sunny wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:08:state patrol formation (which is what we do)is one second behind the person diagonally in front and two seconds behind the person straight ahead. but i am trying to do 2 seconds behind the diagonal forward person, since it's just us two usually, due to my novice status.
on the highway we get cars trying to separate us if i am any further behind.
he said i did better on speed too. i even got up to 80 mph in some areas. i was too busy watching traffic to watch the speedometer...
You are right about cars getting into your formation, and with traffic, I always "tighten it up". I understand that. In traffic I always rely more on defensive driving more than speed too. But read below....
I was referring to the normal following distance recommended by the MSF....Why? Because, what if your diagonal friend, who has a clear view with his own safety cushion, has to swerve to avoid something that you can't see? You have half the distance to correct. Caution is always the safest habit and I'm beginning to see why you are busy concentrating on him. Back off when possible, is my advice.
Okay, but might I also add that if you are too busy watching for traffic to watch the speedo, that you should ask your friend to slow down. If you can't concentrate on your own bike you are going too fast. At least the speed limit. 80 is way too fast until you have lots of experience. In my 4 years with this bike, I've hit 85 twice just to test my mods and maybe 80 4 more times. Don't do it just because others do.
I just don't want to see any new listings in the "Mishaps" topic.... 8)