Secrets of a road tester bootcamp: speed management | MCN

A look at how speed can land you in trouble if you don’t approach it in the right way. This thoughtprovoking episode also covers ways to see speed as your best friend and how you can use it to get out of trouble.
We'd love to hear your views so get them down in the comment section!
Find your next bike with the experts at MCN Bikes for Sale: www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-...
MCN Compare is your one-stop bike insurance shop: www.mcncompare.com/
Check us out on social media:
Facebook: @MotorcycleNews
Twitter: @MCNnews OR @MCNSport
Instagram: @motorcyclenews
Visit the MCN website for all the latest news, reviews, advice and bikes for sale:
www.motorcyclenews.com/​​
Subscribe to get MCN every week, in newspaper or digital format: bit.ly/3rEIjaP

[@bloodyhell451]

All good points. There is a way of riding which says ' I am here' - there is an aspect of ambassadorship. And there is, of course, making progress. It is important to know when to hang back, and when to press on. I ride all year and I am surrounded by deer and sugarbeet harvesting, as well as the M11 and fast A roads. Wildlife, mud and clueless drivers - as well as junctions where there is a smack every week are all part of my environment. Put yourself where you cannot be part of the mayhem ! I love everything Neevsy says.

[@thecornishbiker9323]

Treat every car like they dont see you because they are probably playing with there 32inch touch screen infotainment system rather than the road and you .

[@cowarddonnie-ji5yz]

"Their"

[@thecornishbiker9323]

@@cowarddonnie-ji5yz thanks for the correction il get on with my day now

[@everydaybiker]

As much as that is true, the statistics clearly show that the biggest danger to motorcyclists are........ motorcyclists! Training ourselves to control the bike better and make better decisions will be the best way to stay safe....in my opinion. Peace

[@thecornishbiker9323]

@@everydaybiker definitely agree with you on that.but its scarey the amount of distractions that are becoming fashionable in cars which put bikers at more risk. Thats withouth the dash cam and phone on a holder and sat nav all stuck to windscreens blocking vision and that seems to go un punished. Yeh i know you didnt see me you cant see out of your windscreen. And peace to you too 😀

[@xclent1975]

Nailed it 100%

[@MadChalet]

It's great to see midlifers picking up this sport. Great, instructive, comments, Neevesy! Your comments about switching your riding style up now and then to remain visible to drivers are something I'll keep in mind. I also appreciate your comments about not annoying others, though I'd switch out 'not making yourself visible' (if I recall correctly) with not being provocative, whether that's riding too close, slowing down traffic, or obnoxiously blasting past others. Kudos to the production team - that was a high-class video!

[@timrodierides]

Excellent tips - especially the bit about not riding to piss anyone off!

[@brianglendenning1632]

Gavin - my experience is very similar to you - always wanted to ride but “life” gets in the way, started in 2016, first bike was a 650 (SV650 for me), and I moved to an s1000r in 2018 and I still have 60,000km later. It is a great pastime, and few things make me feel happy and alive as riding my BMW.

[@markharrison2484]

Good vid but I think the word inoffensive would be more appropriate than invisible.

[@aps-pictures9335]

100%, I’m making sure I’m visible everywhere as much as possible. But not a dick.

[@ghowells5433]

These videos are great, really practical and useful

[@Fernando90054]

“Trust no one, and expect the unexpected”, is wise advice 👌🏻

[@6arethevan5]

Great advice, I always overtake traffic as soon as it's safe to do so, an old and much more experienced rider friend once said many years ago, 'they can't kill you if they're behind you' always stuck with me as it makes so much sense, even if it is a bit stark!! Thanks for sharing 🏍️🙂👍🏻

[@peteroneill2633]

Absolutely the best advice ever. The car you pass might be the person that pulls you out of a ditch and calls the ambulance. At the end of the day show respect to other road users. Yes, overtake, but don’t be super aggressive about it. Cause I am from Oz, that could be same person that saves your life. Have fun but please be respectful of other motorists. Happy days, you are doing the do. 👍nothing like being on a bike. Cherish it for all of us.

[@avothfis]

Thank you sir. Looking forward to more like this. Keep up this life saving work.❤

[@splodge5714]

Be observant and careful when overtaking and don't do it when passing junctions, side roads, entrances, laybys etc.

[@avothfis]

Exactly

[@johnflavin1602]

Yep, nothing riskier than overtaking near a junction.

[@Fernando90054]

Very useful content. Thank you for doing and sharing it. Hope to watch more like this.

[@philipbassett5129]

Thank you, Michael, for making the point about our being ambassadors for biking and being stealthy, not annoying people with noisy pipes or high revs. I know you are probably going to get some stick from the “loud pipes save lives” brigade for that comment, but there’s no doubt that the public perception of “dangerous, speeding bikers” is a big factor in lowered speed limits and average speed cameras appearing on some of biking’s best roads. We can make ourselves “visible” to road users that could cause us a problem, by where we position ourself, arguably, by what we wear and by slowing down where we are likely to be in conflict, without shouting “here I am, look what I’m doing” for miles around with the noise we make.

