Biker Etiquette
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 8
Here's a few good tips:
http://www.shinnysideup.com/msf/msf2.htm
I particularly like this quote:
One lesson that the MSF class teaches that I think needs to be clarified better is their admonition to always stop with one foot on the ground. Fine, if it is a small bike, but a touring bike should be stopped placing both feet on the ground at the same time, in my opinion. A slick spot is unforgiving, and very dangerous. Your rear brake can be released if your front brake is holding at 2 MPH with no concerns whatever. (Obviously, you do not put feet down until the bike is fully stopped.) The MSF used to teach that you stop with your RIGHT foot on the ground and the other on the peg. That was changed to LEFT foot down so that you could keep your right foot on the brake. In either case, by definition, your bike is not vertical with only one foot on the ground. If you must make a fast departure (to get out of somebody's way, for example), it takes more time to do so with one foot down rather than two. This, because you must straighten the bike as you depart, you have a more erratic start, and you must first take your right foot OFF the brake - all time consuming. Finally, you can probably rather easily handle a smaller bike with one leg, but a large touring bike is another case entirely. [There are always exceptions to the rule, of course. If you are stopped at a light on a severe incline, your right foot belongs on the brake pedal. Similarly, in a panic stop situation you want to stop with your foot still on the rear brake.
http://www.shinnysideup.com/msf/msf2.htm
I particularly like this quote:
One lesson that the MSF class teaches that I think needs to be clarified better is their admonition to always stop with one foot on the ground. Fine, if it is a small bike, but a touring bike should be stopped placing both feet on the ground at the same time, in my opinion. A slick spot is unforgiving, and very dangerous. Your rear brake can be released if your front brake is holding at 2 MPH with no concerns whatever. (Obviously, you do not put feet down until the bike is fully stopped.) The MSF used to teach that you stop with your RIGHT foot on the ground and the other on the peg. That was changed to LEFT foot down so that you could keep your right foot on the brake. In either case, by definition, your bike is not vertical with only one foot on the ground. If you must make a fast departure (to get out of somebody's way, for example), it takes more time to do so with one foot down rather than two. This, because you must straighten the bike as you depart, you have a more erratic start, and you must first take your right foot OFF the brake - all time consuming. Finally, you can probably rather easily handle a smaller bike with one leg, but a large touring bike is another case entirely. [There are always exceptions to the rule, of course. If you are stopped at a light on a severe incline, your right foot belongs on the brake pedal. Similarly, in a panic stop situation you want to stop with your foot still on the rear brake.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
It's never a good idea to roll up next to a motorcop and say, "Wanna race pig?" (they prefer "Officer")
When doing the motorcycle wave to a 1%'er, try to remember it's two fingers out, not the middle one only - They don't like that.
Never wear more than 3 Harley Logos at a time as your clothing.
Remember, the exhaust pipe really is that hot....
Finally, be careful smiling too much unless you like bugs in your teeth!
When doing the motorcycle wave to a 1%'er, try to remember it's two fingers out, not the middle one only - They don't like that.
Never wear more than 3 Harley Logos at a time as your clothing.
Remember, the exhaust pipe really is that hot....
Finally, be careful smiling too much unless you like bugs in your teeth!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
It's never a good idea to roll up next to a motorcop and say, "Wanna race pig?" (they prefer "Officer")
When doing the motorcycle wave to a 1%'er, try to remember it's two fingers out, not the middle one only - They don't like that.
Never wear more than 3 Harley Logos at a time as your clothing.
Remember, the exhaust pipe really is that hot....
Finally, be careful smiling too much unless you like bugs in your teeth!
When doing the motorcycle wave to a 1%'er, try to remember it's two fingers out, not the middle one only - They don't like that.
Never wear more than 3 Harley Logos at a time as your clothing.
Remember, the exhaust pipe really is that hot....
Finally, be careful smiling too much unless you like bugs in your teeth!
Say - where's the gas overflow outlet on a 2010? (Is there one??). On my Fatboy a good tip is watch out for gas on the road directly in front of your rear wheel if you overfill the gas tank!. Very slippery.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I had all the answers at least once in my life now I have a metal shoulder, split knee cap, road rash scars on my arms and butt, and a dent in the back of my head. Of course I have only be riding about 50 years and every day I learn something new. Just think if you last as long as me then you to will know as much.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From: east central Illinois
I had all the answers at least once in my life now I have a metal shoulder, split knee cap, road rash scars on my arms and butt, and a dent in the back of my head. Of course I have only be riding about 50 years and every day I learn something new. Just think if you last as long as me then you to will know as much.
Amen! Broken arm at 9 years old with a stainless steel plate screwed in! I had a year of experience then! At 59 now and still learning!
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 77
From: NW Ontario
On the one hand "old" bikers may have developed some bad habits.
On the other - if they've lived that long perhaps they're doing something right.
I have no idea what this has to do with etiquette.
