Trains/dont know where to post

5evenz · September 6th, 2011, 07:33 PM

I think trains are commonly overlooked and not talked about a lot. I found I had questions even after my msf.
Just wanted to remind everyone to slow down on tracks and look both ways as the signs and lights can malfunction. I can't think of any other train info to help but please feel free to post with more information on them in regards to bikes if you have any.
I lost my best friend on the tracks yesterday and although he wasn't on a bike it may have been avoided.

Listen to the voice in your head and Ride safe everyone.

Heed · September 6th, 2011, 07:35 PM

The guards at the tracks by me fail all the freakin' time.

Never trust electronics. Just like you wouldn't trust the green Neutral light on your bike.

Alex · September 6th, 2011, 07:36 PM

Sorry to hear about your friend. Was he in another type of vehicle, or on foot?

Snake · September 6th, 2011, 07:39 PM

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Very good advice to always look both ways whenever crossing any type of intersection, whether it is a train crossing or even if you have the green light at a street intersection.

Firehorse · September 6th, 2011, 07:47 PM

Wow, sorry to hear about your friend. Thanks for passing along the reminder.

5evenz · September 7th, 2011, 10:20 AM

On foot if you can believe it.

LoD575 · September 7th, 2011, 10:44 AM

Trains are no joke. Have seen plenty of injuries involving people and trains. If not possible to get away from a train lay down on the ground to make yourself as small as possible.
Train engine/car bodies normally overhang the tracks a certain amount but not the rail wheel assemblies.

BNSF has a rail yard where I live at and part of my annual training involves trains and railway safety.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.

KawiKid860 · September 7th, 2011, 03:46 PM

Sorry to hear about the loss :/ trains do seem to be often overlooked, also a piece of advice I might add.. well it's not really advice but what I do at really bumpy railroad crossings is stand up on my bike as if it were an obstacle in the road like they taught us in msf, helps smooth things out.

Miles_Prower · May 18th, 2012, 10:25 AM

actually some details on how to cross tracks properly would be nice. i have to cross some tomorrow on a trip to see a friend, spotted it on google maps in advance fortunately.
cross as perpendicular as possible? i think these have a metal grate so the tracks dont stick up too much, but i can't tell for sure since the picture is blurry.

DevinWolfe · May 18th, 2012, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles_Prower

cross as perpendicular as possible? i think these have a metal grate so the tracks dont stick up too much, but i can't tell for sure since the picture is blurry.

Yes, even if it means you have to make a small "S" while remaining in your lane.

Miles_Prower · May 18th, 2012, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinWolfe

Yes, even if it means you have to make a small "S" while remaining in your lane.

gotcha, i think i will slow to 5-10 mph and try the S maneuver. ill be praying that it goes smoothly! lol

Alex · May 18th, 2012, 10:41 AM

/moved to riding skills

edxmon · May 18th, 2012, 10:42 AM

I can't say I understand what you are going for, I hope you and his family have all the support they need right now.

Unfortunately these types off accidents happen here in San Diego all the time because not only do we have heavy freight traffic but we also have the trolley system going all around the county

flynjay · May 18th, 2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles_Prower

gotcha, i think i will slow to 5-10 mph and try the S maneuver. ill be praying that it goes smoothly! lol

If the tracks are more than 45* from the road (perpendicular) then just maintain your lane position and speed, lift off the seat like you are clearing an obstical as taught in the MSF, and stay light on the bars.

I would only do the S turn when approaching tracks if they were parallel with the road.

Basically you want to cross the tracks in the most neutral stance possible, no turning, accelerating, or decelerating.

You shouldn't have any difficulties. I go over at least two sets of tracks every day. The really aren't as scary as they lead you to believe.

Miles_Prower · May 18th, 2012, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flynjay

If the tracks are more than 45* from the road (perpendicular) then just maintain your lane position and speed, lift off the seat like you are clearing an obstical as taught in the MSF, and stay light on the bars.

I would only do the S turn when approaching tracks if they were parallel with the road.

Basically you want to cross the tracks in the most neutral stance possible, no turning, accelerating, or decelerating.

You shouldn't have any difficulties. I go over at least two sets of tracks every day. The really aren't as scary as they lead you to believe.

yeah i saw a DMV pamphlet online that said up to 45 degrees you are fine going straight over. The one I was looking at is probably 45 or a bit bigger. I guess I'll just go straight and slow over the tracks, and stay loose like you said. Going on a 60 mile ride..a bit nervous since I don't know the roads at all.

flynjay · May 18th, 2012, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles_Prower

yeah i saw a DMV pamphlet online that said up to 45 degrees you are fine going straight over. The one I was looking at is probably 45 or a bit bigger. I guess I'll just go straight and slow over the tracks, and stay loose like you said. Going on a 60 mile ride..a bit nervous since I don't know the roads at all.

I was super nervious about tracks when I started riding since there are several roads that parallel tracks here and occasionally you have to turn right at an intersection and immeadiatly go over the tracks. After doing it a couple of times it really is not that big of a deal. Don't psych yourself out and you'll be ok.

