Motorcycling Observations #3 | The Mersey Tunnel
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- Just general motorcycling observations from my perspective travelling from Liverpool to Chester via the Mersey Tunnel.
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youtube is full of reckless motorcycle videos, its great to see more ride safe videos like this. well done.
Going through the tunnel it’s funny to watch the brake light reflecting off the wall up in front, constantly on and off despite the traffic flow being pretty consistent. People thinking that driving on the bumper of the car in front will get them there quicker.
they want to be first to the scene of the crash.
Mate I have one query like I have got 125 cc bike is it allowed to go through this tunnel to Liverpool
Yeah, I get tail gated all the time in the tunnel because I whack my cruise control on and insist on keeping a reasonable gap between me and the car in front. Then when I get to the far side of the barriers and it's 40 again, they fly past at 50+mph
Nice to hear you mention your lack of overtaking. I am similar, rarely overtake under normal circumstances because I do not see the point in adding danger when I'm making progress. I am constantly getting passed by other motorcycles and worry sometimes what they must be thinking, but I know I shouldn't care!
Kingsway was opened by the Queen.
Queensway was opened by the King.
I like that fact.
Didn't know that!
@@ashley_neal This is probably not the right place to ask, but eh.
Have you considered doing a series of UA-cam videos about learning to drive?
I know, you've done "learning points",
And I know others have done stuff.
But...
if one person did a series, a playlist... I think it'd be gold.
My grandad worked on the original tunnel and prior to the opening of the 2nd tunnel in the early 1970’s I walked through the tunnel as part of an invitation for all Liverpool schools, I’m 64 this year and still remember that day.
@@ann_onn not sure if of use for you, but conquer driving has some videos although similar to ashley's learning points, DGN Driving has a mock test series, and possibly more what you're after has a couple of series where it's all the lessons of one of his learners, from first lesson to passing the test.
Dartford tunnel became free for motorbikes years back as they got peed off with bikers stopping gloves off to find money to throw in the payment scoops if you imagine 100 bikes going through twenty gates tends to hold up traffic mega lots 😂
Just a little tip: when standing behind cars, try standing either in position 1 or 3. If not possible keep a car and a half distance behind. That's in case someone rear ended you. I always try to find and position myself for the escape route. A couple of times I had people coming up behind me with speed, which made me move up in the gap between cars in front.
Hint. If you're using the sun visor use the clear visor as well. That'll save the sun visor from getting scratched up by wind driven dust etc. and in a year's time when you need to replace the clear visor you won't have to replace the sun visor as well.
Usually the clear visor is rated as shatterproof as well, but the sun visors aren’t, so as @ianmason said saves money and also potentially eyesight if crud gets flicked up. Thanks for the videos. Really useful and thought provoking.
Cars always race past me on my Vespa, always makes me smile when I roll slowly past them at the lights.
That's really cool that they let bikes go through for free. I'm very thankful that we have no toll roads up in Scotland.
The greatest gift the tunnels give is the sound of an Aprilia with a open pipe making sweet tunnel music 😅
I'll raise you a Harley with open pipes, ear bursting 😂
I am four months into riding a motorbike and take the same approach when it comes to overtaking on single carriageway roads. The buffeting is something I am trying to get used to and recall early on being really nervous on the A14 with a hefty cross wind. Keep up this motorbike series it’s greatly appreciated!
Having used both bores of the Blackwall Tunnel and Dartford Tunnel I can honestly say the warning you give about keeping an eye on people around is paramount. As most tunnels have solid lines you will find many approach tunnels while trying to pass vehicles and them wish to take the first exit upon leaving the tunnel. Both sides of the Blackwall Tunnel is notorious for this and especially southbound where the solid line is extended and the first exit is for the O2 arena
Had a few trips through the rotherhithe and blackwall tunnels in a group of three or four Meriden twins on megaphones, tulips peashooters and open ( mine, briefly) pipes. That’s early eighties. You’d be arrested and thrown in jail these days…
@@highdownmartinRotherhithe does my head in. When I was an engineer, I used to go down to London and my sat nav would constantly divert to that tunnel, but I was in a van. To talk for that tunnel. I used to hate it, because it would automatically keep sending me that way as traffic built up.
