that's where ape hangars came from. swing over using the bars.

 

I don't think there is "1" answer here... all depends on the situation, I have done both and never once thought I had an "option"... laying it down is so that you can put the bike in between you and what you are going to hit... the front brake comment always reminds me of this analogy: Two bikes going 60 mph side by side... One bike hits the back brake at exactly the same time as the other bike hits both front and back brakes. When the second bike is stopped, the first bike is still going 45 mph.... technique is everything... any time someone asks if I will let them ride my bike, I tell them to get on a dirt bike and learn to fall down, bounce off of things and use the brakes.... not that any of that is useful on a Harley....

 

When a friend and I riding together (1986) both hit the same car that pulled in front of us, I layed the bike down and the bike absorbed most of the impact (about 30 mph). He hit the car riding and braking, flew over the handle bars, hit the trunk and landed on the other side of the car. We had both been riding for years. He had emergency surgery that day on his intestinal tract, a broken collar bone, and a torn shoulder that, eventually, required his early retirement. I had some bruising, and a sore pelvic area for a few weeks.

I think, IMHO, that each circumstance would involve various reactions and there would not be one best way to crash. Flying over one car to be hit by another...well I'm sure that has happened.

 

+ it's easy to say but when the time comes instinct takes over.

 

I'm from the school that says "laying it down" is a collision in itself. I will ride it out. That doesn't mean I won't be involved in a collision with another vehicle but it does mean I think I stand a better chance attempting evasive action and braking.

 

tough question..depends on the circumstance....Unfortunately i've done both...how or why I couldn't tell ya....I just did it. No time to think - allInstinctively. Luckily tho, each time I walked away ok (hell I even rode home last time after the VERY incident you described - and I rode her out...for a bit anyway. then it asphalt for dinner. )

 

i have seen some incredible saves that wouldnt have happened if the person had given up and "layed" the bike down intentionally.

it aint over till its over.

 

rubber side down and brakes work better than pavement and chrome no matter the situation. gotta practice once in a while though.

 

Ride it out, keep the rubber on the road, you have morecontroland maintainstopping/turning ability, lowering the chance of a collision. Much debate over the years but one instructor drove this home. We practiced (I still do in large parking lots) to grab all four controls in a panic situation; clutch/F brake/R brake/downshift, practice slightly anytime you slow down/stop and it will become second nature.

The largest challenge is the amount offorce applied to brakes to the threshold of traction, DO NOT LOCK UP THE TIRES! This usually means approx. 80% on the frontand 20% on the rear, theoretically the front could receive100% of your forward momentum due to extreme load shift. It's your front brake that stops you, get in the habit of using it first and every time you need brakes. With good control and practice you'll stop in 2/3 rds the distance that laying it down would. (gotta get back to work)

 

To many unkowns to give an answer. (speed, road conditions, whats on the right, ect....) I would try not to lay it down unless I have no other options.