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[cvobiker]

Only had to perform the emergency stop routine one time in my motoring years and I can tell you, finding the horn button was the last thing on my mind. Like other here, I was more concerned finding an "OUT" than anything else, and in this case the "OUT" saved my arse.  

A group of us were riding up in the Sierras and came upon a slower vehicle, some riders got around her on the left side while the rest of us were trailing when this lady found her turn and started a left turn.  "HOLY CHIT" was the only thing I remember while each of us were burning up binders and performing a quick jaunt around the right side of her...  When things happen that fast, you really don't think of anything other then saving your arse!

[Jerry/MD]

As others have said, screw the horn. I have a tough enough time finding that switch anyway, let alone trying during an emergency.

Brake and look at your exit path. 

Jerry

[ultrafxr]

In an emergency chit happens so fast that you simply do not have time to think. All you can do is react. You will  react in the way you've taught yourself.  So if your braking technique is not proper (both front and rear with progressive pressure) you will have given up an awful lot of distance and speed you could have scrubbed off.

That's why it is vital to practice braking for such situations. Maximum braking is to slow you down not to stop.

[kraut]

I would even recommend against using the horn: you don't want any panic reactions with other drivers letting them change their course abruptly and tossing over your route of escape out of a sudden 

[pkl]

I agree with Kraut, my wife and I were riding on a state highway and a car pulled out in front of me.. With luck and ABS we stopped straight up and no collision. When I hit the horn the driver stopped and made the situation worse. The horn is for distracted drivers and just awareness not for emergency situations.

[cold1]

 Glad you survived. FMM is good training ground, I never can get to horn fast enough, I'm focusing on options. I hope you did well health wise, bikes or bike part can be replaced easier.     

[tweeter13]

I just screamed inside my helmet !!!!!!!F***KKKKKKKKKK

x2

Just glad your ok

[jmhenrie]

wish i had practiced emergency stop and avoidance, put myself in a bad situation last week while trying to get ipod working at 60 mph looked up the car infront had stoped to turn slamed on  both brakes and got ready to hurt never thought of looking for an out until after the bike stopped with 2 feet to spare thanks for ABS. these situations happen in a heartbeat and adding the horn to the equation can,t help.
  now to go practice the avoidance thing, and paying more attention
cheers

[bmcgc]

My opinion is that riding motorcycles is not for pussys.

Im always being proactive and always looking for an escape route.

I believe that riding motorcycles is much more dangerous today than it was when I started back in 1974.  More dangerous despite the many advances in safety the past 40 years.

[2k]

HORN??? It ain't a goat is it

[TN]

in panic situations i end up flashing hi-lo beam at whomever.   while i may not be the seasoned rider some are, i ain't green either.

i practice my slow rolling maneuvers weekly but never think to practice horn blowing. oh yeah the thread topic, emergency braking is left up to emergency situations. under normal conditions i think i can stop my non abs in a shorter distance. i hate the feedback the rear gives you on the abs at times under heavy braking.


TN

[Midnight Rider]

I think I might have used my horn a half dozen times in my life.  I needed it coming through Atlanta last Sunday...a guy in a minivan was trying to occupy my lane at the same time I was.  I have trouble "finding" the horn button, as it's not something I use often enough for it to be second nature.  When I finally did find the button Sunday, I had already avoided the situation but wanted to voice my opinion about the guy's actions.  Guess what?  My horn isn't working.  I haven't even bothered to troubleshoot it, though I'm sure it's the horn and not the switch.  It's not hardly worth me going to the dealer over.

Besides, when in a panic situation, I think it's beter to have your thumb wrapped around the grip instead of on top of the switch pod honking the horn. 

Most "lay 'er down" actions are not intentional.  The only time it might be a good idea is if you're headed off a cliff and need to bail off the bike at the last second.

I always try and do a few panic manuevers in a large parking lot when I'm out riding by myself, and with the SERGU, I try and get a good feel for the ABS kicking in so I won't  be surprised if/when the time comes to need it.  It is VERY difficult NOT to lock up the rear wheel in a full blown panic stop without the ABS...been there, done that, got a t-shirt.  ABS is the best thing since pajamas with feet in 'em.  You lock up the front wheel on a bike and you're going down almost every time.  I'm always amazed at the folks who say they "hardly ever use the front brakes", when at least 70% of your stopping power comes from their use.  I use the front brakes more than I do the rear in normal riding...I use the rear as well, but just don't let that be my main stopping power.  In fact, 80% of the time, I have the front brake lever covered with two fingers...I know that's not taught these days, but it used to be, and I personally think it's a good practice IF you practice.

[ultrafxr]

Took a police style riding course this spring. Had to make a stop at 30 mph with the rear wheel locked (no abs) so we would know what it felt like and how  to handle it (keep it locked!) when we got to the emergency braking exercise. Puckered me up for sure but really wasn't bad - if you know how to handle it.

[B.A.]

I always try and do a few panic manuevers in a large parking lot when I'm out riding by myself, and with the SERGU, I try and get a good feel for the ABS kicking in so I won't  be surprised if/when the time comes to need it.  It is VERY difficult NOT to lock up the rear wheel in a full blown panic stop without the ABS...been there, done that, got a t-shirt.  ABS is the best thing since pajamas with feet in 'em.  You lock up the front wheel on a bike and you're going down almost every time.  I'm always amazed at the folks who say they "hardly ever use the front brakes", when at least 70% of your stopping power comes from their use.  I use the front brakes more than I do the rear in normal riding...I use the rear as well, but just don't let that be my main stopping power.  In fact, 80% of the time, I have the front brake lever covered with two fingers...I know that's not taught these days, but it used to be, and I personally think it's a good practice IF you practice.

Totally agree with you.  And, it's exactly how I ride, two fingers and all.  I'm probably older than you.  One thing I struggle with is ABS.  When they kick in my brain says the rear is locked and I let off.  I've seen many good riders lock 'em up MOMENTARILY, then let off and control the stop. 

Not sure anyone else has this "problem".  Soooo many years (I'm in my 50th year of ridin' "sickles") of trying to avoid locking up the rear tire has not trained me well for ABS.  Funny, in a car I can stand on the ABS and let them work.  My CVO RG (2011) is my first with ABS.

I need to practice but it kind of bothers me to tear up equipment while training!

[ultrafxr]

Totally agree with you.  And, it's exactly how I ride, two fingers and all.  I'm probably older than you.  One thing I struggle with is ABS.  When they kick in my brain says the rear is locked and I let off.  I've seen many good riders lock 'em up MOMENTARILY, then let off and control the stop.  

Not sure anyone else has this "problem".  Soooo many years (I'm in my 50th year of ridin' "sickles") of trying to avoid locking up the rear tire has not trained me well for ABS.  Funny, in a car I can stand on the ABS and let them work.  My CVO RG (2011) is my first with ABS.

I need to practice but it kind of bothers me to tear up equipment while training!

Might want to reconsider that if on a non-ABS bike.  Letting up on the rear brake when the rear wheel is not turning can swiftly throw you into a deadly high side crash.  Everything I have heard and been taught is to stay on the brake if the rear wheel is locked.  Of course with ABS you can (and should) stay on both brakes and let the ABS system prevent either wheel from locking.