Passing other Motorcyclists?

solo440 · March 20th, 2012, 05:29 AM

Okay, so the other day i was coming home from work and myself and another rider behind me (whom i didn't know, he just happened to leave after me) got behind a guy riding a Harley going about 45 in a 55, a road that people usually travel 60(ish) mph on. He never sped up and neither myself nor the rider behind me passed him.

I have always thought that it wasn't proper "Motorcycle etiquette" to pass another rider. (I have know idea where i got this from though.)

So my question is, Is it okay to pass other motorcyclists if they're not going the speed limit? What are your thoughts on the subject? Would you be pissed if it happened to you?

I get behind motorcyclists quite a bit that go fairly slow (most of them are HD riders).

Thanks! This is something that i have always wondered but for some reason never asked.

zzrguy · March 20th, 2012, 05:33 AM

i pass cruisers all the time most of them even move over to the right and wave me by. I understand what your saying by not wanting to pass, go ahead and pass but just dont be a jackass and blow by them and scare the **** out of them. basically let them know your there and they probably wont mind.

csmith12 · March 20th, 2012, 05:38 AM

It's perfectly fine etiquette here, just always pass on the left unless he is already in the left lane lol. IE pass them just like you would any other car.

Klondike1020 · March 20th, 2012, 05:41 AM

The proper thing to do is - pass them pulling a sick wheelie ... Then hope they don't recognize you at the bar some day! Lol

Passing is a touchy subject . I passed a car that was going slow the other day . The guy floored it and then rode my ass for a couple miles . I try not to pass anyone unless I am sure I can out run them seems like there is a lotta nut jobs in my area

GateKeeper · March 20th, 2012, 05:44 AM

Does it really matter the type of bike ? So if it was a guy on a Super Sport going less than the posted speed limit, we shouldn't pass him....

Never occurred to me to not pass, maybe the SS guy is taking a nice slow ride, maybe the Harley guy is, and I am not....move over a lane and pass, or wait for the dotted lines and pass, but I certainly would not be wondering should I or should I not pass a guy on a bike...

I see no etiquette being broken here.....

By the way some days I just like to go slower, I would hate to have a bunch of guys sitting behind me because I want to take a leisurely ride.....

Pass them like you would any other vehicle on the road, with caution and be safe....

csmith12 · March 20th, 2012, 05:45 AM

hahahaha
I just read my post, let me be more clear.

I asked this very same question to a bunch of racers in the context of track/race riding. I was surprised to get 90% street passing responses.

On a two lane roads - always pass on the riders left side yielding plenty of space between during the pass. it's also best to try to be seen by the other rider's mirror before the pass
On multiple lane roads - you are free to pass in whatever lane the other rider is not currently occupying

Net result was - BE SEEN!, give plenty of space and pass as you would any other car

Liist · March 20th, 2012, 06:58 AM

Never thought it had a problem. Hell I was welcomed into the club the day I got my Ninjette by a few SS riders who passed me on the right and waved. Being the noob I was, I took my hand off the throttle and waved back.

Anyway, it's cool to pass other riders. I pass Harleys cruising along all the time. Just give them plenty of space and don't do anything that draws attention to yourself.

Alex · March 20th, 2012, 09:47 AM

Same as passing a car. Go into the lane to the left, pass swiftly and smoothly, and get back in your lane.

Never pass another motorcycle while staying in the same lane unless they have seen you and motioned for you to do exactly that. Even if it looks like there's plenty of room.

blink · March 20th, 2012, 09:49 AM

Just pass, it's perfectly fine. And then continue, if someone is on your ass (a car)
change lanes

alex.s · March 20th, 2012, 11:25 AM

passing is only OK if you wheelie past the slower bike.

Jono · March 20th, 2012, 02:13 PM

You should never pass another vehicle! Ever! It is dangerous.

But on a serious note: it is just like passing another car. You're not going to offend them or piss them off by passing them. Some may even point you by, others may not.

mustang5.0 · March 20th, 2012, 02:32 PM

idk... i blow passed slower people all the time.. i never gave it a thought as long as it was safe

Jono · March 20th, 2012, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trixter

that sounds like one of the "stupid" answers on a multiple choice driving exam

Hahaha. Now that you mention it, it really does. I love seeing those stupid choices on multiple choices tests.

