More bike related stuff

[andy tims]

I'm going to explore options with Rapid Training .. (they're the people you might read about in MCN every week who are helping others fix riding problems)
http://rapidtraining.co.uk

I had a great day with Rapid Training about 3 years ago. Recommended based on my experience.

[Enoch]

My Husaberg 650 Supermoto search is nearly over - what can possibly go wrong..

A friend of mine whom is now a full time BSB rider, has just bought a Husquavana 450 for winter training... he says it’s more brutal than his BMW RR1000 BSB Superbike..... yikes.

[dandanthewatchman]

never posted on this thread as not a biker

however I noticed there is a programme on TV tomorrow (Tuesday night) - think ITV4 about Triumph motorbikes.

[learningtofly]

never posted on this thread as not a biker

however I noticed there is a programme on TV tomorrow (Tuesday night) - think ITV4 about Triumph motorbikes.

Great shout, thank you. ITV4 at 9pm tomorrow!

[Foxy100]

Any escape route for a car is a potential accident for you when filtering. Gaps in traffic they'll try to fill without warning, they'll dart off down side streets, into car parks, stop outside shops, suddenly open doors to get out and see what the hold up is. Absolutely any random thing that they can do, they will do. You need to be aware of and expect them all.

Often the body language of the driver will give you an early warning that they are about to do something stupid and sometimes you can guess what it is. Sometimes you have no clue and you're down to reflexes and luck. Look at the drivers, are they sitting calmly or are they getting agitated and moving gear levers and turning wheels, are they looking in their mirrors, have they seen you? You need to know exactly what's going on for at least the cars you are immediately overtaking and preferably the ones in front of those as well. You also need to keep an eye out for pedestrians crossing through traffic. They can pop out from nowhere so you need to spot them 3 cars in front the moment they step off the curb.

Regarding aggression vs defensiveness. The most dangerous time when filtering is that instant where you are in their blind spot, from rear bumper to front door. Once you are past their front door they should be aware of you but up until that point you are most vulnerable. So you have a choice: the faster and more aggressively you do it the more it will hurt if you crash and the further ahead you have to plan, but the less time you will spend exposed to danger. Drivers will not expect you to be going more than about 10-15mph faster than the flow of traffic, nor will they expect you to overtake on the inside so they won't look for you there. It's best to try to ride within the expectations of other drivers. Don't surprise them and hopefully they won't surprise you.

London drivers are generally more aware of filtering than somewhere like say Northampton so even though the traffic might be less dense in Northampton, the idiot per capita ratio is a bit higher to make up for it. I would suggest that your bike control needs to be second nature before you start because you don't have time to think, you only have time to act.

Filtering can be done relatively safely but there is a lot of information to process per second and it has to be done seamlessly, information of quite a specialised kind, and doing it is a skill you can't develop just anywhere. If you do get good at it though, it will make you a better driver in everything you do. It can also be quite rewarding, but it is always risky.

Good post. Body language and eye contact is a biggie for me in cars too - I have a fast Subaru that no one thinks is going fast as it is (because it's a Forester) and frequently if I'm overtaking more than one car one of them will pull out right in front of me to overtake. I also have an old car that also goes fast and you see people stopping at a junction to join the road you're on, you can see them register you and where in a modern car you'd take that as good enough reason to put your foot back on the throttle, in a classic car in no way does it mean they're not going to pull out. Which, even with good brakes, dampers and tyres can still be very hairy indeed. It's a kind of chrome bumper blindness, where people presumably assume old cars go slow and it overrules their eyes.

I tend to be very wary of anyone with either a small car with reversing sensors or anyone with a National Trust sticker. If they have both they own the road and are going to do what the hell they want on it. But body language is king.

[edzt]

'I tend to be very wary of anyone with either a small car with reversing sensors or anyone with a National Trust sticker. If they have both they own the road and are going to do what the hell they want on it. But body language is king.'

I've been riding for forty plus years and two things make me nervous, riding in the rain on motorways and Audi drivers!

