matt_unique
New member
That is just insane....I love to ride when I can but never like that.
For Motorcyclists
- Thread starter Will-C
- Start date
Remember everyone,
We all have stories, experiences, and know people who have been in car accidents and been hurt or killed, but we all still own and drive them don't we.
I spent over 10 years pulling bodies and body parts out of plane crashes and out of the wilderness as a technical mountain rescuer but that doesn't mean I shouldn't confidently buy plane tickets or go for a hike. Bad behavior often leads to bad results and good behavior is usually rewarded with survival.
The way a person goes about an activity is more relavant than the activity itself in most cases and motorcycle bashing is only different because we all enjoy a choice. We generally have nice parking spaces, garages, and money to support and cars and trucks while treating motorcycles as more of an optional hobby activity. We wouldn't be having this discussion if the roles were reversed and we would accept the risk of the activity as a necessary fact of life.
After crashing a motorcycle seriously and pursuing more knowledge on how to stay safer while enjoying riding, I read Proficient Motorcycling and the sequel book by David H. and after wading through the science and the mental factors, decided a rider can be as safe as they want to be if properly trained and prepared. But the training and preparing are sorely lacking in most folks riding portfolio and most riders ride the way they drive and accept more risk than they really need to leading to bad safety trends.
Riding could be treated more like boating or flying. Inspections of equipment, preparation for conditions, and the wisdom to just say no when the risk is out of hand.
The longer I ride, the more I stick to that mantra. Riding a big dual sport these days and seeking out desolate roads and places free of traffic contributes of my feeling of increased ability to mitigate the risks while still enjoying the riding enough to own a bike.
Greg
We all have stories, experiences, and know people who have been in car accidents and been hurt or killed, but we all still own and drive them don't we.
I spent over 10 years pulling bodies and body parts out of plane crashes and out of the wilderness as a technical mountain rescuer but that doesn't mean I shouldn't confidently buy plane tickets or go for a hike. Bad behavior often leads to bad results and good behavior is usually rewarded with survival.
The way a person goes about an activity is more relavant than the activity itself in most cases and motorcycle bashing is only different because we all enjoy a choice. We generally have nice parking spaces, garages, and money to support and cars and trucks while treating motorcycles as more of an optional hobby activity. We wouldn't be having this discussion if the roles were reversed and we would accept the risk of the activity as a necessary fact of life.
After crashing a motorcycle seriously and pursuing more knowledge on how to stay safer while enjoying riding, I read Proficient Motorcycling and the sequel book by David H. and after wading through the science and the mental factors, decided a rider can be as safe as they want to be if properly trained and prepared. But the training and preparing are sorely lacking in most folks riding portfolio and most riders ride the way they drive and accept more risk than they really need to leading to bad safety trends.
Riding could be treated more like boating or flying. Inspections of equipment, preparation for conditions, and the wisdom to just say no when the risk is out of hand.
The longer I ride, the more I stick to that mantra. Riding a big dual sport these days and seeking out desolate roads and places free of traffic contributes of my feeling of increased ability to mitigate the risks while still enjoying the riding enough to own a bike.
Greg
MilesandMiles
New member
Aurelia":20xcsbln said:
I completely agree with this. I'm of the opinion that people (or perhaps Americans) are getting more afraid of nearly everything on a daily/yearly bases. If we stopped doing activities that might hurt or kill us, well, may I suggest a human sized hamster ball?
I will NEVER stop riding motorcycles. I've become safer as I've gotten older. This is all we can do, or live our lives in the shallows of fear.
M&M
I ride a Victory Kingpin and its one of the funnest and most satisfying things I do. A motorcycle safety course is well worth the time and effort. It is no guarantee, but it is my understanding no motorcyclist who has graduated from a DOT approved safety class has ever died in a motorcycle accident in my state of Georgia. A buddy in Florida told me the same thing for his state.
MilesandMiles":cnjqfkbg said:
And I applaud both your decisions & hope you never have cause to change your minds. Even agree with most becoming more fearful. Fear is a great way to manipulate for good or bad those that want to control others’ lives. On the other hand being a fearful person has hardly been my forte. Included on my list of things I use to do & don't now is rope free rock climbing & riding motorcycles & much for the same reason. Slim to none body protection for the contact that will be made at the speeds one will attain doing either endeavor if a mistake is made. At least in that form of climbing your skill and physical condition largely determines your fate unlike the motorcycle where skill matters some but fate is much more determine by the action of others. My eldest son died at age 22 riding a motorcycle when someone who didn't see him pulled out directly in his path, but that isn't what made me stop riding. That decision was made many years before when realizing I just couldn't control the urge to push the limits & therefore increasing to much the risk.
