June 25th, 2009, 02:12 AM | #121 |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
|
A couple of nights ago I was getting onto the highway. There were two other bikes getting on as well in the right lane while I was in the left (the on ramp had two lanes). One was a guy in what looked to be decently full gear on a dual-sport. The other was a couple on a cbr both in jeans and t-shirts and not much else. As we go around the loop to get on the highway they both out accelerate me and go pretty quick into the loop with the cbr being in front. Halfway through the loop I see the cbr drift over into the left lane and go off into the grass while hitting the brakes.
All I could think about was how immature the driver was by trying to be macho and ride (what I believed to be) above his skill level. I don' know if they went down and I hope they didn't. However, I hope it was enough to scare some sense into them. If you're going to choose to ignore safety gear then I suggest you ride extra-cautious to make up for it. An accident at any speed with no protection is going to be extremely painful and more devastating then if you have gear on to take at least some of the damage instead of your body. |
|
June 25th, 2009, 02:59 PM | #122 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anthony
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Kawasaki Ninja ZZR 250; 1996 Suzuki Katana GSXF 600; 80s Yamaha 650 Special; 70s Kawasaki 350 Triple Posts: 448
|
Somehow, I doubt that the charge would be "Riding without protective gear".
|
|
June 25th, 2009, 03:00 PM | #123 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Perhaps rear tire tread below the legal limit?
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
June 25th, 2009, 03:03 PM | #124 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
|
|
|
June 25th, 2009, 03:31 PM | #125 |
Psychic war veteran
Name: Thomas
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Kawi Green '09 Ninja ZX6R Posts: 663
|
There's a tire in that picture?
__________________________________________________
* If you're arguing with some idiot over the internet, chances are pretty good he's doing the same thing! Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction |
|
June 25th, 2009, 03:32 PM | #126 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
|
sure is... right below the bumpers.
|
|
June 25th, 2009, 04:31 PM | #127 |
Parking Lot Qualified
Name: Fielding
Location: Michigan
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Posts: 30
|
Ok, the first time I read this thread, I went through a "Damn safety nannies" torrent of thoughts. Rather than flame out I decided to be calm, proactive and reread.
I'm almost completely ATGATT, with small exception that there's a limited access 40mph road on which I've ridden motorcycle and bicycle sooooo many times that I know the road like the back of my hand. Even then I wore helmet, gloves, pants and boots, but on a recent ride in 94 degree heat, I chose to throw my jacket under the cargo net and take a short ride with a friend who just got a bike. I was fine, he was fine, nothing happened. Karma and natural selection aren't going to punish the undergeared for wearing tank tops, shorts and flip flops. What they will do is dispatch with individuals who have a predisposition for risky behavior. Squids aren't squids because they didn't wear gear. The lack of gear just just one of several hints of the behavioral patterns that lie beneath. There are plenty of bikers who don't wear **** for gear and ride for 40 years without major incident...A good many of them own cruisers, and a sociological analysis of them would probably do all of us a bit of good in diminishing our predispositions. If you want to manage risk when riding (and I think everyone here is trying to push that message, albeit some with the blind faith of the church of atgatt) your priorities should be more like this: 0) Assess your tendency to be impulsive and get into dangerous situations without knowing first how to get out. Consider whether you value your life or your risks more. 1) Start small (not necessarily smallest, but small) The Hurt study does actually put a high number on wrecks with small displacements compared to larger ones. This hints that even 250's get into wrecks. Liter bikes just have a tendency to cause more lethal wrecks when a noob is behind the wheel of both sizes of bike.' 2) TRAIN (Good training will prevent far more lethal accidents than gear will protect you from) 3) Gear up as well as you can afford. (Great gear is great, but any gear is better than none, and #2 still outranks #3.) 4) Retrain regularly (saying that you wear $3k of gear and took the BRC doesn't mean **** 5 years later unless you practice those emergency stops, do the box a few times, test your sight through corners, etc) always consider the ERC. In fact you're probably better off buying 1500 in gear and spending the other 1500 in continuing education over your lifetime in ERC's, police cycling courses (which sometimes open up to civvies) and so on |
|
June 25th, 2009, 04:37 PM | #128 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
|
No turd signals
__________________________________________________
If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
|
June 26th, 2009, 06:07 AM | #129 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
Maybe the carbs were recently shimmed and they wanted the best possible butt dyno evaulation with nothing between the butt and the bike to alter the results. Whose to say the gstring isn't made from leather or some abrasion resistant textile? |
|
|
June 27th, 2009, 07:26 AM | #130 |
ninjette.org Monkey Spank
Name: Kevin
Location: Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.
