Motorcycle Lane Positioning - Where Should You Ride?
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- Опубликовано: 13 май 2021
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This week on MCrider we look at lane positioning on your motorcycle. I provide some tips to help you find the right lane position no matter what the traffic is like around you.
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I hope you enjoyed the new camera angles and animations in this week's video.
I upgraded the studio over the last week with some new toys to step up my video production game.
For Members, I will do a behind-the-scenes video soon and show you all the cameras and electronics that you helped pay for. So, keep an eye out on the forums for a link to that. www.MCrider.com/forum
As always, thanks for watching!
Kevin
I did! Very nice! 😃
Hi kevin, I get so much free advice from you, I hope i give you back a useful professional opinion. Graphics and lights look great. You have a fantastic asset which is that you appear as an honest and caring person. You make me feel like you are taking the time to speak only to me. Now, what do people with those characteristics have in common? They look you in the eye! Your 45 degree camera angle from your right breaks the spell. It shows that you are using 2 cameras, but it makes you break eye contact, which is one of your biggest assets when communicating. I am not the most important person in the room at that moment, I am one of many with a bad sideline seat. I hope it helps😊
Second camera angle is great but you have to "follow the cameras" always looking at the "active" camera
Love it! I also really enjoyed the variety of techniques (especially zoom) in today's video! 😂🤣😅
@@touring03able That's interesting. People on television do that. But people on RUclips haven't been doing that. Good comment. Kevin may wish to try that technique. Doing so would resolve the issue with his critics, and make him look more professional.
I'm a new rider at 54 years old, but I've spent many years driving cars/trucks in traffic. Your evaluation of how people drive, where they look when they want to turn, or enter an intersection, and how to position yourself to be seen, are all spot-on. Thanks!
I’m a new rider at 52. Glad to see other people my age starting out too!! How are you enjoying riding? I’m in the Phoenix area.
@@Burzurk1987 I was tense at first, very much aware of all the risks and dangers, and the first time on the highway, I was miserable...I was sure the next gust would blow me off my bike! But now, 4 months in, I'm much more comfortable, and enjoying it more and more. I'm in Quebec, so riding season is coming to an end soon. I guess you can ride all year long in Phoenix? Must be nice.
@@defaultuser3410 Oh, yes, Arizona is a great place to ride a motorcycle. Year round great weather. I’m buying a Harley Slim S. Very excited but nervous. I’m going to practice on a near vacant highway near my house. I have a lot of nice roads near my house that are also not very busy at all. I have a very high respect for motorcycle riding and the dangers that are inherent. I’m older and much smarter and more observant than I was as a young man. It’s exciting, but also a bit scary. I have yet to get on a highway.
@@defaultuser3410 I'm 45, just started last Saturday! My first day on my new bike going around our block was terrifying. I had an anxiety attack, got off the bike and stared at it for about 5 minutes. I said (with the visor down so no walker-by's heard it) "I can't do this. I'm gonna have to sell this bike. I can't do this!!"
The next day I rode 15km's (9.5 miles). Throughout the week I got better and better...
but...... I still fear it. Not as bad, but it's still there - making me tense!
How long did it take you to lose that fear; or, is it still there?
Situational awareness determines your lane position. You need to be able to see first, be seen second and give your self room to maneuver.
yes, people put too much thought into which lane you "should" be in
when you can change lanes at any speed in less than a second if you think you need to
100% agree that there is no right lane position all the time as some seem to think. I tend to ride nearer the centerline most of the time as that provides the most clearance to things coming in off the side of the road. I live in PA and deer/vehicle accidents are very common. Staying near the center of the road gives more time to see a deer coming out of the bushes on the side of the road. When a car is oncoming, I tend to weave to the center or right side of the lane to provide more separation from the car, assuming I don’t expect a risk coming from the right side of the road. I then weave back toward the center once the car passes. Another advantage of doing this is related to human factors. Our peripheral vision is very sensitive to motion. So, if the oncoming driver isn’t looking right at you, they are less likely to pick you up from the background if you are not moving much relative to the background. Making a gentle swerve to change lane position greatly increases the chance of being picked up by oncoming drivers. Also, practicing swerving is a good thing in and of itself.
I find myself doing this too! Good way of putting it into words.
I'm assuming you can actually move from one side of the road to the other, without "weaving".
@@jons6368 weaving sounds like an appropriate word to describe moving a motorcycle sideways across a lane.
@@__dudeman Hahahaha....
@LTVoyager Same here.
