Daktari Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 why motor-cyclists in France stick a leg out & "shake it all about" when overtaking [;)]Now I know .... http://portal.telegraph.co.uk/global/main.jhtml?xml=/global/2006/01/28/pfolie28.xml&DCMP=EMC-exp_30012006A few other helpful observations on French driving also listed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 An interesting article! This was discussed a bit on the old forum, and there was talk of the leg being waved because to take the hand off the throttle would cause a problem or something, but I don't know why the left hand couldn't be used... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sid Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 When a motorcyclist overtakes and wants to acknowledge, his left hand is hidden by his body, I nearly said 'on the wrong side', which it plainly isn't. It would be more natural to use the right hand but this is holding the throttle, and letting go would result in the throttle closing immediately - not very desirable.When 2 motorcyclists pass in opposite directions they usually give a casual left hand wave with the hand low just off the handlebar, 2 fingers pointing down, meaning "2 wheels good" or similar.Sid (motorcyclist - and the drivers here are very respectful of motorcyclists and pedal cyclists - fantastic!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunday Driver Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 I find it awkward to do the right leg wiggle - always end up with cramp in my thigh muscle and trying to ease things means I'm usually still wiggling for another few miles down the road..... [:)]Agree with Sid - France is a great place for biking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 Can I be controversial here and say that I find French bikers much more sensible and less aggressive than the ones I see driving to work every day? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard-R Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 The leg wiggle is a thank you using your mirrors and getting the f*** out of the way. I still find it hard to do this after years of doing it 'The British Way' but than so few French drivers use there mirrors it is not something I worry about. The difference in France, biker wise is that there are far less bikers who gave up riding a 20 and started again at 40+ on a sports bike, so the is a better overall standard of riding.Riding the Duke and keeping it real. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonzjob Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 I always thought that it was another example of the old phraze that the world is a French man'z toilet?[*-)]John (4 weelz is more stable than 2) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedders Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 Are there any "old" British bikes to be found in France, (can't say i've noticed any,) or did they all expire before reaching Dover? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamedup Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 We have french friends with old british 'classic' bikes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedders Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 That's really interesting, obviously they're enthusiastic, do they have problems obtaining spares and would you know if many are advertised for sale? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 There are 2 newspapery magazines devoted to classiv bikes in France. Many bikes for sale and ones you don't often see in the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Have a look here http://www.anciennes.net/ for some interesting vehiclesTom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpy Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 I suggest that depends entirely on the region. I travelled daily from St Germain en Laye on the A13 east into Paris and on the Peripherique from 1998 until 2003 and I can assure you that the French 'motards' are much less sensible and much more aggressive than those I had left behind in Herefordshire or now encounter in Portsmouth! I, too, adopted the leg wave as a very useful way of thanking other road users, shame it's not used here in the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patmobile Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Well, I'm blowed! I had thought for years they were just stretching their legs because their bikes were so uncomfortable.I've even commented to my wife on how many uncomfortable bikers we see on a long trip.Patrick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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