|
Had many bikes, rode many miles. Got hit by a car in a parling lot les than a mile from my house and didnt walk for a month. I had road rash from my shoulder to my ass. That was when only the rich people had cell phones and no one ever heard of texting while driving. I was young and thought I was invincible. I was, right up till the point where that bumper on that 79 malibu station wagon pinned my knee between itself and my FZR 600. Wear your gear, dont wear your gear. I dont care. When you post pictures of your road rash and the cast on your leg. Dont say I didnt warn you.
__________________________________________________
Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket |
|
June 27th, 2009, 08:49 PM | #131 |
Dead-thread Necromancer!
Name: Levon
Location: Central Texas
Join Date: Sep 2008 Motorcycle(s): K5 V-Strom Posts: 144
Blog Entries: 3
|
I used to wear leather on my old Supercub! I'll sometimes go without to check the bike after working on it, riding around my very quite and secluded block. If I'm going anywhere else, it's ATGATT. If I can do it in Central Texas hitting 107°, there's no one with an excuse I buy. I have shifted away from all black gear to silver/light grey, with amazing results. As for heat, anything about 90° is all the same to me. I just take routes that don't require frequent and extended stopping.
__________________________________________________
Dead-thread Necromancer! 2007 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 ZG250 Quarter-Concours commuter Gone 2005 Suzuki V-Strom DL1000 Big Black Vee future hack? |
|
June 27th, 2009, 09:58 PM | #132 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Lee
Location: Alabama
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250r se Posts: 169
|
I am a believer in ATG ATT now and am trying to talk my friends that ride cruisers into doing the same, but they insist on the half shell, t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers during the day, because of the heat so they say, and only wear jeans and boots at night. What really amazes me is that most of them have kids. I don't get it. I do admit i wore jeans and skate shoes the first 100 miles but that was before i found this site and because i was like them on my cruiser. I have noticed that most of the people i see on street bikes are in full gear but i do see the guys with shorts, white beater, and sneakers fly by me on the freeway from time to time and that everyone on a cruiser around here has little to no gear on besides a half shell helmet. I am very new to riding a sport bike. I do stupid things sometimes which i hate to admit and have been very lucky that i have not laid her down and was kinda the same on a cruiser but not as bad. I am really trying to be a responsible rider and have put a lot of thought into it. I am thinking about buying a Harley and turning the Ninja into a track bike. If i do i will be wearing a full face helmet and all the gear on the cruiser. Most of them give me the one finger salute as it stands now so i really don't care what they think. I can only be responsible for myself and those around me from now on and attempt to inform others on the need for ATG ATT and being a responsible rider.
On a happy note that picture and the comments made me spew my drink all over the monitor. |
|
June 27th, 2009, 10:33 PM | #133 |
motorcycle rider
Name: Bruce
Location: Victoria, BC
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.
|
Ride your own ride. The best you can really do is to set a good example and hope that others follow it.