[Tifa]

So....we're all aware of the dangers of filtering?
Good.
You want safe?
Buy a Volvo.
Motorcycle without risk?
Impossible.
No tollerance of risk?
Take the bus.
Easy.

Everyone has a risk threshold.
Dress and ride according to it.
Job done.
Again easy.

[learningtofly]

So....we're all aware of the dangers of filtering?
Good.
You want safe?
Buy a Volvo.
Motorcycle without risk?
Impossible.
No tollerance of risk?
Take the bus.
Easy.

Everyone has a risk threshold.
Dress and ride according to it.
Job done.
Again easy.

Spot on IMO.

Armed with my new boots (no laces!!!) I was in heavy traffic for about three hours today. My filtering has become a bit more aggressive but I feel safer nonetheless.I did see a couple of bikes happily sitting in traffic queues, but after my first week I couldn’t do that any longer.

Thinking back, when I rode bikes in my teens and twenties I’m pretty sure heavy traffic just wasn’t an issue.

[cinnabull]

I know its not everyones cup of tea, but a loud, or louder than standard exhaust helps with filtering imo. On my Diavel I ran a full Termi unbaffled system and that was well loud. It could be heard from 2 blocks away and car drivers were well aware of my approach. My ride buddy also had the same bike and system and cars actually moved over to see what was making all that thunderous noise. Like I say, not for everyone, but effective never the less.

Stuart


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[Saint-Just]

I know its not everyones cup of tea, but a loud, or louder than standard exhaust helps with filtering imo. On my Diavel I ran a full Termi unbaffled system and that was well loud. It could be heard from 2 blocks away and car drivers were well aware of my approach. My ride buddy also had the same bike and system and cars actually moved over to see what was making all that thunderous noise. Like I say, not for everyone, but effective never the less.

Stuart


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Antisocial, much?

[cinnabull]

Antisocial, much?

Depends on how and what you view as antisocial I suppose. Yeah it was louder than standard, but I didnt rev the think all the time, none of my neighbours complained and it passed its MOT. I have heard louder bikes deffo, I think it was probably the deep booming type tone of a large V Twin that was more noticeable than the actual db level.

Stuart


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[Saint-Just]

Just quoting you:
It was well loud
It could be heard from 2 blocks away...

[I a n]

Depends on how and what you view as antisocial I suppose. Yeah it was louder than standard, but I didnt rev the think all the time, none of my neighbours complained and it passed its MOT. I have heard louder bikes deffo, I think it was probably the deep booming type tone of a large V Twin that was more noticeable than the actual db level.

I don't want to be a killjoy or anything ... (my R9T comes with titanium Akra as standard) .. MOT exhaust regulations changed this year ...
If it's "unreasonably louder than standard" it can fail.
Clearly this is subject to interpretation .. so who knows what the testers will think.

https://www.mot-testing.service.gov....ust-noise.html

The exhaust system and silencer should be in such condition, or of such a type, that the noise emitted from the motorcycle isn't clearly unreasonably above the level expected from a similar motorcycle with a standard silencer in average condition.

Defect	Category
Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted	Major

[cinnabull]

I suppose it all depends on what the examiner deems ‘unreasonable’ then. The tester I used openly said he had no problem with loud exhausts as he feels they may save lives in certain circumstances. He is a biker and racer himself so knows the dangers bikers face on the road.

Stuart


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[Saint-Just]

A flashing blue light would serve the same purpose. That doesn’t make it legal or acceptable.

