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MyFinger_YourAss 652 points653 points 2 months ago

Well said...I would also add that as a person who has ridden motorcycles for going on 25 years now...there is a huge difference between a driver pulling out after not seeing you and a driver pulling out to be an asshole...if you pay attention the way you should when riding you can definately tell the difference.

NazTehRpR'07 GSX-R 600 98 points99 points 2 months ago

When riding my bike I’m 110% always aware of other people on the road, cuz I know when I drive my car I got my music blasting and high chance I won’t hear a motorcycle. But I’m always on full alert with my surroundings anyway. I’m not just gonna merge into another lane like a maniac. But as a rider I’m still gonna take precautions if I see a person do so. Only time imma flip is if I’m next to you, I see your head turn, look in the mirror and still see you go for the merge.

xErth_x 32 points33 points 2 months ago

I dont even ear my motorcycle when i ride it

Skribblesandbits 13 points14 points 2 months ago

I don't hear anything anymore.

brainotomy 7 points8 points 2 months ago

Whats that you saying?

duck4072017 R6 24 points25 points 2 months ago

I've definitely had people turn their head, look at me, and merge. That's one of the few times that truly makes my blood boil. None of my friends are the kind to punch someone's mirror off, but this exact thing happened to my friend. Guy looked, started to merge, rev bomb, looked at him again, kept merging. His mirror was definitely punched off.

I find that more often than not drivers are apologetic if they fuck up. I don't even flip people off any more. Recently had a car flip me off, that was new.

Airhead72'19 Z900 | '17 Ninja 650 KRT (RIP) 11 points12 points 2 months ago

Lol, I know that feeling. Recently had a guy in a minivan flip me off for the first time in years and years of driving full time. Because I honked at him, because he was sitting at a green light messing with something inside his car. This is standard procedure around here and pretty much the only time I use the horn. And I'm almost on the 'too polite and patient' side when it comes to beeping at people who don't see the light change. Usually it's the people behind me that go for it first. This guy didn't even get it and go the first time I beeped. So he got the second one. And then he let the finger fly, arm sticking way out the window pointing right at me and with a hateful look on his face.

I was very confused, he was next level about ignoring his own mistake and acting like I had done something wrong. I was in a big delivery truck at the time, but it's not a rudely loud horn. Was scratching my head about that one, just got away from him. Sometimes I wonder if he's still out there to this day, flipping people off every time he makes a mistake.

duck4072017 R6 2 points3 points 2 months ago

In my case I was approaching a 2 lane left turn and notice that in the middle of the turn, in the left lane, a cop was pulled over with someone who had just been hit and run. This meant that if you were turning in the left lane you were blocked and would need to get into the right lane. So I was first in the left lane and this guy was first in the right lane. I cut up in front of him and as soon as the light turned green I took off so I wouldn't impede him in any way. We get to the next light and he honks and flips me off.

I can only imagine he just straight up didn't see the cop. I don't know how someone could be mad in that situation.

GnarlyMaple_ 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Yeah I saw this same guy today in his little rinky dink van. He veered across two lanes to park in a no parking zone and hopped out to light a cigarette in front of some kids. He stepped in some dog poop and proceeded to flip off the dog and the kids.

xdownsetxBMW F800GS '09 - Escondido, CA 8 points9 points 2 months ago

This just happened to me on Friday. How I reacted to it is how I react to all incidents. If I get angry at everything that happens I lose what made me want to ride in the first place, the enjoyment. (loud)

duck4072017 R6 9 points10 points 2 months ago

I've learned that people who do stuff like that would do it to a bike or a car. They are just idiots.

tarbasd'09 Ninja 250 2 points3 points 2 months ago

That guy drives like an ass. He merges right back into the left lane without signaling. He treats everyone equally bad.

kause4koncern 8 points9 points 2 months ago

Some people literally ask for it. I'll agree with the OP though, a lot of times it's senseless and a simple look in their direction with a hand up like "WHAT THE FUCK!?" works just as well.

But maybe I'm a bit more choosey about whose mirrors I break now since I'm in a pretty gun happy city.

DisKid44 4 points5 points 2 months ago

They gotta catch you first but I carry while on my bike too lol.

bttmunch 4 points5 points 2 months ago

The looking right at you thing is bizarre, but even then they can manage to not notice you. The human brain fills a lot of our field of vision with what we expect to be there. Not necessarily what is actually there. Don’t take it personally.

If someone is merging while looking at their cellphone, they deserve to lose a mirror. Its not going to help their driving though, so up to you if you want a souvenir haha

FireStorm005 2 points3 points 2 months ago

I was about to say the same thing. Most people are looking for a car or an empty space, so they don't notice a motorcycle.

tarbasd'09 Ninja 250 2 points3 points 2 months ago

This was one important lesson I learned at my MSF course. Drivers may not see you. They can look at you directly, and they may still not see you.

SirWaldenIII'03 GSXR 600 1 point2 points 2 months ago

I just put my headphones in and cruze.

WeekendHero2007 VFR800 Anniversary 5 points6 points 2 months ago

Illegal here in CA.

SirWaldenIII'03 GSXR 600 15 points16 points 2 months ago

So are a lot of things

Rahzin 3 points4 points 2 months ago

TIL there is no law against using headphones while driving in 33 states. I can't believe it isn't illegal in every state.

TylaBurbank 31 points32 points 2 months ago

This happens to me ALL THE BLOODY TIME round here. It's usually old people, and you can see they've seen you, but carry straight on because 'ah fuck it he's got brakes'.

spacetiger1101983 Yamaha XJ900RK Seca 51 points52 points 2 months ago

In Pennsylvania, one of the questions on the learner's permit test is "Just because a car makes eye contact..." and I forget all the options but the answer is "does not mean they see you."

PicnicBasketPirate 46 points47 points 2 months ago

I got t-boned by an oap trying to pull out of a car park before.

I was pootling through a town below the speed limit. Saw the old lady, she saw me (at least I thought so anyway, I was looking her in the eye for a couple of seconds). Then as I was about to pass the exit she dumps the clutch and lurches onto the road.

Did my best to dodge but she still managed to catch my leg with the far side of her bumper. Kicked the rear of my bike about 2 feet to the side. Pulled over, sat down and chain smoked half a pack.