__________________________________________________
'14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) |
|
August 17th, 2009, 07:34 PM | #134 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Andrew
Location: LA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 07 GSXR600 (N250 sold :( ) Posts: 415
|
Im not a gear nazi, people will learn when they fall or crash. It's not really that hot in LA and yet I would say 75% of people do not wear a jacket and 90% do not wear pants other then jeans. Admittedly I don't have a pair of pants yet but im looking... I have some knee sliders though.
|
|
August 18th, 2009, 02:28 PM | #136 |
2 Wheel Newb
Name: Scott
Location: Sacramento, CA
Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2007 250r Posts: 218
Blog Entries: 1
|
So far i've been riding without riding pants or riding boots. I've just been using jeans and a pair of hiking boots. I realize its been pretty stupid and irresponsible so I'm going to look around in earnest and see what I can find.
If i can find anything reasonable at my local cyclegear i'll get it but if not i'll buy something online and cross my fingers. My only issue is that clothes/shoes never really fit me well. With shoes the issues is that i have really wide feet and I usually cant find any regular shoes that fit me well. If I buy online I was thinking about getting some draggin' jeans or something with similar abrasion resistance, and then buying some t-pro strap on leg protectors so I'd have good protection and not have to worry about having armor included in pants not fitting properly. Any thoughts? Ultimately I just need to suck it up and put in the time and money to make sure that if and when I go down i'll at least have taken some good precautions to keep myself safer. It is, afterall, my life and my health.
__________________________________________________
"Always remember, your mind is like a parachute. It works best when not being eaten by zombies" -Someone |
|
August 18th, 2009, 02:39 PM | #137 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anthony
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Kawasaki Ninja ZZR 250; 1996 Suzuki Katana GSXF 600; 80s Yamaha 650 Special; 70s Kawasaki 350 Triple Posts: 448
|
Quote:
|
|
|
August 18th, 2009, 02:51 PM | #138 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mhilz
Location: Earth
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZZR600 Midnight Blue Posts: 114
|
I can believe till i saw them riders in PA. Me & wifee had a date & we just cant help but cringe at the sight of local riders, sport or cruisers, from minimun to no gear at all. From short pants to sneakers & just a bandanna sometimes. Though it made me think of leather bandanna's. Wonder if they'd sell? hmmmm
All I can do was just drive as far away as I can.
__________________________________________________
A mind is like a parachute, open it up & enjoy the view. |
|
August 18th, 2009, 03:01 PM | #139 | |
2 Wheel Newb
Name: Scott
Location: Sacramento, CA
Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2007 250r Posts: 218
Blog Entries: 1
|
Quote:
Anyways, I would much rather buy something I could try on, but if nothing else at least a lot of online stores (newenough, motorcycle superstore, etc) have pretty decent return policies.
__________________________________________________
"Always remember, your mind is like a parachute. It works best when not being eaten by zombies" -Someone |
|
|
August 18th, 2009, 03:41 PM | #140 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Kim
Location: mundo de ensueño
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.
|
Let me post a ref from KF as a testament to ATGATT... this poor guy was not ATGATT and wishes he were:
http://www.kawiforums.com/newbie-cor...ease-read.html
__________________________________________________
Progrip tank pad, blue rim stripes, blue Pazzos, Roaring Toyz lowering kit, Puig DB in dark smoke, Cortech sport tail, super mini tank, and saddlebags, OES swingarm spools and Intuitive frame sliders |
|
August 18th, 2009, 09:46 PM | #141 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Arthur
Location: USA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R (sold), '05 ZX6R / 636 Posts: 355
|
Quote:
...but yeah, he's an amputee because he rode like an asshat pushing 100mph on local roads and downshifting like a lunatic.. NOT because he wasn't ATGATT. He could've worn a full titanium suit but it would've only been a matter of time before he f'ed himself up |
|
|
August 19th, 2009, 04:21 AM | #142 | |
Psychic war veteran
Name: Thomas
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Kawi Green '09 Ninja ZX6R Posts: 663
|
Quote:
Agreed. 100%, no doubt. Even the titanium suit would not have helped him with the way he was riding. All the gear in the world would not have helped him, as hard as he hit. Speed, mass, and inertia are absolutes, and as fast as he was going in the short space, well, bad things were bound to happen. This was not a case of poor road conditions or visibility, he was WAY beyond his skill level and experience. That thread is 45 pages where 90% of the posts are sympathy and only 10% calling him out for the self inflicted misery. Pathetic. If something uncivilized happens to you while you're being uncivilized, you own it. He paid his money, he knew the risks, he took his chances. If you think that's cold, calous, or harsh, think about it just one more time the next time you stroke the check for health insurance or vehicle insurnace. (Self inflicted) Incidents like that on motorcycles are very common, and THAT is a HUGE part of why your rates are as high as they are!!!!!!!!!! AND that's why you're being targeted by the police for additional inspections, traffic enforcement, and roadblock stops!!!!!!!! Hopefully, though, it will serve as an object lesson to others. And "YES", the 250 WILL go fast enough to kill you, or worse.
