BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

In which I take my first tentative Motorway ride on a quiet morning, and discuss Smart Motorways and Hi-Vis. As always, comments and feedback invited, the aim is to stir up debate and help our learning. My first IAM observed this morning BTW. Another video to follow ...

https://youtu.be/5NuKVZr9i60

Looking good! A thinking rider.
My tuppence worth:

1st The hi vis markings on service vehicles are regulated. They are particular to vehicles that may be slow moving, frequently stationary or escorting large vehicles with wide, long or high loads on the highways. I doubt many motorcycles fall within the regs. A few strips of reflective tape on the rear of your bike won't do any harm. And of course it's your choice if you want to wear fleurescent clothing etc.


Mirrors: clean befor riding, if they become dirty during a ride stop and clean them. You can't clean them safely whilst on the move.


A couple of comments about the ride: not sure it's a good idea to record or present video of yourself exceeding the speed limit (even if only by a small amount). Even if the speedo is not in the frame, Speed can be calculated by using fixed points and time and used as evidence (just saying). This might create a debate....


Whilst on the motorway you mentioned that you missed out a life saver. A shoulder check maybe, but leave life savers (where you turn your head back to view traffic to your rear) for other roads. On the motorway, it's best to keep your eyes on the road ahead where things change in an instant. Use your mirrors to maintain an idea of what's going on behind. When changing lanes mirrors and shoulder checks should be enough to enable you to ensure it's safe to do so (or not).


Hope you enjoyed you 1st Observed ride today?

What kit are you using to record these vlogs?


The videos are very clear .... Not like mine!

OOF wrote: Looking good! A thinking rider.
My tuppence worth:

1st The hi vis markings on service vehicles are regulated. They are particular to vehicles that may be slow moving, frequently stationary or escorting large vehicles with wide, long or high loads on the highways. I doubt many motorcycles fall within the regs. A few strips of reflective tape on the rear of your bike won't do any harm. And of course it's your choice if you want to wear fleurescent clothing etc.


Mirrors: clean befor riding, if they become dirty during a ride stop and clean them. You can't clean them safely whilst on the move.


A couple of comments about the ride: not sure it's a good idea to record or present video of yourself exceeding the speed limit (even if only by a small amount). Even if the speedo is not in the frame, Speed can be calculated by using fixed points and time and used as evidence (just saying). This might create a debate....


Whilst on the motorway you mentioned that you missed out a life saver. A shoulder check maybe, but leave life savers (where you turn your head back to view traffic to your rear) for other roads. On the motorway, it's best to keep your eyes on the road ahead where things change in an instant. Use your mirrors to maintain an idea of what's going on behind. When changing lanes mirrors and shoulder checks should be enough to enable you to ensure it's safe to do so (or not).


Hope you enjoyed you 1st Observed ride today?

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Mirrors are one of my weak points. Got picked up today by IAM observer on my 'random' approach! When I say 'life saver' I guess what I mean is your 'shoulder check', into the blind spot, again something I need to work on. Re the mirrors, I now carry some tissue and a lens spray to give then a wipe, and like you say make sure they are clean (as with my visor) before I embark. I don't worry too much about being a few mph over the limit. Once you've subtracted the positive error on the speeds (v the GPS speed , say) I'm probably bang on. If the speedo goes 'fuzzy' on the film then there has been some unexplained interference on the video I can't explain ... 8)


Comments much appreciated!

stayingupright wrote: What kit are you using to record these vlogs?


The videos are very clear .... Not like mine!

Hi
After much deliberation I went for the Drift Ghost S which you can still find on eBay. I'll be doing a video on it soon but essentially it is cheaper than the GoPro and does everything you need really. I didn't like the 4K Ghost as Drift removed the external 3.5mm mic slot, now served by a mini USB. You may find one on eBay if you're patient. It gives 2hrs 20mins of battery, and a 32Gbcard can probably take c3hrs of 1080p video.