The poor old dear was nearly hysterical, apologising, saying she didn't see me and asking could she get me a cuppa tea. No damage was done to me or my bike, bar a bruised shin. But I learned a valuable lesson. Even if you are certain you've been seen assume you haven't

[deleted] 24 points25 points 2 months ago

I use the smidsy weave anytime I approach a T junction for this exact reason. People don't fucking see you and even when they do they misjudge how far away you are or how fast you're moving because you're such a smaller target on a bike

Kempy2Yamaha Tracer 700 1 point2 points 2 months ago

This happened to me in my car. I was briefly furious but then pretty chill. The lady shouldn’t have been driving!

TylaBurbank 7 points8 points 2 months ago

Oh theres plenty of occasions when they plain don't see you, at all, too.. Like last month when one wrote my bike off (again), and damn near killed me.

TDRzGRZ99 ZX9R | 01 Hornet 600 34 points35 points 2 months ago

If you keep writing your bikes off, maybe its not everyone else's fault

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 3 points4 points 2 months ago

But you're still gonna go back out on the bike.

themdeadeyes 9 points10 points 2 months ago

Hate to break it to you, but the old guy isn’t out to get you on his Sunday drive my man. He is old and literally did not see you.

TylaBurbank 2 points3 points 2 months ago

No, obviously, but I can tell when theyve clocked me, but decide it's not worth changing the course of action. Like, I've started pulling away, I'm not going to change that now I've noticed a bike with right of way.

joeverdrive2015 FJ-09 2 points3 points 2 months ago

So you can read their minds

wasteoide06 Ninja 250R; 92 Ninja 500 15 points16 points 2 months ago

It's really not that at all. They literally don't see you. Their brain is processing whether there is a car or truck coming. They legit don't really see you at all. Or pedestrians most of the time.

Arviragus 11 points12 points 2 months ago

One of the best videos on invisibility training for motorcyclists is from Fortnine.

Should be mandatory training in motorcycle training courses as far as I'm concerned.

TylaBurbank 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Oh I don't doubt that happens plenty too. Can't think of many other reasons for an old dear to pull directly across the path of oncoming traffic.

iampakman 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I learned that difference many years ago while driving. It actually happened to me this evening, and the lady didn't even have her lights turned on, in a black car, when the sun is below the trees in the wooded area we were in.

My wife probably would have hit her, or at least slammed the brakes on in a panic not to hit her. Paying attention is literally a life or death situation in a car, let alone on a bike.

abobobillyHonda CB600 2006 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Completely agree. 20+ years of riding experience, and i'm glad that i have not been involved in any accident while on a motorcycle. Why? Because i know when sh*t about to go down, and anyone can do that just by observing the behavior of drivers on the road. The simplest example would be, if i'm lane splitting, assume the worst i.e. people WILL change lane into you, or may not care of your presence. What can we do to solve it? Well, ride slower while lane splitting, and always make use of your loud exhaust or horns to make sure your presence is heard/seen by others.


- on bridges, don't try to knee drag and look out for those small metal plates joining the two sections of road of bridge. They're deadly and several of my riding mates dies in past two years because of it.

- Slow down while crossing junctions, or any road with U-Turns or Stop Signs. Assume that someone will definitely try to run a red light, or cross a Stop Sign etc.

whodatis75 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I drive a dually for a work truck and have tool boxes all over the back. Before I merge, I check my mirrors, sit way up high and try to see over my boxes to check my blind spot, use my blinkers, and change lanes slowly. Still almost get in to someone at least once a month

N43-0-6-W85-47-11 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I believe in proactive driving whether I'm on a bike, my personal vehicle, or my work truck. Yes there are situations that I cannot always predict but I'm always watching out for the unexpected and that has saved me more than once.

JD_RidesABike_ZA 154 points155 points 2 months ago


I'm the first to admit I break speeding laws and lane filter aggressively sometimes.

If someone drifts into my lane I move over and hoot to let them know I'm there. 100% of the time they look over and be like "oh shit!" and instantly moves back out of the way. I look at them and they always wave super apologetically.

Just wave back and carry on with your life.

If you say you've never changed lanes without forgetting to signal or check properly, you're a goddamn liar. Shit happens.

If you were able to ride away from eachother. Then nothing to worry about. Stop being a dramatic dick bag. Flip them off and carry on.

I'm saying this as someone who crashed into someone who ran a red light. I acknowledged I went through an intersection too fast and didn't check properly. As I would have been able to avoid her. I as a rider also need to understand that there is a small percentage of retarded people on the road and take precautions.

Refurbishedcamel 44 points45 points 2 months ago

It bugs me watching those “CRAZY PEOPLE VS BIKERS” videos where they’re hauling ass and the car has no chance of seeing them. Then biker loses his shit following them or going off not watching the road just to yell at them.

If I’m speeding and someone doesn’t see me I see that as MY fault. I rarely even beep at them if I can just go around and ride on with no reaction. Only time I get pissy now is if someone does something stupid. Runs a stop sign to pull out in front of me, cuts over 3 lanes to make an exit, etc. general carelessness is what pisses me off now.

giantzoo 13 points14 points 2 months ago

Yes, it drives me insane. It’s typically bitchy little moto-vloggers looking for shit to get views with though.

Refurbishedcamel 6 points7 points 2 months ago

Anything for content

theamazingsteve12002 Suzuki GSF600S 9 points10 points 2 months ago

there is a small massive percent of retarded people on the road

But it still doesn't excuse riding like an asshole.

Boringtime 38 points39 points 2 months ago

I needed to hear this. I shook my head at a van driver this morning who started to pull out in front of me from a cross street while I was going straight. Only realized later that my fucking turn signal was on!

We're all idiots sometimes.

DorianGreysPortrait2019 CB300r 8 points9 points 2 months ago

Ha that’s definite happened to me. Car pulls out without waiting, and I think “Man, what an assh... oh. Damnit.” And then cancel my signal. I’ve gotten better about it thankfully!

jikayen2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café 4 points5 points 2 months ago

Same here man. As the weather has been getting colder, I've been getting cut off more lately and I suspect it's due to the lower amount of bikes on the road so people just aren't looking for us anymore. But I still couldn't stop myself from getting into the "fuck cagers" sort of mentality whenever it happened. Really needed to hear the reality of this post today.

Not_invented-Here 36 points37 points 2 months ago

Having ridden bikes and driven cars and vans, I always wonder if one thing no one really realises if they have never driven a bike is the agility of a bike and I think it might catch them unawares of some approaches that seem natural on a bike.

Also bikes really can be hard to spot, even when you are looking for them, you can disappear behind a sign, bend, hedge from one angle and not realise yourself because you are looking from an entirely different angle. Just because you can see a car doesn't mean it can see you.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 45 points46 points 2 months ago

When I'm not on my bike, I'm in a semi. 18-Wheeler. 8-car car hauler.

