Poser wannabe midlife-crisis-motorcyle neighbors wear chaps but no helmets.

[elehhhhna]

Leaving now in the rain on their hogs.

Why protect your legs and not your FACE?!! Oh yeah, then there's your brain and all...

[tabasco]

1. Because they're idiots?

Just a guess.

[Octafish]

109. These idiots are into leather...

And they're traitors, to boot.

[ThomWV]

2. Makes sense to me

As I sit here with a knot on my collerbone that sticks out a full inch and a half a whiff of understanding comes my way.

The guy is protecting his skin because that is what he has to protect. If he had brains he'd be protecting them too.

When I ride my bike (like me these days, a softail) I wear a T-Shirt that has my second favorite saying on its back. "Honk if you've never seen a gun fired from a bike before" My favorite T-Shirt simply says "Impeach Bush"

[elehhhhna]

10. The woman is a Nurse, for gods sake.

The man is a type-1 diabetic who doesn't take his insulin.

Really makes no sense whatsoever.

[Fovea]

3. IF you have a 25$ head, wear a $25 dollar helmet

if you wear no helmet at all, what are you telling us about the value of your brain?

[Bruce McAuley]

4. They've never gone over a curb at 25 MPH.

If they had, they'd certainly be wearing helmets.
Just a matter of time, on a hog in the rain.
Mid-life stupidity.

Bruce

[cherokeeprogressive]

107. If you go over a curb at 25mph

You don't deserve a driver's license. And if you do it on a motorcycle, chances are you're going to hit something like a sign, bus bench, trashcan etc. and if that happens your helmet AIN'T gonna help you.

[Fovea]

113. Sorry.

As both a former motorcyclist of 30 years duration and a former worker in Orthopedics and emergency medicine, I could not disagree with you more.

Not just on your remark about hitting a curb at 25, but your assertion that a helmet would not help.
Not everyone who leaves the tarmac does so on their own volition. LIke when a drunken fratboy played chicken with me in Manhattan KS one rainy Sat night.

I took my helmet to the wet brick street at about 30mph and I would not be writing this if I had not been wearing one. The helmet did not make it, I got a mild concussion, and left a bit of skin on the deck.

I am not saying you have to ride wearing one in a non helmet law state, just make sure your donor card is filled out.

[alfredo]

124. I've gone down hard on motorcycles and bicycles. Both times

I was wearing helmets. I'd rather go down wearing leathers and motorcycle helmet than lycra and a light bicycle helmet. Both helmets did their job, but the lycra didn't do much to save my skin.

Road rash and a hot shower, some fun.

[Fovea]

136. Road rash and a hot shower, some fun.

Been there, scrubbed that with a betadine 'sponge.'
YeeHaw!

[alfredo]

138. You think, "gotta do it sometime." The next day you have to put on

your work clothes and hope blood doesn't seep through.

[Fovea]

140. I had a van pull out on me

from a traffic light intersection and I highsided the bike into the side of it, breaking my ankle in the process.
That was my first day of Ortho Tech training. So i did the rest of it in a short leg cast.

Everyone at work made fun of me. It was an old Suzuki 550 2 stroke triple, and I loved that bike.

[alfredo]

141. I liked my chances on a bicycle. You could hear cars approaching.

You knew when one was going to try to turn right in front of you. You could hear them accelerate to get to the intersection before you.

[Fovea]

143. I agree totally

note my userpic on the recumbent.

[alfredo]

146. I had a short wheelbase recumbent back in the early 80's.

It was a Hypercycle.

My Masi was my primary machine. It was a Masi California.

[Fovea]

147. I have had several

but my old ride was a Follis Crit frame bike from 71. The frame and front fork are the only original parts...
The stroke left me with vertigo, and I cannot ride and upright anymore.

[alfredo]

148. I've got degerative disc disease and three bad discs in my

neck. I have to have a light bike. If there is a recumbent out there that is under 30 lbs, it would be way out of my price range. Social Security doesn't leave much for fun.

[Fovea]

149. My Actionbent Jet Stream 1

comes in at 30lbs stock.
Better components over time can lighten it more.
Get the model with the fiberglass seat and shave
3 lbs of the cooshy one I have.

For a while there the MSRP was $599,00.

Not cheap, but it beats the price of a Reynolds Tbone.

Perhaps i should have said not cheap, compared to my old Follis.
But I bought that bike in 1971.

Also, I cannot drive a car anymore, and selling my car paid
for my first couple bents.

[alfredo]

150. The only reason I have a car is because my wife needs to get around.

I will look into thay bike. I need to sit upright, or have support for my neck.

[Fovea]

151. look for the

'FRP seat with headrest'

[alfredo]

153. I saw that. I would have to test ride to see. Also I have to keep

my arms below my shoulders, so under seat steering is important.

[frogcycle]

156. agree, and yet

I have taken several spills on bicycle - in one I had a mechanical problem - front wheel seized up - I hit the pavement doing close to 20mph under the el tracks on Wabash Ave in Chi - I slid straight toward one of those I-beam posts; stopped before I hit it. In another I dropped into streetcar tracks in DC, ended up going over the handlebars, tossed the bike about 20 feet as I landed on my back.

In neither case did a car cause it, and in neither case was I being particularly reckless. Just riding hard in city streets, which in itself is pretty foolish.

Both of those incidents were before helmets were in vogue for bicycles, and I was bareheaded. I was DAMNED lucky in both cases to only get shoulder and back bruises. I managed to tuck my head and protect it from the pavement, but clearly could have killed myself.

I also liked my chances the time a tanker truck passed me going up a hill on a 2-lane road, pulled back over BEFORE the rear wheels were past me - I dove into a ditch filled with riprap, managed to avoid hitting one of the basketball-sized rocks with my head.

If you haven't had fun experiences like these, well, great, but if you are out on the road on a bicycle, expect them. Wear the "styrofoam hat." I have broken two of them since I started wearing them. Also workout gloves are a great way to avoid gravel embedded in your palms.

just sayin...

[Marr]

5. Did you know that Harley Davidson sells helmets with ponytails attached to the inside?

I think that's hilarious. It isn't meant to be, apparently, which is even more hilarious.

