Why we ride...

jegs2 · Post by **jegs2** » 2003-05-31 09:08pm

...because motorcyles are cool

:

The Sense(s) of Freedom
Once freed of your steel cage you are thrust into the world to experience a broader existence unfettered by HEPA filters and climate control. Your nose will get a vivid introduction to skunk roadkill and diesel exhaust, but will also revel in bread baking and plants blooming. Your body will feel the thousand tiny impacts of raindrops and absorb the buffeting of the wind. Your skin will feel the gently warming temperature as you crest a hill and drop to the valley floor below. You are no longer huddled behind a wheel disconnected from nature. It's Lawrence of Arabia in Cinerama versus a daguerreotype of a camel.

Wrap all of this freedom in a lovely ribbon of performance, and you get what experts call fun. Not the fake hood scoop, chrome wheels and racing stripe school of performance. Picture instead a carrier launch and you'll be in the right neighborhood, and you don't even have to pledge seven years of service. Best of all, this astounding performance is dirt cheap. For less than half the cost of most commuter pods you can buy a stock motorcycle capable of 9-second quarter miles.

Post by **Sea Skimmer** » 2003-05-31 09:11pm

I don’t ride motorcycles and have no intention of change that. What I want in terms of wheeled vehicles is a HMETT with a 2000 hp gas turbine on the back, and a plow of some form on the front.

Darth Garden Gnome · Post by **Darth Garden Gnome** » 2003-05-31 09:13pm

Motorcycles are too dangerous for me. I don't have the whole hand-eye coordination, or the weight, or the spine or any of that stuff.

Not that I can drive yet either, but if a bike gets into an accident with a car, I think we know who will be flying through who's windshield.

Saurencaerthai · Post by **Saurencaerthai** » 2003-05-31 09:19pm

When you're in a car and another hits you, you have a cage of material between you and the car. When you're on a motorcycle, you have some clothing between you and what has collided with you.

I don't have a problem with dirtbikes on closed courses, though, as they are a bit lighter.

Howedar · Post by **Howedar** » 2003-05-31 09:48pm

I don't drive a donorcycle.

RedImperator · Post by **RedImperator** » 2003-05-31 09:59pm

I'd love a motorcycle, but car payments come first. And the plane. Asuming I can come up with $155,000.

jegs2 · Post by **jegs2** » 2003-05-31 10:05pm

Ride an 89 Harley Sportster -- originally an 883, converted to a 1200. She's very powerful, especially at low-end torque. Doesn't look like much, but she's a fun bike to ride.

Crayz9000 · Post by **Crayz9000** » 2003-05-31 10:31pm

I'll probably get a motorcycle license sometime in the near future. The risks can be lowered sufficiently if you're alert enough, but it still doesn't mean that I'd be ditching a four-wheeler.

jegs2 · Post by **jegs2** » 2003-06-01 12:18am

Figured I'd throw in a picture of my Sporty. Looks like a rat-bike I know, but as Han Solo said, "She's got it where it counts."

Here is the bike I hope to get some day -- an Electra Glide Ultra Classic (basically the Cadillac of Harleys), a.k.a. Dresser:

Taco Pope · Post by **Taco Pope** » 2003-06-01 12:40am

I use to ride my dads motorcycle. It's a Suzuki Intruder 800cc. Then I dumped it and ripped up my knee.
I realized how little protection a pair of jeans offers and I haven't ridden a motorcycle since then.

They are a lot of fun though.

jegs2 · Post by **jegs2** » 2003-06-01 01:00am

Taco Pope wrote:I use to ride my dads motorcycle. It's a Suzuki Intruder 800cc. Then I dumped it and ripped up my knee.
I realized how little protection a pair of jeans offers and I haven't ridden a motorcycle since then.

They are a lot of fun though.

I'd heavily recommend a motorcycle safety course for anyone considering getting a bike. Moreover, even though helmet use isn't required in some states (and nations), I also would recommend disregarding such a "freedom." The key thing to remember when you're on a bike is that you must drive defensively and keep the attitude in your head that every enclosed vehicle out there is actively trying to kill you.

aphexmonster · Post by **aphexmonster** » 2003-06-01 02:36am

Grand theift auto taught me that motorcycle ridding is bad, because there is nothing funny about a driver turning left right in front of you. However, suzuki shows how kick ass bikes are

... uhh, and www.msf.org ( i think ) ... is a good site on teaching motorcycle saftey.

