Morning all. Looking forward to this 42 min video. Although I'm not a motorcyclist, I still find these videos very useful. For one thing, I learn about situations from a motorcyclists point of view, which hopefully gives me a better understanding as a car driver. Additionally many of the principles that Ashley demonstrates on two wheels also apply on four wheels. Plus it's interesting viewing in general. Anyhow, wishing everyone a pleasant & safe weekend.
The type of vehicles a lot of the time is irrelevant wether you are on a push bike car lorry motorbike. Its still the same observations and planning planning
@@wrightwoodwork True. But not really. The perspective is completely different and the vehicle will dictate to some extent what you are able to do. In the car I don't even think about it. On the bike I'm already gone.
Overtake was ok. When you move out to check make sure you’re not accelerating slightly because if it’s not on you need to pull back to where you were. As a rule, if you can get it done before half way (to oncoming car) then it’s on. Do an advanced course, you’ll learn so much and not develop bad habits in the mean time.
With Motorcycles is always good to take constructive criticism from other bikers as no matter what level of experience we can always improve. This constant improvement is what keeps us safe on the road. We cant control what others do but we can adapt our driving to keep making safe progress.
The trouble is divining the constructive criticism from the rubbish. Even with organisations like the IAM, which are about teaching advanced riding skills, there are still self-centred, self-important twonks who will put you down for what they assume you were thinking, instead of engaging your brain and encouraging you to reflect on what you were looking and thinking. All about tell and not about ask. It's a shame. It's like they need an advanced human skill course before they should be allowed to observe and comment on riders for their riding skills.
@ which is why ensuring you have a good instructor is paramount. A good instructor asks you about your thought process first then maps out on a white board. The roadcraft book that the police use is a great guide. But nothing trumps experience and hours on the road
At around 2:15, looking for a "blocker" whilst waiting to emerge onto a roundabout is a very useful technique. Part of utilizing this is to take a "blocker" opportunity swiftly once you identity it. In a manual car, having the handbrake on and right foot poised hovering over the accelerator ready to take up such an opportunity quickly will certainly help. It's then a matter of releasing the hand brake in sync with applying acceleration to emerge swiftly. Of course, this will vary on two wheels.
Ashley, if you were my IAM Associate, here's my feedback from what I've just watched. 1. You asked about P2 being dirty. Remember P1, P2 & P3 are not in Roadcraft and are just easy ways of referring to the three thirds of your lane. P1 = Nearside, P3 = Offside and P2 is the centre, or what old gits like me call the 'sump line'. These days P2 is not so dirty/oily as it was in the past. For positioning you have total flexibility on a motorcycle. So when giving up P3 for oncoming vehicles then consider riding to the far left of P3 or the far right of P1 if P2 is very dirty. 2. On country roads where there's a continual line of slippery mud, sometimes losing position and riding in P1 (with a reduction in speed) may be much more preferable than crossing the muddy line of slime. 3. When you need to pass parked vehicles try to come out much earlier and don't be afraid to cross the centre line. You don't have to stay your side of the line. Also a couple of times you ended up in a 4 vehicle sandwich. 4. Filtering. Do you really want to drag race? You won't beat them all (some EVs are VERY fast). Also remember HWC rule 191, some junctions are also light controlled crossings. 5. Try to avoid using the QuickShifter as another brake.
Just a tip, when filtering, it's not always best to remain with a car on your immediate left and right, safety bubble. Pulling slightly ahead, if there is a gap is safer.
Thanks for verbalising and sharing your ride. I appreciate your itching for more practice. I never took my test in the end (got a puncture the day before it was booked) but for the total three years or so I was riding a 125cc, it was my only motor. Starting at the end of October 30 years ago, I was soon getting used to wiping ice from freezing fog off my visor on my 30 mile return journeys to work. But in my leisure and increasingly worked into the commutes, I discovered most of the minor roads of my adopted county this way. There were a few bike enthusiasts among the more senior men where I worked at the time, but their bikes were generally saved for the summer. I was never prouder than when, emerging from my office togged up one chilly afternoon, I heard "The only real biker of the lot!" shouted across the car park.
Try not to pay to much attention to gripping the tank with your knees It’s like gripping your steering wheel hard thinking you have more control At slow speed just relax and breathe and the bike will go wherever you look in that direction trust me
Never take a position over safety, position 3 as often as possible but when oncoming cars are passing back to position 2 then back to 3 when safe to do so.
In ROSPA its about managing risk. Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration. IPSGA You can only choose a position based on the information you have.
Interesting on the filtering, always appreciated that filtering was appropriate on a road with multiple lanes going in the same direction, otherwise, like between two single lanes in opposing directions, its overtaking even in city centre slow moving traffic
The guidance for lane positioning is "Safety, Stability & View" in that order. I think your positioning is very good. Position 1 is still an option, with a reduced speed if you really didn't like going with the other two.
@@ashley_nealThey can obviously feed into each other. A road-surface hazard that could destabilize your bike becomes a 'Safety' issue. But stability also refers to things like your bike's orientation & lean. On a very windy day, would you position too close to oncoming traffic because it reduces your lean angle & extends your view round a bend? Why not? You've maximised your stability & view. If the road surface is terrible in Pos.1, would you ride there to get the best view of a right-hand bend? I wouldn't. So we clearly don't sacrifice stability for view. And we wouldn't sacrifice safety for stability. Love your channel. Ride safe.
@@ashley_neal Safety - is someone going to hit me in this position, Stability - is the road surface going to cause me issues, View - can I see enough and be seen.
@rrob212003 is right about the overtake, and especially about making sure you don’t inadvertantly accelerate when you move out for a look. Your question about position 2 (crud on the road) vs position 3 (closer to oncoming traffic) - short answer is “Yes, it is situational”, long answer is “You make your own judgment on which is the greater hazard at this particular place on this particular day in this particular weather with this particular amount and type of oncoming traffic, the amount of crud you can see in the middle of the lane or the chance of someone crossing the centre line on what appeared for the most part to be a fairly straight road”. My own feeling (I’ve been a motorcyclist on and off since 1980) is that on a straightish road position 3 is generally OK even with oncoming cars as long as you look out for wider vehicles and cars towing trailers or caravans and give them a wider space (I’ve seen how much a trailer or caravan can snake at road speed if it’s not loaded right or there’s a cross-wind).
