Can't overcome my potential bad habit

Message

xk · #1 Unread post by xk » Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:19 am

I am still taking riding lessons and one thing which I can get myself to use is the mirrors. Before I get flamed let me explain

I'm finding the visibility offered by the mirrors to be extremely limited when compared to cars no matter how much I adjust them and many times when I have to change lanes or take a turn I completely ignore the mirrors and look directly behind before making my move.

The instructor always keeps harping that I have to use the mirrors but on their own are not enough. I think I'm doing half a right thing coz there might be situations where I can't afford to take my eyes off the road in front.

Anyone of you had this problem? Any tips on how you dealt with it?

Andrew · #2 Unread post by **Andrew** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:23 am

Not quite sure if I understood you correctly, but even if you use your mirrors, you should still do a head check before changing lanes. Then again, you should be doing that in your car too.

nyrblue35 · #3 Unread post by **nyrblue35** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:27 am

hmm, maybe you could try bigger mirrors? hell, attach some car mirrors to your bike. that was be hysterical! no but seriously, Bike mirrors dont offer the visibility a car offers and i always do a head check before changing lanes ALWAYS. using those methods you really should be fine. you will basically have to adjust.

xk · #4 Unread post by xk » Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:29 am

What I'm saying is I'm not trusting the limited visibility offered by the mirrors and I'm ignoring them completely and I'doing a head-check only.

Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:31 am

I also always look back when switching lanes. I'll check the mirrors initialy, but will look back before I leap.

#6 Unread post by **9000white** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:36 am

xk wrote:What I'm saying is I'm not trusting the limited visibility offered by the mirrors and I'm ignoring them completely and I'doing a head-check only.

if you do any interstate riding there will be times that you wont be able to do a head check especially if someone has got sideways and you have to find a hole to go through.you will have to learn to use the mirrors.

Andrew · #7 Unread post by **Andrew** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:39 am

If for nothing else, you need the mirrors for situational awareness. I may do a head check, but I usually have a pretty good idea what's going on behind me because I'm checking the mirrors regularly. It's important even if you're not turning or changing lanes.

Changing the mirrors sounds like a good idea if it can be done correctly.

xk · #8 Unread post by xk » Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:45 am

Yeah, makes sense to change to bigger mirrors.

Silly post

Apologies

VermilionX · Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:54 am

i don't depend on my mirrors. i use head checks more.

also, when i tuck in, it becomes useless.

Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:57 am

xk wrote:Yeah, makes sense to change to bigger mirrors.

Silly post Apologies

There are no silly posts... ask away if you have questions, we're here to help.