Whiskey · May 18th, 2012, 02:51 PM

once they're dry you're fine going across them as perpendicular as possible, theres one set in Dublin which cross a roundabout, and every winter on the irish forum I'm on theres a shed load of posts about people going down at that spot, banked over in the wet, crossing the tracks.
Posted via Mobile Device

September 6th, 2011, 07:33 PM	#1
5evenz ninjette.org member Name: Sev Location: Vancouver Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09' 250r Thunder Blue Posts: 165	Trains/dont know where to post I think trains are commonly overlooked and not talked about a lot. I found I had questions even after my msf. Just wanted to remind everyone to slow down on tracks and look both ways as the signs and lights can malfunction. I can't think of any other train info to help but please feel free to post with more information on them in regards to bikes if you have any. I lost my best friend on the tracks yesterday and although he wasn't on a bike it may have been avoided. Listen to the voice in your head and Ride safe everyone.

September 6th, 2011, 07:36 PM	#3
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Sorry to hear about your friend. Was he in another type of vehicle, or on foot? __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 18th, 2012, 10:41 AM	#12
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	/moved to riding skills __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 18th, 2012, 10:42 AM	#13
edxmon ninjette.org guru Name: Ed Location: San Diego Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R (SOLD - 2/16/2013) Posts: 492	I can't say I understand what you are going for, I hope you and his family have all the support they need right now. Unfortunately these types off accidents happen here in San Diego all the time because not only do we have heavy freight traffic but we also have the trolley system going all around the county __________________________________________________ Mods/Add-on list: DanMoto Jisu, Snorkel delete, Shimmed needles, K&N Drop-In filter, T-Rex frame sliders, Shogun swing-arm spools, CBR250 Rear Hugger, Buell XB Pegs. DIY polished rim lips

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[motorcycle-usa.com] - ATV Safety Institute Trains 300 at Jamboree	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	August 2nd, 2013 08:00 PM
[sportrider - latest stories] - Aoki Trains Indonesian Suzuki Racers	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	February 2nd, 2012 06:20 PM
"Dont get a bike, i dont want you to die."	Mr.E	General Motorcycling Discussion	84	August 26th, 2011 11:38 AM
[roadracingworld.com] - Video: Jason Pridmore Trains National Guard Troops To Be Bett	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	July 15th, 2011 10:40 AM
The Trains and Bikes Picture Thread	BlueThunder18	Pictures	2	June 25th, 2010 11:16 AM

September 6th, 2011, 07:35 PM	#2
Heed ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: John Location: Illinois Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): None yet, yet. Posts: A lot.	The guards at the tracks by me fail all the freakin' time. Never trust electronics. Just like you wouldn't trust the green Neutral light on your bike.

September 6th, 2011, 07:39 PM	#4
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Very good advice to always look both ways whenever crossing any type of intersection, whether it is a train crossing or even if you have the green light at a street intersection.

September 6th, 2011, 07:47 PM	#5
Firehorse ninjette.org sage Name: Ms.T, Queen of the Night Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250 Posts: 938	Wow, sorry to hear about your friend. Thanks for passing along the reminder.

September 7th, 2011, 10:20 AM	#6
5evenz ninjette.org member Name: Sev Location: Vancouver Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09' 250r Thunder Blue Posts: 165	On foot if you can believe it.

September 7th, 2011, 10:44 AM	#7
LoD575 ninjette.org sage Name: Steve Location: Valdosta GA, US Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 2006 Ninja ZX6R-636 Posts: 661	Trains are no joke. Have seen plenty of injuries involving people and trains. If not possible to get away from a train lay down on the ground to make yourself as small as possible. Train engine/car bodies normally overhang the tracks a certain amount but not the rail wheel assemblies. BNSF has a rail yard where I live at and part of my annual training involves trains and railway safety. Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.

September 7th, 2011, 03:46 PM	#8
KawiKid860 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Murphey Location: Eastern Washington Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.	Sorry to hear about the loss :/ trains do seem to be often overlooked, also a piece of advice I might add.. well it's not really advice but what I do at really bumpy railroad crossings is stand up on my bike as if it were an obstacle in the road like they taught us in msf, helps smooth things out.

May 18th, 2012, 10:25 AM	#9
Miles_Prower One Loyal Fox Name: Rahul Location: Mechanicsburg, PA Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R (RIP), 2011 ZX-6R Posts: 869	actually some details on how to cross tracks properly would be nice. i have to cross some tomorrow on a trip to see a friend, spotted it on google maps in advance fortunately. cross as perpendicular as possible? i think these have a metal grate so the tracks dont stick up too much, but i can't tell for sure since the picture is blurry.

May 18th, 2012, 02:51 PM	#17
Whiskey ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Morgan Location: A city twinned with Kawasaki Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, 2010 STR 675 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	once they're dry you're fine going across them as perpendicular as possible, theres one set in Dublin which cross a roundabout, and every winter on the irish forum I'm on theres a shed load of posts about people going down at that spot, banked over in the wet, crossing the tracks. Posted via Mobile Device