On a bike, the lane is massive. The options for egress are usually ample. You're rarely trapped. Granted, the stakes are higher if you choose wrong, but you're agile af.

In a car, and definitely in a semi, when the lanes narrow and the shoulder is closed, it can be a challenge just to keep in a single lane.

When I'm on the bike, I operate as if I'm a fighter jet moving alongside Air Force One. If the plane I'm paralleling moves my way, I don't hit the cockpit window. I move. I react because I will lose every fight. Sometimes that means speeding up. Sometimes it means slowing up. Whatever is required, the goal is not to compete, but to avoid tumbling on the freeway. Again.

DrVagax 24 points25 points 2 months ago

Heh i'm not the only one thinking riding a bike almost feels like piloting some kind of fighter jet

skyattacksx2012 Ninja 250R || 2003 YZF R6 8 points9 points 2 months ago

And here I am still waiting for a “HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE” key tag with a lil illustrated Tomcat.

Sigh... one can dream.

GhostfaceHecklahSV650N 4 points5 points 2 months ago

Whenever that song hits on my playlist my front wheel comes up way more than any other time

LaceySnr 97 points98 points 2 months ago

Well said that man.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 27 points28 points 2 months ago

Thank you, friend.

[deleted] 23 points24 points 2 months ago


leftgameslayerTexas, '16 Scout Sixty 6 points7 points 2 months ago

"The laws of physics preside over the laws of man."

The vehicle with the most lug nuts wins.

Itsthejoker2002 Honda Shadow 750 ACE 4 points5 points 2 months ago

eternal care unit

This may be obvious, but is this referencing a morgue?

GreenTurboRangr 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Yes, and death in general.

HankolS1000R 62 points63 points 2 months ago

It's not because he hates motorcyclists and wants to kill you, probably.

That's why I hate the saying "ride as if everyone wants to kill you". No they don't. It sets the wrong mood. I never do that. Ride cautiously, sure. Hate everybody? Hell no.

I also never got why some riders turn around and follow somebody when they do [insert random mistake]. What is that supposed to achieve? What are you going to do, look angry at them?

insertnamehere24 45 points46 points 2 months ago

Ride as if everyone around you CAN kill you (with a potential mistake).

mossballs'18 BMW R1200RS 1 point2 points 2 months ago

I like it!

SamaMaBich 13 points14 points 2 months ago


Hate everybody?

Definitely not what that means. It's just a more dramatic way of saying that you should ride defensively, it's not meant to encourage you to hate other motorists.

joeverdrive2015 FJ-09 5 points6 points 2 months ago

Language shapes the way we think and if we tell ourselves something often enough we start to believe it. How many "attempted murder" comments do you see on this sub or r/idiotsincars

HankolS1000R 9 points10 points 2 months ago

I know, but it's still the wrong way of tackling this.

PUNCHINGCATTLE 2 points3 points 2 months ago

I prefer to say ride as if no one can see you. They're not trying to kill you but bikes can be hard to see if you're not looking for them.

Zephod03 33 points34 points 2 months ago

I was riding local streets on my way home and a silver Suv pulled out to my right, saw me, and then lurched into the lane blocking about 78% of my path causing me to brake and swerve overshooting my targeted stopping distance by a few feet and missing his hood by about two feet. I stopped, turned around ready to give him hell but when I pulled up to the guy, the only thing I could do, was ask if he was okay. If I was honest with myself I really wasn't that angry. He apologized and said his foot slipped and accidentally hit the gas. His grandson apologized. I apologized to both of them and said I could have been going a little slower. I cant remember if I noticed his hat or he noticed my veteran patch but we swapped service stories, then parted ways and that was it. No looking twice for a silver Suv because I took his mirror off. No police pulling me over because I fit the description of a biker that got in to a fight with an old man and his grandson. Just another life threatening moment averted by Msf training, defensive riding, and maybe a little unconditional compassion. Best part is, we all got home.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 7 points8 points 2 months ago

0351 👍

RedBeardMountainMan'19 MT-09 | Utah 14 points15 points 2 months ago

I've also noticed that the people that ride like assholes have the most close-calls, which further increases their "us vs. them" mentality.

On my commute home a few weeks back, some dude was trying to show off and was gunning it from every light, swerving through traffic, and flipping off every driver within 100 yards of him. I watched him have more close-calls in 5 minutes than I've had in three years of commuting on that road.

tanyeehou87CBR250R | Aprilia Shiver 750 38 points39 points 2 months ago


I have been feeling a bit of toxicity in this sub, but like all subs, the vocal ones are usually more emotionally charged.

everydreday 13 points14 points 2 months ago

Dude this is EXACTLY how i feel every time I watch the YouTube videos of people making tiny infractions like 30 yards away and the biker freaking out. It’s embarrassing as f.

klinquistKTM 1290SA, Husqvarna FE501. CMSP Moto instructor. 14 points15 points 2 months ago

Very well said. I try to stress this to my CMSP(beginner motorcyclist class) students.

This is why I also hate the term “cager.”

barstowtovegas 1 point2 points 2 months ago

What’s up fellow CMSP coach :)

GreyJay288 17 points18 points 2 months ago

I hear you man. And even though the rules are a little different over here in Australia (as I found out on the exact same post) we feel the same. We want safe roads just as much as y'all do. If you wanna be safe ride defensively because sometimes it's just a case of "Sorry mate, I didn't see ya".

And if you do want to ride a little faster or bend a few laws, thats perfectly fine (i do it myself), just for God's sake be wary of others. The last thing we want is another statistic.

Daegoba(NC) Buell XB9S 7 points8 points 2 months ago

It’s amazing how we can grow into a completely different person, given we are lucky enough to survive after years of being out on the road.

Seven years ago I was a completely different person than I am today. A lot of what you said in your post did describe me as a rider. After a few close calls, I felt it was my responsibility to deal some justice whenever I was slighted. That my actions would bring some higher consciousness or understanding to those that got the hammer.

I was a young and stupid child. Thankfully, I lived through it. I am a better rider for it. A better man because of it. I hope your message reaches someone that could benefit from it, OP, although I will admit that it would’ve fell on my own deaf ears had I read this seven years ago.

Use those pull-offs in the mountains to reflect on yourselves. Try to imagine it’s you inside that drivers seat instead of someone else. Put yourself in their shoes and try to see the world from another perspective.

Be careful out there.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 3 points4 points 2 months ago

Humility is worth its price. Glad you're with us, friend.