When approaching intersections where you have the right of way and are proceeding straight and the intersecting traffic have stop signs, consider "wobbling" back and forth, that is, change your lane position from 1 to 3 and 3 to 1, etc., and do that a few times. Helps force the other motorists to see you and hopefully won't violate your right of way.
Just last week proper lane positioning kept me from getting into a crash. I was pulling up to a 4 way stop and it was blind to my right. Luckily and by habit, I positioned myself in position #3 for situations such as this one. As I came to a stop, A vehicle came from my right and made a left turn. He cut the corner short and was in my lane and just missed me. Had I been in position 2 or 1 he would have hit me head on. Lucky day. Thanks for sharing great tips.
Absolutely sound advice. Answering three important questions can save your life. ADOPT A MINDSET before every ride to condition yourself; to constantly be answering those questions, adapting your position on the roadway and doing so throughout the ride. Become an example of sound planning and effective stratagies OR BECOME A STATISTIC.
Every so often it is a good thing to go back and review the basics. This is a good one.
I agree. I’ve been riding a long time, and even though I do most of those things, it’s a good refresher.
For side angle camera comments : easy solution : you just need to turn your head & ALWAYS look at the side angle camera when this camera is on! That’s it 😘🤗. Keep on great jobs; Cheers from Montreal.
I really liked your breakdown on this... something often taken for granted or over simplified... i.e. "always place yourself in position X". So many factors dictate the best choice.
.....rode dirt bikes as a kid, just got back into it at 57, after life happened.....kid raised and some free time on my hands am having the time of my life cruising the back roads and mountain trails here in Northern Cal on my BMW R1200 GS.. thanks to your videos and the superb instruction, my slow game has improved 1000% ! Will be joining the club, and will following with all the great content ! Thanks again Kevin!
Been a year since my motorbike accident.
Just met a guy today that was in a bike accident very similar to mine. He lost an organ, some nerve damage and some brain function. I got up and walked away from my accident.
I can honestly say your lessons saved me from a far worse outcome. Ironically had i not been lazy on the day and had followed all of them i would even had the accident.
Just wanted to say thanks man.
What happened in your situation?
Great video! We here at Viking Bags really appreciate your content! Keep up the nice work!
I agree my lane position is fluid like water, always changing to the circumstances as I ride. I base it primarily on maintaining the largest bubble as possible between other vehicles combined with giving me the best sightlines/ other drivers the best sightlines of me. One of the best tips I've learned is to move to lane position 3 when approaching a cresting hill on a single lane road in case someone coming the other direction is passing on your side of road.
You may want to make it 2 at dusk if deer are likely.
As riders we have the most to lose, if we are not seen. Great video once again. Also worth mentioning, there are many vehicles out there with large forward blindspots between the windshield and side window. If we stay on the alert, we get to keep riding.
Lane position is one of the things I concentrate the most on when riding. Another is scenarios and escape routes. I’m always thinking about the what ifs when I approach side traffic. I see a lot of bikers on 4 lane divided come up in the left lane and pass cars while hugging the lane divider giving them zero chances of getting out of the cars way when it instantly decides to change lanes into the left. The biker will give himself zero escape routes when that car comes over.
I love your videos and share them with new riders.
Thanks Kevin, I am a regular watcher and get something out of most of your videos. I am an old guy returning to riding and appreciate your efforts in making me safer on the roads
An exceptional video! A lot of people say to me "the book says..." and they don't take into account the situation (road, traffic, debris etc...). They follow "the book" religiously and wonder why they have a problem.
In the UK, we use _up to_ 7 positions in the lane. It's your preference how many you use. I personally use the 3 positions you illustrated. But I know a lot of people who use the 5 positions as, in that system, position 2 and 4 are just off the "oil line".
Keep them coming...
Good point, there are slight variations of the main 3 positions.
Great video as always.
I am about to go on my first cross country trip, and appreciate all the tips. I am sure all of them will come into play at some point.
Thanks again
Ride safe
I started riding in 1980 and NEVER stop learning new things. Never…ever…think you know it all and listen closely to pro’s like Kevin. It’s that simple. Be safe my American friends.
Victoria Canada
🇨🇦
Another excellent lesson Kevin. Every time I'm out there I think of your fundamentals. Thanks my friend!
I am a 53 year old new rider and every lesson you give I try to apply and practice with my bike. I am so greatful for all I am learning from you, especially the mindset one needs, to become a better and responsible driver. I love the way you explain matters, cause you always put it to the point, with humor and a great talent for entertainment. In German RUclips Channels I didn‘t find at least one Trainer similar to you, talking about themes like fear or increase your confidence etc.