[ThomWV]

9. Nowdays Harley Dealerships and just clothing stores

Really, go into one. At least half of the floor space will be devoted to clothing.

[donsu]

11. didn't the Harley corp. move out of the country?

nt

[ThomWV]

34. Nope - They are now screwing over employees in York, PA

Ask the unions how they feel about Harley ...

[Firepit 462]

41. How exactley are they "screwing over employees" in NY ??????

[ThomWV]

92. Reduced benefits to new employees as old employees die off

Union is fighting it, they went on strike about a month ago. Don't know how it turned out.

[A HERETIC I AM]

129. They reached an agreement. 83% of the Local voted yes.

From the Baltimore Sun;
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/careers/bal-bz.harley23feb23,0,2836678.story?coll=bal-careers-headlines

<snip>Eighty-three percent of those who voted endorsed the contract, which calls for a 12 percent wage increase over three years, the union said in a statement. Starting wages for new employees will be lower, but they will be able to advance to the same maximum rate earned by current employees.<snip>

<snip>Under the new deal, workers at the York plant, which makes Harley's top-selling, heavyweight Touring and Softail bikes, won't pay health care premiums, but their deductibles and co-payments will be higher, the company said. Harley also will reduce its matching of optional contributions made by new employees to the pension plan.<snip>

Sounds like a reasonble deal to me.

[goddess40]

49. Harley's not in Milwaukee Wi any more?

I always thought they had a major plant in Milwaukee. I don't ride so I don't pay much attention to these things.

[ThomWV]

93. I think one model is still made there

Maybe the Glides or something like that, could be Sportsters. Softails are made in PA, some other model too, don't remember which one.

[A HERETIC I AM]

126. The Milwaukee plant (Wauwatosa, actually) is Engines and Powertrains

Bikes are assembled in York, PA (Touring bikes & Softail line) and Kansas City, MO. (Sportsters, Dynas V-Rods)

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Factory_Tours/factory_tours.jsp?locale=en_US

[Richard Steele]

6. I call dibs on their stuff!

[Uben]

7. I always wear a helmet

You'll probably only need one once. If you have it on, your chances of coming out of an accident are greatly increased. If you don't.....duh!

Chaps keep your pants clean and provide a good barrier for cold. I know scads of riders who ride with chaps and no helmets. I don't ride to be "cool". I ride because I enjoy it! Some think the "doo rags" make them look sexy or "rad", other wear them to keep from getting their hair tangled or their heads sunburned. I personally don't care whether they wear a helmet or not. I do, and thank god I have never needed it! (I really hate cold ears, too!)

[koopie57]

8. my girlfriend

rides a Harley and her helmet looks LIKE a brain.

[bleedingheart]

12. and that is why we call them "donorcycles"

[Fovea]

114. My old boss

the head of Orthopedic Surg at KUMed used to call motorcyclists
ORTAs.

Which stands for
Orthopedic
Resident
Training
Apperatus.

I was about the only sympathetic person on staff in Ortho.

[meldroc]

13. There's a shortage of good organs in this country.

Far be it from me to interfere in an organ donation exercise or interfere with Darwinian natural selection.

[geardaddy]

14. Post #10

Him being a type-1 diabetic totally rules out any chance that they would take his organs.

[bleedingheart]

16. well Med Students need someone to practice on....

so he could still be useful...

"Students...observe the head trauma that we see in this individual...it was sustained due to a motorcycle accident...notice how the head cracked like an egg and as we can see here...a bit of the brain matter is missing...most likely hosed off the road after this fellow met his untimely end..."

[geardaddy]

18. Yep, there is still use for him. n/t

[meldroc]

46. That still leaves natural selection.

Survival of the smartest, the stupid perish. People always underestimate the benefits natural selection can create for society.

Let's just hope he gets squished by a truck before he can breed...

[Name removed]

15. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tabasco]

21. How dare you judge others?!?

Did it occur to you that you are criticizing someone for criticizing someone? Why don't you come down out of your ivory tower Oh Holy One?? :rofl:

Only a complete moron rides without a helmet.

[Name removed]

31. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Matariki]

32. Don't you just *love* neighbors like this?

Judgemental, busy-body 'church-lady' types who pretend to be 'concerned' while they try and run your life or gossip about you behind your back. Sign of an empty life imo.

[Firepit 462]

36. I would ride with you,

look at my post 31, I think we are on the same page.

Take care, bacause I'll most likley be banned any time now. My post count isn't high enough for me to have an opnion yet.

[Matariki]

40. welcome to DU Firepit 462

maybe your post count isn't high enough yet to tell folks to 'go have a cookie' LOL

I do agree with you on this ;-)

i ride w/ a helmet btw.

[Firepit 462]

48. I ride with a helmet in town, only because a lot of drivers make a point,

of showing just how little they intend on sharing the road. But riding thru the mountains, or out in the open areas here in NM, a helmet and leathers feel more like a cage than a savior. Albuqueruqe is a perfect size city for me, but people drive like freakin animals here.

I haven't been banned yet, maybe later if the wind dies down I'll take the sled out after work,.... maybe irritate some people who secretly wish like hell they were a moron like me, with the moronic love of my life hanging on behind.

See you on the stripes.

[Dora]

52. Get used to it. It's prevalent here.

Everybody's different, and nobody here is above reproach. We can be just as small-minded and judgemental as anyone else.

We can also be different. You'll find DUers you tend to agree with, DUers you tend to avoid, and DUers who will surprise you with their humor, or their vindictiveness, or their sudden concern.

This is a neighborhood, and you've met one of our neighbors.

You know what they say.... it takes all kinds.

[uppityperson]

103. "no dick, small minded, republican, child molesting nerf herder." Good.

welcome to DU.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

17. It's a modern way of weeding out the less intelligent from the breeding pool?

I've never really understood this either, this is just my way of making sense of the whole thing.

[cherokeeprogressive]

66. Do we crawl out on broken ice when a moose falls through?

or are we just human enough to emphasize?

