Motorcycle Zen; what to do when you get cut off...

[urbanmadness]

Yeah, if you ride for any length of time, you get cut off.... how do you handle it?

[minimac]

Like it or not, it's a fact of riding, and it happens. People are idiots! I'll hit the horn, to let them know they need to look, but that's pretty much the extent of it. You can't get in a peeing match with a vehicle that outweighs you by at least a ton, you'll lose. Like in the video, if you get steamed, pull over and cool off. Sometimes,as riders, we're just not seen-for whatever reason. Flipping someone off really accomplishes nothing. Don't let some thoughtless jerk spoil the ride!

[WingAdmin]

In this day of the clueless, inattentive drivers, getting cut off is a way of life for motorcyclists.You have to just let it roll off your back. I will use my (very loud) air horns to try to stop it from happening as soon as I start to see them encroaching on my lane. But if they are being aggressive (not just inattentive), I will just pull off - pull into a gas station, side street, whatever, let them go on ahead. I don't need to introduce that kind of nonsense - because if it gets into a serious altercation between a car and you, you lose!

[DenverWinger]

Hm, Air Horns.... I have a couple that were removed from the old GL-1000 when I got it, don't know if they work, but I can probably test them with the shop air compressor... If they work I'll have to see if I can find a horn compressor.

Scott, where do you fit/hide the air horn compressor on your 1500? Saddlebag?

[WingAdmin]

Hm, Air Horns.... I have a couple that were removed from the old GL-1000 when I got it, don't know if they work, but I can probably test them with the shop air compressor... If they work I'll have to see if I can find a horn compressor.

Scott, where do you fit/hide the air horn compressor on your 1500? Saddlebag?

No, it is tucked in behind the fairing, very close to the horns:

Compressor location

It is the round metal can zip-tied to the frame there. You want to have it as close to the horns as possible, otherwise you get a delay between when you hit the horns and when the air horns actually start to sound, as the comrpessor builds up pressure in the air line. The air line between my compressor and the horns (mounted on the right engine crash bar) is about 6 inches long.



Be careful running horns off your shop compressor - I just about deafened myself trying that! They will be VERY LOUD...

[mterraci]

Agree you have to just let it go when other motorists make life difficult (not to mention dangerous) for you.

Safe riding is all about being very, very humble.

[Choctaw]

In some circumstances you need to ride a little aggressive just to ensure your own safety. The worst thing you can do is escalate the situation and get hot headed. We all do that sometimes admit it. Depending on the situation really. Some times ill go from 65 to 95 in 2 seconds flat just to get away. Other times I will slow down and make sure the guy behind me knows that I don't like him tailgating me while some just cut me off lol. But yes I too often pull off the highway or pull into a parking lot just to get rid of a group of cars that are disappointing me. Smoke a nice relaxing pipe of my favorite tobacco or have a chew. A nice way to reset and start having a good day again.

[FM-USA]

.
How times have changed.
You remember when you could wear one of
these belts and NO ONE would bother you?
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. . . ya, me neither.

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[823JIM]

Oh, not much--

[FM-USA]

Speaking of LOUD air horns...
Where do I get Viair nipples & elbows? NOTHING online.

[Fee34610]

Getting cut off is a fear right up there w running over debris in the road. The first thing you need to do is do double defensive habits - like anticipating any potential threat. Also - never ride beside another vehicle; either slightly ahead or behind. And use that horn!! But don’t retaliate! (You’ll never win!)