BMMC September 2008 Rider Training Update

 

Click for September Newsletter on "ABS Systems"

 

THIS BABY CAN STOP ON A DIME!

 

Oh, really?  Here are some braking distances to consider.  How many feet will it take for that vehicle that is behind you to come to a full stop?  If it can “stop on a dime”, will the dime be the one that is in your pocket?

 

BRAKING DISTANCE IS THE TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELED FROM THE TIME THE RIDER OR DRIVER TOUCHES THEIR BRAKE UNTIL THE VEHICLE COMES TO A FULL STOP.

 

These tests were conducted on vehicles with better brakes and operated by experienced drivers and riders. 60 MPH – 0

 

3 AXLE SEMI  ----------------------------------------------------------------210 – 249 feet

3-AXLE SINGLE-UNIT TRUCK  ----------------------------------------------184 – 252 feet

2-AXLE SINGLE-UNIT TRUCK (<10,000 lbs) ------------------------------155 – 170 feet

STANDARD SIZE PASSENGER CAR -----------------------------------------159 – 165 feet ¹

 

SUVs & TRUCKS (8,000–10,000 lbs must be able to stop within 280 feet.

SUVs & TRUCKS (< 7700 lbs) must be able to stop within 204–218 feet.

ALL NEW VEHICLES (< 7700 lbs) require a max stopping distance of 230 feet.²

 

MOTORCYCLES:

BMW 1220GS  ----------------------------------------------------------------125.2 feet

HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER  -------------------------------------------114.1 feet

HONDA VALKYRIE  -----------------------------------------------------------114.8 feet ³

 

As you can see, a motorcycle is capable of stopping in a much shorter distance than a car or truck can, so it’s not just your following distance you should be concerned with.  The distance behind you to the following vehicle may be your greatest threat.  For your own safety, help stamp out tailgating.

 

Braking distance is like money, you can never have too much.  But if you have a little less than you need you can be in real trouble.

 

 

This month’s Safety Topic explores the ABS braking systems from it’s history through proper use, and answers most questions you might have about them.  Hope you enjoy it.

 

 

As always, thanks for your time… and enjoy the ride.

 

Gene Adee

BMMC Rider Training Coordinator

 

 

¹   “LAWYERS AND JUDGES PUBLISHING COMPANY ‘VEHICLE SPEED AND STOPPING DISTANCE COMPUTER’.

²   “NEW VEHICLE EFFECTIVENESS DEPT, U.S.DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION” NHTSA.

³   “MOTORCYCLE CONSUMER NEWS”, 04/05 PERFORMANCE INDEX REPORT.