No way would I now want to be involved in preventing others from doing dangerous endeavors they love, but I do think it wise to make a honest judgment of the risks vs rewards before undertaking them & that's a very personal decision as we all have different levels of acceptance to risk determined mainly by the love of the endeavor.
Jay
A close friend of mine just recently bought a bike, sport style, capable of doing 180mph. He is old enough to know better than to do that, but is using it as a commuter, (1.5 hour drive to work) and saving gas money as well as having a good time. It has gotten me to thinking, I could commute for less too, not on that type of bike but starting to look around at options. Thought I'd bring this back up and see what the safe and sane C-Brats are riding now.
My thoughts are toward a 650 to 900 cc cruiser style, with a bit more weight and a lot slower. I travel about 40 miles to work each day, same amount back after a 12+ hour day shift, and it is 2 lane country, curvy highway, 50 and 55 mph speed limit. Road is generally dry and temps are rarely below 40F.
When I was younger, and rode a lot, I never rode like the guy in that video. :shock:
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
My thoughts are toward a 650 to 900 cc cruiser style, with a bit more weight and a lot slower. I travel about 40 miles to work each day, same amount back after a 12+ hour day shift, and it is 2 lane country, curvy highway, 50 and 55 mph speed limit. Road is generally dry and temps are rarely below 40F.
When I was younger, and rode a lot, I never rode like the guy in that video. :shock:
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Ya know back when I was young and dumb I too rode like a madman .... but I learned after a couple bad things happened that there are two kinds of people that ride motorcycles those that have kissed pavement and those that are going to kiss pavement ..... can ya guess which one that idiot is. Once ya have a case of road rash you never want it again .
Interesting how things have changed since this thread started. I have another suggestion for you, Harvey: a scooter. I know you read our blog once in a while, so you are probably aware that we bought a pair of scooters last year. Joan's idea. I didn't think much of the idea, but I did the research, and picked out what I thought would work best for our use: Honda PCX.
Pat Anderson bought a Honda Forza recently, a 279cc scooter that weighs 422 pounds. I think that would be a great commuter, with the distance and speeds you are talking about. Good storage under the seat. Decent protection with the fairing, and you can add a taller windshield.
Before you scoff at the idea of a scooter (I scoffed when Joan suggested it), they are easy, convenient, comfortable, and fun. I was feeling like I was about done riding with the V-Strom I owned before we bought the scooters. We have owned 25 motorcycles over the years; been riding since we were teenagers (I taught Joan to ride on my Triumph Bonneville when she was 16). We have traveled all over the country on bikes. My desire to get out on the highway and eat up miles is behind me, but I still like to ride... so the scooters are perfect for the type of riding we now do.
Twist and go. It really is that easy. They carry the weight low, so they are easy to move around the driveway or parking lot, but still plenty of fun riding in the twisties. After Harleys (9), Goldwings (4), BMWs (2), and a bunch of other bikes, I had no idea that scooters could be this entertaining. Instead of being done riding, we now ride every chance we get.
As the posters early on in this thread brought up, there is a risk of being on two wheels when most of those around you are on 4 or more. In the 47 years I have been riding, I have "gotten off hard" a couple times. A left-turning pickup truck put me in physical therapy for months. I understand the risks. On the Goldwings, I felt like "the king of the road;" on my Harleys, I was invincible (the pickup truck proved me wrong); on the BMWs, I never met a curve I didn't like. On the scooter, there is a completely different mindset (for me): I feel less desire to test the limits. Or, maybe it is a function of being older and wiser?
I am not suggesting that everyone should be on a scooter. But, it is a fun solution for us. As I have learned more about these two-wheel conveyances in the past year and a half, I have come to feel that they don't replace a motorcycle, they replace a second car. We have had fun mixing it up with the urban traffic in Phoenix (and previously, I detested that traffic), and these peppy scoots are as much fun on hilly, winding roads as any motorcycle I've owned.
Just tossing that out there for your consideration, Harvey.
Best wishes,
Jim
(Joan coming through a curve on Orcas Island, on the way up Mount Constitution.)