Blumatron‘15 KTM RC390 4 points5 points 2 months ago

When I was stationed in FL I was riding my motorcycle (KTMRC390). Was waiting to turn into Walmart (2 lanes turning left I was in the right one). Light turned green and I started around the corner, once turned 90 degrees a Hyundai in the other lane crossed over into mine and bumped into my leg and the frame slider, sending me and my bike flying to the right. Luckily, I had enough space I was able to keep it from falling over.

The car didn’t stop. He continued driving through the Walmart lot and several others before finally (with a lot of effort) getting into a space in front of a Michaels. Needless to say I was pretty heated, I did follow him but decided not to approach. I went about my business and went into Walmart, got my shit, then came back out, and noticed the car was still there.

This time I went over to the window and tapped on it, asking if the man was okay. He said he was and that he was sorry he hit me, then started to blame the blind spot monitoring system. Given his age and the fact that I wasn’t injured, I decided to let it slide.

To me I took this as a lesson more in the fact that drivers are so technology dependent that even though they mean well, their human instincts (and sometimes laziness to turn their head) get the best of them and accidents do happen. I do wish the gentleman had stopped, but evidently his wife REALLY needed to get to Michaels.

So share the road, don’t take peoples mirrors off, and just be thankful you are riding instead of creating a war with the drivers around you. I assure you it is not one you will win.

rxtomfool 4 points5 points 2 months ago

This is too measured and thoughtful for the internet.

outever 3 points4 points 2 months ago

Bravo! This post should be sticked. It always baffled me how some riders act like other cars should have a spider-sense about their presence. This post should be taught in every driver's licence exam.

I always remember a rider that cut me off on an exit. I had to brake and I honked. He flipped me off and banged on his blinking turn signal. But he rode fast from behind me and I didn't have time to see that he wanted to change lanes, his turn signal was useless.

kelseydaddy 10 points11 points 2 months ago

Been riding for more than 40 years and I tend to think in your opposition viewpoint a large portion of the time...because how in the hell could “I” be wrong. Well who says ya can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Thank you 🤛🖖

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 10 points11 points 2 months ago

Happy to be of service. Thank you for not posting your response in all caps, sir.

LeWanabee 6 points7 points 2 months ago

That was really well written and I agree fully, take into account that you're much more vulnerable and ride accordingly. And show mercy to other people, you will show them the way

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Indeed. And thanks.

in_casino_0ut2000 Duke 640, 1991 Vulcan 750 8 points9 points 2 months ago

Im pretty over this too. Especially, "Fuckin Cagers! Almost died today!"

Yeah, no shit, so did people in a car. We are choosing to drive less visible vehicles. It's our responsibility to make sure we drive defensively.

not_so_creative 2 points3 points 2 months ago

Riding in California I agree that most incidents that happened when I'm on my bike, a lot of drivers were apologetic if they drifted or I caught them on their cell phones. Having moved to Tennessee, however, I understand getting irrationally angry at drivers because they just don't care where I live now. People drifting into my lane because they're on their phones and I'll honk at them and they'll start yelling and flipping me off because I had the audacity to be beside them on a multi-lane road while they weren't paying attention... or staring right at me as I'm coming down the road and then turning out in front of me at the last minute so I have to drop from 45 to 15mph because they don't feel like they should accelerate after cutting someone off.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

That sounds annoying.

Y'all should get along.

abobobillyHonda CB600 2006 2 points3 points 2 months ago

Well said. This needs to be put out there, especially for riders who react harshly to any given scenario. I have a simple mantra of riding. It's "US" who need to sharpen our skills, and it's definitely "US" who need to perceive any hazard on the road. Because in the likely event of a ... incident, WE will be the one losing the most. Also, bikers need to chill the eff out. Like, why we have to ride the crotch rocket to high speeds all the time? Sometimes it's more fun to chill out and enjoy the ride.

VfefI need to buy a new bike 2 points3 points 2 months ago

Great post dude.

I ride as if no one can see me. Even when I wear a flaggers vest. Plenty of people still accidentally cut me off. Hell they do it when I'm in my Ford fusion. Mistakes happen. Hell my car has HUGE blind spots and I've almost gotten into a wreck merging onto the freeway at speed. (wierd onramp. High road merges onto a straight road into a single lane that merges onto a freeway. )

What gets me is when people break mirrors. Like, you're mad he didn't see you and almost hit you. So you break his mirror so it's even harder to see you and more dangerous to drive? What the fuck kinda logic is that shit?

I feel like I see more of the "fuck cagers" mentality because it gets views on YouTube. "Check out this cager getting OWNED by a motorcycle rider" just some guy screaming at an old man because he's old and didn't see him. Such justice. "Why the fuck didn't you see me?! " He's 75. He barely can see the dashboard.

That shit is 2000lbs of fuck you and you want to play fuck fuck games with it because... They made a mistake? If you saw a pissed off elephant would you get out of it's way, leaving it alone, or pull its tail and make it mad enough to finally run you down?

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago


SchwettyBawls 2 points3 points 2 months ago

This needs to be stickied.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Username checks out!

Shaddow541 2 points3 points 2 months ago

I want to point out I'm reading this while in physical therapy for a broken leg. Motorcycling is dangerous

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 3 points4 points 2 months ago

Sorry to hear. I separated my shoulder, being reckless.

Shaddow541 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Ride safe brotha

BigOldCar1998 Shadow 1100 A.C.E. 2 points3 points 2 months ago

Well Fucking Said!

Powdrtostman 2 points3 points 2 months ago

I hate these videos. Yea, you got cut off and had to slow down a bit. You didn't need to escalate by then riding along side the car and try to scream at them, punch their mirror, or attempt to over take them. If anything, you should want to fall back and let the worse driver stay ahead of you so they can't hurt you.

kraken9911 2 points3 points 2 months ago

I got perspective on how prissy riders are having watched countless vlog videos after moving to southeast asia and riding around here for 5 years now.

In the typical videos you got guys screaming in their helmet and rev bombing because a car did something slightly unusual at what I would consider not a "danger close" distance on an otherwise perfectly paved wide multi lane road with multiple options to defensively ride. I honestly think a lot of the content we are seeing now is a culture of vloggers desperate for content (we can't all be snowcat) and the lowest hanging fruit is to find conflict with other drivers.

SyscrushModernized 1979 CBX 5 points6 points 2 months ago

This post should be stickied.