CC Cowboy · March 20th, 2012, 03:36 PM

I always pass on their right and it their kill switch as I go by.

EthioKnight · March 20th, 2012, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I always pass on their right and it their kill switch as I go by.

haha! that's so naughty, it's cool

I'll definitely try to do that on my next group ride

alex.s · March 20th, 2012, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I always pass on their right and it their kill switch as I go by.

whenever i stop next to a moto'ist, im kind enough to take out their keys and throw them on the ground

choneofakind · March 20th, 2012, 07:09 PM

On a related note, whenever I'm planning to pass a vehicle, I follow the "flash to pass" idea.

Flash the highbeams real quick once or twice, as driver looks up and makes eye contact with you, flip on the blinker and go. I've never had problems with that. However, I am hesitant to pass on double yellows, so I rarely pass

Jiggles · March 20th, 2012, 08:10 PM

I've been passed by a few supersports on the freeway who were lane splitting like crazy assholes. It's happened a few times but it seems like their intent is to scare the **** out of me as they are going way over the speed limit (100+) with their bike screaming. The sudden loud sound of their bike has caused me to literally jump in my seat.

So, don't do that but pass all you want

Darling Ninja · March 21st, 2012, 03:49 PM

I passed a guy on a cruiser once, and he was was going way under the speed limit. But usually It's me being passed.

I'm always nice about it, I move over for other riders.

solo440 · March 21st, 2012, 04:14 PM

Wow, thanks for all the responses everyone. They more than answered my question.

I appreciate it.

March 20th, 2012, 05:29 AM	#1
solo440 ninjette.org member Name: Alex Location: Southern Illinois Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 45	Passing other Motorcyclists? Okay, so the other day i was coming home from work and myself and another rider behind me (whom i didn't know, he just happened to leave after me) got behind a guy riding a Harley going about 45 in a 55, a road that people usually travel 60(ish) mph on. He never sped up and neither myself nor the rider behind me passed him. I have always thought that it wasn't proper "Motorcycle etiquette" to pass another rider. (I have know idea where i got this from though.) So my question is, Is it okay to pass other motorcyclists if they're not going the speed limit? What are your thoughts on the subject? Would you be pissed if it happened to you? I get behind motorcyclists quite a bit that go fairly slow (most of them are HD riders). Thanks! This is something that i have always wondered but for some reason never asked. __________________________________________________ 2009 250R SE, ProGrip CF Tank Pad, DIY Smoke Windscreen

March 20th, 2012, 05:38 AM	#3
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	It's perfectly fine etiquette here, just always pass on the left unless he is already in the left lane lol. IE pass them just like you would any other car. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

March 20th, 2012, 05:45 AM	#6
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	hahahaha I just read my post, let me be more clear. I asked this very same question to a bunch of racers in the context of track/race riding. I was surprised to get 90% street passing responses. On a two lane roads - always pass on the riders left side yielding plenty of space between during the pass. it's also best to try to be seen by the other rider's mirror before the pass On multiple lane roads - you are free to pass in whatever lane the other rider is not currently occupying Net result was - BE SEEN!, give plenty of space and pass as you would any other car __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

March 20th, 2012, 09:47 AM	#8
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	Same as passing a car. Go into the lane to the left, pass swiftly and smoothly, and get back in your lane. Never pass another motorcycle while staying in the same lane unless they have seen you and motioned for you to do exactly that. Even if it looks like there's plenty of room. __________________________________________________ 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)

March 20th, 2012, 09:49 AM	#9
blink Always. Name: Alex Location: Calgary, AB Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '05 GSX-R600 Posts: A lot.	Just pass, it's perfectly fine. And then continue, if someone is on your ass (a car) change lanes __________________________________________________ blink-182

March 20th, 2012, 05:33 AM	#2
zzrguy ninjette.org member Name: Lostboy Location: Guelph Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 ZZR 250 Posts: 127	i pass cruisers all the time most of them even move over to the right and wave me by. I understand what your saying by not wanting to pass, go ahead and pass but just dont be a jackass and blow by them and scare the **** out of them. basically let them know your there and they probably wont mind.

