights.
Last edited by Bone Doc; Aug 24, 2013 at 07:23 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
As much light as possible in the rear. Still doesnt help protect against A-holes.
I was rear ended at a light in my corvette by some ******* on a cell phone.
Keep a car length behind the car in front of you and be aware of your surroundings. Not much else you can do.
I was rear ended at a light in my corvette by some ******* on a cell phone.
Keep a car length behind the car in front of you and be aware of your surroundings. Not much else you can do.