GSA Filtering

[Skipssong]

I really hesitate asking this question but I've done the search thing and whilst there's lots of mention and some comment I can't really get a feel for peoples view on filtering on a GSA (08) with Ali luggage.

I drag my weary butt up and down the M4, M25 and A1 (120 miles) at least twice a week more often than not in the car due to all the gear (laptop, files etc). I can get all this stuff on the bike but when I have done the trip on the bike I find myself sitting in traffic much the same as I would in the car; the bike just feels too wide to filter (especially given the miles of roadworks) - advantage lost.

How much of this do you guys think in psychological? Is it as wide as I think? A real issue or made up in my worried mind?

Awaits derision

 

[Bryn]

Never stopped me filtering... If I can get the handlebars through easily then the rest should follow

 

[autogs]

its physological,as bryn says if the bars go through you wiggle the back end through some tight gaps go for it

 

[(RIP) john plane]

Same as me if my mirrors go through so do i.

 

[Steptoe]

So it's you that holds up all the bikes.

 

[Ringmaster999]

Skipssong I think your being overly worried about filtering. I do it all the time every day through city traffic on my 08 gsa and I often pass smaller bikes waiting in traffic. The GSA gives you that much more presence on the road but I tell you what makes a hell of a differance
A pair of Les's HID spot lights along with Low beam. Ride with the spots on all the time and it's like the parting of the red sea Mosses style. Brill

 

[Davel]

Are the bars wider than on a GS?

I filter alot on my GS with no problem whatsoever.

I may be a pussy but any gaps that I wouldn't want to filter through on the GS, I wouldn't want to on any bike...

 

[London Mole]

I ride everyday through Central London, there is a VERY practical thing on a GSA...
...
HAZARD LIGHTS!!!
...
It DOES work!!!

 

[IJGser]

I agree with all above I commute fully loaded and do find that in road works with reduced lanes filtering gets tough. Also when they make a wide road a two lanes as a after thought.

I find relaxing and looking ahead at the next gap helps.

Ian

 

[Canuck]

Just go for it... whats the worst that could happen

 

[Skipssong]

Thanks guys. Looks like the consensus is relax, don't worry, look ahead and if the bars look like they'll go through it's highly likely the back end will do too.

 

[Don El Eee]

Agree with the above about bars/panniers. But if you're still worried why not ditch the panniers for soft luggage. I've got the BMW 51 litre soft bag. It's waterproof; easily holds a suit, laptop, numerous lever arch folders and simply clips on the back seat. No filtering concerns.

 

[Montrose Sun]

I teach my students about filtering with my GSA and it would be wrong of me not to follow them after my explanation - thats not to say that i havnt had a few 'ooooooohh' moments because it is wide but fine so far. Never hit anyone yet and i recckon my judgement is pretty good.

 

[fat boy]

I've only knocked one mirror off a Jag with the pannier Didn't damage the pannier

 

[Loiq]

three or four moving objects with gaps which open and close can get messy as each party can have it's own agenda...

saw a classic lorry to the left car to the right I cut right and over took the car, the other bike following went between the lorry and the car....

not the best look.

 

[Wingit]

Yep, I'd have to agree. The bars are like cats whiskers on the GSA, if the front goes through, the back should too.
Having said that, I put a go faster stripe down a 4WD vehicle with my left hand ali pannier a couple of months back when the driver drifted out and closed the gap

 

[wheeler]

I never take the boxes off, filter all the time. You just get better at gauging spaces and openings. I also put my lights on high beam when filtering,works a treat.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Filtring in France

Here all motorists are very pro 'les motards' and pull over to let you pass, thus you HAVE to filter; There are three basic rules :
Don't go very much faster than the rest of the traffic
Don't overtake another bike
Stay in the same lane as much as possible;
A,d if you can say 'thank you' -with a wave of your right leg it all helps.;
Oh, and look out for wing mirrors on vans etc;

 

[R17GSR]

Yes to all previous posts, leg out in most of Europe is good, if the car purposly moves over make an effort to thank them. High beam, hazzards and spot lights, keep checking cars in front driver awareness of you, front wheels turning in? gap for the car to change lanes ? When you get good at filtering it's a great feeling to pass them all. Keep it to the middle and out side lane though, dont want to confuse the poor buggers.
Gary

 

[autogs]

I never take the boxes off, filter all the time. You just get better at gauging spaces and openings. I also put my lights on high beam when filtering,works a treat.

hi beam eh,how many people are you pissing off

you can be seen and be safe without upsetting car drivers giving us a bad image,if your going to filter do by using skill and judgement not bully boy tactics