Crayz9000 · Post by **Crayz9000** » 2003-06-01 02:45am

I've heard that Suzukis, while helluva fast, are mechanically crappy... Thanks anyway, I'll take a Honda.

Post by **Vympel** » 2003-06-01 02:56am

And I'll take the IMZ-8.1030 motorcyle:

With my Konkurs-M ATGM and PKMB 7.62mm machine gun mounted on the side-car, I am equipped for heavy traffic situations.

DPDarkPrimus · Post by **DPDarkPrimus** » 2003-06-01 03:33am

First usage of the word "daguerreotype" outside of a history book I've ever seen.

Post by **Vympel** » 2003-06-01 03:40am

DPDarkPrimus wrote:First usage of the word "daguerreotype" outside of a history book I've ever seen.

I didn't even know wtf a daguerreotype was until this thread.

Camels suck, btw.

aronkerkhof · Post by **aronkerkhof** » 2003-06-02 11:24am

Oooh, a motorcycle thread!

I don't think any of the Big Four japanese manufacturers have "bad" mechanical reputations. What does universally suck about all motorcycle brands is their dealers. You will not find a more greedy, arrogant bunch of mofos in the whole of vehicular resell. Maybe beamer dealers are close. Ooh, a BMW motorcycle dealter. I shudder at the mere thought.

As far as sportbikes, all of them are hella fast. Faster than 99% of the population has the skill or balls to ride them, even on closed tracks, let alone public roads. Have been since the early 90's. Even "little" 600 bikes will do sub 3s 0-60 times, and sub 11s quarter mile times, stock.

As far as the "donorcycle" crack goes, any body who dies on a motorcycle is either doing something stupid, not wearing proper safety gear or probably both. Now, I do my share of stupid shit, but I always wear full gear while doing it, and try to stay the hell away from the general public too. If you have full gear on, when you go down in city traffic, you probably won't even get hurt. If you slide off a country road, well, you were going too fast, but you'll maybe break a bone, get scuffed up, and be back riding six weeks later.

Motorcycling is not a form of transportation, it is a sport. It is a sport that demands 100% of your attention and a good dose of respect. If you can't give it that, then you should indeed stay away from them. We don't need our insurance rates any higher, thanks.

Cal Wright · Post by **Cal Wright** » 2003-06-02 11:38am

First off Harley's Suck. Buy a Honda.
Suzuki's are mechanically pieces of shit. Don't believe me, guy at work road raced a Honda. Switched to Suki because they offer money for top 10 finishes. By the end of the season, he went from kicking the hell out of everyone with a Honda to losing tons of money because the Suzuki blew two engines, someone ran him off the track and he had to replace most everything, etc. etc. He's back on a Honda this year and has had one race. Stock bike with some regearing and he's whipping the dogg shit out of the worked Suki's. With that said, you need wings to fly. Honda.

I work at a bike shop, and might I remind everyone the main reason for any type of buisness or work is to make money. Take it or leave it.

Motorcycles are no more dangerous than anything else. I've seen cars wreck and ppl with seatbelts die, ppl without seatbelts die, I've seen motorcycle accidents were people are fucked up, and some were they walk away. There are so many variables. Most bike wrecks tend to be someone going too fast, and doing something too stupid. Yeah, how's that stoppy now man.

Darth Gojira · Post by **Darth Gojira** » 2003-06-02 12:28pm

Vympel wrote:And I'll take the IMZ-8.1030 motorcyle:

With my Konkurs-M ATGM and PKMB 7.62mm machine gun mounted on the side-car, I am equipped for heavy traffic situations.

Now THAT'S a motorcycle!

BTW, Jegs, how much did that nice set of wheels cost?

InnerBrat · Post by **InnerBrat** » 2003-06-02 12:37pm

Bikes are very sexy, but the clsoest thing I had to a brother when growing up very nearly died and is now permanently brain damaged after being the victim of a hit and run. And yes, he was wearing his helmet.

So no thank you.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2003-06-02 01:01pm

Cal Wright wrote:Motorcycles are no more dangerous than anything else.

Huh? Hit a car while driving a car, and then hit that same car while driving a motorcycle, and your odds of serious injury or death are MUCH higher.

I've seen cars wreck and ppl with seatbelts die, ppl without seatbelts die, I've seen motorcycle accidents were people are fucked up, and some were they walk away.

So? That does not change the fact that a motorcycle is intrinsically more dangerous than a car. There are people who die of a brain aneurism after getting hit in the head with a baseball, and there are people who survive being shot in the head. Does this mean that baseball is more dangerous than being shot at? Of course not; one cannot use anecdotal evidence in order to prove or disprove a broad comparative statement like that.