I take the same course of action with taxis and other drivers who don't follow the rules of the road. I drop back, I'd rather have them far out in front of me where they can't cause an issue. But thanks to the brilliant training I've had from you Ash, I'm fully prepared to deal with any situation that arises.
On the subject of fumes in tunnels the Rotherhithe tunnel under the Thames in London not only gets horrible fumes, it also sometimes gets fog when the rest of town is completely clear. I've even seen fog and clear air layered one on top of each other in the tunnel.
@@ianmason. I have only used that tunnel twice, once when on a diversion and once completely by mistake. I can’t remember too much about it other than remembering that it took me in a completely different direction to where I wanted to be 😁
@@smilerbobI got stuck round there due to my sat mat trying to divert me to that tunnel, I was in a van so to high for it. Big fire at elephant and castle garages beneath the arch and the police shut loads of roads thinking it was terrorism. Had to ignore sat nav, luckily I spent a lot of time in London and found my way by sticking to a general direction, but it took 2.5 hours that day for normally a 45 minute run. Dreadfully stressful, just wanted to get back to my hotel to rest.
Y'all know that when the camera is off Ash is popping 100mph wheelies whilst filtering and going knee down around a mini roundabout? (That's a joke for those that don't have the sarcasm add-on for their internet browser)
The Welsh road is an accident hotspot, many a motorcyclist has lost their lives on that road so a very good decision not to overtake there.
It's worth mentioning the double white lines on the exit of the tunnel in Wallasey. You will see people routinely crossing them to aim for the toll queue they think is best. They rarely get pulled for this but, occasionally, the Tunnel Police will have a sting operation in progress
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt 1 - the tunnel interior shot near the start.
You'd be surprised, the air quality in both tunnels is pretty good. It's a fairly sophisticated system of air quality monitoring and adjustment of air flow to keep it clear.
Loving the biking videos 👍
I have never been through the Mersey Tunnel, but have been through lots of much older and narrower ones in Norway [and some modern wide ones like the Mersey Tunnel]. I don't like tunnels or high bridges. I got vertigo panic on the old Severn Bridge in about 1987, and have driven miles to avoid it ever since. It was terribly windy, if otherwise gloriously sunny summer day.
The first time I have driven over another high bridge since was in the last month, being the Humber Bridge on my way from Bridlington to Gainsborough. I did not panic, but kept my eyes straight forward! I was still tense as though it was otherwise a calm day, the wind was blowing strongly across the bridge from the east coming up the river.
Tunnels I dislike as well. I don't like to be trapped in confined spaces with no obvious escape!
On ferries I tend to stay on deck the whole time! I was crossing the North Sea from Newcastle to Kristiansand [Norway] and it was the first week of September 2000, and overnight it was terribly stormy. I went and hung about of the life-boat deck. I really enjoyed it, but a huge Danish crewman came up to me thinking I was suicidal. I turned round with a huge grin and he smiled and just said, "`You're okay then!" When dawn broke the storm had passed and I went in and had a full English breakfast with nobody else about, it was so early! The serving ladies laughed at how I was up so early and what I did all night!
Happy days!
Best wishes from George
The high bridges can be fun on a bike or scary depending on weather.
I went over a decently high one in France on a motorbike and I was a little apprehensive of the wind at the top but it was alright that day. On a high wind day maybe different story...
Hi Ashley. Around 14 years ago I rode 9,000 miles in one year on my BMW R1200RT. I had to run two seminars, one on Maghull on Saturday and the next in Leasowe on the Sunday, and I rode through the Mersey tunnel. Happy memories. Thank you for sharing 🌞
Twice this week I’ve sat behind tractors whilst others go flying past.