Regarding mud on the road (or anything else that is a step change in grip, such as gravel or spilled diesel), if you have to cross it, try to do so in as straight a line as possible (so the bike is as upright as possible) on a neutral throttle in a place where you aren’t likely to need to brake and by preference where the road surface is less uneven.
10:47 Southport Old Road is actually a National speed road; which as a regular cyclist on this road, can be a little uncomfortable with people speeding past......
Comments on the filtering, if you are going to filter to the front you actually need to move to the front and take primary, instead you are just pulling alongside the cars at the front and you end up with other drivers unsure what you plan to do. This might be what triggered the Passet, he thought you would be off once the lights changed and he would no longer need to deal with you as shown by the fact he actually moved out of your way further up.
Great vid, I'm currently on a 125 with L plates so I always filter behind the first cars at the lights as there's a high chance they'll be able to beat me off the line. I look forward to getting my A2 so that I can go straight to the front!
At around 6:25, exactly the same with me in my car re: I look at my GPS app speed and not my car speedo. Well, I do occasionally look at both in order to compare but that's about it. And yes, you are right, we can't help being ever so slightly over a limit on occasion and we are not robots. The flip side of this is it nicely backs up the saying "There is no such thing as a perfect driver".
Nice ride, and, as expected, a great attitude about your bike skills. Good use of the horn, but you need to replace that standard horn with a Soundbomb. ;-) Watch those muddy roads; it doesn't take much to lose grip.
this years bikesafe course suggested sacrificing position for hazards, so avoid serious surface defects/debis by changing from what would be theoptimum postion (or thats how I heard it)
Speed: the thing is Ash, I've been told (reliably) that people have had to attend speed awareness courses for being 1 mph above a limit, so it does matter mate, you just can't afford to take that chance that some van or other is out with a radar gun that isn't using the 10% plus 2mph rule. Since my change of car I'm so paranoid now and that's not a bad thing to keep me alert. Great video Ash 👍🏻😄 I do wish I could ride a bike to appreciate what it's like and how they get treated, however I still have a streak in me that would be an idiot so I'll stick to a big chunk of metal around me, thanks.
I think you're being paranoid about being 1 mph. If you are staring at your speedo and not watching what is happening outside that is far more dangerous than being 1mph over the limit. Yes be aware of your speed but not to the point that it's all you look at and miss things outside
@@wrightwoodwork Yes, I have not heard first hand of anyone getting a letter for one over the limit, all mentions of it seem to be online or people that heard from a friend/cousin that knew someone that knew someone else etc.
Merseyside police do a brilliant advanced riding course. Done mine the other year and a huge benefit to riders of any level of experience. Then get some track days done. That will get you to know your bike and limits. Good luck and ride safe 💪🏻🫡
Curious to ask: Do motorbikes have an audible alert when signalling? I'm part way through this video and as yet never heard any signal sound. Also...and I hope this isn't a daft question...but do motorbike signals ever self cancel or do you always have to cancel manually?
On most bikes: no, and no. On some you can pair up the bike to an intercom unit and hear a noise, and on some (mostly newer BMWs as far as I'm aware) will self-cancel.
No audible alert as it's pretty pointless with a helmet. My bike does have an option for the signals to self cancel but I've never tried it......Yet (possible video)
@@ashley_neal you might actually be surprised what you can hear, on my 1990s BMW you can clearly hear the click of the indicator relay under the tank while riding, and that's been true for various helmets over the years as well as riding with & without earplugs.
Good to see the cyclist at 12:17 letting you decide when to pass rather than waving you through. Seen a mild increase of cyclists waving drivers passed on a bend and the drivers accepting the offer instead of looking at the risk and deciding themselves
Years ago, some wagon drivers used to beckon drivers into overtaking, mostly I think, in good faith. My old man taught me very firmly to _never_ take that risk. There was a story of a wagon driver who deliberately invited a driver into a head-on, but you know, pubs and stories.
Your overtake at around 5:38 was absolutely fine. 1. The car you passed was down to the 30's in a 50 mph limit on a very clear and relatively straight road. So your overtake had a purpose to it and not just for the sake of "must get in front" overtaking. 2. You had excellent sightlines for as long as you needed to complete the overtake comfortably 3. There were absolutely no side turnings, hidden driveways or farm tracks on either side of the road 4. You took an initial peek out before committing and could easily have dropped back in if needed
@@PedroConejo1939The same was drummed into me by my dad and also my instructor. The only person who can decide if it is safe is me as only I know what my vehicle accelerates and handles like
@@ibs5080Good morning to you Ibrahim and looks like some nice weather this weekend which will be nice for all You will soon catch me up as I need to head out shopping and, slightly coincidentally, you will be catching me up just as Ashley finds Sport Mode 🤣
Small observation, is going through the menus to change engine mode ideal when risk is higher such as at around 18:22? I thought it might have been better to wait until beyond the junction with vehicles exiting Just thinking cognitive load will be higher as you are thinking of where in the menu structure the setting is which could delay reactions slightly. It is the same when I drive, even though the mini computer cycles through displaying different information with the flick of a button, I wait until cognitive load is at a minimum to check As I say, just an observation and camera angles could make things appear more risky than they were 👍
Great point Bob, but I won't do anything unless I've got the risks covered. The key is also not to look at anything for too long and have quick glances.
There is no correct position to ride in. It is a matter of balancing hazards and along the road where you mentioned that you moved from position 3 because of oncoming traffic but were concerned at the debris in position 2 you would have been better off nearer to position 1. There was a row of bollards, a grass verge then the cycle track on the near side which present less of a potential hazard than the oncoming traffic so I would be perfectly happy to ride in position 1 until circumstances such as a vehicle at a junction on the left dictate that I readjust the balance by moving out. During my first months of motorcycling (40 years ago) I was stopped by a policeman on a motorcycle who explained how I could take corners more safely and quicker. He told me to follow his lines. As well as a few bends we did about five overtakes in the short time I was in his company.
Really like the bike vids Ash, hope there are plenty more vids like this.. What bike is it you're riding, I know it's an adventure bike, bit what make and cc? Did you buy the bike brand new? It looks like it, either that, or it's in great condition ..
At around 10:38, if that house had a white picket fence, it could almost be like Southfork ranch that featured in the tv series Dallas. Admittedly this would be a scaled down version.