There are so many variables. Most bike wrecks tend to be someone going too fast, and doing something too stupid. Yeah, how's that stoppy now man.

In many cases, the person doing something stupid is the OTHER driver; a variable over which you have no control. But if you're driving around and I'm some drunk who slams into you with a 3500lb car, you have a much better chance of survival in your OWN 3500lb car than you would have in a motorbike.

Cal Wright · Post by **Cal Wright** » 2003-06-02 02:27pm

Darth Wong wrote:
Cal Wright wrote:Motorcycles are no more dangerous than anything else.
Huh? Hit a car while driving a car, and then hit that same car while driving a motorcycle, and your odds of serious injury or death are MUCH higher.

No it's not. People tend to think because your NOT inside something means your chances of injury are much higher. Even without the proper protection warranted on a motorcycle I've known plenty of people to get nailed by a car and be fine. Fact is, you can be trapped in your car and injured just as easily as you can be run down on your motorcycle.

I've seen cars wreck and ppl with seatbelts die, ppl without seatbelts die, I've seen motorcycle accidents were people are fucked up, and some were they walk away.

So? That does not change the fact that a motorcycle is intrinsically more dangerous than a car. There are people who die of a brain aneurism after getting hit in the head with a baseball, and there are people who survive being shot in the head. Does this mean that baseball is more dangerous than being shot at? Of course not; one cannot use anecdotal evidence in order to prove or disprove a broad comparative statement like that.[/quote]

Motorcycles are NOT more dangerous. In fact, I think somethings are about to be covered in the next statment...

There are so many variables. Most bike wrecks tend to be someone going too fast, and doing something too stupid. Yeah, how's that stoppy now man.

In many cases, the person doing something stupid is the OTHER driver; a variable over which you have no control. But if you're driving around and I'm some drunk who slams into you with a 3500lb car, you have a much better chance of survival in your OWN 3500lb car than you would have in a motorbike.

Not in many cases. Speeding is a high cause in the majority of any motorised accident. Running a stop sign is pretty bad too. If your a drunk and slam into my car, there's too many things in a wreck that can happen. You can get tossed off your bike slide from the accident and be fine. Just as easily as being hit on your drivers side door (which I've known quite a few people in that situation) or be trapped and meds need the 'jaws of life' (which I have witnessed one too many times). Personally to me the claim that Motorcycles are more dangerous just because your not encased in steel is bullshit. Sounds more like a group of ignorant parents trying to tell thier teenage son not to ride one.

aronkerkhof · Post by **aronkerkhof** » 2003-06-02 02:37pm

Suzuki's are mechanically pieces of shit. Don't believe me, guy at work road raced a Honda...Switched to Suki because they offer money for top 10 finishes...

Wow, annecdotal evidence. How can I ever overcome the weight of that? Hmm, I have a 25 year old Suzuki GS with 50k+ miles on it that purrs like a cat, and my Dad's 97 VFR is in the shop. Ha! Then again, I had a 2001 Bandit that burned oil like a mofo, while a friends FZR has 10k trouble free miles on it. Over all, they are all the same, and all take turns at the top as technology leapfrogs ahead.

In many cases, the person doing something stupid is the OTHER driver; a variable over which you have no control. But if you're driving around and I'm some drunk who slams into you with a 3500lb car, you have a much better chance of survival in your OWN 3500lb car than you would have in a motorbike.

I disagree. You plan for the other person being stupid by wearing proper gear. You plan for it by slowing down at intersections, and in general treating any intersection as if it had a flashing yellow above it. Avoid riding at night, and ride at all times as if you are invisible. That is how you have control over the other guy.

Your example of a drunk driver is an intersting one, as statistically drunk driving fatalities are head-on affairs. I'd argue that I'd rather be on a bike and get hit head on and go flying at 60 miles an hour and impact and then slide on the ground in armored leather, gloves, boots, and helmet than be strapped in a car where all that decel is going to hit you in one big dose.

Riding is dangerous, a good deal more than driving a car. Then again, it is a good deal more fun and enjoyable for me as well. I think the rate of fatal accidents for cars and bikes (discarding helmet-less riders) is similar. Personally, I also take into account that I'm an intelligent, safe rider with a long history of riding behind me and I always wear top-notch gear. Statistically, the vast majority of motorcyclists involved in accidents can't say the same.