March 20th, 2012, 05:41 AM	#4
Klondike1020 Intrepid Adventurer Name: Josh Location: Rochester/Buffalo NY Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2004 GSXR 750 , 71 cb350streettracker, 07 Polaris Predator 500 Posts: A lot.	The proper thing to do is - pass them pulling a sick wheelie ... Then hope they don't recognize you at the bar some day! Lol Passing is a touchy subject . I passed a car that was going slow the other day . The guy floored it and then rode my ass for a couple miles . I try not to pass anyone unless I am sure I can out run them seems like there is a lotta nut jobs in my area

March 20th, 2012, 05:44 AM	#5
GateKeeper ninjette.org member Name: Dan Location: Mississauga Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250 Ninja - Soon Posts: 96	Does it really matter the type of bike ? So if it was a guy on a Super Sport going less than the posted speed limit, we shouldn't pass him.... Never occurred to me to not pass, maybe the SS guy is taking a nice slow ride, maybe the Harley guy is, and I am not....move over a lane and pass, or wait for the dotted lines and pass, but I certainly would not be wondering should I or should I not pass a guy on a bike... I see no etiquette being broken here..... By the way some days I just like to go slower, I would hate to have a bunch of guys sitting behind me because I want to take a leisurely ride..... Pass them like you would any other vehicle on the road, with caution and be safe....

March 20th, 2012, 06:58 AM	#7
Liist ninjette.org guru Name: David Location: Florida Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 357	Never thought it had a problem. Hell I was welcomed into the club the day I got my Ninjette by a few SS riders who passed me on the right and waved. Being the noob I was, I took my hand off the throttle and waved back. Anyway, it's cool to pass other riders. I pass Harleys cruising along all the time. Just give them plenty of space and don't do anything that draws attention to yourself.

March 20th, 2012, 11:25 AM	#10
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	passing is only OK if you wheelie past the slower bike. __________________________________________________

March 20th, 2012, 02:13 PM	#11
Jono ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jono Location: Memphis, TN Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.	You should never pass another vehicle! Ever! It is dangerous. But on a serious note: it is just like passing another car. You're not going to offend them or piss them off by passing them. Some may even point you by, others may not.

March 20th, 2012, 02:32 PM	#12
mustang5.0 ninjette.org guru Name: E Location: 818 but i rep 516/631/718 Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 GIXXER 600 Posts: 381	idk... i blow passed slower people all the time.. i never gave it a thought as long as it was safe __________________________________________________ "You see it's not the blood you spill that gets you what you want. It's the blood you share, your family, your friendships, your community. These are the most valuable things a man could have."

March 20th, 2012, 03:36 PM	#14
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	I always pass on their right and it their kill switch as I go by. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

March 20th, 2012, 07:09 PM	#17
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	On a related note, whenever I'm planning to pass a vehicle, I follow the "flash to pass" idea. Flash the highbeams real quick once or twice, as driver looks up and makes eye contact with you, flip on the blinker and go. I've never had problems with that. However, I am hesitant to pass on double yellows, so I rarely pass

March 20th, 2012, 08:10 PM	#18
Jiggles Jigglin' your Jiglets Name: Sean Location: San Jose, Ca Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Apr '13	I've been passed by a few supersports on the freeway who were lane splitting like crazy assholes. It's happened a few times but it seems like their intent is to scare the **** out of me as they are going way over the speed limit (100+) with their bike screaming. The sudden loud sound of their bike has caused me to literally jump in my seat. So, don't do that but pass all you want __________________________________________________ If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs

March 21st, 2012, 03:49 PM	#19
Darling Ninja ninjette.org guru Name: Annette Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: 270	I passed a guy on a cruiser once, and he was was going way under the speed limit. But usually It's me being passed. I'm always nice about it, I move over for other riders. __________________________________________________ "You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck."

March 21st, 2012, 04:14 PM	#20
solo440 ninjette.org member Name: Alex Location: Southern Illinois Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 45	Wow, thanks for all the responses everyone. They more than answered my question. I appreciate it. __________________________________________________ 2009 250R SE, ProGrip CF Tank Pad, DIY Smoke Windscreen

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