[Lone_Star_Dem]

79. Never said a person who chooses not to wear a helmet is less human

I just, personally, don't understand it. If you choose to not wear one I respect that the choice is yours to make. After all it's your bean that you're going to be damaging.

[cherokeeprogressive]

81. To be honest, I don't go around my parking lot without a helmet.

I just have a problem with equating humans who choose not to wear a helmet with the process of "weeding out" the weak, ala Darwin.

And for what it's worth, I'd be right there at the edge of the ice that the moose fell through. I'd be on solid ground holding on for dear life to the rope that was hooked to whomever was crawling out there to save the beast.

Hey. I ain't IN-human.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

85. Glad to hear you wear a helmet.

I have no issues with people who ride bikes or any such thing. To each their own, and I can see where they can be liberating and fun.

A friend in high school's older brother used to always say he didn't want to end up maimed and a burden on his family if he wrecked his bike, so he rode w/o a helmet so it'd just kill him. I kid you not, this was exactly what he used to tell his mother when she would reprimand him for not wearing a helmet. I don't know what kind of bike he had, but it was one of those fast imported ones that makes the "wrreeet, wrreeet" sound as it runs through the gears. (Don't laugh that was the best description I could think of!). He was always getting tickets for exhibition of acceleration (wheelies) and wasn't what one would call a responsible rider. His wrecking his bike was a matter of when, not if. After he finally did he ended up in a nursing home due to head trauma for almost two years before he died of complications. He never was aware of what he put his family through, because he was so brain damaged.

Not that this has much to do with anything on this topic. I just thought it might explain a bit why I don't understand not wearing a helmet.

[Greyhound]

111. The problem is that by the time they can afford a Harley, they've already bred. n/t

[lectrobyte]

19. 'cause the chaps look cool. Helmets are for sissies!

[InvisibleTouch]

20. Eh, you know...

...I can't be that bothered by what people do, as long as they're not endangering anyone other than themselves. I might momentarily shake my head in disbelief too, but ultimately, it's their own business.

[goddess40]

51. I agree same with seat belts

although I can see insurance companies limiting coverage for those that forgo safety equipment. Also safety equipment usage should be considered in civil suits where someone is injured in an accident.

[michreject]

22. I never wear a helmet if I don't have to

They get hot and cause drowseness. They're heavy. Restrict eyesight and hearing. But I do wear chaps.:evilgrin:

[blondeatlast]

24. Please, please, please be an organ donor. I'm on a waiting list.

http://www.unos.org/

[michreject]

29. That don't mean you'll get em...........nt

[blondeatlast]

56. I couldn't care less. Someone will and that's all that matters to me. nt

[wicket]

63. If you don't mind me asking...

Which organ are you waiting for?

:hug:

[blondeatlast]

70. Pancreas, and I will survive without one.

I've been on insulin since age 7 and as of yet have no kidney problems, but if I do, the need will become critical.

I'm on an insulin pump now and doing quite well but after 40 years, the secondary complications are rearing their ugly heads--but very slowly as of now.

I'm way, way, way down on the list as my need is very small. If I don't get one, I'll be as well-off as I am now.But sadly, I know too many people in desperate need, so if they can't put their helmets on, I hope they are donors.

Thanks! :hug: backatcha

[wicket]

116. Good luck with everything, darlin'

You are in my thoughts :hug:

[guitar man]

26. I wear my helmet

until it gets too hot outside. Sweat running down into your eyes can be a real hazard too. I've been down on the pavement and cracked my skull open once, so I favor wearing it when I can.

I certainly don't support the non-riding public deciding whether riders wear helmets or not. Let those who ride decide.

[TahitiNut]

112. Helmet sometimes, shatter-proof glasses essential.

:shrug:

[RedCappedBandit]

117. Pssh. Haven't shopped around much for the right helmet, have ya

[blondeatlast]

23. Make sure they fill out organ donor cards--they are the ideal donors!

The classic transplant donor is a motorcycle accident victim who has suffered severe head injury while the rest of him remains intact. Brain death can be determined several ways: a "flat line" EEG (little or no electrical activity in the brain), "doll's eyes" (eyes remain fixed straight ahead when the head is moved), no response to ice water squirted in the ear, etc. A neurologist and/or neurosurgeon is almost always consulted before the declaration of brain death is made.

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_420.html

I've had insulin dependent diabetes for 40 years--those two are idiots. Scary that she is a nurse--where does she practice; cause I sure as hell don't want her caring for me!

[SarahB]

27. That was my thought as well.

I'm for mandatory helmet laws, but people can get out of it by signing a donor card.

I doubt anyone who refuses to wear a helmet has cared for a TBI (traumatic brain injury) patient either. I worked with a nurse that rides, but she has the sense to wear full gear.

[blondeatlast]

57. My uncle hit the ground headfirst at the age of 64 and finally passed at 89.

And he rode until he was 78.

Hey, lady, long time no see! :hi:

[Bandit]

25. Live Free, Die Free

What the f*#k business is it of yours what they do on their motorcycles? There are more head injuries in automobile accidents than motorcycle accidents but I don't hear you arguing for helmets to be mandatory for car owners. :shrug:

[seabeyond]

28. the odds are greatly in their favor they will make it home safe, enjoy

their ride. they made their choice. they suffer or experience the repercussion or reward. love you ellllleha, but cant stand the holier than thou postws like this on du. they are adults deciding how they walk their life. i can respect that. shit may happen, but probably it won't. that is the risk they are willing to take. we all weigh the odds almost every second of every day. where my sister in law may make a snarky comment just like this, she is willing to fly across the world, swim in an ocean far far from shore and encounter a highly poisonious fish, and laugh about it. me.... not willing to take that risk. i do respect and allow her to make her choices though.... without judgment.

on edit: the chaps?... not safety or protection, but cause it fits with the mans image of cool he is wanting to experience and feel. again.... his to create. doesnt do it for me, but then i am odd enough, what does it for me really bothers a lot of people

[Ron Green]

35. The odds are also they will make enough noise to disturb the peace

wherever they go, at least if they are riding the standard loud H-D poser bike. Beyond the public health issue of helmetless riders, they are NOISY for no real reason.