__________________________________________________
* If you're arguing with some idiot over the internet, chances are pretty good he's doing the same thing! Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction |
|
|
August 21st, 2009, 12:52 PM | #143 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
When I first started riding in 1958, I was fortunate enough to have had a part time job at our local Triumph,NSU,Ducati Dealer. The owner was also a road racer. At that time Langlitz Leathers were the way to go along with Bell Helmets (Magnum) I always liked the look and the feel of well fitting leathers. Right now the kit that I could afford is a River Road Leather jacket, pants, and boots. My helmet is a top of the line HJC. Eventually, I would love to get an Aerostich Transit Suit. I gear up every time I ride. The worst crash I have ever had was two years ago when I hit a round pebble on a steep descent in a bicycle race. My weight was too far forward, and I went down at 40+MPH. I had road rash over 15% of my body. My helmet was smashed. I also broke my collarbone. I still race, and there is no protective gear for cyclists other than good gloves and helmets. All we have is experience and hopefully good judgement.
|
|
August 21st, 2009, 01:24 PM | #144 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Greg
Location: central new york
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868
|
I find clothing made for riding to be much more comfortable than regular clothes, helps you want to wear something appropriate.
I also see lots of asshats on the road too. |
|
August 21st, 2009, 02:39 PM | #145 |
Musical Genius
Name: Belinda
Location: O'Fallon, MO
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R Blue AKA "The Kid" 08 Vulcan 900 Classic Blue(for now) AKA "Honey" Posts: 146
|
I was taking my 16 year old daughter to the mall this past weekend. It was a pretty nice day, so people were out riding. As we exited the highway, a guy was in front of us on a sport's bike in a t-shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes. Daughter asked why do hubby and I always wear jackets, pants and boots when riding because we look hot. I told her we would like to stick around and see her graduate from college and not to mention I want to keep the "girls" scar free. ATGATT
__________________________________________________
ti·gress n. 1. A female tiger. 2. A woman regarded as daring or fierce. |
|
August 21st, 2009, 05:02 PM | #146 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Arthur
Location: USA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R (sold), '05 ZX6R / 636 Posts: 355
|
I agree.. especially pants designed for riding. My ICON kevlar jeans have stretch panels underneath the groin and above the knee that allows me to be in a sport truck riding position for more than 5 minutes without them riding up my crotch. Love the airflow from the stretch panels as well.. keeps the goodies and my legs nice and cool.