We're all out there doing our best - cagers, too. Every day someone is posting a video of some minor infraction followed by the sanctimonious head shake. Jesus Fuckin' Christ - if a car drifting into your lane or a pedestrian crossing the street while looking at their phone is that much stress, then seriously reconsider if riding a bike is for you.

10+ years ago, if I saw a motorcyclist with a camera mounted on their helmet, I would think "That's a badass up to some hijinx." Now I think "There goes a finger-wagging commuter with zero sense of agency."

TerdSandwich'80 CB900c Grey Ghost 5 points6 points 2 months ago


monster energy spills from my pockets

Wibbly23 5 points6 points 2 months ago

yep. that's a really well thought out post.... i share a very similar sentiment and i break it down into two simple thoughts.

if someone cuts you off it's because they didn't see you. that's all. if you suddenly appear and kick their mirror off YOU ARE THE ASSHOLE. they won't know why you've done it.


you are NOT allowed to be both the victim AND the aggressor.

if you are riding around like a dick and punching cars you are not a victim of fucking anything so shut the fuck up.

but yes. agree with your points.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

And I yours.

DirteeCanuck 4 points5 points 2 months ago

disturbed286'16 HD Fat Boy S, '13 BMW F800R 2 points3 points 2 months ago

Holy hell.

I don't think that guy even got on the brakes.

XXX-Jade-Is-Rad-XXX'07 SV650S 6 points7 points 2 months ago

You have to be suicidal to pass stopped traffic on a freeway that fast. Slow down and give yourself more reaction time, don't ride like an f-ing klutz.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 0 points1 point 2 months ago


rtfdj65 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Nicely put. The guideline here doesn't just apply to motorcycling, but to social behaviour in general.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago


nVi2x 1 point2 points 2 months ago

"You having the right of the way is not worth loosing you ability to walk."

I speak from experience this man is true. Couldn't walk for 4 months after a woman turned left into me in an intersection (still recovering from the incident, can't jog/run, stand for long periods of time). It took that for me to realize no matter how cool we think we are, just remember, were not wrapped around in a metal cage. We are not immortals. We're just crazy ass people riding with a tank of burning fuel, engines that produce more HP than your avg 3rd world car, on 2 wheels where all of this is happening right beneath our legs.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Recover well, friend.

badgerandaccessories 1 point2 points 2 months ago

The guys who are quick to anger and go after a mirror are the same assholes in beemers who don’t signal and brake check people, just in a different ride.

ozziesironmanoffroad 1 point2 points 2 months ago

I work with someone who has broken mirrors and has slapped people who stick their heads out their windows laughing at him.

It’s just like why? Let it go. A motorcycle vs a car in a collision the car will win each time - even a smart car -

And idk about you but I’d rather get home and still be angry rather than being a pancake because the guy whose mirror I broke swerved into me

not4smurf1995 XJ600S 1 point2 points 2 months ago

I agree 100% with everything you said, but I'll add - it's damn difficult to walk the talk for some of us. I've been riding since 1976 and on the road since 1983. In my day to day life I'm a normal mild mannered middle aged professional. But when I get on a bike some switch flips and I get aggressive - there's no other word for it. If I see another bike ahead of me I have to chase them down and overtake them, if another road user makes a mistake that impacts me I often react badly etc.

Luckily I recognise this in myself and try really hard to resist it. I didn't own a road bike from age 20 to 40 because I knew I'd kill myself or (worse) someone else. As I get older I'm getting better at "chilling", but the urges are still there. There's just something about me and bikes - and I suspect I'm not the only one.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

No I have no idea what you're talking about


bentstrider83 1 point2 points 2 months ago

These incidents seem to happen everywhere, but I'm guessing for population reasons they seem to be quite visible in CA. Lived in the Victorville area from the age of 3 to 29 when I moved to NM in 2012. Been riding out here in NM for the past, 3-4 years after having had my M1 endorsement since 2006. Apart from tailgating and speeding drivers(I don't speed, going fast in any vehicle gives me the shakes.) riding in eastern NM and west TX seems to be quite tame compared to the many videos I see from back in CA.
Don't know how riders do it out there, but I guess they just roll with the general flow of things on the crowded roads out there. Will I ever move back there? Nope. It'd be like relearning to walk again, honestly.

AliveThrouDeath 1 point2 points 2 months ago

As a fellow New Mexican who's considering graduating from electric scooter to motorcycle in a few months here (after I've had time to take MSF and track down an affordable starter bike), do you have any NM-specific motorcycle riding pointers?

bentstrider83 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Nothing to add really. Just keep your eyes and ears open and leave yourself an out if things get too hairy. I'm more of a fan of two lane roads out here. Less issues with Farmer Vander Deusens kids tearing ass behind you in the family 2500!!

loststylush2sx se '18 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Absolutely with you on this. Thank you for posting this.

The funny thing is that a lot of riders who do shit likes this often don't have enough experience driving a car or didn't have driving experience prior to riding.

I know several people who started driving only after riding a bike and suddenly their anger was gone, replaced by surprise and sayings like "I didn't realize drivers don;t really see us in some situations".

It's simple: you should know that people on the road generally don;t want to harm you, they just want to get to their destination. They may be distracted, yes, they may be irritated by something or just tired after work or long trip, so yes, their attention slips sometimes.

At the same time ride defensively like everyone is trying to kill you, just remember that they actually don't mean it. The road is not a place for emotions.

Driving a car will let you understand certain habits and patterns that take place on a road, so driving actually can make you a better rider.

adaptiveagile 1 point2 points 2 months ago

I’d imagine that the silent majority would agree with you 100%. The one and only time I “removed” a mirror was overseas, when an entitled asshole had the nerve to illegally park right in back of my legally parked bike, completely boxing me in. His car was just inches away from my bike. I had no idea when he’d be back. First I waited. Then I went to work figuring how to get out of there. Took 10-15 minutes extracting my bike, including lifting. My knee armor accidentally found itself in the guy’s mirror. Oops.

Another thing I do while lane splitting (SoCal) is keeping my blinker on. It rarely fails to attract attention to the fact that I’m passing. BTW, I’m definitely no angel, but I use blinkers religiously. A pet peeve. So don’t make sweeping statements :)

ChameleonF30 1 point2 points 2 months ago

dont attribute to malice what could be adequately explained by stupidity

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Or ignorance, preoccupation, etc

mitbro 1 point2 points 2 months ago

I was the asshole lane filtering the other day... knocked a guys mirror with my handle bar end mirrors doing about 15km/h. because it was at a red light i stopped and backed up and apologised profusely and made sure there was no damage and made sure he was happy there was no damage. the guy was so nice about it and said "All good man".

