Motorcycle Overtaking

[@johnclifton3512]

Love your videos - down to earth, sensible, practical, not 'rule-based' nonsense. One part of the overtake decision-making process I always use is 'what is my advantage in overtaking right now?' If I'm a couple of minutes away from a dual-carriageway, major junction, traffic lights etc (or I'm about to turn off a major road), I often wait and get ready to make my move a little later (filter past a queue at lights etc).

[@fritzbox5014]

Having spent way too long watching your videos, I have decided the calm collected and informative narrative is excellent for instructing on good driving behaviour. I have started talking my Associates into watching these videos and then we can examine how they execute the competences in the next ride. A great riding tool. Thank you. You make my job a teeny bit easier.

[@stevie_rides]

I wish I had seen this video before my advanced test. Caught myself out by closing the follow position and getting drawn in before an overtake. Daft mistake but every days a school day 👍🏼 Loving both the car and bike videos

[@ConciergeMed]

Brilliant! Not only is the video so good, the timing of the concise verbal instruction is perfect! Thank you!

[@RobEnglish-ratman]

Another fantastic video, Reg. Very informative. It just goes to show, that being a great rider is all about forward observation and smoothness.

[@lewisjones1182]

i bought your book many years ago when i found you through pistonheads, i like that you're doing bike videos now as well

[@yorkshirefazer]

another cracking vid! someone said to me once, "only a fool breaks the 2 second rule, to stay alive, add another 5". a bit excessive imo, but fully understand the point being made.

[@Peter57808]

The headlight flash is useful when overtaking multiple vehicles as those in front of the last vehicle do not see you coming.

[@Robsventures]

Thank you so much for compiling this playlist of videos. Your style of presentation is so easy to watch and listen to and you have a real talent of presenting complex information in a simple and easily digestible way. I have watched them all twice now and learned so much, and they have inspired me to go ahead and book a advanced IAM course thank you so much

[@highdownmartin]

At 26.55. I personally would prefer to pick those two off separately. Potential conflict as you went past the forecourt on the left, blind to someone emerging and travelling pretty quickly at that point. It didn’t happen obviously but that lead car may have signalled left to pull in ( maybe you could see but I couldn’t watching the film) and someone could have nipped out. I don’t think I’d have tried to have both in that situation is all I’m saying.

[@Grahamvfr]

Lovely day out there. 18.55 definitely agree with you on your opinion of the overtaking position, most modern bikes have enough power to accelerate from a 2 second gap, no need to close up. BTW flexible gear on the XR, that'll be any of the 6 then.

[@christopherparcell6574]

Very good Presentation, you would make an excellent sports commentator! Enjoying watching your vids and your a great contribution to my IAM course here in East Yorkshire.

[@charliewhittaker3057]

I’m doing my IAM course and found this practical and very useful. And the countryside is amazing! Keep up the good work👍

[@roseysnapper]

Hi Reg, love this series of advanced riding videos, very helpful. I’m currently preparing for the IAM Masters test and I have a question for you regarding speed during the overtake. I notice (no criticism here, just a question) that in this video you regularly exceeded the NSL during your overtakes (17 minute mark, 75 mph for example). So my question is: what speed is acceptable during the overtake on a test? If the answer is "never exceed the speed limit" then what is the maximum speed of the car in front that you’re attempting to pass that you’d still consider an overtake. For example, if the car in front is doing 55 in a NSL (60) would you still consider there to be an opportunity? Or 56, 57? Many thanks for your advice.