[@pixiemoto3673]

This is a Great Episode. More please

[@Lacehairwigs]

I'm a female started riding last year at age 38. I mostly ride weekends when the road is not too busy. I just got my full license last month after riding on a cbt for 8 months.

[@hhxlegacy]

Great videography in this MCN episode.

[@Aprilisca]

Brilliant video again! Not the "speed is bad". Use common sense, blend in when necessary, get out of possible trouble. Great!

[@brianglendenning1632]

Getting free space and clear air/vision is usually the safe option!

[@MarkATaylor]

Great advice and insight Neevesy

[@aps-pictures9335]

100% please pop it up a gear around towns/villages, especially in the evenings, and keep the revs low. Only makes us a target for noise regulations and testing law introductions.

[@calvinhall4878]

Good content without feeling lectured 👏

[@nickrider5220]

Have been riding over 40 years on the road now, still don't know everything, but read situations far better than I once did. Unlike driving a car, I flow along on a bike, it gives me and other road users better visibility - in a queue of cars/vans/lorries you're almost invisible.....being alert and road craft will keep you safe, which is what Neevesy basically said.

[@invictalad]

100% agree about the traffic scenario. As a rider, I try to keep out of traffic and make progress. As a car driver, I hate when a bike is lurking in traffic, moving in and out, wondering if they are gonna come past and when etc. Equally sitting in the middle, I hate when cars pull to the left to let you pass and start throwing the dirt etc up, I can see why they do it, but again as a rider, I don’t need that permission, so keep that progress moving and not hanging around the rear of a car

[@aceofspades5786]

on the making progress comment, when i did IAM test in 1986 the examiner (police) wanted me to get up to the legal limit wherever possible, 60mph round Dartmoor i remember was a bit hairy in places

[@marksmith8663]

Total agree with variable speeds is a good way to make space . Problem is when local councils decide to make 70mph dual roads to 50 becomes a bunch up target speed . Also average speed limit in road works still 50 mph same a trucks yet it was supposed to be change to 60 7 years ago never did .still a Horrible 50 mph target limit dangerous .

[@AlastairT509]

Completely agree - I am on the border of Notts and Lincs. It seems like all good biking roads are having their limits lowered and there are a lot of average speed cameras. I respect the speed limits and it is very difficult to make space without breaking these - and often you will have a car tailgating you at 50 mph on single carriageways - and as a separate point in towns now the speed limits on a single stretch of road change multiple times e.g. every few hundred yards which is one more thing to think about when riding defensively.

[@marksmith8663]

@@AlastairT509 🤔 its almost like the speed limit changes been decided by idiot’s not real world . Slow doesn’t mean safer well not from I can see . It’s why am probably selling my road bike this year .

[@AlastairT509]

@@marksmith8663 ….and that’s why I got rid of my KTM 1290 SuperAdventure S in the Summer for something smaller. It got bored at 50 mph and was too unwieldy/tiring down the smaller backroads I favour now.

[@bluedick321]

@ith8663 Absolutely sympathise. Here in Norfolk tailgating is serious problem, frankly the awareness and skill levels can be terrifying, that's coming from someone who commuted in Middlesex /West London!

[@bluedick321]

@@AlastairT509 Unfortunately road authorities seem to cater for the lowest common denominator, dropping 60 to 40 on brisk A roads in Norfolk for example ( which often means 37 in yaris or micra oap )

[@scottbailey5644]

Very interesting and helpful; always willing to learn new stuff, cheers. PS. Was hoping to bump into you up at Excel, next year maybe.

[@jeanmilaalvarez]

Superbe vidéo merci ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@Vetawesome]

You are awesome

[@slimbrady7512]

Some lovely roads out in Rutland where some of this was filmed

[@LA-by6tl]

cant lie the around the table sweeping shots are class at 1:36

[@dondiabolo5308]

I did my test years ago, but always remember i was given a minor for riding to slow in a 30, it was snowing and a residential area with lots of parked cars. 😂

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Speed. The rate of change of position of an object in any direction. It must be respected at all times whereby you leave plenty in reserve always.

[@Nomikeal]

I think Neevesy could genuinely start a motorcycle school based around safe road riding. There are tons of amazing schools for track riding but I would gladly take a class to see all my bad riding habits on the road as that's where I ride most.

[@leetrowsdale3515]

Sign up with your local Bike safe course, they are not just aimed at beginners and cheap as chips!

[@stuartkraven]

When was this filmed? Sunny sky's and t-shirts. Some more great tips on riding safe.

[@vendy4625]

Whoop whoop Gav Freeman ✊✊✊✊✊✊

[@RGBSHM]

you spoke at the beginning about speed and he said it's not a target... as a recently passed biker , it's a double edged sword the testers and instructors tell you you have to be at the max speed where possible but one passed the police are looking to do ya for exactly that!

[@stuleyland9490]

The way he wiped that visor was strangely erotic.

[@daxmotis27]

How do you see balancing not annoying people and filtering In a place like the US? Anyone that thinks you’re jumping the line gets angry. It’s scary out here.