My tips for what they're worth:
Assume everyone on the road is a moron and could do virtually anything you could imagine and some things you couldn't.
Keep your distance.
Do everything you can to be visible to everyone on the road and everyone that might move onto the road whether you know they're there or not (after you've been doing that for a few years or so you don't have to think too much about what that means).
Learn to use the motor to pull you out of a dangerous situation. Learn every way your bike behaves as you accelerate. Learn how your bike behaves as you brake. Brake before a turn, accelerate out of a turn. Do not brake in a turn.
Use your rear view mirrors. Know what is behind you. Get out of the way of anyone who's riding your ***. Avoid road rage.
Take a course.
Don't listen too much to old farts (how's that for etiquette?)
On the other - if they've lived that long perhaps they're doing something right.
I have no idea what this has to do with etiquette.
My tips for what they're worth:
Assume everyone on the road is a moron and could do virtually anything you could imagine and some things you couldn't.
Keep your distance.
Do everything you can to be visible to everyone on the road and everyone that might move onto the road whether you know they're there or not (after you've been doing that for a few years or so you don't have to think too much about what that means).
Learn to use the motor to pull you out of a dangerous situation. Learn every way your bike behaves as you accelerate. Learn how your bike behaves as you brake. Brake before a turn, accelerate out of a turn. Do not brake in a turn.
Use your rear view mirrors. Know what is behind you. Get out of the way of anyone who's riding your ***. Avoid road rage.
Take a course.
Don't listen too much to old farts (how's that for etiquette?)
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 77
From: NW Ontario
You have got to be kidding me! This has nothing to do with balking at authority ... Good grief ... Not even close!
I am not an idiot, believe it or not. I know what it's like do it both ways. Using both brakes at a level stop on dry pavement is not required. The front brake will do just fine. Therefore keeping one foot up is not really accomplishing anything...other than providing you with an opportunty to even slightly shift your weight enough to lose your balance, then find yourself scrambling to put your foot down in time before you lose it completely. It's simply a matter of common sense. Do what YOU feel is right .. one or two .. Only the rider can choose which feels right at the time...Not because this is what was learned during an instruction course. Conditions change ... even a slightly strong wind can cause you to consider one method over the other. .. COMMON SENSE, I TELL YOU ... DON'T BE AFRAID TO USE IT!
Laws vary from state to state and province to province ... Some suggest that you should have both feet planted down to accomplish a proper and legal stop ... ARE YOU SUGGESTING THAT EVEN THE LAW MAKERS ARE FIGHTING THE SYSTEM???
Good grief!
I am not an idiot, believe it or not. I know what it's like do it both ways. Using both brakes at a level stop on dry pavement is not required. The front brake will do just fine. Therefore keeping one foot up is not really accomplishing anything...other than providing you with an opportunty to even slightly shift your weight enough to lose your balance, then find yourself scrambling to put your foot down in time before you lose it completely. It's simply a matter of common sense. Do what YOU feel is right .. one or two .. Only the rider can choose which feels right at the time...Not because this is what was learned during an instruction course. Conditions change ... even a slightly strong wind can cause you to consider one method over the other. .. COMMON SENSE, I TELL YOU ... DON'T BE AFRAID TO USE IT!
Laws vary from state to state and province to province ... Some suggest that you should have both feet planted down to accomplish a proper and legal stop ... ARE YOU SUGGESTING THAT EVEN THE LAW MAKERS ARE FIGHTING THE SYSTEM???
Good grief!
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, NY
Definitly a difference in the size of bike. With my Sportster one foot stops were much safer and practical. The EGC... different story. Once the weight starts to move it takes a whole lot more to stop the momentum. I'll stick with mostly 2 foot stops. Oh, and in addition to rained on painted areas, watch out for geese... no $hit. Where I work there are some in a pond and I guarantee you when they say "slippery as gosse $hit" there is a basis for the saying.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
I think that advice to "new" rider is very different than what most of very experienced riders often do. Over the last 42 years of riding I spent a lot of years racing motocross and superbikes. I use lots of front brake coming to a stop actually often using no rear brake at all. I definitely wouldn't recommend that to a new rider. I do wind up putting both feet on the ground alot but not so much because I am worried about the bike falling over. I like to stand and stretch a bit. A side affect to the past life of racing is lots of broken bones. I have crashed on the track more times than I can count and can honestly say that its not something you can practice. Avoiding the crash and riding defensively is what you can practice. I do think every new rider should learn the butt on the seat, squat technique to pick up a bike. I have seen my 119 lb wife pick up an EG that way. Stopping and starting is usually the toughest thing for the new rider and that is where they often drop the bike. I would definitely recommend the MSF course. But remember the course is usually taken on a small 250 or something similar which is very different than a 800-1000 lb touring bike. Best advice don't worry about looking cool, do what keeps you safe.
Last edited by rg_dave; Feb 13, 2010 at 08:41 AM.