I simply won’t risk it on certain parts on the road I travel. I ride a Honda CB1000..not short on pace but I’d rather get home to my family
Personally I would have signalled when swapping lanes when you came out past the toll booths to reinforce what your intentions were rather than rely on a driver you don't know who may not be paying attention after recemtly leaving the toll booth to work it out. I don't ride above the limits either, but also don't stay behind drivers going below them as that then puts you at a greater risk, especially if you're in a queue of traffic. Coupled with good observation, planning and positioning I'm ready for opportunities and when I think one is coming up I close the car down, ready to overtake if it's safe to do so then use the bike's preformance coming out of bends or lower limits etc to pass the car quickly and safely. If the overtake is not on I drop back into the following position, then wait for the next opportunity to arise and start again. Try the Tiger forums, many OE screens are rubbish and you may find something like the MRA Vario or a touring screen of some description will work for someone of your height.
@Bazza47 , @ashleyneal is brave to put his head above the parapet. He said quite some time ago that he was not a skilled motorcyclist as he'd not ridden for many years.
Issues in Ashley's driving are magnified on the bike. They mainly centre around his road positioning.
Just a side comment to say on my drive from Canterbury to RHS Wisley Flower Show this morning, I really made an extra effort in my driving. Far from perfect ( never will be) and certainly with a few minor faults but after my dear Mum's passing away on July 3rd, I'm making extra efforts in her honour. As well as for my own safety and anyone else on the roads of course. And I kept imagining my journey as an "Ashley's Viewer's drive" and what he would make of my driving...as well as all you good folks on this channel.
Ibrahim
sounds like you are doing well after her loss. with my own parents aging, I don't look forward to the inevitable. we've had to curtail our trip to Scotland, due to an illness in our hosts' household that would likely be passed to my wife. instead we're going to be doing a driving tour of iceland. I'll be sure to be on my best behaviour.
You sound like a thoughtful driver. I wish other people would take note. 👍
Will watch as soon as I can. Greetings from RHS Wisley Flower Show. Attending in my dear Mum's honour and on the exact same day her and I attended last year. Have a great Saturday everyone and stay safe.
Ibrahim
Enjoy, my friend. I’m sure she is looking down on you now with a big smile.
Have a lovely time Ibs
@@SIX622 Thank You so much. I would like to think so too re Mum looking down and smiling. I often think that actually. Have yourself a wonderful day too.
@@SoupMagoosh Thank You so much. The rain has stopped now, Thankfully!
Overtaking on a motorbike, remember the SLAP acronym:
S - is it SAFE
L - is it LEGAL
A - what ADVANTAGE will you get from it
P - how will it be PERCEIVED by other road users
Too many people seem to think it stands for Stupid, Loopy, Aggressive, Pillock. 😄
Hi Ash. Loving the motorbike vids. I am late 50s and have just come back to bikes after a very long break. I proudly acquired my A licence back in Feb and have really enjoyed the summer riding on my lovely V-Strom - like all bikers, I'll be learning til the day I die so thanks for your vids. One point at 1:00 when you comment on the Delta taxi and the right lane - I know this stretch of road (I'm a Wirral woolly back) and these arrows are often ignored, even by police vehicles. When taking my test, the DVSA examiner told me that road markings such as these (and including on road speed limit markings where there are no signs in support) are advisory and not mandatory. I'm not an apologist for Delta (in fact they are generally horrendous) but I'd appreciate your view on the advice from our friend in DVSA.
The DVSA examiner is correct but a fool. If you have a collision going against the markings you are most likely to be held accountable. Being in the correct lane or position is a huge part of your communication to others.
@@ashley_neal yep. Totally agree as a biker and cyclist in particular. I might dig out my dashcam footage of the police car doing the same and send it to our local force to see what they think of their officers driving in this way. Thanks for the reply - your perspectives are always top notch and 100% helpful.
The shout-out to the Triumph dealer at the end - we'll be really impressed if we start getting "5% off your new Triumph with the code ASHLEY...".
They told me 20% 😂
Nice one Ash👍
Looking forward to more motorcycle videos, as I am relatively new myself, also a car driver of 35 'ish years, so consider myself quite roadsense savvy 👍
I went through a toll tunnel in the Netherlands, it was great......to be able to get out of the pouring rain for a short while. Well worth the toll.