[guitar man]

38. Mine is loud for a reason

Loud pipes draw the attention of cell phone yapping stepford wives in SUVs that wouldn't know there was a bike alongside them otherwise, and they WILL run a biker over without a second thought, since in their minds, the road is all theirs.

[seabeyond]

43. geez... cant turn around without an insult to some group of people in this sub

thread.... i dont like the noise, hurts my ears. tough for me. i can easily deal with it a simple live and let live and fuck that shit cell phone yapping stepford wives suv driver..... pathetic

[Ron Green]

47. Sorry, gotta call BS on the loud pipes.

The idea that a noisy motorcycle is less likely to get hit by an inattentive driver is weak, in my opinion. Most bikers are hit by drivers that don't SEE them stopped for a turn, for example, or coming toward them in the other direction when the car driver is making a left turn. There might be an exception when you're riding in the same direction as the inattentive driver, and your pipes will let him/her know you're there. However, in almost all cases, the noise of the bike is not going to protect you from a thoughtless oncoming car driver who turns in front of you or plows into you from behind when you're stopped to make a turn. What will save you in most cases are LIGHTS, and lots of them.

I don't mind how many lights a motorcycle has, because they don't disturb my sleep in my own home.

[guitar man]

50. Do you ride?

I've been riding 33 years, so I know what I'm talking about. No, pipes aren't going to save you from someone shooting a left turn in front of you, but when you ride in city traffic, people are constantly making lane changes without looking or only a cursory glance. I can't count the times I've been coming alongside someone and seen them look around and acknowledge the bike is there when they hear it. My pipes aren't ear-splitting, but they are aftermarket and quite a bit louder than stock.

I'll take every bit of protection I can get out there. :wow:

[Ron Green]

65. Yeah, I rode in the early 60's (when I thought I'd live forever)

and more recently for a few months, until I realized the truth of "not if, but when." I've had to put the bike down one time, and it was the classic case of not being seen by a little old lady. She would not have heard me not matter how loud my exhaust.

I agree that your pipes can keep some people aware in multi-lane city traffic, but my main gripe is with big groups of H-D riders who roar up and down the Coast Highway (where I live) all summer long. And what's with the costumes? Everybody has to have facial hair, a German army helmet and a leather vest. ????

[guitar man]

72. I have the leather vest

But not the beard and German helmet :)

I guess I've gotten so used to living next to train tracks and the noise from aircraft making their approach to the airport that the bike noise doesn't bother me. when I leave for work in the morning,

I make an effort to make as little noise as possible leaving the neighborhood. I'll crank it up, let it warm up enough to go and ease out of the neighborhood, short-shifting to keep it quiet. I certainly don't rev the engine at 6:30am.

And you're right about the "not if but when". I've been down a few times over the years, got the scars to prove it. I ain't dead yet though :)

[cherokeeprogressive]

73. Nothing like being near the rear Q panel of someone's car when they start rubbernecking

The sound of my single REVVV usually shakes them into realizing they didn't want to change lanes anyway LOL.

[guitar man]

74. Exactly!!

When I first bought the sporty, it had really, really quiet stock pipes on it. And a horn that sounded like a party favor!

:wow:

They hear me now :evilgrin:

[cherokeeprogressive]

77. Congrats on the (silent haha) Sporty

My Road King has a Stebel Nautilus air-horn mounted inside my road peg. 139db at 50 feet. When it goes off I have to scratch the goosebumps off of my shin LOL. Those were aftermarket.

And for those who might be wondering, my Vance and Hines don't start bothering people until about 1/2 throttle, something I'd NEVER do in a residential neighborhood.

Now, in the business district, well I'll make whatever noise I want, thank you very much.

[guitar man]

80. That's the same with my cycle shack pipes

They are only real loud when you twist on a bunch of throttle, so I can ease in and out of the neighborhood without being too loud.

I have got to get one of those horns :evilgrin:

[cherokeeprogressive]

82. Here you go

Stebel Nautilus, Compact Air Horn

Anything for a Bro

[guitar man]

83. cool, thanks nt

[Critters2]

145. I try to sleep at night. So I know what I'm talking about

Noisy bikes serve no purpose. They're just rude.

[cherokeeprogressive]

71. Vance and Hines have saved my ass on more than one occasion

And you forgot the ipod-wearing curtain climbers in the back seat who'd be no help if soccermamma couldn't hear her surroundings while she's trying to dial her hubby from 1/4 a mile away from home to say ("Honey! I'm... oops a motorcyclist just ran into the side of my Aerostar! Call ya back sweetie! He's movin', don't worry, I'm sure he's okay, he's just a motorcycle rider ANYWAY)

[guitar man]

76. Yep, you nailed it

right on the head.

:spray:

[underseasurveyor]

100. Oh god no, right on the head?

:banghead: I hope he was wearing a helmet.





BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA:spank:

[Marrah_G]

127. Loud Pipes Save Lives!

[elehhhhna]

45. 2:15 a.m., 5 days a week, we get to hear the bike warm up, radio

blasting, and he's got extra loud pipes, too. He thinks this is "funny". The neighbors--with babies and toddlers especially--do not.

[cherokeeprogressive]

78. I assume you've brought this to his/her attention, and then to that of the authorities? n/t

.

[ThomWV]

94. You ever mow your grass saturday morning

When some of us who work hours other than yours need our sleep?

[MrsMatt]

102. yep

but my two mowers are electric and a mechanical reel, precisely because I can't stand the noise and fumes of gas powered machines!

[cherokeeprogressive]

69. Can you describe for me the "loud H-D poser bike"?

I ride because I like to ride. NOT to disturb people. My fiance is usually the first on back of my bike, and she's 57 (I'm 45). No, we're not trailer trash; she's a retired VP from ATT and I'm an educator. Last year we rode our bike from Los Angeles to Banff, Alberta. We took our saddlebags, and one backpack that bungeed on her backrest. Yup... for three long weeks, we were POSERS, right? This summer's ride will go from Bishop, CA to the east end of US Highway 6. About 3300+ miles ONE WAY. We'll be posin' THEN, won't we...

