BMMC August 2008 Rider Training Update
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Newsletter "Anatomy of Highsiding"
August 2008
1. Riding In Extreme Heat
With the extreme temperatures we’ve been having it is imperative when outside to
stay hydrated, both inside your body and out. Inside by drinking enough liquids
and outside by keeping your core body temperatures within normal ranges.
A good Rule of Thumb, taught in most survival schools, is to drink more water
than you think you need. What this really means is that if you get thirsty,
you’re already past where you should be. Graphically put, while you’re outside
in the heat (riding, hiking, whatever), you should be urinating at least once
every two hours and your stream should be almost clear. The more color you have,
the further you are from being properly hydrated.
You keep your outside cool by keeping covered up with light colored clothing and
hat/helmet and by wearing soaked-in-water cool vests and soaked-in-water neck
coolers. The effect of the water evaporating is a reduction in temperature
around your torso and neck which will help in keeping cooler blood flowing
within and keeping your core temps in check.
This is too important to mess around with. Heat exhaustion and heat strokes are
serious matters. Make sure your out-of-town visitors know, too!
2. Fuel Economy
It wasn’t so long ago that $7 would fill your tank, now $20 won’t even do it.
Gas in your motorcycle is now costing more than your hotel room. Can we do
anything to help keep out gas costs down? Yes.
The generic fuel economy chart below shows that you will get your best fuel
economy at approximately 55MPH regardless of the type of vehicle (your MPG may
vary from the chart but the economy vs. speed remains constant). That doesn’t
mean that you have to drive 55, but it does mean the effective cost of a gallon
of gas goes up as your speed does. The true eye-opener is that for each 5MPH
over about 60MPH is an effective increase of $.30 per gallon. In other words
that $4.25/gal paid is only good for 55-60MPH. If you are riding at 70MPH, that
same gallon is costing you $4.85/gal due to the decrease in your miles per
gallon. Makes you think!
The chart’s message is obviously to “Observe the Speed Limit” and to show the
optimal fuel economy benefits if you do.
3. Highsiding
This month’s topic of interest, entitled “The Anatomy of Highsiding”, delves
into the dynamics of what actually happens to the motorcycle and the rider
should a highside occur. Statistically, it is by far the most dangerous mistake
you can make on a motorcycle. Even if you don’t read the Nuts and Bolts section
to see why the bike reacts the way it does, you should come away with a greater
understanding of why you want to avoid this maneuver if at all possible. Your
life can depend on your doing the right thing.
As always, thanks for your time… and ride safe.
Gene Adee
BMMC Rider Training Coordinator