I am surprised that you don't use position 2 more frequently . However, you appear to be in it often on this run. I don't find much of a problem with what you call debris on the sump position nor oil or diesel or anything else for that matter and I drive an drive all roads in the North West. Yes there are times when its visible but that applies to all of the road anyway. We change position with regards to potential dangers and its more dangerous to stay in position 3 whilst being passed b traffic travelling the other way at a combined speed of some say 80 plus mph. OK in a car but not ok on a bike with our increased vulnerabilities. If in position 2 and there is debris and passing other vehicle coming the other way there is always position 1 to ride in and that takes one well away from oncoming dangers be they cars or debris. Position 2 is not one that car drivers concern themselves with as its the sump line so they would rarely use it. Because of that simple fact that it is far less used than position 1 and 3 car tyre lanes there is an abundance of useful aggregate still left to give more grip with and its also dryer when both positions 1 and 3 are still damp with rain. Positions 1 and 3 always look well worn and shinny when wet. That gives you a clue. They are also filled with tyre debris from car tyres thus they appear slippy and can have less grip than position 2 the sump position which remains dryer and when wet, is first to dry due to hot engines of cars drying it out. So in balance , in the event of heavy braking I would prefer to be in position 2 rather than 1 and 3.
Apologies for hijacking this video but please can everyone be careful out there and look out for each other I have just driven passed a collision with a rider and a car. It wasn’t exactly difficult to see the rider as they are out in a charity bike ride complete with tinsel and matching Christmas outfit What is an extra second to look? What is an extra 30 seconds before turning?
I do disagree with indicating right at roundabout with only left / straight options. It doesn't really help vs not indicating, but it is ambiguous. If someone does that when I'm coming the other day, I slow a lot more, because a some of the people who signal like that are doing u-turns. I've come close to being caught out by that, so I assume that they are doing that, until they have gone straight on. I'm surprised that Ashley does something like that given his usual attitude that no signal is better than an ambiguous one.
At around 9:18 re warning triangles where there has been a fatal or serious collision. I know you've mentioned that before Ash but are these measures also ever put in place where such events haven't happened?
So, when mildly confused about the exit for a car park, as a professional car driver, you consider mounting the kerb when on a bike? Granted, you ruled it out, but the thought has never crossed my mind over the last few decades of riding - and I ride both on and off road, my bike is more than capable of it too. The overtake, was pretty spot on. "Shouldn't be in 3 with oncoming, but problem with 2 due to debris" - I'm sorry, no. Position 2 doesn't have anywhere near as much debris as was once taught. Sure, you get the odd diesel spill, bit of slippery grime etc, but the wind caused by passing vehicles moves all the smaller stones/nails etc to the outer extremities of the lane. The scan down the road should pick up most of that. Position 2 was perfectly fine for that section of near straight road with oncoming. The lesser of two evils, is position for safety above all else. If you have oncoming AND debris in 2, or if the oncoming is a lorry, position 1. There was no debris in all your position 2 riding, a dirty coloured bit of tarmac isn't worth worrying about. The left signal for the caravan looks a little late (it appears you pressed the button just after passing the trees on the right) - we should signal for what we can reasonably assume to happen. Could have been a caravan, could have been a truck, both would have benefitted by an earlier signal and you wouldn't be signalling and turning at the same time = more relaxed. This of course, ignores that you chose to continue riding - seemingly - with deflated tyres (as was discussed on the previous video). Unless, of course, you fixed that issue in the car park. Re the cyclist while you were talking about the horse, advanced tutors recommend a slight "toot" of the horn to let them know you're coming, and then a wave of the left hand as a respectful "thanks" (similar to people holding back at a junction - in that case, a "thanks for not trying to kill me"). Had there been a horse coming opposite (since you talked about them being kept nearby), I would have stopped the bike and turned the engine off on that road - letting the horse rider continue comfortably knowing I wasn't going to spook the horse. Why isn't position 3 good with oncoming? 14:30 (you weren't in 3, but that car makes the point perfectly).
Those posts next to the road from 5:00 on look like they'd cause a lot of harm to any biker sliding along the tarmac. I can see why they're there, but still. Road furniture can be a major cause of unpleasantness where two-wheelers are off their mounts. I've had a couple of mates mashed up by Armco supports, thankfully, recoverable.
@@PedroConejo1939 I am glad, but also saddened, you mentioned the Armco supports as the first fatality I witnessed on the road was a motorcycle rider being sideswiped off two wheels and sliding into those supports I do believe other countries have the right idea where they have the catch cables and the supports break but still prevent crossing into the other carriageway and I am surprised it isn’t adopted more over here
From the the start enjoyed the video this is not a criticism in anyway shape or form. You answered your own question on road position in protecting your safety bubble with regard to approaching cars “the lesser of two evils”, or is it, what if you had an articulated lorry approaching you and you felt poisition two was possibly compromised with intermittent debris ask yourself where would you ride? So if position one is ok with respect to an oncoming lorry why not a car, just when in position one regulate your speed so that you can stop in the distance you can see to be clear on your side of the road When approaching bends. As for riding in sport mode I Do it most of the summer, certainly not in winter just bare in mind with the increase in acceleration comes a significant decrease in traction control, in Road or Rain mode when your front wheel spins (slows) out of kilter in the mud within a millisecond your CPU is going to intervene and slow the rear wheel (possibly) helping to regain the lost grip, in Sport mode the CPU intervention is going to be considerably less to not existent just something to be aware of as you kept mentioning there was mud on the road, horses for courses as they say and experience. What does a red and amber light mean?
36:58, what evidence is there that the driver in the Passat was triggered? 37:12 perhaps suggests they were not triggered. 38:49, lane 2 is clear, lane 1 is clear but there is traffic in the left filter. Lane 2 was further away from anyone in the filter changing their mind and going for lane 1. 38:38, lane 1: 38:45, lane 2, 38:50 lane 1, 38:60 lane 2. 41:06, be careful of the children cycling into the road, same at 41:50
On the overtake, didn’t really need to check your shoulder when coming back into the lane. Your vision was forward, you have just passed the vehicle and can see that there was nothing in front. And keeping your vision forward when you’re on the wrong side of the road is safer
Firstly, because Ash is a safe road user who ensures the driver he's just overtaken has a safe distance. And what if the white car driver was an idiot who decided to speed up after being overtaken? "Don't need to look"?! Really?
