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Cagers? Bikers!

3K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  Lockjaw 
#1 ·
Alright. I don't trust cars. You don't either. (If you're smart). I am constantly waiting for somebody in a car to do something asinine. But it has been cold by SF standards until recently and on the way to work today I saw at least four guys on bikes that may not have made it home. So I thought I'd mention it. We all know that cagers present a danger, but what about people who ride motorcycles but don't really know HOW to ride them? This has gotten even worse lately as a lot more folks are buying bikes. Today I saw a lot of shaky stops at lights. Bad shifts. Guys who didn't get their feet on the pegs until they were going 25mph plus. Hell, the other week I saw a guy on a new Harley dresser who couldn't, or didn't know how, to get the bike out of first. He just kept slamming the throttle and then pulling the clutch between lights.

And the guys I saw today were on sportbikes that could do a lot of damage to them or someone else. I don't guess there is a solution to this, but man it creeped me out. Partly because sometimes these asshats pull up next to me or try to split lanes and I don't want to see someone die or get maimed on my way to work. Especially ME.

It also brought up an interesting question for me. I ride my bike every day. 30-45 mins each way to work. When I don't ride for a while, I REALLY notice that it doesn't feel as natural as it usually does. This makes me wonder if motorcycles are a valid "recreational vehicle". I wouldn't feel safe if I only rode a few times a month. Or only when it was sunny and warm.

Anyway, just wanted to hear some others' opinions. If I am wrong or out of line, let me know. Just freaked me out extra today. All those idiots on bikes nicer than mine that don't know how to freaking operate the machine. I may not be much with a wrench, but I know how to ride a GD bike. And that doesn't guarantee I won't get hurt. I'm tired of seeing bikes go by and thinking, "that dude will be dead or in the hospital by the end of the month".

And yes, I left women out of this for a reason. All the women I see on bikes look like they know what the hell they're doing.

Rant over. :mad0235:
 
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#2 ·
Lock,

I concur with and to your observations. I've been riding for 40 years and am a survivor. I drive my bikes like a pilot in an F17 with disabled counter measures.

The new guys are on their own, I skied for 32 years till the knees protested and there was nothing I could do about the dumb ass's who skied into trees or sheds, etc. Many people choose to ski way beyond their skill level and paid the price for their bad decisions.

What does that have to do with anything? Well, I always advise anyone over 35 years of age that if you never road a motorcycle or downhill skied, either learn how before you go out in the real world or don't try it. Harsh? Maybe some of you started riding when you were 50 and never had a problem. You are either very well coordinated and possess good balance etc, etc, or you are darn good and lucky.

Lots of wanna be bikers out there, Harley's, GSXR 1100's, Vulcan's, even Dual Sport rides, all you can do is watch out for yourself. If you have a friend who is new you can watch out for them somewhat.

Ride On
 
#3 ·
Alot of people may disagree with this,but I believe Europe is on the right track for Licensing new owner/operators of motorcycles.Makes sense to me to start new riders out on "restricted" horsepower.


http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq/europe.html

European stats on motorcycle deaths per vehicle Ratio/rider age

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/10182005102215MWEBTY.htm

U S deaths per vehicle ratio/rider age

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/10182005102215MWEBTY.htm

I to have seen several "new" riders struggling. I personally know two new riders in the last year who went out and bought their first motorcycles.One was a new Harley fat boy and the other was a Victory something or other.Neither one has ever rode a motorcylcle or four wheeler.The Harley guy had someone ride it home from the dealer.The victory guy,being Joe cool.Jumped on his victory,popped the clutch,shot across a busy two lane highway and ended up in some shrubbery across the road in a front yard.Very Lucky.It's a Testosterone thing to quote my wife.And it's true,beginning riders don't want anyone know they are "NEW" I have come to the conclusion that those of use who grew up on dirt bike have an edge.I can remember my transition to the street in 1976 to a Honda CB750.Lots of power and lots of fun.But even at that age I knew when to lay off for the most part,a basic understanding of power to the ground,and lean more when needed.Now you see guys going out at 40+ years of age with no experience wanting to fit in with all those that have been out there for years.Our part,is if your riding with them is to not put them in an uncomfortable position and quitely nuture them along and hope for the best.We were all new one time or another,but the stakes are higher,IMHO,if your starting out in your midlife crisis.Stats say otherwise,but these are the guys I'm around.I don't think there is anyway to slow a 20 year old on a GIXER