So thank you for all your knowledge sharing with us. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
Great video, loved the visuals
Another great video, thanks Kevin!
This is the best video on lane position I’ve seen. Very nicely done!
You make it very easy to understand. Love this channel, you are a blessing my friend, keep pushing out content!!!
Production looks GREAT Kevin. Love the new setup. Great job.
Situational Awareness and smart decisions...Great video Kevin.
A picture is worth a thousand words.... although those words as well are so helpful. The graphical examples are really clean and neat Kevin. 🙏
Good info!👍👍 I learned something, thanks!
Glad you made this thanks Kevin
thank you Kevin your tips alway are really good
Great lesson, as always! I can now see where Lane Position 1 has it's advantages regarding being seen by potential oncoming left turn vehicles. As a rule, I would use the 1st Position when riding past parked cars to avoid someone opening their door in my path. Since oil drippings are in the middle of the lane, I never use it. I also prefer Position 3 to avoid an oncoming vehicle losing control and drifting over the center line. "Always leave an out!" is my primary mantras on the road....bike ir car.
I usually don’t like to comment on videos but let me just say that even though I have been riding for a long time but I feel like I learn something new every time I watch your videos ..... you’re the best.... thank you
Thanks Kevin. I really needed that one. Have a great weekend!!
Glad to help
Good stuff Kevin.
Great video thank you
Such a great video. I know I will use these when a ride.
I feel too many people want precise rules to follow in every circumstance. Too bad the correct answer is "it depends". Great video.
Thank you for the info on which lane to choose inside the main lane. It was very helpful.
Kevin, thanks again for another video on practical life-saving tips. I've come to appreciate you and your channel so much that I've decided to subscribe. Plus, I want to get one of those cool hats, shirts, and stickers! BTW: I love the "new" studio.
Great visuals
Great word!
Great job 👏
Great video ❤
Thank you , ride safe!
Another great video and essential information. Thank you Kevin!
My pleasure!
Thank you so much for these videos - super helpful. I'm also really interested in learning more about land positioning when riding with others, both when leading & following other riders. Thanks again for these videos, I think it's important that I am continually engaged in learning and growing in my ride skills.
Great information and the new graphics make it very easy to understand your instruction.
Kevin I am going to take an advanced class thanks to you. Your statement regarding your skill level is what you bring to a situation rang home to me thank you.
One of the things I love about motorcycling is the fact that my brain and my imagination is constantly engaged, there is no such thing as boredom. It is a game of life or death for real and must be approached as such. As in any action game, there must be constant adaption to a changing environment and failure to observe and failure to know and make the right adaptive choices will lose you points --- or your life.
Great video/instructions. Thanks Kevin!
I ride a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200c and live in Southern California. That should be enough said that I need to watch these videos because people aren't out necessarily to get me but every single time I ride someone pulls out in front of me in one way or another or does something stupid because they are looking for cars not motorcycles. Another reason I need these videos is because I'm a weekend rider at best and it's just not enough experience as a daily rider has. Practicing is fun also it's still riding on my bike. So thank you Kevin for these videos as they may have saved me already from injury or death.
I live in the woods of northern Idaho/Washington with little traffic and a person pulled out in front of me today. Expect the unexpected and don't be surprised when stuff happens like someone pulling out in front of you. I still cursed a bit under my breath when the person almost hit me. I expect a deer or turkey to run out in front of me at all times :)
here in Queensland Aussie, lane position is often influenced by unique factors, including but not limited to, time of day, area, posted speed, and road condition.
Among the potential hazards are the very high probibility of suicidal Marsupials, the condition of the road surface, angle of the Sun, and the biggie..Other Road users!
If riding in the morn or afternoon..best position is right on the center line..that gives you the best chance of seeing, and avoiding those Kangaroos, Wombats, Echidnas, Crocodiles,, Snakes et al
When an oncoming vdh is seen, then position 3 is the best, acounting for their texting, inattention, insecure loads etc..
Pos 2 is good for approaching a crest.
And most importantly, ride as if you are invisible, AND that those that can see you, are looking for another notch on thier steering wheel.
Thanx for your excellent work Kevin!
I always promote you to other riders, along with Jerry Palandino, and Kieth Code?
Make total sense - thank you very much Sir.
I never ride in #2, too much trash and oil. I almost always ride in #3, but go to #1 when it's raining as #3 tends to have the rain puddles. Sage advice on the intersections, I learned through close calls to go to #1 in those situations. I always try to be positioned where I can see the driver, hopefully they'll see me. But you're correct, it's all a game of compromises to make the best situation. Great video, thanks!
Very nicely done!
