Keeping up with a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade and a BMW R1200GS

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade on www.motorcyclenews.com

On the way home from work the other day I was overtaken by a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade on the motorway. I thought for a moment about pulling out and catching up but thought ‘no, I will let him go’. Then I was overtaken by a BMW R1200GS! So I thought I would keep up and join the group. I pulled out from the slow lane and left in sixth gear and just rode the torque until I caught up with the other two bikes.

Straight away you get a sense of camaraderie when riding in a group and a keenness to keep up with one another. This is where you need to be a bit wary as the willingness to be part of the group can potentially outweigh your abilities. The rest of the group could be professional road racers and you would be foolish to think you can keep up. Unfortunately you may not always realise you are outside your comfort zone until you approach a bend or roundabout 20mph faster than you would normally. I know as I have done just this!

Where possible its best to ride with similar skilled riders or at least have the most inexperienced person ride up front. This way you can ride how you want without worrying that the person behind you is trying ‘too hard’ to keep up. This is fine when you ride with people you know, it’s a different animal altogether when you ride with strangers. The desire to keep up and not get left behind is a very strong and potentially dangerous combination of factors. Remember that when you ride, you ride for yourself and no one else. If you get left behind, don’t worry, riding a bike is just as enjoyable by yourself as it is with others (if not more so!).