|
|
August 21st, 2009, 05:58 PM | #147 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
Kelly, I really appreciate your effort in educating sport riders to be safe. Your DIYs are absolutely superb and totally trump Kawasaki`s Shop manual. I do hope that your dedication does not take its toll on your health (It`s the Medic in me) I do think that you have made a HUGE impact on the Ninjette.org family--and have in all probability saved some lives. The reality, however, is that most of the people riding Ninjettes are convinced that they are riding a "Beginner`s Bike---which in my opinion, is totally untrue. That 250 is a rocket any way you look at it, and I blame the press for hawking it as a "Beginner`s Bike". We are also dealing with an age factor. People in their 20`s are immortal. I learned that lesson very fast as a Sergeant team leader/medic in Vietnam. Pity, the reality of the situation did not bear out that notion. Kids got killed--and no amount of medical training (of which I had the best) changed that equation. Kelly, I respect you a hell of a lot. Just for grins and giggles, allow me to throw out a circuitous question. How come a person cannot walk into a dive shop and buy all the necessary SCUBA and just go out diving? No way this will happen, unless you are certified by an accredited diving school--NAUI or PADI. Sounds pretty responsible to me on the part of the diving industry. Next year I will be allowed by the VA to set up a business. I am located in a commercial zone--so setting up would be no problem. I plan to take Kawasaki as my main line. The territory is wide open in my location. In order to buy a Sport Bike from my dealership a person will need to show me evidence of having passed a Motorcycle Safety Course, and a reasonably clear driving history. e.g. Five speeding tickets in three years would not be acceptable. I would bet that with this policy published, I would not be able to stock enough bikes to sell. Responsible salesmanship is the key. I am going to give it a shot. My sense is that I will be extremely sucessful. All of us make a difference if we choose to. You have made a difference in many people`s lives on this forum---including mine. The idea of starting a RESPONSIBLE dealership came largely from your ideas. It WILL happen.
|
|
August 21st, 2009, 08:15 PM | #148 |
Musical Genius
Name: Belinda
Location: O'Fallon, MO
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R Blue AKA "The Kid" 08 Vulcan 900 Classic Blue(for now) AKA "Honey" Posts: 146
|
^^^^^^ It's changes like those Alex that would make motorcycling better for everyone. Good luck with your shop!
__________________________________________________
ti·gress n. 1. A female tiger. 2. A woman regarded as daring or fierce. |
|
August 22nd, 2009, 08:01 AM | #149 | ||
dirty old man
Name: Chris
Location: Hazel Green, AL
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 1
|
Quote:
The only time that I ridden without all my gear was right after I changed the oil, I took my bike about 1/2 mile down a side street wearing just my work pants, which are my old ACU pants, t shirt, helmet, gloves and tennis shoes. I felt more naked then than at a nude beach. Quote:
As for the bike shop, good luck and I hope you make a successful go at it. But, and it is a small but, what you want to do is admirable, and I respect that, but let me ask this. You mentioned the territory is wide open, how far will it be to another dealer? Somebody who wants a bike could go to another dealer or buy a used one. Although when they express an interest in a bike, I'm sure you will ask the appropriate questions and give them the appropriate info as to why you have that policy in effect. As to being successful with that policy, I can't say. It will make every potential customer think for at least a minute and some will already be convinced that "it's not cool" to wear that and nothing will convince them otherwise. Some,(like I did,) hopefully most or all, will listen and take the advice, do further research and look stuff up on the internet. They will then learn more of the what's, why's and responsibilities of riding a motorcycle. nb
__________________________________________________
Death tugs at my ear and says, "Live, I am coming." -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., poet, novelist, essayist, and physician (1809-1894) www.friendsofsanonofre.org |
||
|
August 22nd, 2009, 10:37 AM | #150 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Andrew
Location: LA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 07 GSXR600 (N250 sold :( ) Posts: 415
|
Quote:
|
|
|
August 22nd, 2009, 06:50 PM | #151 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
NB, Chris, I am not out to get rich. I am retired and quite comfortable. I love bicycles and love to work on them. I also love motorcycles and will learn to work on them--until then, I will hire a competent mechanic and learn from him or her. I have a shop, so overhead is no big deal. Why not have a bicycle/motorcycle shop? I have a problem with the ethics in this country--so I can`t blame the kids. A person can walk into a boat dealership, plunk down the appropriate dollars and ride off with a 40` 1200HP Cigarette Boat with four Corvette engines and zero training. He can walk into a Ford dealership and buy a Shelby KR-500 with a learners permit. My nephew recently bought a ZX6R with a learner`s permit! His father said, "He is doing his own thing." There are no bad kids--just bad parents. Somebody needs to stand up and say "ENOUGH" and actually do something about the problem. I am totally cognizant of the fact that what I do may or may not make a small impact. I do not for one minute think that I will turn the tide, BUT there are people like Kelly, Alex, yourself, and others in the Ninjette Family that are fed up with the carnage and "Big is better" mentality, and that anybody with little to no experience can ride a 180MPH machine. That has to change. It is only very recently that people (some) in the US have discovered what Europeans and others have known all along--A 250 is a serious bike. Maybe our gasoline prices need to hit $6.00 a gallon to drive that point home. End of rant. N.B. I didn`t answer your question. The nearest Kawa dealer is 50 mi away.