Ramble over


Mike
 
#4 ·
That story jogged my memory. Here in AK. back in 2005 I read a story in the Anchorage Daily News whereas a young man was killed on Debar RD. on a crotch rocket. The irony was that when searching for ID on the decedent, the authorities found the paperwork from the sale of the bike just hours prior to the crash.

No way for me to know if the fellow had ever road the streets before that fateful day but I have a hunch that he wasn't ready for the bike. I owned a KZ 1100 but it was bike number eight for me. It was fast but I had worked my way up from an Atlas Mini Bike with a Briggs & Stratton motor on it to that KZ 1100. I never crashed it and drove it for 54,000 miles.
 
#6 ·
I had worked my way up from an Atlas Mini Bike with a Briggs & Stratton.
Now that brings back memories.1st motorized bike for me also.Not sure if it was an Atlas,but it did have a 3 1/2 Briggs on it.My sister was rootin around some old pics before Christmas and sent me a pic of her on the back.Stardate=1971 :18:
 
#5 ·
I'm not big on adding laws and legislation, but we need it man. I rode bikes when I was a kid. Then didn't for 5+ years. Then I got a 150 scooter to go to work. Then I bought my 450. Now I am up to 650, and that is PLENTY big for me. I get my adrenaline from:character0053: : much safer that way. But this is crazy. You can take the DMV test and become a fully legal rider on a 150 twist and go scooter. Then go buy a Hayabusa the next day. And you're legal! It is insane to me. And a lot of people die that don't need to.
 
#7 ·
Cool, a comon therad. My first real bike was a 1971 SL 100 Honda, I thought I was Peter Fonda, a real Easy Rider.
 
#8 ·
Its like they say you can't teach common sense. I doesn't apply just to bikes. Cars, guns, power tools etc... People are just stupid and over confident. Watch out for numero uno and screw the rest. Sorry to be so blunt, but no amount of legislation is gonna prevent someone from being stupid.
 
#9 ·
Like the comedian said - "you can't fix stupid".

I, too, am one of the last ones to call for more laws, but I'd support more realistic and restrictive novice driver, rider and boat operator licensing.

And no damn cell phones while rolling (or shavers, make-up, newspapers...)
 
#10 ·
LJ. To answer one of your questions. I am not as confident after not riding for a while. My work requires me to travel and I can be away for two days or two months. After a long stretch I need to take it easy for several miles before I feel the need to drag the pegs or wheelie ;-). Gotta' love it!

Yes, there are posers out there but I am against any further legislation. Helmet laws included. I subscribe to the "don't protect me from me" philosophy. So you know, personally, ATGATT. If I want to ride with only boots and helmet sans anything in between that is my business. (check out Patmans story over at KLR World). http://klrworld.com/forums/index.php/topic,11789.0.html

I've read books on riding technique and have picked up several good tips, but most of it to me just comes natural. You either have it or you don't, and you can't fix that. My credo is "ride as if you were invisible".
 
#11 ·
You make good sense flash. And thanks for addressing the rustiness aspect. I just started a whole thread on it. Look in the Safety section.

But therein lies the problem. Not all are going about things correctly as you do, and they surround us.

(We need a paranoid smiley)

;)
 
#12 ·
'But therein lies the problem. Not all are going about things correctly as you do, and they surround us.'

Oh, to be sure. I am not as correct as some would like me.

Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle. ~Author Unknown
 
#13 ·
Ain't that the truth. :16a:
 
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