[@rcraven1013]

I notice that Reg makes comments to like and thank others for their accolades and that doesn't answer your question. At one time it was considered by some instructors to allow an overtake over the speed limit if it occurs occasionally and that a police officer would perhaps turn a blind eye. However several years ago some training authorities quite rightly placed an embargo on excessive speeds meaning speeds being over the speed limit as being unlawful and therefore not to be tolerated or entertained. Basically if a police officer needed to get somewhere fast for in him to perform his duties then its understandable that he may at times exceed the legal speed limits but that doesn't mean that we ordinary mortals can do the same. When I consider an overtake in relation to necessary speed only then I assess the speed of the vehicle to be overtaken and depending on their speed and the legal speed limit I can I calculate just how fast I can go in order to undertake that overtake safely and legally. Its likely that my speed in excess of that of the car to be overtaken could be about 10 mph faster and that also takes into account the safe distance that I consider that such an overtake will take. I find that a 10 mph speed difference would in many cases be enough of a differential of speed. One can overtake by being only 3 or 4 mph faster than the vehicle in front but that would take a much longer time and that's time spent on the wrong side of the road and is therefore considered to be more dangerous.

[@rcraven1013]

At that overtake above you were doing about 55/60 mph and only some 60 to 90 ft behind whereas as you said earlier, with the MINIMUM OF THE 2 SECOND RULE or WHATEVER you should have been at least about 240 ft and even more behind. Then you moved into the overtaking position which a lot of videos makers don't, they just accelerate and swerve closer to the car to be overtaken but you show us the correct way of moving out first and then accelerating so that you are in a different lane and therefore not Tailgating any more but most riders are and are shown doing. They Tailgate and then swerve even closer. However after a mere 1 second after overtaking that car you were back into your own lane. Is that giving enough safe distance to that car now behind you or is that cutting in. You have performed the overtake brilliantly but cut in ie. moved back in when you had all the time and space in the road to do that a few seconds later. It annoys me when I have been overtaken by anything all be it correctly but they then pull in directly in front of me , say giving me only 20 ft at 50 mph. and cause me to slow as I would be Tailgating them. If they had to emergency brake whilst so close to me I would be to blame if I collided with their rear end. That is an offence of driving without reasonable consideration on your part.

[@Peter57808]

Your right lane approach into left hander's is interesting. I can see its safe and I use it sometimes but I'm aware that our nanny state police deem that to be dangerous driving and would have no hesitation in taking my licence away for 12 months!

[@ItsBeenDanBefore]

It's one of those things where, so long as you do it safely, generally police don't mind, kinda like a loud exhaust or dark visor - it's not necessarily legal but as long as you're not being a dick, you generally should be alright. But then most people calm themselves down when they see police nearby, so I don't think it's much of a concern

[@johncoppock3823]

Educational for car drivers too. I need to watch your other overtaking videos.

[@apacherider7110]

Beautiful riding...👍

[@dalewiddowson7349]

Great videos these....And for me I also prefer the following position before an overtake, it's less "intrusive" to the vehicle in front and doesn't take any longer really to pass the vehicle you are overtaking. 👍🏍

[@buggs9950]

Agreed. A few times I've been driving a twisty road and a quick bike wants to get past so sits right on my o/s/r corner. One moment I can see them in the door mirror, then the rear view, then not at all. They have all the acceleration so there's no real need to get 6 feet off my bumper, it just makes things more dangerous for both of us.

[@patrickhazlehurst8472]

Great video with lots of useful stuff .................... and it is a cracking road isn't it!

[@DaveBoothroyd-ej5in]

Brilliant tutorial. Thankyou.

[@janegrieve]

Great videos very useful as I’m currently doing my IAMs course

[@yodomcat]

Hi buddy, thanks for the video! I wanted to pick your brain (and others of the channel). If you overtake a car in the same lane as the car (as in do not cross the broken line, you're next to each other in same lane) are you legal to do so (forget safe for now, checking on legality). Bit more context on a live scenario: Similar to your overtake 22:45 but you went over the line and the speed is slower. In my case I was on a national speed limit road, straight and good line of sight. Car moves left and is kicking up dust, also indicating left (with no junctions) so obviously wants me to overtake (was not tailgating or anything like that, was happy to wait). But when cars do this I would rather them behind me so now I want to overtake. The middle line is broken but gravelly, speed is 50mph, also oncoming car off in the distance so out and in would be ok, but much easier to just pass in lane as I deem enough width and the car has given me so much room. Also I'm on a litre bike, so needs a quick squirt. I know the thought of lane splitting (in the true sense here) has polarizing opinions but when checking for the legal UK law I can't find anything to support or against. Spoke with a few motorcycle cops and they give me the rye smile and the "is it safe to do so" line - so I'm going with legal but frowned upon and if you crash it's your fault. What do you think? Cheers.