@ Just needs a mirror check, not a shoulder is all. If you checked the mirror and he wasn’t visible then yeah check your shoulder he’s probably sped up.
@andrewbird96 Does being safe and observant cost you money? If you can check, check! Why the f not? I hope you're not an instructor, or professional rider. All round observation, at all times. How can less checking possibly be better than more checking? Do us all a favour and stay off the roads.
@@composimmonite3918 woah, someone woke up and chose war today. As with everything on the roads, it's situational... In this situation a shoulder check wasn't necessary. What is a shoulder check for? To see into your blind spot (the space your mirrors can't see). In this situation Ash was in the oncoming traffics lane, where is his immediate danger? The oncoming traffic. Checking your blind spot to see if it's safe to pull in wasn't a necessary observation to make... In this situation. If this were a motorway and Ash had been cruising for 10-20 seconds in the overtaking lane, allowing time for a car to pull up alongside, absolutely, check that shoulder. In this situation your mirror tells you enough info to know he hasn't moved.. You've just passed him and seen the gap .5 seconds ago. There was nothing wrong with Ash checking, he just asked for comment on the overtake, that was my comment. And actually, if Ash had done this in a car, I don't think he'd have checked his blind spot to come back into the lane, probably would've used his mirror. Maybe he would've of... Have a lovely Christmas!
With your question about position 3 and debris. Always give up position for safety. So, if position 3 is too close to traffic and position 2 causes issues with debris - use position 1 and slow down. Position first for safety and then for stability and then for view - if you have to give up position for safety, you just slow down. You know this, Ashley, you're just overthinking it. The overtake was textbook, but the shoulder check to return to your lane was unnecessary.
@ashley_neal absolutely - if position 3 Is safe, use it. If not, move. Simple :) Use your judgement on safety and stability and get your view if the first two judgements are passed. If you can't get the view because of safety, slow it down.
@@ashley_neal It's more subtle than "my own call for safety." I was taught that there should be a certain decorum to riding. It's not only thinking about yourself, but much more on how others might perceive you. So if I reckon THEY might think what I'm doing is risky, I don't bother doing it. For example, your overtake, while completely fine... imagine there had been a car coming, but the overtake was still perfectly fine and doable. There comes a point where a non-bike riding car driver might worry you're a little too close, and lift off the gas to "fix" the problem they perceive. If I am the cause of another road user changing what they're doing (even to the extent of them merely having to lift), then I've got it wrong. "Those of us that have standards, are shining examples for others." Equally, the same instructor also preached that no-one should remember I was ever on the road. Take my mythical car driver example above, they'd probably remember "that bike did a risky overtake" - even when there was no actual risk at all.
Makes me dizzy watching your vid, can’t you use a fixed forward facing camera position every now and then. Keep practicing you’ll notice your ability increase but it takes time. As a few others have mentioned think about do some advanced rider training it’s well worth it.
At around 14:43 re "My hatred of cyclists comes from my Ma". You were joking of course but just wondering if your Twitter account is going to be busy for a while!
Didn't you feel vulnerable sitting between the cars at the lights after filtering? Id rather break the law and get in front or sit behind the first car hopefully in a pocket. Great ride though? I need to get out on one of mine tomorrow.
Please please please stop with the position 123 nonsense, it makes your riding too rigid your riding plan needs to be flexible, you should be in the position that gives you the best views and for safety, so when you asked if your position was correct, yes it was if you split the danger from right and left. Never sacrifice safety for position, so the mud on the road you should have stayed to the left instead of crossing it to get a better view, if some large vehicle was on coming then you would have had to cross the mud to get to a safe position. Keep the practice going and do consider further training on and off road.
At 8.11, it wasn’t too bad and the intention was right, however, if you were earlier and smoother you wouldn’t have added more lean and acceleration at the same time, it was only minor but it’s a bad habit which will get you in trouble one day. Think about trying to keep the bike as upright as you can. (I know it’s not as fun!)
So would you decide to straight line before you realised your positioning wasn't going to be misread by anyone coming out of the junction you are entering?
As early as possible whilst also keeping the bike as upright as possible, think smooth and flowing. But the main take away should be not to add lean and accelerate at the same time. A reason could’ve been, in my opinion, that you weren’t carrying enough speed to start with so when you decided to straight line/weave, you added gas up to the speed you should’ve been going in the first place. Very easy to slow down too much on a bike with the engine.
I understand that you don't consider how your positioning on the roundabout would be potentially interpreted by people entering. You are very speed based, so I am suspecting IAM or RoSPA?
Morning all. Looking forward to this 42 min video. Although I'm not a motorcyclist, I still find these videos very useful. For one thing, I learn about situations from a motorcyclists point of view, which hopefully gives me a better understanding as a car driver. Additionally many of the principles that Ashley demonstrates on two wheels also apply on four wheels. Plus it's interesting viewing in general.
Anyhow, wishing everyone a pleasant & safe weekend.
The type of vehicles a lot of the time is irrelevant wether you are on a push bike car lorry motorbike. Its still the same observations and planning planning
@@wrightwoodwork
True. But not really. The perspective is completely different and the vehicle will dictate to some extent what you are able to do.
In the car I don't even think about it. On the bike I'm already gone.
Overtake was ok. When you move out to check make sure you’re not accelerating slightly because if it’s not on you need to pull back to where you were. As a rule, if you can get it done before half way (to oncoming car) then it’s on. Do an advanced course, you’ll learn so much and not develop bad habits in the mean time.
He’s too young for an Advanced course. Should do a track day.
With Motorcycles is always good to take constructive criticism from other bikers as no matter what level of experience we can always improve. This constant improvement is what keeps us safe on the road. We cant control what others do but we can adapt our driving to keep making safe progress.
The trouble is divining the constructive criticism from the rubbish.
Even with organisations like the IAM, which are about teaching advanced riding skills, there are still self-centred, self-important twonks who will put you down for what they assume you were thinking, instead of engaging your brain and encouraging you to reflect on what you were looking and thinking. All about tell and not about ask.
It's a shame. It's like they need an advanced human skill course before they should be allowed to observe and comment on riders for their riding skills.
@ which is why ensuring you have a good instructor is paramount.