The problem with constant overtaking is it puts stress on you. Eventually the traffic will catch up when you. So why bother?
There are always exceptions.
Forward planning | Dangerous driving
On my way home I was following a learner driver….on approach to the roundabout, 2 lanes…A massive Audi passes me in the r/h lane-which I predicted because I checked my mirrors and over my shoulder-and saw it piling down the outside lane…..
I used the zipper, and the Audi slotted in between me and the learner….
Guess what happened next….
The Audi undertook the learner on the left hand side joining the exit road - where there is only 1 lane available. And the learner wasn’t doing anything wrong….luckily the entrance to that road is fairly wide and the learner came almost to a stop to let the Audi push thru.
…..imagine what the learner was thinking during that……
Would it have been something nautical about an anchor?
When I did my CBT the biggest feeling I got on the road part was how vulnerable cars behind me left me feeling. That’s sense that without going flat out everywhere I’d be at risk stayed with me and I’ve not taken biking any further ☹️
I always liked the way bikers give each other the nod. Doesn’t matter what size of bike, everyone gives you the wave👍😀
Overtaking...... I remember a 3 part question you posed:-
Is it Safe?
Is it Legal?
Is it worth it?
If the answer to any of these options is "No" then that is a pretty clear answer.
Unlike many other Channels - great to see a safe and stress free ride. Well done.
Thanks Ashley. 👍
Was there a blue badge on the bike parked up at the showroom?
Nice video and some great observations for all road users to watch out for 👍
With regards to nipping through gaps like at 11:41, this can sometimes trigger the driver of the vehicle you pass as they believe you are queue jumping so always be prepared to ignore any form of retaliation from them. Those drivers are usually easy to spot as they tend to already be over the lines ready to block or closer to the vehicle in front ready to close the gap. These types have already been discussed elsewhere on the channel and I suspect will appear again in future driving fail episodes
I have known a few blue badge bikers. even saw one who had his sidecar specially modified to hold his wheelchair.
Good to see sensible motorcycle riding. Where I live is almost like a racetrack, and they're always looking to overtake. Unfortunately, some don't get to make the journey home. Stay safe and take care guys, better to be late in this world, than early in the next.
Near to me is the infamous Dartford Crossing. As I’m sure you know, free to motorcycles. £2.50 for cars etc… but if you have an account you get a 50p discount per crossing and can ‘pre-pay’ top-up your account if you are going to cross within the next 12 months.
Top tip if you do use the crossing and are not far from being out of hours for charging (10pm - 6am), there is Lakeside services Essex side or a McDonalds just off junction 2 Kent side for a small stretch of legs and a coffee if you fancy.
You can then time your exit back onto the motorway to avoid the toll if you go through the cameras after 10pm 👍
That bridge was impressive! It reminded me of the Millau Viaduct. On the subject of buffering, have you thought about fitting something like a Puig screen with top deflector?
my grandfater lives in Seaforth and my Aunt lives in Moreton. I have been inside the Kingsway tunnel so many times via my dad driving. Its not bad from a car perspective imo (from an edinburgh way)
Years ago, talking with friends, the main reason we passed cars on A and mostly B roads,
is they slow down so much for corners, and I don't break the speed limit,
or ride recklessly.
Team point for the Hagrid on the Ceiling scene!
Regarding the fumes, what difference does being on a bike or in a car make? Is your car vacuum sealed? 😉 Be careful with the internal sun visor. If you check the specs you'll find it is just
that, a sun visor. It doesn't have the same impact protection as the regulated external visor. Like you I don't overtake if there's virtually no speed difference, but you must be lucky where you ride. Our roads are full of "40 everywhere" drivers, so my channel has loads of examples of planned, safe, overtaking. Finally do I bite or don't I? 😁Was that a deliberate comment generating ploy mentioning your big head?! 🤣 Buffeting is a common issue with screens. You'll need to experiment with it lower to give your helmet clear air, or higher (but don't end up looking through it!)
