Shoulder checks, shoulder checks, shoulder checks...

[Interspatial_Meltdown]

The amount of shoulder checks that I'm having to do on my lessons for my A2 seems absurd. (Yes, I'm aware that it's no different from what anybody else has to do, but I'm saying that it seems universally pointless). I'm looking round so much that I don't feel confident with what's infront of me. I've had two lessons now, and 30 minutes into today's lesson I began wishing I was at home. I was unhappy and had grown so dispondent about forgetting the whole shoulder check bull**** that I was making silly mistakes when it came to other aspects of riding. I just don't seem to be able to remember all these bastard checks. It's so ridiculous that I'm not having fun at all.

An example of where it is dangerous actually occurred today to me: I was riding along a road with my trainer behind me; I turned my head the (excessive) amount apparently necessary to look into a junction on the right. Whilst I was doing this, the car infront of me braked sharply not allowing my much time to do everything necessary by the time I'd looked back ahead of me. I did manage to slow down and arrange my gears etc. but my point is: if I'm going to be doing all these checks on the road, how is anybody expected to know what's going on infront of them?

I'm quite surprised that my neck isn't aching now after performing all these unnecessary shoulder checks.
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ZXR 400 Rider.

[G]

I have actually hit a car while doing a (very) prolonged shoulder check thanks to leading a group of various abilities and the car in front slowing for little reason it seemed.

However, they are useful - and for the test you usually need to over emphasise everything.
Despite the fact I was doing a central mirror check all the time in my car test, I got a lot of minors because the tester didn't think I was - it's worse for a bike where they're a way back.

Different instructors do teach different methods, but generally a full shoulder check should be used a lot less often than a blind spot check.
A blind spot check is just looking to the side of you to make up for the bits missing in your mirrors. A shoulder check is looking fully behind you which takes longer and is more dangerous, but gives you a better idea of what's going on.

[Rookie]

It's just the simplest way to show you how to pass safely. The advanced stuff often covers knowing what's behind you without having to shoulder check all the time.

[Steve - RS125]

Now I always do lifesavers when turning right, never when turning left (Although maybe I should) as I ride defnsively and position myself so nothing could undertake me.

However on Duel Carridge ways I always do left and right shoulder checks when changing lanes.

So if the above is a Lifesaver what on chuff is a Shoulder Check??

I every now and again completely turn on the bike to fully look behind me, but that is only when somthing attracts my attention - I.E a top looking female, nice bike or a UFO.

Is this type of check required to pass DAS and if so what is it in aid of? only what is behind me does not effect what is infornt of me.

(Although I am peering in my mirrors quite often to have a gander for any Old Bill!!)


Please help I am now confused.
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Suzuki VL Intruder 125cc - September 2004 to July 2005
Aprilia RS 125cc - July 2005 to Present
Suzuki RF600RR - May 2006 to October 2006 (RIP RF600)

[matty8887]

A shoulder check is just a look to the left or right to cover your blind spot, a lifesaver is a full look around your shoulder to se wht is behind you as mirrors can sometimes be crap.
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Test passed october 2005
Cadburys boost yamaha yzf 750r

[DAF]

I always remember my shoulder checks without fail. It was said to me after my test that if I must remember just one thing from my training, I should always remember my lifesavers because one day, maybe next week or x years down the line, it will save my life. They already have on more than one occasion.

The following links are pretty much spot on.

https://www.survivalskills.clara.net/riding_skills_0.htm
https://www.survivalskills.clara.net/riding_skills_43.htm
https://www.datacraftsystems.co.uk/techniques/techniques_left/shoulder_check.htm

Just as important in my view is to be aware that 99% of other people on the road don't use lifesavers. Stating the obvious maybe but message there is not to hang around in anyone else's blind spot; if you can't see their eyes in their wing mirrors then they can't see you, in which case it's only a matter of time before someone pulls into your path causing an off. Much of my day to day riding is on motorways and dual carriageways and if I can't pass the car in the next lane without eating into the safe distance from the car in front then I'll hang back behind the blind spot of the car I'm passing until I have the space I need in front.
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2005 Yam Fazer (FZ6-S)

[Whosthedaddy]

By doing a life saver or shoulder check, you are telling other road users that you are aware of your surroundings and may be ready to change direction.

Difficult not to look behind for too long, nearly hit a car at a red light because I was looking in the mirrors
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Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

[_Will_]

The reson ur doing so many is the same reason you do mirror checks in a car, its to make it a habbit and until the day a plonker in a car comes soooooo close that you will fully appreciate life-savers. Keep it up and when you pass it'l be worth while.
Keep thinkin a Rude boy is gonna be harin up ur arse not payin attention and try not to look for so long u crash.
All the best and good luck
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Past -Honda qr50 | 2004 Peugeot Tkr s 50| | 1996 Yamaha XJ600s Diversion|

[colin1]

[Marah]

When i was taught a check was more look down and to the side as its dangerous to turn your head on a moving bike with helmet on etc and you don't have to see what is behind you just that something is behind you. As makes no difference if its a mini or a bus it can still knock you off, although we were told to exagerate as the examiner had to see you doing it but once we passed do them properly. A full turn we only did when the bike was stationary before moving off as you would/should do in a car before moving off (thats another debate).