A good instructor asks you about your thought process first then maps out on a white board.
The roadcraft book that the police use is a great guide.
But nothing trumps experience and hours on the road
@@JayDutch-UK-MK Exactly!
At around 2:15, looking for a "blocker" whilst waiting to emerge onto a roundabout is a very useful technique. Part of utilizing this is to take a "blocker" opportunity swiftly once you identity it. In a manual car, having the handbrake on and right foot poised hovering over the accelerator ready to take up such an opportunity quickly will certainly help. It's then a matter of releasing the hand brake in sync with applying acceleration to emerge swiftly. Of course, this will vary on two wheels.
Be prepared though for someone doing a U-turn…not that I ever do a U-turn in a mini roundabout 🙈
Ashley, if you were my IAM Associate, here's my feedback from what I've just watched.
1. You asked about P2 being dirty. Remember P1, P2 & P3 are not in Roadcraft and are just easy ways of referring to the three thirds of your lane. P1 = Nearside, P3 = Offside and P2 is the centre, or what old gits like me call the 'sump line'. These days P2 is not so dirty/oily as it was in the past. For positioning you have total flexibility on a motorcycle. So when giving up P3 for oncoming vehicles then consider riding to the far left of P3 or the far right of P1 if P2 is very dirty.
2. On country roads where there's a continual line of slippery mud, sometimes losing position and riding in P1 (with a reduction in speed) may be much more preferable than crossing the muddy line of slime.
3. When you need to pass parked vehicles try to come out much earlier and don't be afraid to cross the centre line. You don't have to stay your side of the line. Also a couple of times you ended up in a 4 vehicle sandwich.
4. Filtering. Do you really want to drag race? You won't beat them all (some EVs are VERY fast). Also remember HWC rule 191, some junctions are also light controlled crossings.
5. Try to avoid using the QuickShifter as another brake.
Just a tip, when filtering, it's not always best to remain with a car on your immediate left and right, safety bubble. Pulling slightly ahead, if there is a gap is safer.
Thanks for verbalising and sharing your ride. I appreciate your itching for more practice. I never took my test in the end (got a puncture the day before it was booked) but for the total three years or so I was riding a 125cc, it was my only motor. Starting at the end of October 30 years ago, I was soon getting used to wiping ice from freezing fog off my visor on my 30 mile return journeys to work. But in my leisure and increasingly worked into the commutes, I discovered most of the minor roads of my adopted county this way.
There were a few bike enthusiasts among the more senior men where I worked at the time, but their bikes were generally saved for the summer. I was never prouder than when, emerging from my office togged up one chilly afternoon, I heard "The only real biker of the lot!" shouted across the car park.
Try not to pay to much attention to gripping the tank with your knees
It’s like gripping your steering wheel hard thinking you have more control
At slow speed just relax and breathe and the bike will go wherever you look in that direction trust me
Never take a position over safety, position 3 as often as possible but when oncoming cars are passing back to position 2 then back to 3 when safe to do so.
In ROSPA its about managing risk. Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration. IPSGA
You can only choose a position based on the information you have.
At around 17:45, the beep followed by the Thank You. Good technique, since many drivers react badly to a well intenioned "I am here" beep.
Interesting on the filtering, always appreciated that filtering was appropriate on a road with multiple lanes going in the same direction, otherwise, like between two single lanes in opposing directions, its overtaking even in city centre slow moving traffic
The guidance for lane positioning is "Safety, Stability & View" in that order.
I think your positioning is very good. Position 1 is still an option, with a reduced speed if you really didn't like going with the other two.
Isn't safety a part of stability and view?.......please explain why they are in that order.
@@ashley_nealThey can obviously feed into each other. A road-surface hazard that could destabilize your bike becomes a 'Safety' issue. But stability also refers to things like your bike's orientation & lean.
On a very windy day, would you position too close to oncoming traffic because it reduces your lean angle & extends your view round a bend? Why not? You've maximised your stability & view.
If the road surface is terrible in Pos.1, would you ride there to get the best view of a right-hand bend? I wouldn't.
So we clearly don't sacrifice stability for view. And we wouldn't sacrifice safety for stability.
Love your channel. Ride safe.
@@ashley_neal Safety - is someone going to hit me in this position, Stability - is the road surface going to cause me issues, View - can I see enough and be seen.
Seems as though they're all safety to me.
@@gordon861stability also covers bike weight & lean angle.
@rrob212003 is right about the overtake, and especially about making sure you don’t inadvertantly accelerate when you move out for a look. Your question about position 2 (crud on the road) vs position 3 (closer to oncoming traffic) - short answer is “Yes, it is situational”, long answer is “You make your own judgment on which is the greater hazard at this particular place on this particular day in this particular weather with this particular amount and type of oncoming traffic, the amount of crud you can see in the middle of the lane or the chance of someone crossing the centre line on what appeared for the most part to be a fairly straight road”. My own feeling (I’ve been a motorcyclist on and off since 1980) is that on a straightish road position 3 is generally OK even with oncoming cars as long as you look out for wider vehicles and cars towing trailers or caravans and give them a wider space (I’ve seen how much a trailer or caravan can snake at road speed if it’s not loaded right or there’s a cross-wind).
I love how you love driving as much as I do and like you I pride myself in how well I drive.
I'm not a motorcyclist but your videos have helped my driving giving me an insight into why bikers do what they do
Regarding mud on the road (or anything else that is a step change in grip, such as gravel or spilled diesel), if you have to cross it, try to do so in as straight a line as possible (so the bike is as upright as possible) on a neutral throttle in a place where you aren’t likely to need to brake and by preference where the road surface is less uneven.
10:47 Southport Old Road is actually a National speed road; which as a regular cyclist on this road, can be a little uncomfortable with people speeding past......
That's very brave of you. I've been passed on this road by power rangers even when I'm pushing it on a big bike also.
Comments on the filtering, if you are going to filter to the front you actually need to move to the front and take primary, instead you are just pulling alongside the cars at the front and you end up with other drivers unsure what you plan to do. This might be what triggered the Passet, he thought you would be off once the lights changed and he would no longer need to deal with you as shown by the fact he actually moved out of your way further up.
Great vid, I'm currently on a 125 with L plates so I always filter behind the first cars at the lights as there's a high chance they'll be able to beat me off the line. I look forward to getting my A2 so that I can go straight to the front!