Be honest Ash, the internal visor makes you feel like a fighter pilot when you put it down doesn't it.
To be fair the whole outfit made him look as though he should be piloting Airwolf. I could hear the music while I was watching.
Former A&E nurse here, it makes NO difference how experienced a biker you are. You can't prepare for stupidity
Nice day for a ride. I'm trying to work out what that bright blue stuff is above the land. Not seen that for a while. Turns out, I'm not a bot.
The last time that blue stuff appeared here there was also this ball of fire that got the locals all twitchy. They started chanting and dancing in the central park area in some sort of ritual worship 😁
@@smilerbob The ball of fire is a myth. Next you'll be telling stories of the olden times when water wasn't falling from the skies.
@@PedroConejo1939 There was a time when water wasn’t falling from the skies, pray tell my friend
The fast and the furious 6 and harry potter and the deathly hallows were a couple of films made there...my 2 cents for what it's worth.
New F and F straight away. But Harry Potter! What a spot! Just watched it on YT. Small clip too. 😊😊
One of the Fast and Furious saga was filmed in one of the tunnels. I think it was the one where Paul Walker died mid filming.
The only tunnel in my area is free to all vehicles, since 1979, the toll was only in place for 15 years after it opened.
However the car park opposite the justice precinct in Christchurch has free motorcycle parking. I was told to just ride past the end of the barrier and not even take a ticket (by the staff from the council).
Nice video on riding and keeping to the rules of the road will help new and advanced motorcyclists one thing I would like to say 10.07 on the video when I see a car turning there right your left I always move over to my left just in case they turn and see you and stop you can go round them
The inside of a car might feel less exposed to traffic fumes but it's just as bad as outside, the air vents aren't designed to filter it out.
Most cars have a recirculate setting on the air system that cuts off air flow from the outside precisely for these circumstances. Some even have air quality sensors that automatically switch to recirculating if the outside air quality falls too low.
8:20 the gopro on your helmet will be causing turbulence as it breaks up the smooth flow from the windshield over (what is usually) an aerodynamic helmet. Might not be all the bike!
It's not, as it happens without the camera also!
@ashley_neal Dang, must just be the massive head then 😂 I get the same, but I'm not going to tuck going 60 on a 125 and look like a tit haha
The tunnel only costs £1.40 for a car if you have a T-FLOW account and it saves messing about to pay each time.
Fellow biker and scouser here Ashleigh, great video as always. I’ve been across the new Mersey gateway bridge a few times and agree it’s brilliant. BTW your sat nav location looks a bit to low to me, do you have to keep looking down to see the route map? I appreciate you can also hear the instructions via Bluetooth. Have you tried to mount it on the bar behind your screen ? Ride safe mate.
Get an mra vario screen. Clips to top of existing screen or you can buy a whole screen. The deflector has 6 angles i think. Not cheap but quality's excellent unlije cheap ebay one's. They work. You will see lots fitted to bike's. All over the place. About 80 quid. Make sure you get the right width. Think it's the a model. 7 inch width
The first - and last - time I went through the tunnel on a bike, 25 years ago, it was a four-stroke 125! en route to the Wirral, to that well-known hospital. I was waved through the pedestrian/bicycle gate, as I'd missed the gantry sign, if there even was one then! I came back via the motorways, and that was 'interesting' because the bike topped out at 65. Being just about overtaken by artics, was a bit hair-raising! Once was enough!
3:20 I drive through the tunnel twice a week and always see at least one vehicle with their lights off
here, we have motorists who will drive 10-15 MPH under the limit, and then where there is a place to overtake, will be off to the races. as soon as the no passing area resumes, they will be on the brakes again. in those cases, I feel people are justified to do what it takes to get around;
Wind buffeting was bad on my GS. I got a £15 eBay special wind deflector that goes on the top of the screen. Works wonders.
WRT the screen not covering you, have a look at fitting a touring screen, they are slightly taller for this exact reason. Also, if you haven't already, the in helmet chin-guard which does keep you slightly warmer, also increases the CO2 concentration in the helmet by anywhere up to 50%, which can be very noticable at times.