OP is right... we all fuck up sometimes and a bit of understanding and forgiveness is appreciated when you're the guy who needs it.

PM_ME_YOUR_LUKEWARM899 Panigale 1 point2 points 2 months ago

what is the referenced video?

ganggangmf 4 points5 points 2 months ago

Well said! I would’ve given you an award if I had one lol Punching Mirrors is never the way to go. Even if cars drift into your lane, don’t act out in anger. In your lifetime of riding, there is always going to be cars that don’t see you and make mistakes. EVERYONE makes mistakes.

Instead of punching mirrors and rev-bombing, use that time to avoid an accident. Learn how these drivers drive and act in your area. Notice their intentions ahead of time. These little things will make you a better rider and will help you in the long run.

I’ve only been riding for 9 months and I have never had the urge to retaliate against drivers. I’m from the Bay Area and yes I do get cut off multiple times whenever I’m in the city. So don’t say, “oh you don’t understand, you’ve never been .........”. Most accidents can be avoided. Better yourself as rider.

Ive learned a lot from motojitsu’s YouTube videos and so can y’all(Not sponsored, just think he’s a great teacher).

scaylos1 2 points3 points 2 months ago

Stay safe and ride ATGATT, please. I was riding in the Bay Area for 2.5 years, (7 years total, year-round) and got hit on CA237 in August by a negligent driver merging rapidly into me. Riding safe and sane, having matched speed just before impact, and wearing great gear saved me from most injury. No broken bones. Just minor internal injuries, a sprained ankle, and a lot of soreness in my joints.

whiskey_locks 3 points4 points 2 months ago

Similar to cyclists.

But I have to tell you, I live in Sydney, Australia.

A lot of drivers hate us and deliberately target us.

Even if a driver is looking at me directly, I assume they haven't seen me and cycle accordingly.

When I drive I make allowances for bicycles, scooters and motorcycles.

Because I know what it's like.

Stay safe, brother x

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 4 points5 points 2 months ago

I'm glad you didn't put an o after that x or it might have gotten an itty bit weird.

whiskey_locks 3 points4 points 2 months ago

I dunno man. A kiss is a bit more intimate than a hug. Oh well. Habit I've gotten into.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 2 points3 points 2 months ago

I guess I was thinking the x didn't mean kiss. Like, it was a typo or just a cool letter to end that bit with.

But now it is and I'm here and--I'm a Westerner and that's--

Right. Welp. Carry on, shall we.

whiskey_locks 2 points3 points 2 months ago

I think I need to rethink the way I talk to people.

As you were, haha

DogUsingInternet2017 KTM Super Duke R 2 points3 points 2 months ago

Echoed my thoughts exactly when I saw that.

TLRracer 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Well said, well written - thank you.

RichL2United States 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Anecdotal experience but I’m very happy that I didn’t get into motorcycles in my 20s. I’m just into my early 30s and I’m far more calm these days....

Motorcycles are inherently less forgiving to crash in and, as OP suggested, driving defensively is key.

Panic_1BMW R1200R '11 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Upvoted! The public road is a shared resource.

Optimus_Prime_10'18 Street Triple R 1 point2 points 2 months ago

It's hard to deal with careless people that value memes over my life, however. I'm unhinged lately after getting run off the road by a fucking school bus last week - people get near that yellow line now and I'm a coiled spring ready to pop. I work daily on autonomous cars, but even that isn't working these days. It's like these people need to hurt someone to learn the lesson, and I'm not going to lay around and take all their attempts without fighting back. That said, I'm talking about hands and honks, not busting mirrors, but I can understand the frustration that leads to the bad behavior, even if I don't accept the action taken.

My problem with the apologists is that being careless is being dangerous, and being dangerous on purpose is otherwise called aggressive. Every driver and rider has the responsibility to be focused, keep their vehicle in safe working order, and any deviation from this is selfish behavior designed to save the driver something (money, time, whatever) at the cost of the same from others - that is not OK, and I don't give a shit how tough a morning they had, don't get in the car until you calm yourself down. Go in a few minutes late, or move your schedule to avoid whatever is causing the stress in the morning, but you don't have the right to make your problem our problem.

There's a difference between being outrageous and respectfully holding your peers accountable, but "just dealing with it" is not the right answer. They may not hate us, but bad drivers do not respect those around them regardless of vehicle wheel count, and should be afforded no respect back. When that person is on their phone, or doesn't go at the now-green light, if you're not honking or addressing the situation, you are part of the problem - maybe just do it without violence or property damage. Definitely don't sit there like some pacifist, that distracted driver is going to hurt someone, just because it doesn't look like it will be you today doesn't make it ok to just let it go.

joeverdrive2015 FJ-09 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Riders are not in a position to teach drivers lessons. The only education revenge will give them is "motorcycles are assholes"

Optimus_Prime_10'18 Street Triple R 2 points3 points 2 months ago

Exactly, I'm not talking about revenge, I'm talking about having calm conversations to correct shitty behaviors, not pockets full of ball bearings.

joeverdrive2015 FJ-09 0 points1 point 2 months ago

This is so rare as to be fairytale

autobot_annihilatorKTM RC8 R 0 points1 point 2 months ago



fz09beast 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Thank you I feel like some of us forgot this

passwordunlockcbr650r 0 points1 point 2 months ago

That little shake they do when they go to switch lanes then see you is terrifying though. Glad they checked and took the right course of action, wish they'd check first though. Still, not gonna get my panties in a twist over someone doing the right thing in a slightly wrong order.

Morningxafter 0 points1 point 2 months ago

You basically just said everything I was thinking while reading the comments on that same post, just far more clearly and eloquently than I could ever pull off.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Haha, well alright then. Thank you.

MarabarToo many 0 points1 point 2 months ago


angel_of_blink 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Well said

iitsPredator2017 Honda CB500F 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I feel like everyone needs to experience things from all of the other perspectives to understand it. A lot of drivers and riders are selfish which is the opposite of how people should use the road! If everyone was aware and thoughtful while out there then it would be a whole lot safer anyway.

waterfallhoots 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Riding a Kawasaki and living on the prairies - I let the city folk and Harley riders argue about who has a smaller dick and enjoy the sunshine and breeze in anonymity.

jmartz290 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I always wanted to learn how to drive a motorcycle but after reading all this and actually seeing some people in cars braking too close to motorcycles or also tailgating motorcycles, I think I’m just gonna stick with driving cars. In general most people assume that if you are driving a motorcycle or a fast car that you are gonna be a maniac on the road, they instantly judge you on the type of vehicle you have instead of the driver you are.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Stereotypes are based on realities. A lot of us do drive recklessly. We shouldn't.

hopingyoudie2007 gsxr 600ish 0 points1 point 2 months ago

The best lessons taught are more thoroughly understood after the swelling goes down.

