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Squadra Guzzista member Ballacraine challenges the commonly held notions about safety and visibility on the road.

I have never been mainstream in anything, average at a lot of things, and crap at some...yes... but never 'mainstream.' So you must expect and allow for an element of eccentricity. Also I am not about to 'prove' my hypothesis by quoting statistics.......Statistics can be made to 'prove' anything you like.

In the realm of attempting increased safety margins, this is my personal,....probably controversial ...and certainly unfashionable credo. All 'seat of the pants' style observations, but they seem to have stood me in good stead for a long time.

Convention is that we have heavily silenced, garish multi-coloured, randomly patterned, high power bolides and wear garish multi coloured random pattern leathers, top of the range helmets and ride with lights on.All fine and good. I can't help feeling that my alternative approach...Used sucessfully (touch wood) for the last thirty plus years is just as valid in its own way.

I have 'fruity' exhausts on a predominantly black bike, wear black two piece leathers and usually a black helmet. I only use my headlamp in reduced visibility. None of these factors on their own should be relied upon...Moreover, there is no substitute for being aware of your own vulnerability and mortality ;0) I don't care if you do wear a top of the range Arai, hit something head on at anything approaching 30mph+ and you are maimed or dead.

Believe it!

Where your quality protective gear pays for itself is in comfort and glancing impact with abrasion scenarios. I have marshaled for the MGP & TT for many years, so I have seen the results more frequently than most outside of the medical profession.

I define 'fruity' as being louder than standard without being overtly offensive. Despite what some folk say about the sound being all behind you, this is not the case. It radiates from the bike...Yes, most of it is behind you but there is sufficient radiated ahead of you for it to be of at least marginal value. The first clue that bikes are approaching during the TT & MGP is always the sound from about 1/2 to 1/4 mile away.

With modern vehicle soundproofing and loud ICE devices negate this to some extent, but in my opinion some potential benefit is still there.

The sound output is over quite a large waveband and some frequencies are likely to be picked up. It may be difficult to pinpoint the direction the sound is coming from, but if it provokes some reaction of the 'Wassat?' variety, at least they are alerted of your presence in the area.

I can't help feeling that todays jap rocket ships are far too quiet and quick for their own good on todays roads. Just a flash of headlamp in the car mirror and they are with you and gone...Quick as that! No audible warning of the impending whirlwind at all.
At least if you have a reasonable amount of audible presence you are not solely reliant on the visual sense of other road users.

Headlamps being on in daytime can give difficulty to others in judging speed and distance. This applies to dipped as well as main beam and the fancy modulated ones, which are probably illegal anyway.

Next point, the human eye is set up to be driven by shape recognition. Military camouflage breaks up the outline of objects, often with garish multi coloured random patterns......Sound familiar? ;0)

OK I'll spell it out.....

Your highly expensive 'Power Ranger' leathers, combined with your 'bling' garish helmet and bike, break up the shape you present to the observer. It will take them a fraction of a second longer to spot you and recognise the shape of a bike and rider.

I'll admit black may not necessarily be the most sensible choice but black is my favourite colour No I am not a Goth Boy, I am a crusty old bearded greaser. Anyway, back to the point....

Any block colour bike, helmet and leathers, should give you a better chance of being seen and recognised immediately for what you are. I make no claims that this is the 'one true way', it isn't...I am just putting forward what works for me, despite it being at variance with the accepted 'Big Brother Knows Best' safe way.

Food for thought?

Nige.

Further reading

Index of published features / More by Ballacraine

Thank you to Nigel for taking the time to publish this article. I am sure most people will have a view on this subject. If you wish to respond, scroll to the "Post a new thread" section below and type away...what do you think?