Putting inspector gadget to shame on this bike. Only thing it's missing is an espresso maker
they don't put tunnels under rivers in my area. there's a few points where there are tunnels through rock outcroppings, but in general our water table and narrow rivers make bridges a better option.
Both Harry Potter and Fast And The Furious have filmed in the Mersey Tunnels.
Clyde tunnel Glasgow 2 lanes each side 30 mph limit, I always choose right lane as I take first right at traffic lights after exit local knowledge as its always difficult to move over after the double whites to get to the turn lane at the lights and the speed merchants are always inches off your rear bumper trying to bully past
Anyone else getting the 80’s ZX Spectrum game loading vibe from the screen as Ashley exits the tunnel at 6:04?
Bzzzzzzzzz Bip…….Bzzzzzzzzzz
"....badong badong..."
Loading Error. Rewind tape and try again! Kids today have no idea of the pain we went through 🤣
@@tripnick555 Or playing Gauntlet and heading through a warp portal…
“Please insert Tape 3”
But where on tape 3 do you want to be? More time spent loading levels than playing the game 🤣
Had my bike 3 months now and also not overtaken on a single carriageway yet. Maybe we've been lucky not to have had slow enough traffic to feel the need. I don't see it as something to aim for, just something to use if necessary and appropriate.
Who could forget the liver birds opening sequences.
12:27 One place I find a satnav screen very useful even when the audio has given directions, is large roundabouts. Knowing how far round, say, exit 3 is, when it might be at 11 o'clock or 5 o'clock, and the shape of the roundabout, like is it round or more dogbone for instance, makes it easier to get around safely and cleanly.
my satnag is good about advising what lane to be in, approaching freeway (motorway) interchanges in the US. I would guess it would be a lifesaver in a complex roundabout the driver wasn unfamiliar with.
Do you ride with dipped headlight on all the time? Not charging a motorbike for the toll at the Mersey tunnel is probably about convenience for the toll and other traffic. 9:08, anyone surprised, I doubt the Audi driver even new what Ashley meant. Perhaps a clear signal may have conveyed the message to move over. 10:09, no change in speed? 12:55, anticipation and would you have spotted, what was anticipated? Do not get complacent with road markings, just because lane is arrowed straight on, it does not always mean it goes straight on and there is no hope when the council refuse to change the road markings!
The Humber Bridge is free for motorbikes. There's no problem with smog but it can get rather breezy.
9:45 an overtake is totally pointless anyway unless something is going really really slowly (like a tractor, horse rider or a cyclist). No road is ever long enough or traffic free enough in the UK to make up more than 10 to 20 seconds maximum on the vehicle overtaken.
Going the other way thru the tunnel coming in from the M53 you have to ride the gauntlet of impatient drivers to get over to the bike lane , that’s not fun !
Regarding motorbikes and fuel economy, I did a bit of research into this and motorcycles are often less efficient than cars with the same engine size. My car is a Kia Picanto (1-litre, 2014) and the MPG is about 55; you tend to find the same efficiency in bikes with around 500cc engines. The bikes with the higher power outputs relative to their engine size, marketed as sports bikes (things like Kawasaki Ninjas) tend to be less efficient; those with the lower power tend to be more so. I have found 125cc bikes that are 3x as efficient as my car, though the majority are more like double, but anyone downsizing from a big car shouldn't consider a bike with an engine the same size as a small car's; the small car burns less petrol. A lot of bikes don't seem to care; mention this on a forum and you'll get responses like "who cares about MPG; I'm interested in smiles per gallon".
I'm averaging 76mpg on my Suzuki V-Strom 650. And that includes some overtakes! 😀
Just to add to what someone else said, it has been shown that the CO2 levels in a helmet are often high enough to substantially affect reaction time
Part of the issue with wind buffeting might be because of your lid.
First time I tried an Arai Corsair I genuinely couldn't believe how much it reduced wind buffeting compared to (coincidentally) the HJC lid I had at the time.
There's a lot more to helmets than safety ratings.
