On the subject of MC rider fatalities, you can have all the training in the world but that stop you hitting the side of some car, whos idiot driver pulls out in front of you after watching you coming closer and closer.
Only last week, I was riding on a dual carriageway, I saw a car waiting to pull into traffic from a side road, as I got to about 20 yards, the woman just drove out like I wasn't there! I was riding my Z1 [lucky for me] or I wouldn't have avoided the rear end. And yes I did have my lovely 12 volt hallogen headlight lit as brightly as Mr Kawasaki intended. She was totally oblivious to the world.
On the subject of MC tests, I did mine here in the UK in 1976. In those days, you went to the testing station, answered a few basic Highway code questions, then went for a ride. The tester stood on a corner, I went past him did three left turns and by him again. I repeated that for the emergency stop and that was it. I spent most of the time out of his sight, and as long as you didn't fall off you passed. Having said that, after all my years of experience and also being a car driver, I consider myself to be a far more competent motorist than most of the idiot car drivers out there.
I say all car drivers should spend a year on a small bike or scooter before they can take their test, then they would understand what roadcraft is. - rant over
