I took my bike out this weekend for the first time. I am having a problem looking over my shoulder as I change lanes. I took the MSF course and learned on a cruiser, the GS500 has a bit more agressive riding position than the bike I learned on. As I turn my head, I see more of my shoulder than the road behind me. Does anyone have any advice on what I am doing wrong. Thanks in advance.
What about your mirrors ? You need to set them so that you can have clear backviews without looking over your shoulder. Set your bike on the center stand while you adjust the mirrors. There are 2 adjusting points: One is at the end of the stem where you screw it in the handle bar and the other is at the end of the mirror itself. I have ridden many years without looking over my shoulder when changing lanes. I use the mirrors in stead cause I feel that I need to stay focus looking ahead while riding.
Hope this would help to solve your problem.
You should always do a shoulder-check when changing lanes. There is a large blind spot to either side of you the you cannot see with the mirrors. Use the mirrors to see directly behind you. Turn your head to see to the sides and to a few feet behind.
I have not had any problems turning my head enough to see the blind spots.
Rule of thumb. Your mirrors tell you when NOT to go but DO NOT tell you when to go.
I ALWAY'S check my blind spot and found that the longer that I rode (more miles) the more comfortable I felt taking a look to be sure. I remember at first finding that I would drift to the right or left when checking.
If you are wearing a full face helmet, then it is normal that you cannot see much of the road when you turned your head around. Try lowering your shoulder a bit more may help. A half face helmet allows you to see more of the road tho. This checking before changing lane must be done in spilt seconds, and it make it part of your riding instinct.
I find that it's easier to do a head check (at least to the left side) if I put my hand back on my hip or even the seat behind me and turn my whole upper body. (ever seen racers "look back"? that's what I'm talking about.) that way you don't have to turn your head quite as far.