NickyBoyH'86 FZX700FAZER | United States 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I see so many of those "Biker smash mirror, road rage, etc" videos on YouTube where a rider will get cut off in traffic, pull up to the car, smash their mirror, then point to the camera on their helmet like "Look! I got you on film IDIOT!!" ... Congrats, you just caught yourself damaging someone else's property on camera.

flylink6314 Husq Terra, 15 Aprilia Caponord 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Well said!

ninekilnmegalith'95 Sportster 883 w/ Tripoli frame 0 points1 point 2 months ago

If I wasn't a cheap bastard I'd give you gold!

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Haha, appreciated nonetheless

Quicksilver 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Totally agree. Add also that: Have pity on them... they are stuck in a car, poor souls. Some of them are probably even guys with bikes that had to pick something up and couldn't take their bike today.

Reikste 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Well said. I recently visited SoCal and never experienced lane splitting or the massive volume of traffic that plagues LA highways. However, I did my best to make sure that the motorcyclists had plenty of room to pass.

One day I want to own a bike and ride myself, but videos of people smashing mirrors and such just put a bad taste in my mouth.

It's not a competition we all just wanna get to where we're going.

goochisdrunkFZ-07 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I'm in agreement. For all my friends that ride will gripe and complain about drivers, I've seen plenty of them take calls and text while driving, screw around with the radio, drift out of lane, turn around to yell at their kids, etc. when in their cars. There's definitely an element of motorcyclists being up on our high horse when we think of car drivers. You may be more aware when "you" are on your motorcycle, but so many are the exact same drivers they fear when not on their bikes themselves.

69beefboy 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Good luck, half the people on this sub are attention-seeking adrenaline-junky Chad's with monster energy neck tattoos that seek fights to justify their inflated egos. The other half are genuinly awesome people I would love to have a beer with.

velimzzzz 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I kind of agree. However, I've also been riding in groups before and had crazy people trying to chase us down, run into us, etc. So yes, for some reason certain people are triggered by the sight of people on motorcycles. Not everyone is like that, obviously, but all it takes is one psychotic driver to ruin your life forever. Just be careful out there, and aware of your surroundings!

cavebiker 0 points1 point 2 months ago

For the most part you ate correct. However, I started riding 40 years ago while I was living in SoCal. I was temporarily stationed at the Tustin Marine Corps base (now closed). Days after arriving Tustin, I learned about lane splitting (I'm from South Dakota, we don't have enough cars or people in the entire state to create an average LA area traffic jam). I was riding a custom modified Honda 750k Four, a relatively skinny bike. The very first Friday I was there, my unit had scheduled a fun day at Universal Studios, but we had to use our personal vehicles to get there. We left to return to the base at about 5pm (where I learned my first important lesson about LA traffic - avoid rush hours!). It didn't take long after leaving Universal to realize my bike was overheating. A friendly CHP motorcycle cop pulled up next to me as he was lane splitting. Traffic was barely moving and I had turned the bike off and was half pushing, half coasting and he just told me to follow him. It probably helped me that he showed me a reasonable speed for that type of traffic, but once I got over my initial shock/fear of that many vehicles, it was a fairly easy ride. I did see people purposely open their car doors as I got closer (and I was still following the CHP bike - they waited until after he went by). I also had cars crowd the side of the lane where I was. I had only been riding for about 2 or 3 months at that time, however my riding experience this far involved a few thousand miles (before and after my time at Tustin, I was in 29 Palms where I was on duty 24 hours on/48 hours off). During my off times, I explored the area. It was not uncommon for me to need to gas up the bike at least once every day, and (I'm trying to be modest, but truthful) I not only got some pretty serious experience, I learned what the bike and I were capable of, and what our limits were. That experience gave me the skills to navigate through traffic. I very quickly learned to watch for inattentive drivers and to be prepared to avoid them. The drivers that purposely did things that could be unsafe were harder to spot. Many times that day, and many many times over the next couple of years, I've had to put my foot or hand out to protect myself, occasionally banging on the car to get the driver's attention, and usually they were cool about it. Doors being opened, things being tossed out windows, was also common (1979, AC was a luxury item for most car buyers). I can understand why riders might whack someone's rear view mirrors, but it's not something I would do myself - intentionally damaging some one else's vehicle can be more dangerous and expensive and doesn't make much sense. I haven't had the opportunity to ride on SoCal since 1980, but I have been back to the area when I was driving long haul semi's, and on family vacations (by car, I'm the only one in my immediate family that rides).

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Cool story.

I was at Pendleton. Semper Fi, my friend. And I drive a car hauler.

Come back anytime.

capn_buzzcut 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I agree totally. So many of our fellow motorcyclists seem to think we own the road and everyone else needs to pay special attention to us. They're not going to because they're driving a vehicle that can crush you, no matter how mad that makes you. Look, you're riding a machine that is capable of outmaneuvering almost everything else on the road IF you know how to ride it. If you can't take advantage of that fact and acquire the skills to ride accordingly, then maybe it's YOU that needs the attitude adjustment.

KarmaticEvolution 0 points1 point 2 months ago

YES! I hope the guy that I pass sometimes on the 405 freeway (SoCal) with stickers on his helmet that reads, "FUCK CARS!" sees this. Maybe he has a personal story that means a lot to him but I am not sure that message is doing him or any of us any favors.

shugawatapurple91‘19 Royal Enfield Himalayan 0 points1 point 2 months ago

This really needed to be said, thank you! Some ass hole in Oakland ripped pass me on my bike and gave me the thumbs down for what I assume was because I wasn’t lane splitting during traffic on the highway? Some of us motorcyclists are really shit cocky people.

My-Work-Reddit2019 Honda Grom ... BABY! 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Hey OP, can you post a link to the source video?

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I'm not savvy with the Android app, but it's a recently posted and popular video in this sub.