|
|
October 7th, 2009, 05:41 AM | #152 | |
CPT Falcon
Name: J.Emmett Turner
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
Anyway, assuming that it is quoted and is not your personal perspective, let me just say that it sounds like it's from the Newnan bicycle cop that I talked to last year while checking my chain slack (apartments near the court square). He kept talking about his Aprilia and some GA Sport Bikes forum that I never could find online. I tried to find it but I think he was actually talking about a Yahoo group (I found some posts of his in one) but it wasn't a real forum and was way too frustrating to bother with. Is that where you found this post? Are you a fellow Newnanite? |
|
|
October 7th, 2009, 07:36 AM | #153 |
k1prototype
Name: k1prototype
Location: The world
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ducati ST4 Posts: 93
|
I'll throw in my 2 cents. I am currently 27 and am still in university so I can give some insight as to the mindset of most college aged kids.
You have to consider the fact of immaturity. No matter how much you preach no matter how much you provide examples, the immaturity (and testosterone) of most people under 25 cannot be overcome with logic. For most people in that age group, your sense of logic doesn't become really prevalent until you get older and wiser. Not just when it comes to motorcycling but life in general. How many people actually listened to their parents when they were teens let alone when they hit their twenties regarding bad friends, bad girlfriends, wasting money, partying too much, and not taking life (and school) seriously. I know I am definitely guilty of this myself, not only when it came to not listening to those who have gone through life, but also the specifics as well such as ATGATT. There are many things with life in general I regret doing that could have been avoided if I had just listened to the people who were there to give me advise. But I needed to experience those pitfalls to make me realize the error of my ways. When you are young you think you are invincible PERIOD. You think "that old person can't relate to me, and their advise isn't worth listening to." Same concept goes for motorcycles, the logic to wear gear doesn't hit home for many people in that age group until they get into an accident. Let alone the logic that a 600SS or 1000SS bike is ridiculously fast and scary for a inexperienced rider. Its like giving a 21 year old a Trans Am. I know, I had one, and am lucky to still be around considering all of the dangerous situations I put myself into. Another part of it is also comfort and aesthetics. I know I look weird and get looks coming out of my office in the morning (i work overnight) wearing my motorcycle pants that swoosh when I walk with the rest of my all black gear especially as people are coming in with business attire. I myself am guilty of deciding to only wear jeans instead of the motorcycle pants on occasion. But I noticed myself missing my motorcycle pants after I had to send them in for a warranty claim. Now I don't want to ride without them. That sense of logic didn't kick in until I experienced riding without them after experiencing riding with them. In all honesty I don't think that logic would have developed in my mind if I was younger. The pure aesthetics of the situation would have averted me from ever buying motorcycle pants. Unfortunately that is the reality of the fact. I know for the older and wiser members on this board, that is a hard thing to understand. But I feel it is the truth. Many teens and people in their twenties will not take wearing gear seriously until something happens to them due to that mindset that that it can't happen to them. For some even that will not help them develop the sense of logic needed to understand the concept and importance of ATGATT.
__________________________________________________
2001 Ducati ST4 Bleu 2008 Ninja 250R Rouge ~ Sold! |
|
October 7th, 2009, 08:47 AM | #154 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anon
Location: Atlanta, GA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488
|
I'd also like to point out that gear protects from the elements and can make rides *more* comfortable.