Pat Anderson bought a Honda Forza recently, a 279cc scooter that weighs 422 pounds. I think that would be a great commuter, with the distance and speeds you are talking about. Good storage under the seat. Decent protection with the fairing, and you can add a taller windshield.
Before you scoff at the idea of a scooter (I scoffed when Joan suggested it), they are easy, convenient, comfortable, and fun. I was feeling like I was about done riding with the V-Strom I owned before we bought the scooters. We have owned 25 motorcycles over the years; been riding since we were teenagers (I taught Joan to ride on my Triumph Bonneville when she was 16). We have traveled all over the country on bikes. My desire to get out on the highway and eat up miles is behind me, but I still like to ride... so the scooters are perfect for the type of riding we now do.
Twist and go. It really is that easy. They carry the weight low, so they are easy to move around the driveway or parking lot, but still plenty of fun riding in the twisties. After Harleys (9), Goldwings (4), BMWs (2), and a bunch of other bikes, I had no idea that scooters could be this entertaining. Instead of being done riding, we now ride every chance we get.
As the posters early on in this thread brought up, there is a risk of being on two wheels when most of those around you are on 4 or more. In the 47 years I have been riding, I have "gotten off hard" a couple times. A left-turning pickup truck put me in physical therapy for months. I understand the risks. On the Goldwings, I felt like "the king of the road;" on my Harleys, I was invincible (the pickup truck proved me wrong); on the BMWs, I never met a curve I didn't like. On the scooter, there is a completely different mindset (for me): I feel less desire to test the limits. Or, maybe it is a function of being older and wiser?
I am not suggesting that everyone should be on a scooter. But, it is a fun solution for us. As I have learned more about these two-wheel conveyances in the past year and a half, I have come to feel that they don't replace a motorcycle, they replace a second car. We have had fun mixing it up with the urban traffic in Phoenix (and previously, I detested that traffic), and these peppy scoots are as much fun on hilly, winding roads as any motorcycle I've owned.
Just tossing that out there for your consideration, Harvey.
Best wishes,
Jim
(Joan coming through a curve on Orcas Island, on the way up Mount Constitution.)
Guys like that give bikers a bad name. I cant stand the crouch rocket crowd.
Even when I am cruising on my Harley they have some need to go by me as fast as they can to prove themselves.
Kinda like the jerk power boaters (not c-dory owners) who come by my sail boat as close as they can to wave and leave me bouncing around in their wake as I try to catch everything falling off the table or counter.
I ride a big fat bagger and get there in comfort not speed. Also why I am going for a C-Dory. comfort and practicality over speed.
Even when I am cruising on my Harley they have some need to go by me as fast as they can to prove themselves.
Kinda like the jerk power boaters (not c-dory owners) who come by my sail boat as close as they can to wave and leave me bouncing around in their wake as I try to catch everything falling off the table or counter.
I ride a big fat bagger and get there in comfort not speed. Also why I am going for a C-Dory. comfort and practicality over speed.
I have ridden for over 50 years....and other than the occasional off-center fall over I have not had any bad experiences.. (I am too short for modern bikes) I own 5 bikes and one sidecar rig.. I ride in heavy LA traffic during the winter...but it is with the knowledge that they are all trying to kill me.
I gave up riding fast years ago... the exception of the freeway where you will get run over if you do the speed limit... Have ridden cross country 3 times with a sidecar rig...camping along the way...great fun..
Yes I agree motorcycles are really dangerous but fun so I will ride into my ole age with a smile on my face.
Joel
SEA3PO
I gave up riding fast years ago... the exception of the freeway where you will get run over if you do the speed limit... Have ridden cross country 3 times with a sidecar rig...camping along the way...great fun..
Yes I agree motorcycles are really dangerous but fun so I will ride into my ole age with a smile on my face.
Joel
SEA3PO
Molly Brown
Member
Just saw the video that started this thread. I've ridden bikes my whole life. That kind of stuff does nothing to impress anyone but an airhead. I don't care if it's a bike, car or boat...TAKE IT TO THE TRACK. Now here's a video that gives me goose bumps and I love the sound track! Make it full screen and be sure to turn up the volume. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxHzwWndtvk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxHzwWndtvk
matt_unique
New member
I have seen that video before...that is some crazy skill and a lot of luck. The adage of 'old or bold but not both' applies here. Wow...