That's all the info I needed ... found it. Thanks!

mistersnowman_2008 Suzuki DL650 0 points1 point 2 months ago

My personal goal is to remember not to react emotionally. It can usually end up causing more harm than good. Yesterday, on my way home from work, someone really didn't like that I split lanes all the way to the front of a line. After weaving through traffic to catch up to me, he purposely grazed me and brake checked me. It just ignited fury within me and I reacted. Not physically, but emotionally. That can escalate so fast and it's not worth bumping into the wrong people. Like OP said, there is the 1% of people that I truly believe do want to kill you, but to me, minimizing our reactions to any conflicts can really prevent issues when we run into that 1%.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Also in life

mistersnowman_2008 Suzuki DL650 0 points1 point 2 months ago

true though. but for some reason the emotional responses are elevated on the bike. I think it's mostly the mindset going into it though, like you mentioned.

[deleted] 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Some people in this hobby definitely need to have a cup of tea and just chill the hell out.

zeepbar 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Wear bright colors. Ditch the black bike and black gear for something that doesn't blend in with the road.

Mack179 0 points1 point 2 months ago

The motorcycle community where I live is toxic. They act like children shouting “f the police” even if the police helped them organize a biking event and block traffic for them to all pull out of a meeting point.

I’m respectful of motorists and I fully expect them not to see me. I will rev my engine or shake my head but I’m not going to go berserk on someone just for driving distracted.

Not every motorist is an asshole. Not every cop is bad. Not every biker rides like a dick.

cuzwithfreshbuzz 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Bicycles are the best type of bike change my mind

Beemerado 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Best to be ready to flow around idiots. It's really never personal, being angry or upset hurts your judgement. Let your lizard brain do its job of running your eyes and ears and hands and feet to stay in control of your machine. There isn't processing power to spare for vengeance.

Btbbass 0 points1 point 2 months ago

You should be the next candidate for peace Nobel Price...

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Haha alright

TradeMark1591980 Kz750e 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Can we pin this? 👏Preach👏

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

And another thing! Haha

Profasual 0 points1 point 2 months ago

As a motor owner i think a lot fellow motorcyclist forget that we anticipate more on what a motor can do. "Regular" drivers don't up to certain point.

TheSecretofBog 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Also live and ride in So.Cal. Well, that was until some lady made an illegal turn from the center lane of Ventura Blvd. into a parking lot, with me in the lane she cut off. My bike is totaled and I'm in physical therapy (could have been worse, so I got that going for me). On the highly-congested freeways, lane-splitting is the only way to go. It saves so much time off of my commutes. The vast majority of car drivers are super chill and move over without any encouragement, or will do so with a light horn tap or flashing of the brights. It's the folks that have their heads buried in their laps while staring on their phone that suck. If they are swerving due to not paying attention, I tap on their car and point to my head in a "c'mon man, think" sort of gesture. I've pushed in a mirror every once in a while, but never broken one off. There's a big difference (obviously). In my mind, the auto driver should be happy there's one less car on the road taking up space. From the motorcyclist's point of view, I always give the "thank you peace sign" when they move over, and I assume that they don't see me, so as to drive more defensively. The douchebag motorcyclists that speed way faster than the flow of traffic and get pissed at car drivers are no different than the car drivers that do the same thing, only they don't have 3,000+ pounds of metal protecting them from their stupidity.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 0 points1 point 2 months ago

The valley is an aggressive environment. Sorry you're down. Heal up soon, friend.

TrueRadicalDreamer 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Isn't there is literal science that shows it's something in the brain that causes people not to see motorcycles, because of the way the brain fills in information?

You don't see many motorcycles, thus your reptile brain doesn't know to fill it in when it does a quick check. Literally not the motorist's fault most of the time.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 0 points1 point 2 months ago

I don't think so. But we are kinda small, relatively.

TrueRadicalDreamer 1 point2 points 2 months ago

I knew I had read about it somewhere. It's a really good article about why drivers miss motorcyclists because they don't expect to see them, resulting in a lot of "looked but didn't see" accidents.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Very well.

classicforever 0 points1 point 2 months ago

The problem with this is that there’s a line between making mistakes and careless/apathetic driving.

This is in no way a fine line.

I can’t condone malicious behavior in turn but neither can I seemingly deliberate careless/apathetic driving. If you watch Casey Peutsch on YouTube, he’s been speaking about this alot lately. He’s a highly experienced rider, driver and pilot and it’s not just while riding as he’s talking about.

From what I’ve seen, all the times as a rider I’ve come into conflict with a driver is from deliberate careless driving, namely not bothering to check for other traffic. I experience this when I ride my motorcycle and I experience this when I drive my 2 ton cage of an SUV. And it’s clear that the other driver just doesn’t care from the way they usually flip me off, a practically universal behavior.

It’s also clear that these drivers, as Casey points out, are extremely poorly educated. I’ll add on top of him that I really do think they’re poorly educated because they think they’re above education. This also goes back to what Casey talks about in his Left Lane Losers video. They know what they’re doing and they’re just irredeemable asswipes. Again I don’t condone asswipe behavior in turn but we need to put driving education accountable and make it do it’s job, weed out asshole and stupid behavior instead of being a glorified ritual. The fact that failure is almost impossible is exactly the problem. Show me in the goddamn Bill of Rights where it says everyone shall have the right to drive a car no matter how stupid they are.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Thank you. Y'all got me like

reptar20c 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Well said! I really don't care why drivers do what they do, if it comes down to it, no amount of moral high ground will save my life. Focus on the reality of tons of metal flying alongside at speed, ignore the human inside, and get home intact.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Thank you

ImRickyAndImSticky 0 points1 point 2 months ago

Thank you! The only time I've had a negative experience with a motorcyclist was when I was turning left and he passed me on the double yellow line. It turned into a whole scene, everyone cussing and treating me life shit because the guy was on a bike. Sorry buddy, that was fully your fault!

I watch out for you guys with all that I've got, I don't even smoke in my car anymore, in case you get behind me! Break traffic laws and you risk getting yourself killed, motorcycle or not, and it will be your fault.

Jaanold1996 FXSTC 2012 WR450F 0 points1 point 2 months ago


brainotomy 0 points1 point 2 months ago

So just for balance, I agree with a lot of what you say but people do not respect you for respecting them. Sadly it just does not work that way. If it did, bike gangs would be out mowing little old ladies lawns.

What people respect is fear of consequences. Sad but true.

In Toronto (and I suspect many other cities) the Police have all but stopped enforcing traffic laws so drivers have learned that the only consequence for bad driving happens when there is a collision and frankly there are so many rich people that they don't seem to care about that either.

We need to get people to put down their phones, and pay attention. So if smashing a mirror or two helps then I say go for it.

challengeimustTriumph Tiger[S] 1 point2 points 2 months ago

Fear is not respect. Fear is fear.