Highway Exit Close Call : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Winters2Long · 05-28-2007, 05:41 PM

I was riding on the highway today and exited to access more interesting roads. No one was exiting behind me so I'm downshifitng as I approach the end of the ramp and preparing to stop. Suddenly I hear squealing tires and see a red Corvette screaming up the ramp behind me. I was right of center - he regained control and continued around me on the left. He came to a rolling stop at the end of the ramp and kept going - apparently no big deal for him.
I pulled over - thanked God and thought about what I could learn from the situtation. Here's what I came up with.
1. I should have maintained a higher speed coming off the ramp while tapping the brakes to bring on the brake light.
2. I should have checked the mirrors again and again instead of letting my guard down as I approached the end of the ramp.

Any other thoughts?

hdmarsh77 · 05-28-2007, 06:21 PM

You have the right idea I think, except if you tap break(for lights) and keep an eye behind you, you can avoid the higher speed if it's good behind you. Otherwise, you're just breaking harder when it's not needed. Just like at a light or while slowing, or anytime you're on the bike for the matter, keeping an eye behind is the best practice.

Kinda scary to hear that squeal coming from behind, eh!?

hdmarsh77 · 05-28-2007, 06:43 PM

And by "avoid the higher speed" I don't mean putts along at a rediculously slow speed. You gotta keep the flow going. Just clarifing.

Winters2Long · 05-28-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdmarsh77

And by "avoid the higher speed" I don't mean putts along at a rediculously slow speed. You gotta keep the flow going. Just clarifing.

I follow you. I'm mad at myself for letting my guard down and being sucked into what a beautifil day it was to ride. Nothing like the sound of squealing brakes to snap you back to reality.

2kflhr · 05-28-2007, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winters2Long

I follow you. I'm mad at myself for letting my guard down and being sucked into what a beautifil day it was to ride. Nothing like the sound of squealing brakes to snap you back to reality.

I might back off of the throttle on the ramp if no one is behind me but stay at the ready.

FXDRYDR · 05-28-2007, 09:51 PM

Sounds like you nailed it - ya always have to be checking. Recently had a similar thing happen where I was overtaken by a crotch rocket. Checked mirrors and nothing behind me, a moment later the guy comes screaming by, passing on my right. I was doing 80-85 and IMO the crotch rocket had to be doing all of 130 and possibly more. I hadn't seen him back there and was startled. I was just about to make change to the right when he came by and thaough about that all the way home.

route66paul · 05-28-2007, 11:18 PM

This is a great reason to install a "back off" unit. These units make the brake lights flash(different patterns available). Add a couple of lights and hook them up seperatly. You would be suprised at the reaction, and it all comes down to the cager slowing down.

Winters2Long · 05-29-2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by route66paul

This is a great reason to install a "back off" unit. These units make the brake lights flash(different patterns available). Add a couple of lights and hook them up seperatly. You would be suprised at the reaction, and it all comes down to the cager slowing down.

I have a flashing brake light unit and I also have the unit that turns my turn signals into running lights and brake lights. The problem was that I had been on the ramp long enough that I was off the brakes and was downshifting. I won't make that mistake again - I'll continue to keep the brake lights on.

Pop's Cycle · 05-30-2007, 03:42 AM

I have experienced similar situations. It's definitely an oh $h!t moment when you realize there's something coming at you that you hadn't seen when making a manuever.

Personally, I think you did your part. Dude was obviously going so fast that he didn't see you. I imagine he was gloating to himself what a great driver he is as he moved around you.

There's only so much defensive driving you can do. The other guy has to do his part too.

Ibc · 08-15-2007, 03:26 PM

I always have to check getting off and on the interstate. People seem to think they can fly off/on, or stop at the last minute. Never let your guard down, even in a car.

sonoffatboy · 08-15-2007, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winters2Long

I follow you. I'm mad at myself for letting my guard down and being sucked into what a beautifil day it was to ride. Nothing like the sound of squealing brakes to snap you back to reality.

this has happened to all of us....(yers was a close one tho!)

RKJ · 08-15-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pop's Cycle

I have experienced similar situations. It's definitely an oh $h!t moment when you realize there's something coming at you that you hadn't seen when making a manuever.

Personally, I think you did your part. Dude was obviously going so fast that he didn't see you. I imagine he was gloating to himself what a great driver he is as he moved around you.

There's only so much defensive driving you can do. The other guy has to do his part too.

Here Here! Just because somebody is driving a performance car/bike doesn't mean they have to drive/ride like "Speedracer". It sounds like Winters2Long was doing what he was supposed to do and the knucklehead in the vette had his head up his rear end. Glad everything worked out ok.