I take motorcycle trips every two years and where I ride you would not be able to negotiate the turns on a Harley - you need pipe and peg clearance to turn on these roads. I ride a crotch/cruiser type like a Yamaha Phazer FZ1 or a BMW 1200R but not to pop wheelies and ride like a bat out of hell.
I actually just returned from Moscow and you would need to be several hours outside of the city (14,000,000 people) to have traffic moving that fast but wowee that is something. No thank you!
I take motorcycle trips every two years and where I ride you would not be able to negotiate the turns on a Harley - you need pipe and peg clearance to turn on these roads. I ride a crotch/cruiser type like a Yamaha Phazer FZ1 or a BMW 1200R but not to pop wheelies and ride like a bat out of hell.
I actually just returned from Moscow and you would need to be several hours outside of the city (14,000,000 people) to have traffic moving that fast but wowee that is something. No thank you!
UncleRichie
New member
Have you looked at some of the vids from Russia that is not to crazy . Migs doing fly over of road at about one hundred feet tanks taking short cut across highways cars flying through traffic and hitting motorcycles and not even slowing down trucks knocking other trucks off the road and keep right on going and my favorite a truck hitting a Vovo that slid on ice the truck does not even slow down and is pushing the car down the road ( don't know if it ever stopped or maby the car finally slid off the front end of the truck ] guy gets in crash and just gets out of his car and walks away. Having a cam in your car is needed to prove your case or else its just tough luck. We think we have it bad here NOT.
Richard
Richard
So....after reading this thread, considerable waiting,(paying for that MC endorsement for every drivers license renewal), thoughtful introspection and... taking a friend to the MC shop to pick up his bike, I liked the look of one in the "experienced" rack. Black, Chrome and Silver, and it fit right. Low seat, sit-up seat, and powered just right for commuting -- as in 60 mpg. SO..... :shock: I went home the owner of a nearly new, 750 Shadow Aero. Thanks to Jim, I tried a couple of "Scoots" and I did a few check rides on some other bikes; larger, heavier, dressed, and all, but really like the simple, classic leather Tuxedo look of the Shadow.
It has been nearly 2 years now. It has been "tuned up" for the road, LED fog and driving lights for the front, with a modulated headlight, and LED tail, turn and running lights for aft, with about 2/3 increase in overall brightness for visibility. It's a comfortable ride, and visible. Good gas mileage, smooth and just the right, quiet rumble.
Nearly 10 years on the ambulance, and 25 in the hospital, ER and ICU are not soon forgot. Lessons learned.
Riding, on the dry days,
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
It has been nearly 2 years now. It has been "tuned up" for the road, LED fog and driving lights for the front, with a modulated headlight, and LED tail, turn and running lights for aft, with about 2/3 increase in overall brightness for visibility. It's a comfortable ride, and visible. Good gas mileage, smooth and just the right, quiet rumble.
Nearly 10 years on the ambulance, and 25 in the hospital, ER and ICU are not soon forgot. Lessons learned.
Riding, on the dry days,
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
journey on
New member
Harvey, a tip of my hat. Got one running, now just have to bring myself to ride it.
Boris
Boris
South of Heaven
New member
Here's a video of me at the Thompson Motor Speedway in CT. I attended a "track day" and class with Tonys Track Days. Lots of fun! This year I haven't done much riding because I found my new passion....boating! I'll definitely give it another go next year though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRmbW6FA5FY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRmbW6FA5FY
These videos remind me of my younger days (much younger) and
explain why I now have some bionic parts.
There are risks with being alive and living. Some feel safe only when
boarded up in a padded room. Others go for the gusto. The one good
thing is that most of us have a choice.
Richard Bode, in First You Have to Row a Little Boat, says it best.
"...the truth is that I already know as much about my
fate as I need to know. The day will come when I
will die. So the only matter of consequence before
me is what I will do with my allotted time. I can
remain on shore, paralyzed with fear, or I can raise
my sails and dip and soar in the breeze."
Aye.
explain why I now have some bionic parts.
There are risks with being alive and living. Some feel safe only when
boarded up in a padded room. Others go for the gusto. The one good
thing is that most of us have a choice.
Richard Bode, in First You Have to Row a Little Boat, says it best.
"...the truth is that I already know as much about my
fate as I need to know. The day will come when I
will die. So the only matter of consequence before
me is what I will do with my allotted time. I can
remain on shore, paralyzed with fear, or I can raise
my sails and dip and soar in the breeze."
Aye.