I'm sure that most manufacturers products have evolved and I'm sure other helmets are just as good but, after first trying the Corsair, I've worn nothing else for almost 20 years.
So bikes from the mid 2000s and before did use less fuel but had higher emissions than cars because they didnt have catalytic converters in them and other devices to help with emissions.
I only recently found this out watching mythbusters on their youtube channel. They tested bikes from the 80s, 90s and 2000s as well as cars for there data.
It would be interesting to know if it is not a myth now with modern bikes from 2010 onwards if they produce less emissions.
I guess it's a compromise between producing higher emissions, and not creating emissions through congestion. Interesting area of research.
@@PedroConejo1939 cars engines had restrictions on them which is why they had catalytic converters (megaprojects has an interesting video on the history of them) but motorbikes were ignored as such a small percentage of people use them compared to cars.
And in america motorbikes still need to stop at red lights whereas here in the UK we have lots of give ways and roundabouts to keep traffic flowing where possible.
So i dont think its to do with being stopped and keeping moving emissions, its just euro4 restrictions i believe were the first brought in for motorbikes in the 2000s and before then it was a myth that motorbikes made less emissions, they made far more as unrestricted.
@@douglasreid699 I meant that (almost) every bike is a car less in the traffic. That's the compromise: slightly more from a smaller vehicle vs less traffic from cars, which are a major cause of congestion/pollution.
Fairly recently new Euro5 restrictions have come in regarding emissions. Can in no way pretend I am an expert on them but I did find the limits change which may be insightful. E4 had limits (in mg/km) 1140 CO2, 170 Total Hydrocarbons, 90 NOX. The new E5 emissions are (also in mg/km) 1000 CO2, 100 Total Hydrocarbons, 60 NOX, plus an additional limit being added on 68 Non-methane Hydrocarbons. They've mostly clamped down on Hydrocarbons and NOX with the new emission standard. Not sure how well it compares to cars but a lot of people are being dramatic "ITS THE END OF MOTORCYCLING" is something I hear a lot, its actually more a case of new engine designs are just a bit harder to build. For cars and vans I could only find their CO2 readings- Cars: 95000 mg CO2/km Vans: 147000 mg CO2/km. With them being much higher for cars and vans for CO2 I'd say its a safe assumption the other values are similarly higher and its a safe guess to say modern motorbikes barely emit anything compared to cars etc. For people who mod their bikes with their custom exhausts etc, it is likely they completely take their bike out of meeting the regs and probably do end up poluting significantly more though
@@PedroConejo1939 true but that is where the myth is (depending on age of motorbike) that people were buying a motorbike to save fuel and reduce emissions, but they found out on mythbusters that the motorbike was making more emissions than the car, even though the engine was smaller, because it did not have anything to stop the pollutants where as the car had a catalytic converter.
I am going from memory but i am sure they said a percent of 8000% worse but they probably tweaked the data to make the point for tv audiences.
It was not just slightly more pollution, it was a lot more than a car.
The reason cars make such high pollution is its a combination of so many cars, in the UK there are around 32 million cars to 1.34million motorbikes. If more drivers left their cars and used motorbikes that are not euro 4 or more compliant, there would be more pollution not less from the bikes that i dont think the reduction in congestion would balance out.
I wish mythbusters was still going so they could do an updated version with newer engines so we know. But thanks to the other commenter, they have provided info that looks like modern bikes in the last 10 years produce far less pollution.
I can say hand on heart. In 5 yrs of riding I’ve not overtaken car whilst riding my Triumph travelling along a two lane highway - I just don’t see the point. If my journey takes an extra 10 mins so be it. 😊
Bikes go free over the Humber bridge they just have to use the tag lane to get across.
If it weren't for copyright, you should have the song 'Ferry cross the Mersey' playing in the background.
I found having my screen set at it's highest position I had uncomfortable buffeting on the top of my helmet. By reducing the height of the screen it changed the airflow sufficiently to make it comfortable.
