Discussion
Last few rides has got me thinking about what other riders thoughts are about their rides out…. Few times recently I’ve been passed by other bikers in NSL single carriageway roads, I’ve been sat at 65-75 (yes above the limit, we’re all guilty of it) but these other riders have come past considerably quicker on routes which are commonly known for camera vans to be on. So my question being, who goes out for a hoon about without a care in the world for getting caught speeding and being faced with a fairly hefty punishment? As it seems there are more of them than not, or maybe I’m a worrier who shouldn’t care so much about being caught?!
Judging by the number of people I see driving way above the speed limit even in average speed camera zones, I suspect that many of these drivers feel that they can't be caught because they aren't linked to the car/bike, or they have foreign licences which can't be endorsed, so they don't care about being caught. Others have exceeded the speed limits by some margin for years and either never or rarely been caught. Others have ways and means (such as the Waze app) of knowing where speed traps are, so only slow down in the vicinity of a speed trap.
Many of these drivers and riders don't feel the need to comply with limits when they feel they can't or won't be caught, and that explains the kind of riding you've witnessed.
Many of these drivers and riders don't feel the need to comply with limits when they feel they can't or won't be caught, and that explains the kind of riding you've witnessed.
It’s possible that they reckon the risk of getting caught is tiny.
Even if it’s as you say a route well known for speed traps they either think it’s unlikely there will be any that particular day or they hope to rely on spotting them.
Maybe I’m fortunate but I’ve only been done a couple of times and honestly at least one of them I should have seen.
In spite of all the publicity around speeding the risk per mile of actually getting caught isn’t that high. Presumably most of the speeders you see are at the weekend and as such are actually only on the bike a few hours and speeding for a lot less than that.
The odds are still well in favour of not getting done.
I ride pretty quickly and very rarely get overtaken but also have eyes so can spot camera vans easily unless they are being really sneaky but then I also have waze running in the background on my phone which alerts me through my comms, its fairly easy not to get caught and the sensible thing to do is keep speeds down on busy A roads but GLF on the quieter B roads.
I tend to stick to all speed limits except for national, that’s when I prepared to ride progressively but we’ll under my comfort level. I can honestly say I’ve never ever gone faster than I thought I am able to control the bike.
I tend to ride open B & C roads that I know well and am happy doing the speeds I’m comfortable. There are stretches where you can hold 70+ through some lovey flowing twisties, over the speed limits yes but I’m not out of control.
There are people faster than me and people who are slower. It’s all about riding at whatever you’re comfortable with. If you’re in a group with faster riders, they should be respectful of that and be prepared to wait at a junction to make sure you don’t lose anyone.
I tend to ride open B & C roads that I know well and am happy doing the speeds I’m comfortable. There are stretches where you can hold 70+ through some lovey flowing twisties, over the speed limits yes but I’m not out of control.
There are people faster than me and people who are slower. It’s all about riding at whatever you’re comfortable with. If you’re in a group with faster riders, they should be respectful of that and be prepared to wait at a junction to make sure you don’t lose anyone.
Rob 131 Sport said:
I was coming in the opposite direction (in the car) from bikes coming back from a bike meeting.
The speeds I witnessed and some of the dodgy overtakes (metres between getting out of the way and hitting a 44T Arctic Head On), were concerning.
I tend to find these are the “lads lads lads” types on sports bikes, one piece leathers with all the stickers possible on them. May just be in my area, but if I see dodgy overtakes happening on main roads it tends to always be this. 5 or 6 GSXRs, ZX-10s, R1s…The speeds I witnessed and some of the dodgy overtakes (metres between getting out of the way and hitting a 44T Arctic Head On), were concerning.
Drezza said:
What's the point of having a fast bike if you aren't going to hoon it every now and then? The Peak District is mostly 50mph roads and is notorious for police, yet most probably do 70+, it's just a risk people take.
I’m very careful indeed and ride an R1 - I’ve never had a point in 37 years. However a few weeks ago I got a ticket for 80 on the M62 
which is an SAC. I regard that as my spare “life” has been used up and I feel as if I’ve got a “virtual” nine points, I’m so annoyed. So I’ll be driving like a tortoise for the next three years until I get my “life” back. 
UnluckyTimmeh said:
Rob 131 Sport said:
I was coming in the opposite direction (in the car) from bikes coming back from a bike meeting.
The speeds I witnessed and some of the dodgy overtakes (metres between getting out of the way and hitting a 44T Arctic Head On), were concerning.
I tend to find these are the “lads lads lads” types on sports bikes, one piece leathers with all the stickers possible on them. May just be in my area, but if I see dodgy overtakes happening on main roads it tends to always be this. 5 or 6 GSXRs, ZX-10s, R1s…The speeds I witnessed and some of the dodgy overtakes (metres between getting out of the way and hitting a 44T Arctic Head On), were concerning.
Rob 131 Sport said:
I ride a Kawasaki ZX6R Performance Edition and wear 1 Piece Leathers with all the Armour and an Arai RX7V. However I ride within the law to preserve my own life and that of others. If people want to ride fast, go on a track.
I'm not taking the piss, but what is the point of having a bike like that and never taking it over 60 on public roads? (Or 70 obviously on a multilane carriageway, which could be achieved on a 125)Rob 131 Sport said:
I ride a Kawasaki ZX6R Performance Edition and wear 1 Piece Leathers with all the Armour and an Arai RX7V. However I ride within the law to preserve my own life and that of others. If people want to ride fast, go on a track.
I‘ll ride fast on the road too, thanks. With no leathers on, not much armour & a mid range Shoei.Crazy me.
Rob 131 Sport said:
I ride a Kawasaki ZX6R Performance Edition and wear 1 Piece Leathers with all the Armour and an Arai RX7V. However I ride within the law to preserve my own life and that of others. If people want to ride fast, go on a track.
You never ever break a speed limit?Why the hell are you riding a sports bike? Is it just for the 'pose'?
Seriously I don't get it
Kawasicki said:
I‘ll ride fast on the road too, thanks. With no leathers on, not much armour & a mid range Shoei.
Crazy me.
Meh, a 20 euro carrefour helmet, jeans, t shirt and no gloves and 160mph on the way to work daily*Crazy me.
(many years ago when I lived abroad)
I'm usually in a mid range helmet with mid range jeans and jacket on a mid range bike going round the outside of sports bikes who's riders have all the gear and no idea
Edited by Jazoli on Sunday 19th September 14:34
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