[@RegLocal]

Obviously, every scenario is different & judgement needs to be applied in every case, but there is nothing illegal about overtaking without crossing the centre line.

[@yodomcat]

@@RegLocal Thank you! I was 99.9% sure of this, but couldn't find it anywhere. I'm going to make a video on my channel covering this point, would you mind if I link you in for people wanting to see more advanced techniques?

[@rcraven1013]

@@RegLocal The question afterwards is 'was it safe' and not after the event 'I got away with it so it must have been safe.' as nothing un towards happened. If you have any reservations or concerns about it then consider twice whether to do the same the next time. ok,.

[@loukennedy9058]

Great information , good safety tips , thank you for 🇦🇺👍

[@Peter57808]

Very good stuff! Especially the overtaking risk at road crossings and the mirror and head check before overtaking. One of the biggest problems I get are packs of cyclists riding up winding mountain roads with double while lines. They refuse to move into single file and you are stuck behind them for kilometres at 5kph. If you cross the lines they take the dash cam footage to the police and you get a huge fine in the mail. If you film them the police simply say "well who do we book, we cant identify anyone?"

[@Calvin_Wright]

The Highway Code gives guidance on overtaking slow moving vehicles where there is double sold lines. 👍

[@Eastsussexbiker]

As an Observer I’m asked can I exceed the speed limit to overtake and there seems to be mixed messages about this. I say no but as we all know keeping within the speed limit restricts the opportunity. I notice you were in a national and hit 77mph to get round. So what is the official line.

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Excellent and informative. Only point I’d make is that many electric cars, particularly anything with a Tesla badge, can out accelerate most bikes so extra care is needed when making the decision to get past a Tesla. It depends how steadily they seem to be driving and how close to the speed limit they are. If as you approach and match their speed and they stay there and the overtake is on, you are probably ok. If they appear to speed up at all or otherwise their behaviour appears erratic then I’d always allow enough room ahead so once you commit to get past, if they do play silly burgers, you have room and time to safely drop back. It’s not worth your neck racing those exhibiting idiotic or dangerous behaviour.

[@GrahamDale-s5q]

Very useful thanks 👍

[@GGxfireKeyz]

Hi thanks for this video. Is speeding allowed whilst overtaking?

[@SBKPete]

No, definitely not!

[@Duncan94]

Yes!

[@rogerduerden373]

This is a really important question. I'm about to take my IAM advanced riding test. When I'm riding by myself, my priority is to pass the vehicle I'm overtaking and get back to my side of the road as soon - and as safely - as I can, whether or not that means me exceeding the national speed limit. But on my test, if I exceed the speed limit, I will automatically fail. When I took my IAM car test (30 years ago) the examiner accepted that exceeding the speed limit on the overtake was okay if it made the manoeuvre safer. I'd be interested to hear Reg's thoughts on this.

[@Aaron70235]

@@ibs5080 If you're looking for the legal answer it's a big fat NO. There is no exemption for speeding for any reason. Whether or not you take the risk in doing so is entirely up to you but if you get caught you do not have a defence.

[@terryblack2219]

While not able to say I have any advanced certificates... I have had the training and waiting and waiting for the ROSPA test. I’m certainly not saying go past someone in a 30 at 50! In most 30s its not possible for any safe overtake. But when I’m on faster stretches of road if it’s a clean overtake I want stay on the opposite side as shortest time possible. Although like Reg said I don’t want be going past so fast I’m not ready for the next situation. It appears to me that ROSPA don’t like it while IAM appear to be more open to the idea. However that is only a opinion of one ROSPA instructor and one IAM instructor. But if I ever get my test date I certainly will stay in the speed limits and not bother with an overtake if it means exceeding the limits.