Now, this "H-D poser bike"? Which one would that be? The one you couldn't afford? The one you couldn't ride? The one that no one would TAKE you for a ride on?

I'm just curious which one of those models or classifications you'd consider

H-D poser bikes

Is it the:

Deuce?
Road King?
Heritage Softtail?

Touring Bikes?
Sportsters?
Dyna-Glides
Softtails...

[Ron Green]

91. I guess it would be anything that costs lots of money (over $10,000 in some cases)

handles like a pickup truck, vibrates at all speeds, carries lots of chrome and disturbs people in their homes. But only if it's ridden around to show how much like a "biker" one can look. Anyone who tours on a motorcycle is all right with me as long as he lets me enjoy the sounds of nature.

[cherokeeprogressive]

96. "...as long as it lets me enjoy the sounds of nature"

You care how much it costs. You care how it handles. You care whether or not it vibrates, and at what speed. You care how it looks. You even care how the "biker" looks.

You're okay with me though, as long as I don't interfere with your tranquility.

Odd opinion, to say the least.

[Ron Green]

101. I don't care about any of those things. I was just answering your request to describe a "poser bike"

All I really care is that they not disturb the peace. My idea of a good motorcycle is one that's fast, smooth and quiet. Since I quit riding I haven't really "cared" about those other things.

[cherokeeprogressive]

105. Perception is Reality.

My idea of a good motorcycle is a rideable one with two wheels and a seat. If it handles like a tank, if it vibrates, even if it cost over TenK, to the dufus who rides it, it's a motorcycle. No matter what it, or he/she looks like, they're part of a group that few understand. Call it a "Bristerhood". Or "Srotherhood" if you want. Motorcyclists love motorcycles. Motorcycles love their riders. Surely you've seen the V that passes between motorcyclists going in different directions. I've seen it from three hundred yards across the median on an interstate. I don't care how your bike handles, what it cost, OR how it sounds. Doing your thing on TWO WHEELS makes you and me related somehow, when we go out amongst the ipod-wearin', tom-tom lookin, ear-bug listenin' masses doing 70 in THEIR tanks/missiles...

The only time I can put "poser" and "motorcycle" in the same thought is when I'm remembered of the guy I used to give a ride to after our shift at General Motors. Bandana on his head every day. New picture of the "hawg" (read chopper) he was gonna buy on payday. Well maybe he was gonna put the down pmt on payday. He wore Levis and put his cigarette ashes out on his thighs. "Future chaps" he said. POSER.

[Ron Green]

108. If you want to get REALLY hard core...

check out the guys on two wheels and NO MOTOR. Or at least, the motor is fueled by barbecue and beans. 200 miles a week, 250. It's a whole different level of riding, and it's not for the faint of heart.

[cherokeeprogressive]

119. Gotta respect that

My bike is made by JEEP (at least that's who marketed it about five years ago) and has forks in front, and a shock/spring in the rear. It's like pedaling a motorcycle (soft ride) and it's about 5 pounds lighter than the bike I USED to ride. I don't do 250 a week, or even 200, but I have been known to ride from uptown Whittier (where tricky dick went to school) to the end of the Seal Beach Pier. It's about 42 miles round trip, downhill going, uphill coming back.

No stranger to bicycles, friend.

[guitar man]

118. Amen brother

Surely you've seen the V that passes between motorcyclists going in different directions. I've seen it from three hundred yards across the median on an interstate. I don't care how your bike handles, what it cost, OR how it sounds. Doing your thing on TWO WHEELS makes you and me related somehow, when we go out amongst the ipod-wearin', tom-tom lookin, ear-bug listenin' masses doing 70 in THEIR tanks/missiles...

That's the best thing I've read here all week. :applause:

And something I didn't catch in the OP the first read is that these so called "posers" were heading out in the rain.

In my book, leaving home in the rain definately takes tham out of the "poser" category. Those are some effing bikers there.

[cherokeeprogressive]

121. Funniest sound I've ever heard: Hail hitting my helmet...

First just a PING! Then another. My fiance and I started laughing through the helmet intercom when a marble sized piece hit me right on the knuckle...

OUCH

I'm with you on the rain thing. No posers they. Probably folks I'd love to ride with any day of the week.

V

[guitar man]

125. Been there, done that

Had a big hailstone come through the windshield and thump me in the chest in Nebraska about 20 years ago. I was heading from Lincoln out to Grand Island on a greasy old shovel I was riding back then. There was a wicked storm moving in from the Southwest fast and I was looking for the next underpass for shelter when that one found its mark. Damn, that hurt, I thought I'd been shot for a minute!

I commute regularly from Tulsa to Oklahoma City and back on my bike, it's about 95 miles door to door one way. Last thursday evening, I left Oklahoma City heading home, it was 61 degrees in OKC. The temp kept dropping all the way and I made the last 10 miles or so in a freezing cold driving rain mixed with snow. Had to peel my hands off the handle bars when I pulled into the shed.

My wife's friend from next door was visiting while my wife was waiting for me to get home and made the comment "he should be calling to let you know where he's stopped in this weather, right?" My wife's reply was, "are you kidding, it's going to talke a lot worse than this to shut that maniac down" :evilgrin:

[underseasurveyor]

97. Somethings it seems, will not ever change.

To those who understand,
no explanation is necessary.
To those who don't understand,
no explanation is possible.

WOW 3,300 one way. I-AM-SO-Jealous. My guy and his cousin and some buds are riding up into Canada for a couple weeks in June and I can't go this time:cry:

Is this summers trip also a 3 week'er? How fun. Take lots of pictures so when you get back, I can see:-)

[cherokeeprogressive]

98. You are So Right

I'll try and include pics of some other "posers" on their wobbly, ride-like-a-tank, cost too much Iron Horses.

Take Care!

[benEzra]

139. A female friend of my sister's has a Harley, used to have quiet pipes on it

until some clueless driver sideswiped her and put her in the hospital, IIRC. Her current bike has loud pipes...

[elehhhhna]

44. Okay, seabe, point taken.

btw, I'll be snorkelling the Caymans with stingrays and barracuda in 10 days--lol.