[pugster]

i ran my dual arrow cans with no baffles, i also run the 3-1 sc project with no baffles - passed MOT no problem both times , for a bike to fail an MOT on noise it has to be ridiculously loud ( most HD's would fail if it was that strict ) .
yes it might help with ppl hearing you coming but it can become irritating as hell on a 2+ hr motorway ride - that why i recommend ppl get endcans with easily removable baffles (going on a long motorway journey ? just put them back in and save sending yourself crazy by the incessant 70-80mph drone coming from the exhaust )

[learningtofly]

i ran my dual arrow cans with no baffles, i also run the 3-1 sc project with no baffles - passed MOT no problem both times , for a bike to fail an MOT on noise it has to be ridiculously loud ( most HD's would fail if it was that strict ) .
yes it might help with ppl hearing you coming but it can become irritating as hell on a 2+ hr motorway ride - that why i recommend ppl get endcans with easily removable baffles (going on a long motorway journey ? just put them back in and save sending yourself crazy by the incessant 70-80mph drone coming from the exhaust )

That's a very good point, actually. I switched from the Street Twin to the Street Triple largely as a consequence of performance at speed (motorways and fast A roads). I found the noise from the Twin's engine/exhaust quite wearing in those environments - the Triple is a joy in comparison.

[cinnabull]

Also I would suggest using good quality ear plugs, no matter what exhaust you may be running. There are various reports about that suggest the wind noise can damage your hearing, as well as the actual exhaust noise.

Stuart

[Thewatchbloke]

^^^ This, I now suffer from tinnitus as a result of years in a noisy work environment when I was younger. A motorcycle journey on a motorway for more than 10mins leaves my ears ringing even louder than they normally do.

[blackal]

Also I would suggest using good quality ear plugs, no matter what exhaust you may be running. There are various reports about that suggest the wind noise can damage your hearing, as well as the actual exhaust noise.

Stuart

I would say that wind-roar in your helmet was the principal source - but can be alleviated with a suitable screen (bike has to suit this also) and also the helmet choice. Race-type helmets with increased venting come at a cost regarding wind noise.

[Tifa]

Noisy bikes?

Well I never!

Who'd a thunk it?

[andy tims]

Also I would suggest using good quality ear plugs, no matter what exhaust you may be running. There are various reports about that suggest the wind noise can damage your hearing, as well as the actual exhaust noise.

Stuart

I'd say engine / exhaust noise is largely irrelevant in terms of hearing damage. It's the air entering & then exiting your helmet that can do the damage.

[cinnabull]

I'd say engine / exhaust noise is largely irrelevant in terms of hearing damage. It's the air entering & then exiting your helmet that can do the damage.

Yeah that's what I meant Andy, air noise, wind noise, whatever its called, it can damage your ears. Some helmets are supposed to be quieter than others, but tbh I have tried many lids over the years and they all seem pretty similar in noise levels. I suppose if you get a lid that has one of those sort of chin draft excluders, like the Shoei GT Air, then that may help in stopping the air from entering. If your bike suits it, then a screen deffo helps, I noticed much less noise when I had my ST1100 many years back.

Stuart

[Stanford]

I'd say engine / exhaust noise is largely irrelevant in terms of hearing damage. It's the air entering & then exiting your helmet that can do the damage.

I think it's been well established that wind noise is the main culprit when it comes to hearing damage, but don't completely rule out exhaust noise - a few years ago I test rode a couple of HDs (with the ubiquitous Vance and Hines exhausts) back to back and my ears were ringing by the end, and weren't 'right' for several hours...and there was no high speed riding involved, so little wind noise.

[skmark]

I think one of the few things that new might all agree on is that 'noise' regardless of where it comes from on our bikes is not just an unpleasant thing but also damaging to hearing. So other than a good helmet (there might be another thread on this ;o))......what earplugs do you all use/recommend?

I've been using the cheap disposable foam squishy things but feel there must be better options.

[blackal]

Howard Leight Laserlight - all day comfortable and effective.

[Tifa]

I've been using the cheap disposable foam squishy things but feel there must be better options.

Over the years I've found them to be as good as anything.
Dispose and replace a few times a day if you can.
Always start the day with fresh plugs.
Never switch l&r, always use the same one in the same ear until discarded.
Far less likely to get ear infections.
Buy in bulk, to get a super cheap price, buddy up with a mate and buy a few thousand, then split them between you.

