Bad Pavement

[250rr]

So, with the improving weather here I'm finally beginning to put some miles on the Ninja.

Today I approaching an intersection that was crossing a four lane road with a middle turn lane. There was quite a bit of traffic with cars signalling to turn right, left, etc. I slowed up approaching the intersection, keeping my head on a swivel trying to keep good situational awareness.

In the middle of the intersection there was a spot where the black top had worn a grove in it approx the same width as my front tire. It displaced my front wheel an inch or two to one side. I was already above my saturation level trying to keep track of the other traffic. I just sort of said, "don't change anything right now". The bike brought me through just fine. Felt very strange to have the front wheel displaced like that, though.

My question for the more experienced riders: Were my instincts correct once I got into the groove? I didn't go down, but I am trying to improve.

Also, how do you look for road conditions when you are also looking out for other cars to move out in front of you? I felt like I needed 3 pairs of eyes to keep track of everything going on. I just missed seeing that grove until I was in it. I'm assuming that I'll get better with experience.

Thanks!

[xSean13]

Ahh, there are those same areas at a few stop lights around here. I pretty much know where they are. I will put my tires in the low area. If I were on the higher portion and stopped, then It would be awkward with that extra space below my feet trying to touch the ground.

[CalvinAmI]

You need to wheelie through situations like that.
You'll be noticed more my other motorists.
You'll have one wheel on the ground and one in the air on reserve when you REALLY need it.

Kidding... You'll want to do a stoppie for better cool points. People respect that and will give you the right of way.

Seriously, it sounds like you did fine. You'll learn those terrible areas along your normal route and be more prepared for the road conditions so you can focus mainly on traffic. Take your time in those situations. Dumping your bike in the middle of a 4way could completely jeopardize your life. Just know your options and alternative escape routes... The confidence will come and second nature will kick in.

Keep your head up!

[250rr]

Originally Posted by CalvinAmI

You need to wheelie through situations lie that.
You'll be noticed more my other motorists.
You'll have one wheel on the ground and one in the air on reserve when you REALLY need it.

Kidding... You'll want to do a stoppie for better cool points. Purple respect that and will give you the right of way.

Seriously, it sounds like you did fine. You'll learn those terrible areas along your normal route and be more prepared for the road conditions so you can focus mainly on traffic. Take your time in those situations. Dumping your bike in the middle of a 4way could completely jeopardize your life. Just know your options and alternative escape routes... The confidence will come and second nature will kick in.

Keep your head up!

I think as I wheelie I will turn my original post into a rap song: "Were my instincts correct once I got into the groove? I didn't go down, but I am trying to improve. Yo! O! O! Yo!

[Motofool]

It is just normal of riding through non-familiar areas.
We develop a mental map of these road traps when we use the same route frequently.

If traffic is demanding a good percentage of your attention, just do as you did, since traffic has a higher capability to kill you than road traps.

[alex.s]

more gas. weight the pegs
if you dont see the problem in time, who cares. if its something big in the road, wheelie. otherwise just lots of gas.

[Toly]

It gets better with practice. Use your perfieral vision for traffic, and keep road surface in focus. Switch to traffic if you notice anything suspicious, or at busy intersections.
Eventually U'll be able to read and predict traffic pretty well, while surface hazards are more of a mystery.

[Old Lemon]

look at your mirrors frequently. if you notice a cage is not in your mirror anymore and no one has passed you he is in your blind spot. my attention is mostly on my path and my mirrors. But i always turn my head when im changing lanes

[Miles_Prower]

Originally Posted by Old Lemon

look at your mirrors frequently. if you notice a cage is not in your mirror anymore and no one has passed you he is in your blind spot. my attention is mostly on my path and my mirrors. But i always turn my head when im changing lanes

or he made a turn somewhere and left lol!!
happened to me today i distanced this guy and kept watching my back, then all of a sudden he was gone. turned my head around and poof..empty road lol

[250rr]

Originally Posted by alex.s

more gas. weight the pegs
if you dont see the problem in time, who cares. if its something big in the road, wheelie. otherwise just lots of gas.

I'm a simple man. Hence, I like this approach.