I can't see...

Message

spntop · #1 Unread post by **spntop** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 3:05 am

Long time reader. First time poster. I imagine this topic has been addressed a time or ten but couldn't find it. At least I resisted the urge to ask about what bike to get (I was very tempted). All that being said, I am 39 years old and fresh out of MSF course with no prior experience. Just purchased a 2004 Moto Guzzi Breva 750 (Her name is Isabella). My problem (actually one among many) is that I just didn't realize how restricted the view behind me would be. I guess I just assumed my side view mirrors would be more like my cage side views. It makes me more nervous than anything else, so far, about riding. When I do head checks Isabella loses focus and tries to leave the road. I think I have my mirrors adjusted properly. Should I be looking for different mirrors or just let Isabella get used to being unsupervised for my quick head checks? Thank you for your help and suggestions and not just to this question but the many others I have discovered in this forum.
James

Loonette · #2 Unread post by **Loonette** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 3:12 am

Your mirrors should be adjusted so that, when sitting straight and facing straight, you can see the tip of your shoulder in the corresponding mirror. This way, you can see vehicles from a distance behind you that may be gaining too much speed on your backside and such.

As far as shoulder check/head turns go... this should be done when you're about to pass or switch lanes in order to check your blind spots. It will become more steady as time goes by. Your bike has a tendency to follow your line of sight (you go where you look), which is why you're going a bit off course when turning your head to check. Just teach your brain to keep your arms steady whilst turning your head. It gets much more comfortable with time - I promise.

By the way... awesome choice of bike!!!!! And welcome aboard!

Cheers,
Loonette

Scott58 · #3 Unread post by **Scott58** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 3:13 am

Your just new. After awhile your bike won't move when doing head checks. You'll learn to keep your line and it won't be an issue. In the meantime be careful.

tortus · #4 Unread post by **tortus** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:01 am

Mirrors are definitely an issue with some bikes. If you can't get used to them there are things you can do: get extenders, mount bar end mirrors, even attach those tiny fisheye mirrors down in the corner.

In my experience the only bikes with truly useful mirrors are cruisers. Anything else I've seen has compromised at least a little bit, and sport bikes tend to compromise to the point that the mirrors are completely useless.

shalihe74 · #5 Unread post by **shalihe74** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:06 am

In my experience the only bikes with truly useful mirrors are cruisers. Anything else I've seen has compromised at least a little bit, and sport bikes tend to compromise to the point that the mirrors are completely useless.

I concur. You might consider looking around for a forum that is devoted to your MG. You'll probably find that other people have the same issue with the mirrors and there will likely be a number of different solutions posted. The mirrors on my 675 are pretty worthless, too, and on the Triumph675 forum there are probably 6 different ways to fix the problem.

Jadien · #6 Unread post by **Jadien** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:54 am

I had the same problem with a wandering bike on my head-turns, too. I started imagining that instead of turning your right shoiulder back (to look right), imagine turning your left shoulder forward. It causes you to lean forward and look over your right shoulder, instead of whipping your body around as you do in a cage. It takes abou two days to get it right, but after that you don't even think about it...... until you get on the highway, then it's learning all over again because of the fear involved with 75 mph!!

Sev · #7 Unread post by **Sev** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 6:00 am

I bought bar end mirrors and can now see EVERYHTING behind me. I can see the tail of my bike, and more then one lane to either side of my bike.

In fact, I can see someone standing directly behind my bike without moving my head much. Of course everything is much smaller.

Fast Eddy B · Sun Jun 17, 2007 6:54 am

shalihe74 wrote: I concur. You might consider looking around for a forum that is devoted to your MG. You'll probably find that other people have the same issue with the mirrors and there will likely be a number of different solutions posted.

+1

Rode a CBF500 (good bike, ok stock-mirrors), CBR600F (great bike, pisspoor stock-mirrors), Ducati Multistrada 1000DS (great bike, great NOT-STOCK mirrors)

If you find the right source, most mirror things are possible, as well as other pertinent things.

Good luck!

Kal · #9 Unread post by **Kal** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 7:29 am

Unless stationary and about to move off then your head checks should be limited to what s directly beside you and one carlength behind - this is normally the blind spot area - headchecks (or lifesavers as they are called over here) are to pick up the slack.

My mirrors are always adjusted so I can see my elbows in them. If I move my elbows slightly then I can see more or less directly behind me and my mirrors also see the spaces either side to directly behind me.

......bike
..../........\
../............\
/................\
field of vision

I use my mirrors a lot, however I make a point of using them during turns just to make sure there isn't another bike directly behind me.

It's a compromise that has worked on every bike so far.

spntop · #10 Unread post by **spntop** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 9:30 am

Thanks for all the input everyone. Got out some today and I'm finding that relaxing a little helps alot. I probably will look into mirrors too. Thanks again all!