At around 6:25, exactly the same with me in my car re: I look at my GPS app speed and not my car speedo. Well, I do occasionally look at both in order to compare but that's about it. And yes, you are right, we can't help being ever so slightly over a limit on occasion and we are not robots. The flip side of this is it nicely backs up the saying "There is no such thing as a perfect driver".
Nice ride, and, as expected, a great attitude about your bike skills. Good use of the horn, but you need to replace that standard horn with a Soundbomb. ;-) Watch those muddy roads; it doesn't take much to lose grip.
It might help if you angle the brake and clutch levers down slightly. It's a more natural feel which I prefer, but each to their own.
A very simple but often overlooked bit of advice that mate. Adjust everything to suit.
this years bikesafe course suggested sacrificing position for hazards, so avoid serious surface defects/debis by changing from what would be theoptimum postion (or thats how I heard it)
At around 18:22, I didn't realize that just as with cars, some motorbikes also have menus to go through various settings. I've learned something new.
Always intrigues me that Southport is in the North of the UK!
Great filtering ash!
That's the bit I'm least sure about!
I’d be dubious about braking to let pedestrians cross. Mirrors mirrors mirrors.
Great video, mate I love riding but only in reasonable conditions,at 77 years old I have to be picky
Speed: the thing is Ash, I've been told (reliably) that people have had to attend speed awareness courses for being 1 mph above a limit, so it does matter mate, you just can't afford to take that chance that some van or other is out with a radar gun that isn't using the 10% plus 2mph rule. Since my change of car I'm so paranoid now and that's not a bad thing to keep me alert. Great video Ash 👍🏻😄 I do wish I could ride a bike to appreciate what it's like and how they get treated, however I still have a streak in me that would be an idiot so I'll stick to a big chunk of metal around me, thanks.
Bikes don’t have a plate on the front so if you see a radar gun and there’s an option take the next turn!
I think you're being paranoid about being 1 mph. If you are staring at your speedo and not watching what is happening outside that is far more dangerous than being 1mph over the limit. Yes be aware of your speed but not to the point that it's all you look at and miss things outside
@@wrightwoodwork Yes, I have not heard first hand of anyone getting a letter for one over the limit, all mentions of it seem to be online or people that heard from a friend/cousin that knew someone that knew someone else etc.
@@wrightwoodwork it does seem paranoid but having folk on speed awareness courses for doing 1mph over is money making at its worst imho.
Merseyside police do a brilliant advanced riding course.
Done mine the other year and a huge benefit to riders of any level of experience.
Then get some track days done. That will get you to know your bike and limits.
Good luck and ride safe 💪🏻🫡
02:28 got to love blockers.
Curious to ask: Do motorbikes have an audible alert when signalling? I'm part way through this video and as yet never heard any signal sound. Also...and I hope this isn't a daft question...but do motorbike signals ever self cancel or do you always have to cancel manually?
On most bikes: no, and no.
On some you can pair up the bike to an intercom unit and hear a noise, and on some (mostly newer BMWs as far as I'm aware) will self-cancel.
No audible alert as it's pretty pointless with a helmet. My bike does have an option for the signals to self cancel but I've never tried it......Yet (possible video)
@@ashley_neal you might actually be surprised what you can hear, on my 1990s BMW you can clearly hear the click of the indicator relay under the tank while riding, and that's been true for various helmets over the years as well as riding with & without earplugs.
The only audible on indicators is the annoying alarm sound when you forget to cancel it. Followed by the biker wondering what that noise is.
Ashley: 53 mph on 50 mph road.
The Internet: War crime!
Overtake good pulled out to get a better view then once you knew clear . Got on with it
Good to see the cyclist at 12:17 letting you decide when to pass rather than waving you through.
Seen a mild increase of cyclists waving drivers passed on a bend and the drivers accepting the offer instead of looking at the risk and deciding themselves
Years ago, some wagon drivers used to beckon drivers into overtaking, mostly I think, in good faith. My old man taught me very firmly to _never_ take that risk. There was a story of a wagon driver who deliberately invited a driver into a head-on, but you know, pubs and stories.
You are way ahead of me in this video. I'm still just leaving Southport. Good morning btw and I'll respond to your comments in the previous video.
Your overtake at around 5:38 was absolutely fine.
1. The car you passed was down to the 30's in a 50 mph limit on a very clear and relatively straight road. So your overtake had a purpose to it and not just for the sake of "must get in front" overtaking.
2. You had excellent sightlines for as long as you needed to complete the overtake comfortably
3. There were absolutely no side turnings, hidden driveways or farm tracks on either side of the road
4. You took an initial peek out before committing and could easily have dropped back in if needed
@@PedroConejo1939The same was drummed into me by my dad and also my instructor. The only person who can decide if it is safe is me as only I know what my vehicle accelerates and handles like
@@ibs5080Good morning to you Ibrahim and looks like some nice weather this weekend which will be nice for all
You will soon catch me up as I need to head out shopping and, slightly coincidentally, you will be catching me up just as Ashley finds Sport Mode 🤣
Great sound quality Ashley,what recording gear do you use? Thanks
That bike you have is perfect for a bit of green lane-ing .. Assuming you dont mind cleaning it
Small observation, is going through the menus to change engine mode ideal when risk is higher such as at around 18:22? I thought it might have been better to wait until beyond the junction with vehicles exiting
Just thinking cognitive load will be higher as you are thinking of where in the menu structure the setting is which could delay reactions slightly. It is the same when I drive, even though the mini computer cycles through displaying different information with the flick of a button, I wait until cognitive load is at a minimum to check
As I say, just an observation and camera angles could make things appear more risky than they were 👍
Great point Bob, but I won't do anything unless I've got the risks covered. The key is also not to look at anything for too long and have quick glances.
@@ashley_neal Thought as much and agreed not to stare anywhere too long even when stationary 👍
There is no correct position to ride in. It is a matter of balancing hazards and along the road where you mentioned that you moved from position 3 because of oncoming traffic but were concerned at the debris in position 2 you would have been better off nearer to position 1. There was a row of bollards, a grass verge then the cycle track on the near side which present less of a potential hazard than the oncoming traffic so I would be perfectly happy to ride in position 1 until circumstances such as a vehicle at a junction on the left dictate that I readjust the balance by moving out.