Also, for the "I'll just ride carefully" crowd, I've read 2 separate accounts of people getting angry wasps in their non-motorcycle shoes while riding. I've seen a video of a bird taking off from the side of a road and smacking a rider square in the chin at 65 mph. I'd like to know how to ride carefully enough to avoid a getoff in those situations When I went to buy gear from the local dealership, the old-time rider who was helping me was actually discouraging me from buying riding pants. It really is a cultural problem in the industry, and I think getting new riders on board with atgatt is a good way to start to change that. Posted via Mobile Device |
|
October 7th, 2009, 09:26 AM | #155 | |
CPT Falcon
Name: J.Emmett Turner
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
|
|
|
October 7th, 2009, 09:38 AM | #156 |
ninjette.org member
Name: David
Location: Dallas, TX
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Candy Plasma Blue 250r Posts: 79
|
I love wearing gear. People can't help but stare because it's Texas and 100 degrees out. I've had people in the gas station say, "Isn't it alittle hot to be wearing a jacket".
My wife loves me in gear and she loves wearing gear. She thinks it makes me look sexy and buff. I love her in gear because it really outlines her curves. But, most important it protects us. Everytime I see someone not wear gear it makes me wonder if they do it out of ignorence or because they believe they look "cool" without it? David |
|
October 7th, 2009, 09:47 AM | #157 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anthony
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Kawasaki Ninja ZZR 250; 1996 Suzuki Katana GSXF 600; 80s Yamaha 650 Special; 70s Kawasaki 350 Triple Posts: 448
|
Quote:
Until one day, when I had a chance to look into some real police files of MVAs, and then, finally, I was duly shocked. The victims did not even look human. They looked like a pile of clothing folded haphazardly... Still, I don't want to post any of these pics openly here, for fear of offending sensitivities. But here are a few links to a real-world fatal motorcycle accident. Warning: Do not look right after lunch. But they should work where logic falls short. http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...cidents_10.jpg http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...cidents_11.jpg http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...cidents_12.jpg http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...cidents_14.jpg http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...cidents_17.jpg |
|
|
October 7th, 2009, 10:11 AM | #158 |
Live Life
Name: Don
Location: Lincoln, NE
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
|
Anthony your links remind me of the movies they used to show us in drivers ed class back in the late 50's early 60's. It did impress 99% of us but there was always that 1%. Today it is not politically correct to show graphic results like that and most kids will claim that it wouldn't happen to them.
As for Kareem's well written input I'm sorry I just don't buy it. It is your opinion and I respect that. But from my perspective we have two problems with "youth" today. 1) Far too many had a friend growing up and not a parent. As a result they still haven't learned that there are consequences for their actions. 2) As for having to "learn the hard way" - as a parent you might be comfortable letting them do that if we're talking about dating, school, money decision, etc BUT NOT THEIR LIFE. The hardest part about being a parent is having to say no and enforcing the rules you've laid down. It's called being an adult.
__________________________________________________
- ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots |
|
October 7th, 2009, 03:34 PM | #160 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Kim
Location: mundo de ensueño
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.
|
Nemesis, post it up like you did there:
Quote:
__________________________________________________
Progrip tank pad, blue rim stripes, blue Pazzos, Roaring Toyz lowering kit, Puig DB in dark smoke, Cortech sport tail, super mini tank, and saddlebags, OES swingarm spools and Intuitive frame sliders |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
[kropotkin thinks...] - 2012 Aragon WSBK Race One - Horses, Horses, Horses | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | July 1st, 2012 04:50 AM |
[hell for leather] - Racing dirt bikes on donkeys | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | April 5th, 2011 05:50 PM |
[topix.net] - A Gathering of Horses | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | April 22nd, 2010 01:32 AM |
Barn doors, departed horses and Shogun frame sliders | adouglas | 2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Farkles | 12 | April 15th, 2010 04:25 PM |
|
|