Maybe my neighbor will post on FR about my being a reckless idiot.

[seabeyond]

53. bah hahahah. yes yes my point. whereas you will never see

me eaten by the shark, wink.... or barricuda, lol, i may (a chance) die of cancer cause all those years ago i chose to smoke and havent been able to chose to quit. i think that is what i come to realize. i am not a risk taker per say, at all. quite the corward. many things i will never risk, yet.... with smoking i take my risk. and i recognize we all do somewhere along the way. THEN... there is the shit happens out of the blue with no risk taken, tis just life

well you

have a blast in the caymans. i will enjoy the beach with a good book and revel in the tales of those that went under. wink. the audience to YOUR stories and adventures.

[underseasurveyor]

30. Helmets don't necessarily save your life in an accident

They can be the cause of death in an accident as well. Helmets should be a choice, let the rider decide. The only mandatory helmet law should be for those under 18. After 18 it should be freedom to choose.

[guitar man]

33. yes they can

I knew a guy that got rear-ended at a stoplight wearing a big old heavy full face helmet. The weight of the helmet snapping around broke his neck.

[underseasurveyor]

37. My Father was a motor cop in So Cal

and granted this happened in 1960 and I realize helmet design has improved since then, but it was the helmet that killed him. After that the helmets the police dept. used were redesigned with an additional strap to prevent them from sliding back, and they named it after my Father, the 'Kohler Strap'.

I've lost friends that wore helmets and some that didn't wear helmets. When it's your time it's your time might as well go out what you love doing, even if it's the cause.

But I've always been a believer in let the rider decide. 'Ride hard, die fast' 'live free, ride free' and all that ya know:-)

[guitar man]

39. sorry to hear

about your Dad, I've always had the deepest respect for motor officers.

Yes, helmet design has improved, the guy I knew was killed in the early 80s and they have managed to lighten helmets considerably since then. Still, in a rear-ender or similar accident, they can be a killer.

[ForrestGump]

55. Helmets whould be mandatory in every state, for all ages

I've been riding since I was eleven. I would be dead if not for helmets, no question.

Yes, helmets have on some occasions contributed to injury, or perhaps even death, but the number of cases is far ouweighed by incidents in which helmets prevented injury or death. The exceptions are played up by those lobbying against helmet laws in this country and those f***ers are basically lying.

I see a lot of posers who ride without helmets, or who ride with little plastic beanies or yarmulkes (the joke that they apparently miss being that they seem to think it makes them look cool despite the fact that beanies are not generally high on the list of most people's definitions of sartorial coolness) that are totally useless as protection, and I can guarantee that half of them are cruising for a severe bruising -- or would be if they actually rode their bikes any appreciable distance or time -- solely by virtue of their very obvious lack of riding skill. I have no sympathy for any such of my alleged riding brethren who, in this day and age, trundle off this mortal coil because they were too cool and free to wear a decent helmet. Ditto leather or other sturdy protective gear...to my mind, anyone who has had a halfway decent crash on a bike before and yet does not wear a helmet (or boots or other robust footwear and gloves, at minimum) is an idiot.

I'd never join the AMA, despite its benefits, because they lobby against helmet laws. Sometimes people do need to be protected from their own stupidity.

[underseasurveyor]

58. Well I respecfully disagree.

You choose to wear a helmet that's cool. I'm sure that those rideres who choose not to wear a helmet don't mind that you do.
Those that don't want to wear a helmet for what ever their reason, good-bad or indifferent shouldn't lose the personal choice to choose.


And there ya have it.

[ForrestGump]

86. Thanks for the 'respectful' part

because, if you ride and do so without a helmet, I think I may just have called you an idiot. :-)

Sorry about that. :hi:

This is something upon which we will never agree, so -- if you do ride -- please just be careful out there. In fact, please be careful out there, anyway, on foot, in a car, or any other way.

I am very sorry about what happened to your father, and for your loss. Perhaps the legacy of the helmet improvement made after his passing saved the lives of other fathers and sons, at least.

[underseasurveyor]

90. I don't get offended very easily my friend

Nor do I take everything personally like many in this place do.

One would think that I would be a rabid poster child for pro-helmet laws, but I'm not. That's not saying that I don't wear a helmet, I DO, now. Funny thing about getting older and having my own child to think about, I have a very strong sense of mortality. However years ago before I became a mother I never wore helmets.

I just think it should be my choice whether I want to wear a brain bucket or not.

Thanks for the Father acknowledgement. I was but 13 months old when he died so I do not remember him at all. And yes if his death help to save other lives them I would have to take heart in that.

Peace my Friend
:hi:

[lumberjack_jeff]

60. I favor helmet laws, BUT...

I've been riding long enough to know that it's a mixed bag.

Thankfully, I've never needed my street helmet. The one accident I was in, I was tail-ended by a pickup at a stop sign. I wished I'd worn a leather jacket, or at least a long-sleeved shirt instead. As I got to my feet after doing a flying w into the middle of the freeway, the first thing she did after surveying the damage to her truck was not; "are you alright?" it was; "my mom is going to kill me". I said that she had more pressing problems right that instant. That's when she locked herself in her truck.

But I digress.

When I was in my early 20's, 1986 or so, I was riding home from work sans helmet down the narrow residential street a block or so from home. A big truck was sitting kinda diagonally in the road on the right and another on the left. Neighbors visiting on both sides of the street. The space between the rigs was about 8'. Plenty to ride through. I slowed to about 10-15mph and just as I reached the narrowest point, I heard a mom scream "NO!". Instincts being what they are, I locked both brakes. At that very instant, a little boy about 5 or 6 sprang from behind the truck to my right. He looked to his left to see me screech to a stop less than two feet away. He turned, placed both is little hands on my front fender and fell to the ground in tears. Much like I wanted to do.

Had I been wearing a helmet, my situational awarness would have been reduced. Would it have reduced my reaction time by more than two feet at 10mph? I don't know.

[Zynx]

62. I can't imagine a cycle accident where a helmet would do more harm than good.

I know the no-helmet crowd has some really hard heads, but it's not enough to cut it.