[@hdrevolution123]

fantastic video

[@dalehawkes1698]

Great informative video Lenin this series 👍👍

[@richardnicholson3912]

The overtake which you aborted at 10:09 what was the reason? What did you see just after going for it? Sorry I can’t make out on the camera what it was.

[@RegLocal]

A car came into view in the other direction Richard. I cut the video a little too early at that point - should have left it running for another second or so!

[@richardbower8707]

fabulous video! Great to see you driving the roads where I live :) ... I'm jealous of the narrowness of your bike! Although my car's plenty of performance, I find overtaking on these roads tricky because they are so narrow and bumpy. Its difficult to be confident that the car your passing won't suddenly squeeze you (or a sheep jump out from the offside gutter). I guess that the beauty of a bike! I'd love to see you take the M2 over this loop - the next "best drivers road?" video??

[@shanewilson1160]

where is this?

[@rcraven1013]

Reg will give you a love heart, very fine and well but wont answer any questions no matter how fundamental they are. Tats his way and decision. Hearts of love for positive comment only. The dangers that you mention, sheep etc doesn't have any relation to the size of ones bike. If there are dangers such as sheep etc. either actually present or anticipating them the don't overtake. ok.

[@supercomp7078]

I overtake to get past slow drivers, if you do it correctly and safely there is no issue, most drivers do not even know you are there. One important thing is if you are a motorcyclist and you pull out to pass, the driver does not look and goes to pull out on you, just give it some stick and get going, don't wind off the throttle and just sit there next to the guy waving tooting and yelling, the guy on the bike behind you was accelerating a good few seconds behind you to follow past the row of cars, he sees no brake lights and now you are a lot closer than he thought, lesson, don't trust other bikers you do not know, to do the right thing, the overtake is on you, wait until the road is all clear of everyone before you start the overtake. Wish I had seen this when I started riding.

[@michaelsmyth1059]

grate vid very help full thanks for sharing

[@Theriion]

I am about half way through my training but still having some issues with overtakes. Reason bein gis that I am told that you must not exceed the speed limit while overtaking. But then on the other side it's expected to make progress. So if I'm following a vehicle doing 5-10 less than speed limit it becomes very challenging to take it while staying under speed limit. And if I don't go for it as I think there is not enough gap and just get stuck behind for a while will they mark me down on the test?

[@Matt_0G]

If a car is indicating to turn right at a junction is it legally their right of way or should they allow for you to pass. I realise attempting overtake in this scenario is very stupid just wondered legality of it I'd you already committed then they suddenly indicate

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

Question for Reg - is (avoiding) BGOL relevant to bikes? Also how does the idea of "brakes for slow, gears for go" relate to bikes? Is more use of engine braking permitted? Or is there as much emphasis on braking before changing gear? You may well have covered these previously, but I can't recall.

[@wombal177jim]

Very helpful Thankyou 👍🏻

[@twotriumphs7398]

excellent more please

[@markaexley]

Great vid, one question. I’ve done my IAM and secured a F1rst. Your overtake at 17:00 appears to be 70+ MPH in an NSL? Your thoughts?

[@steve00alt70]

Iv a Zontes 125cc I probably wont overtake unless its a tractor. Always overtake in a straight road too many do it before a bend or dip or before a hill.

[@richard.c3901]

The 2 second rule isn't a rule, it's guidance. Next breath, the rule is we shouldn't be any closer than 2 seconds in a following position. When is a rule not a rule 😂 Jokes aside, doing my advanced and finding the vids helpful to reinforce my learning, thank you 👍

[@rcraven1013]

Yes it is for guidance but considered to be a rule ie the rule if things to be considered. Failure to adhere to the rule is not in itself an offence but in the event of something un towards happening due in some part to a failure to observe that rule than that circumstance can be taken into account and against you in a court of law.

[@richardbower8707]

"it not on" at 10.08 ... still trying to figure out why... is that a car just over the crest? or am I missing something more obvious?!

[@RegLocal]

A car came into view over the hill.

