I watched one of you bastards nearly explode a squirrel.

[corey]

It was in Ligonier, PA... Just by the Sheetz where 711 and 271 meet... You were BLASTING up 271, and that little make the beast with two backser shot out in front of you with his tail STRAIGHT up... nearly rocketing himself across the road with a stream of shit and fear blazing behind him. You swerved JUST in time, and I think you may have nicked his asshole. You both looked pretty shaken up, but it was a hell of a visual from my perspective!

Black monster/goldish frame.
Just wanted to share.

[Howie]

It wasn't me, I have witnesses.

[MadDuck]

That little dude is damn lucky that he only got any asshole trim.   

[zooom]

It wasn't me, I have witnesses.

we know it wasn't you because you wouldn't have swerved and you wouldn't have missed...you woulda targeted and hit successfully !!!!

[ab]

I still can't shake the image of the squirrel the rider in front of me cut in half and it was still attempting to move. 

Squirrel 0.  Rider 1

[kopfjäger]

Do not swerve to miss rodents. 

[red baron]

I still can't shake the image of the squirrel the rider in front of me cut in half and it was still attempting to move. 

Squirrel 0.  Rider 1

Yup, had the same happen on Palomar 3 weeks ago, had to duck to miss the "shrapnel"

[ungeheuer]

Do not swerve to miss rodents. 

^^  This. 

Or cute little feral bunnies.

Or chicken eatin' bastard foxes.

[joshuajcrouch]

This thread is hilarious.

[77south]

is there a universally accepted body weight where it becomes safer to swerve?  I'm sure as hell swerving for cattle and deer, but what about raccoons?

[zooom]

is there a universally accepted body weight where it becomes safer to swerve?  I'm sure as hell swerving for cattle and deer, but what about raccoons?

I think it depends on the bike and how the suspension is setup....

[Howie]

I was told if you can eat it in one sitting don't swerve.  IMO, you can go a bit larger.

[1.21GW]

I was told if you can eat it in one sitting don't swerve.  IMO, you can go a bit larger.

especially in winter, if you have studded tires:

[duc_fan]

My MSF instructor described small critters as "squishables".  Squirrels, rabbits, etc.  Do not swerve.

Raccoons can get on the border of "too big to hit".  Depends on the size of the 'coon.  As stated earlier, the exact size limit depends on bike (wheels/tires/suspension), rider, and situation.  On an R1200GS Adventure, I'm probably gonna run over anything up to 25 lbs or so, maybe more.  On a Panigale?  I think 15 might be the high end of "squishable" for that bike.

This is also a prime example of why you should never ride at 10/10ths on the street.  Always need to leave room to maneuver if that deer, cow, or other "non-squishable" suddenly appears in the middle of that corner.

One of these days one of those stupid turkeys on Centerville Highway is not gonna get outta the way fast enough, and it's gonna meet the front tire of the Cagiva...

RE: studded tires
  I want those for winter riding on the GC.

[zooom]

.

One of these days one of those stupid turkeys on Centerville Highway is not gonna get outta the way fast enough, and it's gonna meet the front tire of the Cagiva...

drop 2 gears and lift the front when you smack that f**ker....LOL

RE: studded tires
  I want those for winter riding on the GC.

talk to Pieter B. on the list to see if he send you some the Netherlands where he is....I think they have em setup and ready for ice racing and stuff....