Near misses
By: Web Editor
Dear MCM...I have been a biker since the age of 16, owning Vincents, Bonnevilles etc. The last bike I had on the road was an MHR Ducati some 18 years ago.
I have just retired and had the chance of a mint Honda 90 Cub to run around on.
I have been thinking I might progress to a Honda CB600F Hornet or Suzuki Bandit 600 now, but after too many near misses with today’s car drivers I have decided not to bother. At my age you don’t bounce very well, despite a high-visibility jacket and white helmet. They either still don’t see you or don’t care.
L Symonds,
via letter
Given the sheer amount of vehicles on today’s roads, issues with other road users from time to time are almost inevitable, but please don’t let your recent experiences put you off from getting a bigger bike – both the Hornet and Bandit are great, easy to ride, cheap middleweight roadsters. Enjoy the Cub in the meantime! Ed
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Gordon Smith Says:
August, 29th 2011 at 08:53 am
Dear MCM,
The letter 'Near Misses' from L Symonds really struck a chord with me - so similar to my own experiences - but I've come through it, thankfully.
You are right to encourage him (?) to stick with it but I feel you have 'missed a trick' here.
Surely what you should be doing is offering helpful advice, such as Bike Safe assessments and Advanced Training.
In my own case I returned to biking 3 years ago after a 20 year gap on a bike (Suzuki GN400) that was no match for the current traffic conditions. Quickly changed to a DR200 which had the added advantage of an Electric Start and then went on a BikeSafe course with Gloucester Police. My Observer said although my riding was competent and safe enough the bike I was riding had little 'road presence' and in performance terms was not even a match for the average modern family saloon.
Next step was a nearly-new Suzuki GS500K7 and enrolling with the Gloucester RoADAR Group to get proper Advanced Training.
The Training suits me but the GS didn't, especially after I'd tried a '92 MkI Trophy..
'Exam Nerves' and a bad back meant I failed my first Advanced Test (not many people will admit that, apparently). Another year on and I'm feeling so much more capable and confident - touching wood like crazy as I type this - hopefully get the nod to try again soon.
The article on TRAINING Advanced Riding was of great interest to me (see above).
How many other 'Staffers' have tried it or actually hold Advanced Riding Qualifications?
It would be good to think that those that inhabit MCM/MSL Towers are leading by example - just as you do where your publications are concerned.
All the best
Gordon D Smith