Put the Anti-Lock Brakes to the test today... twice

[Y Rider]

One of the really nice features of the Spyder is its stabilty. This is the primary reason for switching from 2 to 3 wheels. The Spyder also has an excellent anti-lock braking system which was another reason for my decision. Although I somewhat aggressively tested out the brakes when I first got the Spyder I never really engage the ani-lock feature... until today... twice!

This morning while making my normal commute to work I had someone pull out in front of me while I was doing a little over 50 mph. :gaah: I saw the car pull out then hit the brake hard. Wow! I couldn't believe how quick it stopped. Glad I was holding on tight. Stopped short of the car by 10' then I hit the air horn. I looked at the driver but could only see a ball of blue hair and two hands with the 10 2 grip. If I had been riding my previous 2 wheel ride I would have broadsided the car.

At noon I ran an errand to Lowes and while leaving, a soccer mom driving a cowboy cadillac decided to make a diagonal short cut across the parking lot driving right into my path. :gaah: Once again I engaged the anti-lock brakes (only doing about 20 mph at the time). Gave her a taste of my air horn. She looked at me stupid like it was my fault (not sure but I think she had blond hair).

What's the cliche? They always come in 3's or the third times the charm. Maybe I should take a cab home tonight.

 

[Spyder Cat]

Glad you're safe

:agree: I've had a similar experience in a grocery store parking lot (probably the same driver....)
and yes, I'm SO glad I was hanging on, knees wrapped around the tank cos I woulda probably done a flying W
over the handlebars (ewwww that windshield would be a real nasty thing to collide with, wouldn't it?)

Glad you're safe... and hope you get home safely

Love our Spyders!!

 

[daveinva]

Yeesh, that's never fun. But, better than the alternative!

BTW, regarding this:

Although I somewhat aggressively tested out the brakes when I first got the Spyder I never really engage the ani-lock feature... until today... twice!

It's not just a good rule for two wheels, it applies to three wheels as well: practice, practice, practice. Find an empty parking lot every once in a while and spend some time doing high-speed emergency stops and swerves. Not only does it help build the muscle memory for when you need it, it also reminds you how the Spyder reacts in those situations so you're not surprised when you have to do it for real.

Plus, it's fun as all heck to drive fast in a big blacktop empty parking lot at the crack o' dawn. :doorag:

(P.S. While some people swear by box stores and school parking lots, IME the best lots are movie theater multiplex lots-- they're both big and as empty as they can be in the mornings).

 

[ARtraveler]

Scarry, but glad you survived the incidents. Two times in one day is way too much though.

 

[bikeguy]

I've never been able to test the brakes on anything as hard as you do in a real emergency. There's just something about the real thing that makes you really use them hard.

When I first got my RT, I thought the brakes were just barely adequate. After they were bedded in, they got better but they were still not in the class with the BMW R1100RT I was riding. Like you, I recently had reason to get on them really hard and was pleasantly surprised that they stopped quite well. I'm not sure if they have improved with age or if I've just forgotten how well the R1100RT stopped. At any rate, I don't worry about them anymore. The RT stops quite well.

Cotton

 

[Yazz]

Oh geeze... driving in parking lots scare the pee out of me.

First incident I was in a little red car. This old guy, in one of those old Cadillacs with the pointed front grill, T-boned me on the driver's side wheel well. Spun the car 3/4 around. Front airbags deployed. Never saw him coming and neither did Son. After we bailed out of the car, we looked around to see what hit us. Found the old guy at the end of the parking lot where a curb had stopped him. My car was totaled because the engine block was bent. The cop who saw the whole thing agreed his speed was excessive, but couldn't give the old guy a citation because there was no posted speed limit in the parking lot. He ended up suing us and winning big bucks for his broken leg.

Second one was on Spydee. (Remember she has dual Two Bros?) Was trolling along doing the 'see and be seen' and this chick starts backing her car right into me. I was directly behind her! Goosed the engine and watched her car rock from the brakes being punched. Pretty sure she had a rear view mirror.

Thats why I avoid busy parking lots while ryding.

 

[FrankPa]

A Rear End Problem...

Well, THAT got your attention...

What I really mean is I think the Spyders stop incredibly fast for a 1200+ pound machine (with me on it, anyway). I worry more about any car behind me than not being able to stop short of the car that pulls out in front of me...

 

[Bob Denman]

The Y platform and the ABS do make for a pretty forgiving combination. :thumbup: (Let's all hope that these things only come in "2s"!)