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To rev bomb or not to rev bomb

B

bikey

New member
Joined
Mar 27, 2020
Location
SL
Moto(s)
SV
Hi guys,

When commuting I used to think people who rev-bombed instead of honked when they needed to get a driver's attention was stupid because you sacrifice mobility to make some noise.

After riding a sport bike where you can't reach the horn at all if holding the bars properly on the end, I realize that for some bikes its a necessary evil and I feel a bit dumb for not thinking that some bikes don't have the ergos to honk.

Anyone experience this too?
 
Never rev bomb. Rarely honk.

The only time I can remember doing it is saying good by to friends or getting a kids attention to wave when I am stopped.

Interesting question.

Look forward to other’s responses.
 
The only time this makes any sense is while lane splitting in stopped traffic.

Simply wait, and go by when safe. No reason to startle and wake up drivers -- it'll be moving soon enough.

If someone is swerving in to you, then, yea, use the horn.

I've never had to use my horn while splitting. And I have a stock BMW, so rev bombing is, well, neither.
 
Rev bombing does nothing except make noise. And if you can’t reach your horn button with your hands on the grips, something is wrong.

And the very best thing for getting noticed is a headlight modulator. Nothing else even comes close. And they are legal in all 50 states.
 
Making myself visible in their mirrors gets their attention enough for me. I cringe when I witness a revbomb for attention
 
I'm with Budman, never rev bomb and never use the horn. I think I'm more of a passive rider so I let folks go first and try to stay out of the way.
Rev bombing is an immature act done by youngsters on loud bikes trying to assert themselves or show off. Sometimes also done as an act of road rage.
At my age I'm past that.
 
bikey said:
After riding a sport bike where you can't reach the horn at all if holding the bars properly on the end, I realize that for some bikes its a necessary evil and I feel a bit dumb for not thinking that some bikes don't have the ergos to honk.
Click to expand...
I must be missing something. I've never seen a motorcycle where you can't hold onto the bars (correctly) and reach for the horn button at the same time.

Can you describe (or better yet post a picture) where you call "properly" putting your hands?
 
No
 
I don't really find that spooking drivers is a really good idea. You might get the opposite effect of what you're expecting.
 
bikey said:
Hi guys,

When commuting I used to think people who rev-bombed instead of honked when they needed to get a driver's attention was stupid because you sacrifice mobility to make some noise.

After riding a sport bike where you can't reach the horn at all if holding the bars properly on the end, I realize that for some bikes its a necessary evil and I feel a bit dumb for not thinking that some bikes don't have the ergos to honk.

Anyone experience this too?
Click to expand...
“Rev Bombing “
Thank you for dropping the term “ Rev Bombing” here.
I have never heard it before and now I can’t stop laughing.
If you’ve been hit lane splitting like I have “Rev Bombing” or any other way to let a car know isn’t a problem for me.

PaulR
 
Das MotorRad said:
Making myself visible in their mirrors gets their attention enough for me. I cringe when I witness a revbomb for attention
Click to expand...
I try that too, I even wave my hand behind them to get their attention but sometimes they're just not looking up. I'm pretty patient before I start making some noise.
 
Enchanter said:
I must be missing something. I've never seen a motorcycle where you can't hold onto the bars (correctly) and reach for the horn button at the same time.

Can you describe (or better yet post a picture) where you call "properly" putting your hands?
Click to expand...
Drew a picture instead. Note this is on stock clip for an r1. the handlebars have a handgrip "triangle" end that I put my ring and pinky finger on. If I were to stretch my hand there's a good 1-2 inches gap before I can even touch the horn button. To touch it w/ my thumb I need to break my grip on the clutch pretty hard.
 

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BillSmith said:
For what purpose are you attempting to gain their attention?
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Splitting on the freeway, sometimes they're leaned over on the right side of the lane and unsure if they're trying to change lanes or are just following the lane poorly.
 
I do it in tunnels because I think it's fun to hear the noise echo in a tunnel and to annoy everyone else. It's even better when there's traffic congestion. (I also like honking the horn in a car in tunnels because everybody else starts doing it too.)

There's this one tunnel in Switzerland. Gotthard Road Tunnel, I think it's called. Travelling north, it basically puts you in a trance after it starts turning right and heading downhill.
 
bikey said:
I try that too, I even wave my hand behind them to get their attention but sometimes they're just not looking up. I'm pretty patient before I start making some noise.
Click to expand...
You should pretend that you’re invisible when riding instead of calling attention to yourself. Be patient. Rev bomb or wave at the wrong person and you’ll end up on the ground. :ride
 
I forgot tunnels. I have rev bombed there.

Bikey
Over time your comfort and mental skills will overcome the need to be “known” seen.

Instead you will know when the gap is your to take.
Give it a little time.

Being seen is good but if you wait for that magic many splitting opportunities will have passed you by.
 
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