Solid! Good road strategy is something everyone can do, regardless of skill level or experience.
I watched this video while having my coffee, the advice you gave was invaluable. While out on a ride this afternoon with the missus, if it wasn’t for my lane position that I had, I would have collided with a car. I was able to avoid the crash with some emergency braking. Thanks for great advice
Good information, I also pay close attention to the shoulder type and condition. With a wide , paved and clean shoulder I tend toward lane position 3. With a narrow, gravel or debris strewn shoulder I tend toward lane position 1.
I need to watch more of your videos...thanks
Thanks again, Kevin. Your production is maturing nicely.
I appreciate that!
You're awesome Kevin, btw. Thank you for all you do. You're the calmest and coolest. And you're exactly RIGHT. . It DOES depend on traffic, other variables for sure. I will maybe swerve just a little, that high LED bright, and I've heard you say 'movement 'is the key, it commands the most attention from other drivers. So along with electronic turning signals, I use hand, and a little motion with my arm to draw a little more attention. Anything we can do. Hope this is something you approve of Kevin
Thanks again, excellent info! You're the best!
Assuming that every other driver on the road is out to get me, is what I've found to be my best approach. When around traffic, try to be seen. I expect intrusions into my lane at intersections. No pro, but been riding 50 years.
These days, I'm lucky enough to do most of my riding on country roads where my worst concern is deer. There, I save my speed-runs for along open farm fields.
Great video, saving many life's here. Thank you
Amazing video! I am going to watch more of these! Ive had some close calls and crazy accidents and any tools i have to make myself safer i will take! Thank you for your service to your fellow rider!
I want to add that what you said about a large truck getting in front of you really speaks to me. 2 years ago i was riding a rented bike in bali and the brakes were only okay. I found myself behind a truck in wild trafic and we had a good flow and then he slammed on his brakes and I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t see why he stopped, had no idea there were hazards in front of him and i was smashed into that truck at about 40mph. One of the scariest things to ever happen to me…
Thanks. I passed my written part of MSF course and am scheduled to take the riding part in early June. Looking forward to it. Your videos made me realize the importance of the training even though I have owned several bikes over the years.
That's awesome, best of luck to you in your continued training!
Great video. I see many riders pretty much sitting in position 3. Even with no traffic....leaving themselves less time to avoid wildlife. I move around quite actively for the best position based on visibility, highest hazard, etc and find the added benefit of being more prepared for them as they appear not to mention it’s more fun!
Excellent mister, thanks a bunch!
Good stuff before summer gets busy I usually draw a imaginary between diver and outside mirror seems to work pretty good so keep your chin up be happy and let’s ride 🇺🇸🐾🍻
Thanks Keven!
Lane Position is not a Safety Zone. It is, more or less, a result of Situational Awareness (being defensively aware of your surroundings, and turning that awareness into an effective strategy).
RUclips doesn't like links, so you'll have to look this up, but Huffinton Post has a good article titled "Situational Awareness: A Key to Your Safety" that can be applied to road strategy. It's worth a read.
Love the new studio toys. You look like you are having some fun with the switcher!
I am! Now you get to see how bad I look from multiple angles. ;)
Thank you
I lived in Florida for 35 years it use to be a great state for motorcycle riding. The last few years I lived there it seemed there was a bounty on motorcycles. Too many people there now so I moved to southeast Alabama to a small farm town. Great motorcycle country.
Thanks Kevin. With regards to lane positioning I believe it helps to move around in your lane as others see you as a fixed object behind or in front of them and lane movement breaks that image.
Great video as always, thanks!!. What is the best lane position when you drive in curves?. I got many doubts there. Thanks again!!!.
Subbed. New rider here. Thank you for all of this information.
Great point.. I cal it situational blind spot
Brilliant discussion. One extra could be to increase your visibility. Wearing black may look cool BUT a fluro vest helps drivers see you.
Good video I’ve learned soo much from watching your videos thank you
I ride on a lot of back country roads. I've seen fellow riders do position 1, like almost right on the yellow line, and it scares the heck out of me because so many "country drivers" coming in the opposite direction tend to cross the center line. I like Position 1 in traffic but in country roads I tend to do 2 or 3.
I feel good about my road strategy after watching this and learned additional strategies too! Win Win....thanks Kevin
I'd be interested to hear more about lane positioning on 6 to 8 lane expressway-3 or 4 lanes in each direction. When there is a left shoulder I tend to stay in the left lane. Less cars to deal with and a shoulder to escape to, if I need an escape. If cars come up I pull one laner over let them pass and then stay left again...