[underseasurveyor]

64. In this particular case and remember this was 46 years ago.

Upon impact his helmet slid back and crushed in the base of his skull. Had it not been for that the dr.s said he would have survived. It was a low speed accident. My Father was making a left turn and the vehicle on the opposite side of him was also making a left turn. The opposing vehicle made a too wide turn striking my Father. The rest is history.



http://www.camemorial.org/1951-60.htm#1960

Ofc. David L. Kohler
Santa Monica P.D.
November 2, 1960

[kiahzero]

68. I think that's why helmets stop a lot higher on your head now.

If you look at a motorcycle helmet when it's on a person, the bottom goes up from the chin at about a 30 degree angle, so even if your head snaps back, the back of the helmet won't break your neck.

[Sapere aude]

84. There are certain times when a helmet will not save your life but that is sort of like

playing Russian roulette I think if that is the reason you don't wear a helmet. I ride a 1500 CC bike and am never without a helmet.

[wicket]

42. It's Darwinism at work

If they are stupid enough to not wear a helmet, well, get them out of the gene pool :evilgrin:

[blondeatlast]

59. If they fill out an organ donor app, I say let 'em ride with their brains exposed.

Brains can't be transplanted...

[meldroc]

67. Works for me.

I'm not a nanny-state guy. If people want to ride their crotch-rockets without a helmet, who am I to stop them? I think it's stupid, but it's their right to become an organ donor.

[cherokeeprogressive]

75. And if they're an animal who wanders onto the thin ice and fall through?

Gotta love that Darwinism. My favorite part is when Darwin comes through in twos and fews. One struggling moose, too stupid to stay off the ice, and four humans, ditto.

Kinda strengthens the ol' gene pool here too, wouldn't you agree?

[Forkboy]

54. So? It's their choice.

How many idiots still don't wear seatbelts? Fuck it...there's another thread to start.

"Poser wannabe soccer moms wear fanny packs but no seatbelt!"

All DU needs now is for someone to start a thread complaining about Dung Beetles.

[shadowknows69]

61. Goodies for them.

Send flowers to their funeral. I have several friends who would be iin the ground if not for their helmets.

[elehhhhna]

87. My brother would be gone.

[SJames]

88. Worry more about your self than others .

Its a free country .

[The Flaming Red Head]

89. Wearing a helmet didn't make my brother any less dead

He died of a massive head injury because someone in a car ignored a yield sign and struck him and he was wearing his helmet. Helmets don't necessarily make a difference, the way others drive and treat motorcyclists does.

[underseasurveyor]

99. Oh so sorry about your Brother

You have my condolences:hug:

[tritsofme]

95. As long as they fill out their donor cards

I couldn't care less what they do.

[lonestarnot]

104. Ick. I wouldn't want skin picked off the pavement. Too many road pebbles.

[Bucky]

110. I think they hose off the kidneys before sticking 'em in a new person

There's probably a law about that sort of thing somewhere.

[kineneb]

106. Obviously, they are not in CA

we have a helmet law, and the CHP really enforces it. The CHP guys and Cal-Trans do not like scrapping up body parts off our highways. The local motorcyclists have given up fighting and just cope with the helmets. There is nothing particularly macho about having brain parts picked out of the blacktop.

[MilesColtrane]

115. On a tangent...

I'm still trying to figure out why, in my city, it's illegal to ride a bicycle without a helmet. Yet, operating a motorcycle without a helmet is just fine.

[bullwinkle428]

120. This is the kind of thing that would convince me to never ride without

a helmet:

Dear Arai Helmets:

I want to express my gratitude for the fine product you make and the way one of your helmets served me in an accident.

I was riding westbound on 1-20 near Weatherford, TX at what eyewitnesses later said was about 140mph on my CBR600RR when the accident happened. I don't remember the accident or, in fact, most of that day. However, I know I took out a street sign with my Arai helmeted head and also took out a guard rail which indicates the force of the impact.

Most of my ribs on the left side were broken as was my sternum. My lungs were bruised. My leg was broken in eight places and my back was broken. There was no injury to my head or brain thanks to my Arai helmet. I was a paramedic for six years and attended too many crashed motorcyclists and had seen first hand the difference a quality helmet can make in the after accident outcome. That is why I bought the Arai just two weeks before my accident.



http://www.araiamericas.com/news.asp?Article=News/Article_current.asp

[guitar man]

122. what the hell

was this idiot doing running 140mph on a public highway? Insanity,pure insanity.

[bullwinkle428]

128. I just couldn't believe that!! What kind of luck did he have

on his side to be able to survive something like that? The helmet actually doesn't look too bad given the apparent force of the impact, so I'm not shocked about the lack of a head injury, but just the forces his body saw when he hit the ground...I can't even imagine.

Edit to add: I just looked at the general area on the map where the crash took place - it's only about 20 miles west of Fort Worth, so it wasn't like he was in the middle of Montana with nothing but prairie dogs around...some people must ride with a subliminal death wish.

[guitar man]

130. one lucky sob for sure

My body was so damaged that the hospital gave me only a ten percent chance of recovering. But I did and my head and brain are just fine and I've returned to full time work.

I think there was something wrong with his head before the crash to be running 140mph where he was :crazy:

[bullwinkle428]

132. Wasn't there some biker busted about a year ago,

tracked by a police airplane supposedly doing 200 mph? I know it was discussed here right after it had happened, and I think I recall hearing an interview with the arresting officer on NPR, talking about the case. There may have even been a video of it from the plane...

[guitar man]

134. It wouldn't surprise me

I have a friend who rides a Ducati 998. That thing will do well over 200 mph. He said his insurance is over $3,000 a year :wow:

Full coverage on my Sportster is $120. Yes, that's one hundred twenty dollars :)

[MilesColtrane]

135. I've been passed on the freeway by bikers doing 170-180 before.

There's no way to see them coming up behind you. I wondered what would happen if I had decided to change lanes into their path.

