Guide to group motorcycle riding

[@greggbisgrove7499]

I run into a group of riders on a Easter ride out talking to one of the organisers he explained they operate a first rider drop of that to say at a junction the ride stops to direct riders behind him then rejoins group after last rider so effectively the speed is governed by the slowest rider.

[@JayzBeerz]

Good informative video thank you.

[@judgedredd49]

A friend of mine had two near collisions whilst riding in staggered positions. On both occasions the bike two in front and therefore the one he was directly behind was taking up the same space on the road as he was with one between them staggered out into the middle of the carriageway. The first motorcycle for some reason lost it and down he came. It could have been gravel, it could have been diesel but what happened was that this motorcyclists and his bike lost contact with each other, going different ways and this was a problem for the guy behind he had nowhere to go and being close, as one does in staggered order, he could either hit the biker down or ride into the sliding motorcycle. Needless to say he came of also. This has happened twice as I have said not on the same ride and not with the same riders. My friend seeing this and of safer distance, he always rode his own safe following on distance and was able to slow and stop and did not become involved in the general melee. Not only are we invariably too close in the staggered formation but it is tantamount to the offence of tailgating and leaves very little room for manoeuvre. I do ride from time to time in staggered formation but at 50 mph I am the following distance of about 175ft behind the motorcycle in front and not right up its backside at say merely the thinking or reaction distance of only 50ft. Something which I am aware is taught in advanced riding. Only then we as motorcyclists can ride safe in company. Riding our own ride and not being pressured into pushing the envelope. The more space or following on distance we can give between ourselves the safer we will all be. Unfortunately what is true is that we have been involved in accidents over the last 50/60 years with bad advice on certain policies or principals of riding that have become so accepted and institutionalised that they are believe to be the only way to do things and that is not the case. Its about time the manuals were re written and a safer attitude be brought to bear on those in responsible positions. and who purport to be interested in our safety.

[@yessure5291]

Following distances should be mentioned. 2 seconds for dry clear roads is a good practice. 3 or 4 seconds in rain etc.

[@judgedredd49]

That 2 second rule is actually a minimum and anything over 40 mph should be a 3 second rule anyway... remember also on wet or even just damp roads then one should double that distance. On bends remember that one cannot us all of your hard braking as some of your tyre grip is being used up by your speed and lean angle. The more lean angle that you have the less braking capacity you have left. Also forget all about having a limit point cos you wont be able to stop in it anyway. As an example, you are doing 40 mph and you can see 120 ft ahead which is the rec. stopping distance at that speed. But that is on a straight road and you are on a bend so if your lean angle is say 40 deg or % [near enough] then you only have some 60 % of braking capacity left and that means that if you do brake but only use up to 60% of your capacity you will overshoot that 120ft by a large margin. If you use more than 60% of your available grip that is left yo you ,you are more than likely to come of your bike and suffer the consequences as a result. Your speed on entry to a bend should accommodate the need to stop suddenly and so it should be actually slower then the speed obtainable by the vision or limit point. It should be lowered to allow for the lack of braking ability and your likely hood of meeting something untowards on the bend.

[@fishymario]

@@judgedredd49how long did it take to write that reply?

[@fanom1]

Been there done that..and NEVER AGAIN....too much drama....too many problems.....not worth the trouble....I am now a lone wolf rider...I plan my ride, I own the ride, I set the pace and Itinerary....

[@koreanm3]

Staggered riding is dangerous. Not sure why we do it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWGVgmiPZ9B_rsU

[@neildonaldsonlotusexcelresto]

Nice, professionally done video... I would suggest, however, that the better riders always ride at the front and the inexperienced riders at the back. That way, people can ride at their own pace and not feel pressured into going quicker. Always take responsibility for the man behind you... Ride safely, Neil.

[@fleetway270]

Inexperienced should be at the front, with the leader taking the speed from them, more experienced at the back can catch up easier.

[@rcraven1013]

@@fleetway270 The safest and most experienced rider should be at the front. leading the way and keeping an eye on the pack followed by the newbies and then and only then the head the ball who can either stay in line or blast off and rejoin the group later or preferably never. Putting newbies at the rear is a disaster waiting to happen. The group leader sets the pace which should never be over the maximum speed limit or better still about 5 mph slower which means that if delayed the newbies or others have time and speed to catch them up rather than exceed the speed limit or ride out of their comfort zone.

[@localrider5213]

Always the beta male complex 🤔