During my first months of motorcycling (40 years ago) I was stopped by a policeman on a motorcycle who explained how I could take corners more safely and quicker. He told me to follow his lines. As well as a few bends we did about five overtakes in the short time I was in his company.
Really like the bike vids Ash, hope there are plenty more vids like this..
What bike is it you're riding, I know it's an adventure bike, bit what make and cc?
Did you buy the bike brand new? It looks like it, either that, or it's in great condition ..
It's a 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
@ashley_neal Nice, thanks for the reply Ash, love it
At around 10:38, if that house had a white picket fence, it could almost be like Southfork ranch that featured in the tv series Dallas. Admittedly this would be a scaled down version.
It's a pub/restaurant - The Sparrowhawk
I am surprised that you don't use position 2 more frequently . However, you appear to be in it often on this run. I don't find much of a problem with what you call debris on the sump position nor oil or diesel or anything else for that matter and I drive an drive all roads in the North West.
Yes there are times when its visible but that applies to all of the road anyway. We change position with regards to potential dangers and its more dangerous to stay in position 3 whilst being passed b traffic travelling the other way at a combined speed of some say 80 plus mph. OK in a car but not ok on a bike with our increased vulnerabilities. If in position 2 and there is debris and passing other vehicle coming the other way there is always position 1 to ride in and that takes one well away from oncoming dangers be they cars or debris.
Position 2 is not one that car drivers concern themselves with as its the sump line so they would rarely use it. Because of that simple fact that it is far less used than position 1 and 3 car tyre lanes there is an abundance of useful aggregate still left to give more grip with and its also dryer when both positions 1 and 3 are still damp with rain. Positions 1 and 3 always look well worn and shinny when wet. That gives you a clue. They are also filled with tyre debris from car tyres thus they appear slippy and can have less grip than position 2 the sump position which remains dryer and when wet, is first to dry due to hot engines of cars drying it out. So in balance , in the event of heavy braking I would prefer to be in position 2 rather than 1 and 3.
Have you been on / considered an advanced riding or bike safe course to see what they’re teaching, and how that relates to how you teach?
It's a certainty in the future.
Apologies for hijacking this video but please can everyone be careful out there and look out for each other
I have just driven passed a collision with a rider and a car. It wasn’t exactly difficult to see the rider as they are out in a charity bike ride complete with tinsel and matching Christmas outfit
What is an extra second to look? What is an extra 30 seconds before turning?
I'll second that!
I do disagree with indicating right at roundabout with only left / straight options. It doesn't really help vs not indicating, but it is ambiguous. If someone does that when I'm coming the other day, I slow a lot more, because a some of the people who signal like that are doing u-turns.
I've come close to being caught out by that, so I assume that they are doing that, until they have gone straight on. I'm surprised that Ashley does something like that given his usual attitude that no signal is better than an ambiguous one.
At around 9:18 re warning triangles where there has been a fatal or serious collision. I know you've mentioned that before Ash but are these measures also ever put in place where such events haven't happened?
So, when mildly confused about the exit for a car park, as a professional car driver, you consider mounting the kerb when on a bike? Granted, you ruled it out, but the thought has never crossed my mind over the last few decades of riding - and I ride both on and off road, my bike is more than capable of it too.
The overtake, was pretty spot on.
"Shouldn't be in 3 with oncoming, but problem with 2 due to debris" - I'm sorry, no. Position 2 doesn't have anywhere near as much debris as was once taught. Sure, you get the odd diesel spill, bit of slippery grime etc, but the wind caused by passing vehicles moves all the smaller stones/nails etc to the outer extremities of the lane. The scan down the road should pick up most of that. Position 2 was perfectly fine for that section of near straight road with oncoming. The lesser of two evils, is position for safety above all else. If you have oncoming AND debris in 2, or if the oncoming is a lorry, position 1. There was no debris in all your position 2 riding, a dirty coloured bit of tarmac isn't worth worrying about.
The left signal for the caravan looks a little late (it appears you pressed the button just after passing the trees on the right) - we should signal for what we can reasonably assume to happen. Could have been a caravan, could have been a truck, both would have benefitted by an earlier signal and you wouldn't be signalling and turning at the same time = more relaxed.
This of course, ignores that you chose to continue riding - seemingly - with deflated tyres (as was discussed on the previous video). Unless, of course, you fixed that issue in the car park.
Re the cyclist while you were talking about the horse, advanced tutors recommend a slight "toot" of the horn to let them know you're coming, and then a wave of the left hand as a respectful "thanks" (similar to people holding back at a junction - in that case, a "thanks for not trying to kill me"). Had there been a horse coming opposite (since you talked about them being kept nearby), I would have stopped the bike and turned the engine off on that road - letting the horse rider continue comfortably knowing I wasn't going to spook the horse.
Why isn't position 3 good with oncoming? 14:30 (you weren't in 3, but that car makes the point perfectly).
It was tongue in cheek about going over the kerb!
I find your life savers strange.
Straight road, not turning you check your left shoulder.
Straight road, turning left at the end, no shoulder check.
Those posts next to the road from 5:00 on look like they'd cause a lot of harm to any biker sliding along the tarmac. I can see why they're there, but still. Road furniture can be a major cause of unpleasantness where two-wheelers are off their mounts. I've had a couple of mates mashed up by Armco supports, thankfully, recoverable.
@@PedroConejo1939 I am glad, but also saddened, you mentioned the Armco supports as the first fatality I witnessed on the road was a motorcycle rider being sideswiped off two wheels and sliding into those supports
I do believe other countries have the right idea where they have the catch cables and the supports break but still prevent crossing into the other carriageway and I am surprised it isn’t adopted more over here
From the the start enjoyed the video this is not a criticism in anyway shape or form. You answered your own question on road position in protecting your safety bubble with regard to approaching cars “the lesser of two evils”, or is it, what if you had an articulated lorry approaching you and you felt poisition two was possibly compromised with intermittent debris ask yourself where would you ride?
So if position one is ok with respect to an oncoming lorry why not a car, just when in position one regulate your speed so that you can stop in the distance you can see to be clear on your side of the road When approaching bends.