[guitar man]

137. they are nuts

depending on whether there is a shoulder or not, you pulling out to pass could damn well be the end of them, and maybe you too at those speeds.Even if you do see them coming, you have no idea they are running that fast. If there's a shoulder, assuming the rider is skilled enough, he should be able to go around you. If not, blammo!

I don't ride that fast. for one thing, my bike won't run that fast, for another, those speeds belong on the racetrack not on the highway. Period.

My commute to work takes me down a stretch of interstate (toll road) highway with a 75mph speed limit. I'll admit, I often put the speedo right on 80mph most of the way. Every once in a while, when the traffic is very sparse and I don't see any cops, I crank her up between 90-100mph.

But, that 180mph shit through traffic is absoultely insane. Nutzo!

[Beelzebud]

123. Should America be a free country?

[Daedelus76]

131. because they don't want to wear helmets?

A helmet is a good thing to wear but people who don't ride often don't understand the emotionalism of those people who choose not to wear one. It really is a big hangup. It's about like walking into a gun show and asking folks when they'll cash in their guns at the local buy-back. And being called an "organ donor" doesn't really endeer the pro-helmet lobby to these people- in short, they mistrust outsiders. What you need are more people like Gary Busey to step forward and talk about how stupid it was not to wear a helmet, and why he wears one today.

Me, I wear a full face helmet all the time. It's just crazy not to. Without one, you can be killed or become a vegetable from simply dropping your bike over and hitting your head on the ground.I also wear a white helmet. It doesn't fit the cruiser image but white is definitely cooler to wear than a black beanie. If folks whine about the heat, maybe they are choosing the wrong color choice. Also, white is also more visible. It's not cool but it just works better.

But the statistics show that people who wear helmets are involved in fewer accidents, anyways. Probably because people who wear helmets tend to take riding more seriously than those who do not. I've seen alot of clowns and jackasses riding "custom" choppers or Harleys in nothing but t-shirts and jeans and mocking me for my choice of attire, even when riding a 125cc scooter or small bike. But it's not their head, arms, and legs, so I just ignore it. OTOH, my neighbor down the street has a Harley and a Kawasaki and he's always wearing leathers and a helmet, and he usually gives me a wave. People who gear up have a much more serious attitude, and generally less judgemental, than the status symbol brigade who rides around showing off in t-shirts and shades and think they are badass because they'll never crash. They're oblivious because road rash is actually one of the most painful, costly injuries you can get on a motorcycle- skin grafts are not pleasant or cheap. Far better to break a bone or a few ribs that mess around with spending months in a hospital getting wire brushes taken to your skin and jacking up on morphine.

[murloc]

133. Its dumb but none of my business

I think that cycle riders SHOULD wear helmets, however its their head. literally.

their lack of head-ware has no effect on my life at all.

[Jonathan50]

142. I'll just point out that helmets would save a lot of lives in cars too..

Just sayin'

[zonkers]

144. How bout some pics of these dorks.

[ThomWV]

152. 2002 FXSTD/I

[EnviroBat]

154. Selling the bike next month...

It truly breaks my heart because I love riding my little SV650. It's not his fault that we must part ways. It's always been a great little bike, quick, agile, and safe. I feel like I'm shooting an old best friend farm-dog or something. But where I live has become so populated with self-absorbed, SUV-driving dipshits, that I can't afford the risk of sharing the road with these assholes anymore. In 25 years of riding, I'd never had so many close calls as I did last year. People will LOOK RIGHT AT YOU as they continue to run you off of the road, or squeeze you across the center line into on-coming traffic. And why? Cause they in a hurry to get to the fucking mall. I live in "Me-First" ville, and riding a bike here is dangerous. I'm getting tired of chasing people down through parking lots, and beating dents in their trucks with my helmet as they scramble to call the police on their precious little cell-phone. The same fucking cell-phone that almost caused them to kill me and my girlfriend minutes earlier. My insurance company just reinforced the danger factor by upping my rates on the bike, for no other reason than the accident number here in central Ohio. I have no speeding tickets or accidents on my record, but I have had some adventures when I was a younger man. Always wore a helmet. Smashed craters into two of them. Tore up some leathers, and plastic parts. All in all, really loved riding, and the freedom I felt. So long little buddy...

[Solon]

155. To all those that spout this is no ones business or that this is a free country...

I have a question, did any of you have to pass a test to be ALLOWED to drive a Motorcycle, car, truck, whatever, on a public road? If so, did you also have to get insurance on the vehicle? With these restrictions, is a requirement for wearing a helmet while driving on publicly owned roads really that much a detriment to freedom?

I'll be honest, the most experience that I ever had on any two wheeled vehicle is on a bicycle, and back when I was 14, my mother made me wear a helmet. It was a good sized, white foam and plastic monstrosity, and I thought I looked like a dork in it, until, one day, I "stood" up on the bike pedals, to get up a steep road, and the bike chain fell off, and, already going at a good speed and hanging a right, I lost control, the handlebars hanked to the left, and I flew, head first, into the pavement.

The worst damage was to my hands, I should have worn gloves, my reflex was to try to catch myself, so I tried to do that, problem was, my hands didn't have time to open, so my knuckles slid on the pavement, bare. That's the first time I ever saw my own bones, I was lucky it just skinned my hands, rather than break them. The worse head injury was a slightly scraped chin and a thin line of blood on the tip of my nose. The helmet didn't cover my face, but apparently it hit a rock, and I slid almost ten feet on the pavement. The helmet itself didn't survive in that good a shape, had a huge dent just above my forehead, and large amount of scraping, and when I took it off, it was cracked like an eggshell on the inside. Better the helmet than my head.

To be frank, if you ride a two wheeled vehicle without a helmet, you take your own chances, if you carry motorcycle insurance, and get in an accident where you aren't wearing your helmet, then the insurance company should reserve the right to NOT pay any of your medical expenses, the only exception would be other people's medical exceptions if you are at fault for the accident. For example, if you drive a motorcycle, and hit someone else, and you both need medical care, you foot your own bill, the insurance company foots the bill for the other person. I feel the same way about seat belt laws as well, and if you have any passengers who are minors who aren't wearing the appropriate safety equipment, then you should go to jail for endangering a minor.