Thanks for the comments @xrljoel but I'll have to respectfully disagree on the high beams. I've seen other bikes do it headed towards me and it wasn't hard on the eyes at all. The extra visibility I get FAR out weighs the minuscule inconvenience the odd car may have with it.
The most common comment from cagers that take out a biker is SMIDSY (sorry mate I didn't see you) so my safety is what counts here (within reason of course).
Regarding the blind spot mirrors, yes I'll sometimes do a head check when changing lanes (when there's the possibility of a car 2 lanes away merging into the same lane I want to go into) but not always as I can see the lane beside me in the convex mirrors. And guess what, when you look over your shoulder on a head check you're not seeing what's in front of you and depending on speed, you'll cover a good distance blind. Looking at the convex mirrors just takes a side glance or a very small head turn so you can still see ahead.
Furthermore, ever been riding and there's a car in your blind spot (texting possibly or who knows) and you do not know they're there until some time later? With the convex mirrors, you can see them there and speed up to get away.
I'm not trying to impose my safety habits on anyone, just explaining what's kept me from getting into a single accident in 30+ years of driving and so far 5 riding. Just trying to perhaps help others re-think their habits as I do when I read others views.
We're all in here for the same reasons - to enjoy this awesome hobbie/sport and stay safe.
The most common comment from cagers that take out a biker is SMIDSY (sorry mate I didn't see you) so my safety is what counts here (within reason of course).
Regarding the blind spot mirrors, yes I'll sometimes do a head check when changing lanes (when there's the possibility of a car 2 lanes away merging into the same lane I want to go into) but not always as I can see the lane beside me in the convex mirrors. And guess what, when you look over your shoulder on a head check you're not seeing what's in front of you and depending on speed, you'll cover a good distance blind. Looking at the convex mirrors just takes a side glance or a very small head turn so you can still see ahead.
Furthermore, ever been riding and there's a car in your blind spot (texting possibly or who knows) and you do not know they're there until some time later? With the convex mirrors, you can see them there and speed up to get away.
I'm not trying to impose my safety habits on anyone, just explaining what's kept me from getting into a single accident in 30+ years of driving and so far 5 riding. Just trying to perhaps help others re-think their habits as I do when I read others views.
We're all in here for the same reasons - to enjoy this awesome hobbie/sport and stay safe.