The Honda Owners Club

Came accross this very interesting article the other day

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/mai ... ip126.xml&

I have to say that if it's all true, why are we as motorcyclist not doing more about it? Do any of the forum readers know of any incidents involving this SMA material, are you even aware it exists? I certainly wasn't.

Ed Case wrote:I have to say that if it's all true, why are we as motorcyclist not doing more about it?

The BMF and MAG have taken up the use of SMA with various government and local authorities a year or so ago.

Do any of the forum readers know of any incidents involving this SMA material

Yes

are you even aware it exists?

Obviously.

I certainly wasn't.

You learn something every day.

So what did they conclude? I checked the MAG website before posting but could find no reference to it. BMF I didn't check.

I also read an article about SMA a while ago. Problem is how do you know if you are riding on it?

Good question, perhaps it's time the issue was resurected so we are all aware. Very often these topics are raised, there's a lot of fuss (which I obvioulsy missed), it all dies down & the upshot is no one actually does anything about it.

It is obviously a serious problem but I was totally unaware of its existence. I personally haven't noticed any slippery than usual dry surface (perhaps I don't ride fast enough), so what does it look like, how do we identify it?

Regards

Chimpy

There is some info on the web about this substance, the unfortunate thing is there seems to be little to differentiate it from other road surface material. I think basicaly the stone is mixed in with the tar so it is completely coated whereas in 'normal' surfacing the stone is rolled into the tar after it is layed. However I may be completely wrong & besides it's hardly practicle to keep stopping to check so I don't know what the answer is apart from some sort or list of roads posted on the web but I don't expect we would get much co-operation from the highways authority on that !!

From what I remember, it is the inclusion of oil in the mix - to improve its performance when used to repair existing roads and to give a quieter road surface, it is also quick and cheap to lay and dosen't need the usual sprinkling of chippings - that is the main cause of the problem. This means that in very hot weather, the oil tends to come to the surface and when it rains on a hot road, you end up with a very slippery surface.

I understand from a fellow club member - not the HOC - who is one of those policeman who attends incidents and writes up reports, that SMA, has featured in many of his reports. He tells me that they have stopped using it on the approach to roundabouts.

It would seem that it is motorcyclists vs. quick, cheap and quiet.

Interesting Topic of discussion Roy!..There are quite a few stretches of road around Lincoln with that type of surface. I am always careful when riding on it in the wet but it can also be greasy slippery when very hot in summer!

Again any wet roads after hot periods (not many to worry about ) and I take extra care, and usually oil or diesel are visible if you look for them