[cinnabull]

I use the Auritech ones. They fit in easily, are washable, allow me to use my intercom, come in a handy carry case and are comfortable all day. I do also carry a couple of the disposable ones but find these seem to give me a slight sensation of pressure within my ears. The Auritech ones have a sort of tube through them with a ceramic filter, I assume this tube design stops the pressure sensation I get with the foam type.

https://www.auritech.co.uk/universal...ugs/biker.html

Stuart


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[sv-steve]

After regularly suffering from ringing ears after a couple of hours at motorway speeds despite which helmet I’m using I found these good:

https://www.alpinehearingprotection....lugs/motosafe/



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[andy tims]

I got a deal on a pair of Isolate Pro Titanium about a year ago and I must say they are very good, but I also rate some of the cheapish foam ear plugs. If you get ones the right shape and size to give a snug fit in your ear they work pretty well.

[Stanford]

On a bike I use Alpine and also Auritech (can't say there's any difference between them). I've also got some custom made Bluetooth ones in the pipeline (Ultimate Ear).
When on holiday or to abate the noise from the other half I use Howard Leight Max Lite plugs - very effective

[tobetobes]

I use these too and find them genuinely brilliant.

https://www.flareaudio.com/collections/isolate

And a set of these for the days I spend hours in the saddle on a motorway.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shure-SE215...ords=Shure+215

[Matt8500]

You need to try a few different ear plugs- like heads, everyone’s ears are different shapes.

[Bondurant]

You probably just need new bb bearings. Doubt you need to buy an entire new crank

[sprite1275]

You probably just need new bb bearings. Doubt you need to buy an entire new crank

Just realised Ive asked the question in a motorbike thread like a twonk. I'll find an appropriate thread.

[djjuk]

Mod 1 passed this morning on first attempt. One more hurdle to go!

[learningtofly]

Well done!

[Tifa]

Mod 1 passed this morning on first attempt. One more hurdle to go!

If you're riding over hurdles, you're doing it wrong.

[MB2]

I am a bit anti noisy bikes for a few reasons. 1 Illegal bike exhausts make complaints and drive more restrictive legislation. The fact the MOT only requires not seeing a “not for road use” tag exacerbates the situation and I know I ran open carbs and Swarbricks so have no doubt contributed to the legislation. 2) The fallacy that loud pipes save lives - paying attention and being careful saves lives. 3) If you do have an accident,despite the loud exhaust, witnesses will probably accuse the bike of speeding as it will sound as if it was. The only consolation as others have mentioned is the noise bothers the rider all the time rather than passes quickly.


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[MB2]

For earplugs I use the custom moulded ones from https://www.ultimateear.com/ worth using something if helmet is noisy. I have the standard ones but my friends really rate the ones with drivers in.

Edit to add - They are often at bike shows with discounts on them if ordered on the day.

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[Enoch]

LTF, how did you get on with insurance for the new bike??

My mate with the Thruxton R whom passed his test last month has quickly realised that he needs to get out there and get plenty of miles under his belt, and that the Thruxton isn’t the bike to be doing that on in the winter.

So last week he bought a 15 plate 675 street Triple, and he’s had a hell of a job getting insurance for it...

He’s 48 and insured the Thruxton no problem, the ST is half the value and they want double the premium..

[learningtofly]

LTF, how did you get on with insurance for the new bike??

My mate with the Thruxton R whom passed his test last month has quickly realised that he needs to get out there and get plenty of miles under his belt, and that the Thruxton isn’t the bike to be doing that on in the winter.

So last week he bought a 15 plate 675 street Triple, and he’s had a hell of a job getting insurance for it...

He’s 48 and insured the Thruxton no problem, the ST is half the value and they want double the premium..