@MCrider. Kevin, I love the videos & topics you cover, and I have a topic you haven't quite addressed yet. In this video, you are riding next to an 18 wheeler (the white trailer/blue stripe, pulled by a Volvo tractor) for an extended few minutes. As a Driver/Instructor for Class A CMV's, I teach my students to never linger next to a vehicle unless necessary. Here are 3 reasons never to travel next to a large vehicle for extended times.
1. Trucks/RV's only have side mirrors for side and rear vision. There are large blind spots in which a smaller vehicle can be 'lost' such as a car or motorcycle. If the truck/RV makes a lane change and the vehicle is in a blind spot, the smaller vehicle will take the worst of the collision.
2. Air-buffeting around a large vehicle can be problematic for a new, or even an experienced rider. When driving next to a large vehicle, wind, or air currents coming from the front & sides of the vehicle can move the smaller vehicle around their lane and even cause a motorcycle rider to possibly lose control and crash.
3. If a large vehicle has a tire-blowout, the explosive force can be deadly. The force of the air (105psi) can be enough to startle a motorist/rider & cause loss of control. Or, the tire debris being blown apart can either strike the motorist/rider, or simply land on the roadway. If this tire carcass lands on the road, it can cause serious damage to a car, but it can be deadly if a motorcycle rider hits it at freeway speed.
So there are just 3 reasons why it is best to not remain next to a large vehicle when traveling. If you are behind them and wish to pass, it's best to add some throttle and make the pass as quickly, and safely as possible. This minimizes your time next to the large vehicle. I hope this helps. Safe riding! :-)
Thanks Kevin!
Your presentations are very informative. I'm a sidecar motorcyclist, so not everything applies exactly the same way. For example, in this video position #3 isn't available to the pilot of a sidecar rig, but position #1 definitely is. Regardless, the fundamentals don't change. Keep up the great work, and if ever you bring in a "guest" to discuss sidecar peculiarities, I think that would be great!
Great video. As a general rule of thumb, if I can't see them, they can't see me. If I don't have a good vision of the road/junctions ahead, it's a good signal for me to back off and/or reposition
Another good video! I'd like to add, in position 3, if there is tall grass on the side of the road, critters are apt to jump out, or even walk out in front of you.
In that situation, I prefer position 1 or 2. I do realize though, ther is nothing more than a split second of difference. Maybe the critter would stop or turn around?
I have had a turkey fly out in front of me and a deer approaching the side. Also ran over a snake once. Critters are a formidable opponent on the road!
New camera's look great , thank you.
If you wear a safety vest (green or orange) and use your high beam or a headlight modulator in the day time, I find these extremely helpful as well. The headlight modulator makes traffic do a double take because at first they don't understand what they are seeing. The double take happens just at the time you are passing by them and keeps them from stepping on the gas until you are past.
Thank you! This video helped me avoid a car yesterday. Your videos are fantastic!
Glad it helped!
Greetings from the PPRC GOOD video.
Honest to goodness answer! IT DEPENDS on variables!
Excellent video. I ride with the same thoughts going through my mind as you were describing. I would like to add something as well, that as you said is a bit of a give and take. Going down a multi lane road, I have a tendency of riding in the part of the lane that is closest to the cars that I am passing. Some have said that is dangerous as I wouldn't have time enough to react. Unfortunately, I have noticed a lot of cage drivers have their side view mirrors adjusted so they can see right beside them, which causes a large blind spot. Riding in my lane but in the car wheel track that is closer to them, they are more likely to see my head light just as they would see a cars head light that is closest to them. I may decide to move over just as I am passing them, but my thought is that if they can see me in their mirrors, they are less likely to come over, even though I am closer to them. Of course watching for their head movement to indicate whether or not they are wanting to change lanes gives me a heads up so I can react sooner if needed.
Never parallel to any vehicle Kevin, especially a trailer lol.😊
For others, this is really common sense. A Smart Defensive and Offensive rider lives to ride another day. My lane position is always changing.
Love the content. 😀 (Suggestion: Lose the trendy side camera views. I like you looking at me when you’re talking to me) 👍
Good info. Nothing wrong with the new camera angle 😎😎
An additional point to your amazing video, lane 2 is always a bad position because its where all the oils that drip from other cars is at. I usually see a darker color asphalt in the middle of the road indicating more dirt and oil is residing there. I hope that also is taken into consideration while riding.
Thanks Kevin - This is an important topic and you've managed to explain it in an easy to understand way. What about multi-lane hiways? Can you offer similar advice in the scenarios encountered on the interstate and other hiways that are not two lanes?