[@horizontal120]

is there any point of buying a super-sport if you will drive the speed limit ...

[@user-fh4qe9yn2u]

No, might aswell buy a cb500 or something

[@user-ve8oe7ts1w]

Gavin, you appear to be quite upright on your bike, relax those elbows!

[@GavF6435]

All to come in the later episodes with Neevsie giving me advise. Well hopefully dependant on the edits

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Traffics the problem and always put problems behind you.

[@user-kf4xq8co6n]

So funny

[@jamesonpace726]

All good advice. I learned all this before the innernets, the hard way. My riding buds, those still alive & I traded advice, but giving it is easier than taking it, especially if yer a dumb 'Murcan who doesn't "believe" in experts....

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Cleaning that illegal road visor you mean? Lol.

[@DaleMt09sp]

I’m with neevesy get your self out the traffic to the open road where it’s just yourself no point buying a 200bhp 1000rr to sit behind a caravan doing 35 in a 60 all day Speed limit is not a target is something a pensioner would say Mind blind bends hairpins crap on the road slow down where you know cars can turn across lanes blind hills etc jobs a good un

[@christyrer9530]

Respect the speed limit at ALL times and you will rarely go wrong,,,

[@DaleMt09sp]

And rarely have fun

[@user-fh4qe9yn2u]

😴

[@rwalton159]

You should go back to a 125cc and do some lessons

[@peterkoning21]

A lot of limp wristed comments. ! Speed is learned and awareness. Riding a bike is NOT a car....always know what and where. Always ride ahead of traffic. If a deer jumps out or someone swerves in front of you ....well , you're fucked must we MUST RIDE ! I am 68 and pussy footing around does'nt help !!

[@Frank-xo7zj]

This was uhm...not addressing the real issue today. At least for me and what I experience. People driving while on their cell phones! What does speed have to do with it when you have ignorant, distracted drivers going along the road staring at a cell phone!

[@peripheral1258]

Heyo: 80% Motorcycling is Driving at a Professional Level: 19% bike-skills and 1% Luck. If you can't ride a bicycle on city streets -even an eBike; or ride a Mtn Bike on lumpy ground there is No way you should be on a motorcycle. Don't believe me? Try a decent eBike on city streets. If you wanna ride a bike you have to be able to drive a car at a 'Professional Level'. If you can't Anticipate and Yield and have Bad Manners: You are Not Defensive. Most drivers can't even use their turn-signals. More than a couple tickets or 'surprises' or fender-benders; in 'recent' memory means you are merely Average. If you have a 'close call' or scare yourself on your bike more than once a season; You Are Clueless. If you can't brake shift And Change Your Line in a corner: You Are Wrong. If you are knee-down on the street; you are an accident looking for a place to 'happen'. If you can't change your line in a corner; you are over the limit. If you are 2-wide in a lane: WTF ? Lane-splitting when cars are going 'normal' speed is generally just asking for it; because they're Not looking for you. If you are speeding; do it when there is no-one around. If you are Fast; you are a spec of dust in somebody's mirror. Don't trust The Street. RYOR: Period.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

I personally do not believe anyone who has not been into biking from the youth should really think about it. It’s not another cool sport or fashion or just another hobby. Whatever anyone wants to tell you. It’s still a matter of life and death. If you’re the type that once he gets hurt is afraid of continuing you shouldn’t even start it. You need to accept that sooner or later, whatever trainings you do, a moron will most certainly try to kill you on purpose if nobody has done so before without thinking much - the uuups I didn’t see moron. Especially when you move about cool and dark, hard and fast. Do all that, but don’t lie to yourself. the only thing nearly as dangerous is bicycling in heavy city traffic. Yes you’re more prone to be run-over or pushed aside, but you’re going at much lower speeds and so is your surrounding traffic for the most of the time. But once a mistake happens on the bike you’re at 2x-10x higher speed and barely more protected than the average cyclist. Impact damage effects grow exponentially with speed. All our CE-certified protection gear isn’t tested for complex traffic situations, but clean sheet Lab effects simulating 60km/h or the like. Sorry, but that’s not Motorcycle speeds, even though above Bicycle by far. It works on a race-track and it helps on streets, but it’s Plan C. Thus instincts and driving training is all you got, aside from concentration-fitness that helps you survive this. If you just want to be cool, get a cool car, or better a cool bicycle (without batteries). Nothing is less cool than producing non-recyclable battery waste, where not required. So when asked, I say “if you haven’t ridden until now, don’t. If you’re stubborn, take the beat and don’t complain. And do 3 Trainings if you must aside the german license related driving courses. 1st specialist driving skills, braking, curves, manouvres, police style 2nd street behaviour, i.e. narrow unforseeable road-curves with incoming oversize traffic, i.e. Bus, 3rd Track-Training for fast riding technical skills“. repeat all three every 2-3 years as well as 1st aid on yourself alone and on others.

[@therealquaid1694]

This has to be one of the worst takes I've ever seen.