As for riding in sport mode I Do it most of the summer, certainly not in winter just bare in mind with the increase in acceleration comes a significant decrease in traction control, in Road or Rain mode when your front wheel spins (slows) out of kilter in the mud within a millisecond your CPU is going to intervene and slow the rear wheel (possibly) helping to regain the lost grip, in Sport mode the CPU intervention is going to be considerably less to not existent just something to be aware of as you kept mentioning there was mud on the road, horses for courses as they say and experience.
What does a red and amber light mean?
That passat had already carried out a nasty, aggressive overtake in the middle of a junction @32:53.
36:58, what evidence is there that the driver in the Passat was triggered? 37:12 perhaps suggests they were not triggered. 38:49, lane 2 is clear, lane 1 is clear but there is traffic in the left filter. Lane 2 was further away from anyone in the filter changing their mind and going for lane 1. 38:38, lane 1: 38:45, lane 2, 38:50 lane 1, 38:60 lane 2. 41:06, be careful of the children cycling into the road, same at 41:50
What bike is that Ash? GS?
Tiger 900 Rally Pro 2024
@@ashley_neal Nice. It's ace to see you going through the learning progress. Love the bike vids.
Narrow back roads and mud - not a good combination.
On the overtake, didn’t really need to check your shoulder when coming back into the lane. Your vision was forward, you have just passed the vehicle and can see that there was nothing in front. And keeping your vision forward when you’re on the wrong side of the road is safer
Firstly, because Ash is a safe road user who ensures the driver he's just overtaken has a safe distance. And what if the white car driver was an idiot who decided to speed up after being overtaken? "Don't need to look"?! Really?
@ Just needs a mirror check, not a shoulder is all. If you checked the mirror and he wasn’t visible then yeah check your shoulder he’s probably sped up.
@andrewbird96 Does being safe and observant cost you money? If you can check, check! Why the f not? I hope you're not an instructor, or professional rider. All round observation, at all times. How can less checking possibly be better than more checking? Do us all a favour and stay off the roads.
@@composimmonite3918 woah, someone woke up and chose war today. As with everything on the roads, it's situational... In this situation a shoulder check wasn't necessary. What is a shoulder check for? To see into your blind spot (the space your mirrors can't see).
In this situation Ash was in the oncoming traffics lane, where is his immediate danger? The oncoming traffic. Checking your blind spot to see if it's safe to pull in wasn't a necessary observation to make... In this situation.
If this were a motorway and Ash had been cruising for 10-20 seconds in the overtaking lane, allowing time for a car to pull up alongside, absolutely, check that shoulder. In this situation your mirror tells you enough info to know he hasn't moved.. You've just passed him and seen the gap .5 seconds ago.
There was nothing wrong with Ash checking, he just asked for comment on the overtake, that was my comment.
And actually, if Ash had done this in a car, I don't think he'd have checked his blind spot to come back into the lane, probably would've used his mirror. Maybe he would've of...
Have a lovely Christmas!
You anticipated the change at the lights but filtered anyway. Could’ve ended up much worse.
With your question about position 3 and debris. Always give up position for safety. So, if position 3 is too close to traffic and position 2 causes issues with debris - use position 1 and slow down.
Position first for safety and then for stability and then for view - if you have to give up position for safety, you just slow down.
You know this, Ashley, you're just overthinking it.
The overtake was textbook, but the shoulder check to return to your lane was unnecessary.
Surely it's your own judgement call on safety? For me it has to be situational.
@ashley_neal absolutely - if position 3 Is safe, use it.
If not, move. Simple :)
Use your judgement on safety and stability and get your view if the first two judgements are passed. If you can't get the view because of safety, slow it down.
@@ashley_neal It's more subtle than "my own call for safety."
I was taught that there should be a certain decorum to riding. It's not only thinking about yourself, but much more on how others might perceive you. So if I reckon THEY might think what I'm doing is risky, I don't bother doing it.
For example, your overtake, while completely fine... imagine there had been a car coming, but the overtake was still perfectly fine and doable. There comes a point where a non-bike riding car driver might worry you're a little too close, and lift off the gas to "fix" the problem they perceive. If I am the cause of another road user changing what they're doing (even to the extent of them merely having to lift), then I've got it wrong.
"Those of us that have standards, are shining examples for others."
Equally, the same instructor also preached that no-one should remember I was ever on the road. Take my mythical car driver example above, they'd probably remember "that bike did a risky overtake" - even when there was no actual risk at all.
Nice comments 🙏
Makes me dizzy watching your vid, can’t you use a fixed forward facing camera position every now and then. Keep practicing you’ll notice your ability increase but it takes time. As a few others have mentioned think about do some advanced rider training it’s well worth it.
At around 14:43 re "My hatred of cyclists comes from my Ma". You were joking of course but just wondering if your Twitter account is going to be busy for a while!
Didn't you feel vulnerable sitting between the cars at the lights after filtering? Id rather break the law and get in front or sit behind the first car hopefully in a pocket. Great ride though? I need to get out on one of mine tomorrow.
😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
Please please please stop with the position 123 nonsense, it makes your riding too rigid your riding plan needs to be flexible, you should be in the position that gives you the best views and for safety, so when you asked if your position was correct, yes it was if you split the danger from right and left. Never sacrifice safety for position, so the mud on the road you should have stayed to the left instead of crossing it to get a better view, if some large vehicle was on coming then you would have had to cross the mud to get to a safe position. Keep the practice going and do consider further training on and off road.
On the roundabout, you need to recognise earlier that a straight line is on and commit early.
Which one?
At 8.11, it wasn’t too bad and the intention was right, however, if you were earlier and smoother you wouldn’t have added more lean and acceleration at the same time, it was only minor but it’s a bad habit which will get you in trouble one day. Think about trying to keep the bike as upright as you can. (I know it’s not as fun!)
So would you decide to straight line before you realised your positioning wasn't going to be misread by anyone coming out of the junction you are entering?
As early as possible whilst also keeping the bike as upright as possible, think smooth and flowing. But the main take away should be not to add lean and accelerate at the same time. A reason could’ve been, in my opinion, that you weren’t carrying enough speed to start with so when you decided to straight line/weave, you added gas up to the speed you should’ve been going in the first place. Very easy to slow down too much on a bike with the engine.
I understand that you don't consider how your positioning on the roundabout would be potentially interpreted by people entering. You are very speed based, so I am suspecting IAM or RoSPA?