Insurance came as a bit of a shock, actually. I was paying £450 for the Twin (zero no claims and two car claims in the previous 18 months), and when i went online to get quotes for the Triple they were all £2-3000 (and I only found half a dozen insurers who would offer cover)! In the end i spoke to my existing insurer and they covered it for £1400. Still painful but i just need to get through the first year

[blackal]

For earplugs I use the custom moulded ones from https://www.ultimateear.com/ worth using something if helmet is noisy. I have the standard ones but my friends really rate the ones with drivers in.

Edit to add - They are often at bike shows with discounts on them if ordered on the day.

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Now - there’s a company I would never darken the door of, again.

Kept me on the hook for 3 crucial weeks, before finally admitting the mould-maker in the area was on holiday.

Very expensive to begin with, then want to charge another £30-£35 (from memory) for ‘express service’

I was very impressed with “Mercury” at the NEC Bike show:

www.mercuryhearing.com

Not tried their products yet - but would happily give them a try, after looking at all their products and service claims.

[Foxy100]

I am a bit anti noisy bikes for a few reasons. 1 Illegal bike exhausts make complaints and drive more restrictive legislation. The fact the MOT only requires not seeing a “not for road use” tag exacerbates the situation and I know I ran open carbs and Swarbricks so have no doubt contributed to the legislation. 2) The fallacy that loud pipes save lives - paying attention and being careful saves lives. 3) If you do have an accident,despite the loud exhaust, witnesses will probably accuse the bike of speeding as it will sound as if it was. The only consolation as others have mentioned is the noise bothers the rider all the time rather than passes quickly.

I have some damage to my right ear, which rattles painfully at very loud noises. I wear ear plugs when I know I'm going to be somewhere noisy (pit lane at a motor race, for example) but having a bike with a really loud exhaust suddenly overtake me with a bucketful of throttle is agony.

[Enoch]

Insurance came as a bit of a shock, actually. I was paying £450 for the Twin (zero no claims and two car claims in the previous 18 months), and when i went online to get quotes for the Triple they were all £2-3000 (and I only found half a dozen insurers who would offer cover)! In the end i spoke to my existing insurer and they covered it for £1400. Still painful but i just need to get through the first year

Blimey... I’ll show him your post to prove he’s got nothing to complain about...

He’s paying £400 ish on the Thruxton, and was getting quotes of £800 for the ST... he eventually found cover at £500 so I guess he shouldn’t complain..

[pugster]

its better just to use the comparison sites the same as you do for car insurance (i used the one on MCN ) , although i passed my test around 25yrs ago i was without a bike for a good few years (lost all ncb ) until last year when i bought the speed triple , last yrs insurance was £380 TPFT (carol nash)- this years is £280 FC with MCE + 1 yrs NC -im 49

[andy tims]

Insurance came as a bit of a shock, actually. I was paying £450 for the Twin (zero no claims and two car claims in the previous 18 months), and when i went online to get quotes for the Triple they were all £2-3000 (and I only found half a dozen insurers who would offer cover)! In the end i spoke to my existing insurer and they covered it for £1400. Still painful but i just need to get through the first year

Ouch

[Chinnock]

'I tend to be very wary of anyone with either a small car with reversing sensors or anyone with a National Trust sticker. If they have both they own the road and are going to do what the hell they want on it. But body language is king.'

I've been riding for forty plus years and two things make me nervous, riding in the rain on motorways and Audi drivers!

Got caught one day on my Daivel and it absolutely poured down to the point visibility and tyre spray was a nightmare on epic proportions. Combined with high speed cars around me my arse was twitching.

[JonRA]

I insure all my vehicles with LV. All full no claims and legal cover, based in Hertfordshire. GT86 is 245, Civic Type R is 210 and the Hayabusa 210. I think that's pretty good. (Can't understand why the GT86 is so much...)

[I a n]

never posted on this thread as not a biker

however I noticed there is a programme on TV tomorrow (Tuesday night) - think ITV4 about Triumph motorbikes.

FYI ... All three episodes are available on ITV Online
https://www.itv.com/hub/the-motorbik...pecials/2a5288

[1] Triumph


[2] Norton


[3] Ducati