Someone told us when they where cycling in Spain on some team through a tuned the team car buggered of an left the riders going through with no lights. At the other side the police pulled the driver as he was meant to stay behind with the hazards on I think. I'm not sure of the details fully
Aye, I live near the Tyne tunnel and is a regular jaunt of mine. The tunnels are very narrow so there is a speed limit of 30mph which makes the tunnels very smoggy, therefore I avoid it on my moped.
We also have automatic tolls using ANPR to try and relieve traffic build up, which is good for reducing traffic but it can catch you out if you don’t know there’s a toll. Interesting to see Liverpool doesn’t have this yet.
The Mersey Gateway Bridge does 👍
3:48 Have they liked and subscribed? Amazing you've even got fans in the tunnels Ashley....
The Welsh road is a dodgy bit of road. Pretty narrow for the speeds
In tunnels and on motorways I see more and more drivers charging lanes across double white lines .
No enforcement.
Today I explained a business person that parking on her pavement outside shop on doybke lunes is not legal." We have been here 25 years " must obviuosly pay off the traffic warden. Like Bolivia.
If someone is going 10mph less than the limit I will overtake when safe. Normally it's only in nationals when people potter along at 45.
9.20, yes proabably and the only one sticking to the speed limit.
I just subscribed. Head buffeting is very common on all bikes.
You could try a clip on wind deflector. Has worked for me.
Or a touring windscreen with your only problem being which one to pick.
Was thinking the same. I fitted a Puig clip on screen deflector to my 1250, made a good improvement.
Do you wear earplugs when riding? A friend suggested I should but I don’t feel I get the speed up enough to warrant that. Perhaps could do a review of a few different pairs? Loop Earplugs keeping popping up in adverts for me
great watch 👍👍🏍🏍👍👍
Nice vlog Ashley 👍Off topic, I see your helmet is a flip up type, what camera mount do you use on it? Is it close to the hemet opening levers? Thanks for any info 👍
Here in NZ, what toll roads we have, are automatic. No toll booths. As far as I can tell all vehicles are tolled.
I'm pretty much the same on my V Strom when it comes to overtaking, if the traffic is going at the speed limit I don't bother overtaking
your a grownup, no rev bombs in the tunnel. Well done at resisting the inner child. :) Great video.
Interesting that not only is there a toll for Mersey Tunnel, but there are different categories of tolls for different vehicles. Good there are no tolls fot motorbikes. I have been in the Clyde tunnel a few times, and there are no tolls at all, so far.
You might be able to get a taller screen for your bike Ashley which may help with the wind buffeting your head so could be worth looking into.
Great riding great attitude . Please keep telling riders not to think they are invincible once on bike . Quite the opposite . Don’t take chances don’t risk your life .
Just a couple of points around you mentioning where you don't overtake, you might want to consider one more thing in your thought process. A bike just joining the flow of cars tends to become invisible very quickly, whereas if you move through someone's field of view you are much more visible. Not saying you should overtake just because you can - but just acknowledge that too long in the same place can be unsafe.
I tend to overtake where I can - safely and legally of course, but I'll not do it where it would be risky, or would upset the car driver. The perception of bikers is bad enough, without adding to it, and a raging car driver when you're on a bike is most definitely not what you want.
ALWAYS use your lights, irrespective of the type of your vehicle or time of day.
Same as you Ashley , I hardly overtake , I changed my aim instructor many years ago who told me that it was ok in a 70 mph zone to overtake at 90 mph , because you where in the danger zone quicker and back into the safe zone . He was a escort rider who also raced as a amateur across the country. Not for me 🤪. Reference fumes in road tunnels, still to this day I do it , while in the car they used to tell us kids , see who can hold their breath the longest while going through the tunnel , we used to turn blue . Later on we realised it was to keep us quiet, but I still do it involuntarily 😂😂😂😂, ps not recommended.
I feel like i know what your answer would be, but i still feel the need to ask; What's your thoughts on bikers revving their engine instead of using the horn when other road users or pedestrians become a problem?
I feel like i see it a lot online and it feels aggressive and more like a reprimand rather than a safety thing