[@richardbower8707]

@@RegLocal should that matter (unless its going unexpectedly fast)?? ... isn't it just the imaginary car turned real?? I find judging whether there's sufficient clear and visible road really difficult. I suspect I'm way to conservative!

[@RegLocal]

The overtake was probably still on Richard, but it would have been marginal, so discretion being the better part of valour, it was better to drop back, chill & wait a short time for a more comfortable opportunity. You never have to wait very long!

[@freetimeonline]

@@RegLocal agreed, there wasn't enough time to asses the overtake with that car coming so play it safe, the road is quite so there will be ample opportunity to have another look.

[@cbjgdicad1]

Why was the first overtake of the black van not on?

[@BoatingBiker]

At 14;55 having excceded the national speed limit during an overtake, you entered a 30 mph limited section at 36mph. You chose to ignore or even worse, missed the 30mph signs , the painted information , the parked vehicles on the nearside and the upcoming possibility of various hazards associated with the residences on both sides of the carriageway. May I ask what exactly were you trying to illustrate at this point? Overall, I found your reading of the road and your riding in general throughout this video to be less than I would expect from a rider who aspires to educate others. If you had been riding a test , this would have been the end of the test right there.

[@torinstorkey]

Where was this shot?

[@RegLocal]

North Pennines Torin. Alston, Stanhope, Middleton-in-Teesdale & Brough.

[@masonfuller7848]

the blurring the speedo on the overtake made me laugh

[@mikeroberts]

Pop pop. Bang bang. 😃 They are much easier when that little blurry thing appears. 😲 I’ve done several overtaking compilation videos and agree with most of what you say. I was interested in you not using the full 3 stage overtake and instead overtaking from the following position. I’ve ventured that most non-dual-carriageway overtakes are in fact hybrids of momentum and 3 stage. As you covered, I was always taught “not to fire the gun until you are fully offside”, though one or two were border line. With overtakes I always tell Associates it is important to remember there’s another opportunity around the next corner and never feel under any pressure to do them. I was pleased to see you abandon one. Many don’t, and will just grab a big handful if that situation arises. The green triangle junction made me smile. 😃 I'd be interested in your views on the 'new' speed limits for lorries on B roads.

[@RegLocal]

Do you mean the increase from 40 to 50 for vehicles > 7.5 tons on single carriageways? If so, the previous 40 limit was by far the most widely ignored speed limit in the UK. Speed cameras never used to be able to differentiate between different classes of vehicles, so were always set to the highest permitted speed i.e. cars & bikes - 60mph plus the allowable leeway. This meant that HGVs could drive on their 56mph speed limiter, 16mph above the speed limit, with much less chance of being caught compared with a car or bike doing an equivalent amount over the limit i.e. 76mph. So in all honesty I haven’t seen any perceivable difference since the HGV limit was raised.

[@mikeroberts]

@@RegLocal Seen huge differences around here (East Anglia) on B roads. Yes, the 40 used to be ignored a bit but now the 50 is ignored and many are now sitting on their limiters at 56 between corners.

[@-DC-]

The 40 mph limit was ridiculous for the most part nothing but a rolling road block annoying everyone bunched up behind.

[@highdownmartin]

When in doubt Hang about

[@jonquirk]

Hi Reg. point of order: an overtake on a bend is not prevented by a double white line. It is prevented by a solid white line on your side of the carriageway.

[@RegLocal]

We don’t have single solid white lines in this country Jon, only double white lines. Sometimes they are double solid white lines, sometimes one of the lines is broken, but they’re always double white lines.

[@jonquirk]

Reg Local fair point but if the line on your side is broken then crossing it is not prohibited.

[@RegLocal]

Hence why, during the video, my exact words were “unless there are double white lines which prevent it”. Nothing ambiguous there.

[@richarddepledge960]

Hi reg. Just come across alien 13. Slagging you and user name kate. Smacks of jealousy and sour grapes. Also anti Police. Im not impressed. Even if kate made a few mistakes. You both are adding to road safety and getting watched.