Topic: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//

[BobbyR]

Bobby,
That defensive driving class..,was it offered through New York state? do you think I can find one(a MSF?) around here in Pittsburgh ?

No, I took the Advanced Rider MSF class locally. When I told the Insurance Company and sent a copy of my card, they gave me the Defensive Driver Discount on my Car Insurance.

[Bailgang]

Slicks! That would scare the living dogsh!t outta me if I saw him on the road. Frisking pretenders!!! Think I might be tempted to walk past and intro my Kershaw to his sidewalls.

I thought the slicks were pointless especially considering the rider didn't have any tire warmers on them. Everyone who walked by the bike just shook their head and walked away.

[BeSeeingYou]

This is in no way intended to disrespect fallen riders or families/friends of those who have died riding.

The statistics and scare tactics that people frequently cite and use don't bother me one bit. I'm still getting my bike. I believe that the majority of motorcyclists killed on the streets are #$%*ing #$%*s to begin with. I'm sure there have been very safe riders out there that were killed under poor circumstances where there was nothing they could do (hit by drunk driver etc.) but the exception doesn't make the rule. I have no experience riding yet, but I'm willing to put my life (as I will have to in order to ride) on the fact that if you wear the proper gear, educate and experience as much as you can on a bike (msf and beyond) and remain responsible, you will GREATLY (not completely) reduce much of the risk that is out there.

Again, I'm looking for a discussion here, I didn't post this topic to flame or make light of motorcycle accidents. What are your thoughts?

(and where do these so called 'scare tactics' come from? I know people who know people who know people who were killed but does that actually prove anything???)

Thanks.

- parakeet

What is your basis for making the statement I underlined in your post?  It shouldn't be too hard to research that and get the facts instead of what you "believe".  Then you can have a more accurate idea of what the risks are.  40% of accidents involving cars and bikes are the result of the car turning left in front of the bike.  My only accident was a variation on that when a driver turned right from middle lane of a one way street while I was in the right lane.  I had no chance.  I have been riding for 35 years and this is the only time I have ever gone down.  Close calls....I can recall some...none this year so far.....none last year...two the year before that.....certainly not 100's like some people claim.  That almost seems like a scare tactic in itself.  If I felt it was that bad I would have given it up long ago.  I have a lot of cross country miles under my belt.  I do not use my bike for commuting and I usually do not travel in heavy traffic even though I live in a large city.  It is strictly for pleasure and commuting in rush hour, freeway/interstates, and heavy traffic is not pleasurable.  I feel lucky to live in a city that has an extensive network of parkways, lake and river roads, and alternates to freeway travel that can get me around and out of the city in a relaxing manner.  I see it as mitigating the risk factors.  A lot of my miles these days are 300-400 mile round trips to the cabin...strictly rural driving.  I worry as much about  deer as I do about cars.    
   

[kghost]

like any skill some people are naturals and others just don't get it,and never will?

Dave sent me the link to this thread.

The premise that all men are equal.....doesn't mean we all have the same brains, skills, or reflexes.

[calj737]

The premise that all men are equal.....doesn't mean we all have the same brains, skills, or reflexes.

Exactly! Equal doesn't mean the Same.

[dave500]

some are just more equal than others?

[madmtnmotors]

The premise that all men are equal.....

Equal under the law... 

Especially the laws of physics and gravity!     

[Retro Rocket]

Close calls....I can recall some...none this year so far.....none last year...two the year before that.....certainly not 100's like some people claim.  That almost seems like a scare tactic in itself.  If I felt it was that bad I would have given it up long ago. 

Steve, I am telling you 100's of near misses, I am talking about the people that don't stop at the marked lines at the end of a street and look like they are coming straight out in front of you causing you to take evasive action, then the ones that do, I 'm talking about pot holes, people on phones changing lanes without looking, and people in general, changing lanes without looking even when i NEVER ride in their blind spot, i am talking about people that cut corners as they enter streets, i'm talking about cars not letting you in simply because they are bigger, Diesel spills, that is a real doozy, i can tell you, Items falling off trucks, most of my riding has been done in heavily populated area's and it was my main transport for over 20 years, doing motorcycle courier work in Sydney was a "take your life in your hands" experience every day, keeps you on your toes though and also teaches great bike control and awareness... My wife constantly comments that she can't believe what i see when driving the car, I thank riding bikes for that...

[grcamna2]

I'm glad you're still with us RR,I appreciate you man;if you can make it through those times in your life then you've gained valuable experience to help some of us be forewarned. 

[Retro Rocket]

I'm glad you're still with us RR,I appreciate you man;if you can make it through those times in your life then you've gained valuable experience to help some of us be forewarned. 

The real shame is that i know quite a few that didn't make it too....

[70CB750]

Here is one of my OC issues:

I never fill up motorcycle at a pump stand where there is diesel fuel next to gas fuel hose.  The logic is I don't want to roll through the spill diesel even in slow speed.

[trueblue]

Here is one of my OC issues:

I never fill up motorcycle at a pump stand where there is diesel fuel next to gas fuel hose.  The logic is I don't want to roll through the spill diesel even in slow speed.

A mate of mine dropped his bike in that sort of circumstance. He spotted someone he knew at a servo, he then pulled in to say g'day. There was diesel on the ground, when he put his foot down the bike went one way, his foot the other. He ended up laying on his bike, upside down, in a heap on the ground.

[grcamna2]

Here is one of my OC issues:

I never fill up motorcycle at a pump stand where there is diesel fuel next to gas fuel hose.  The logic is I don't want to roll through the spill diesel even in slow speed.

A mate of mine dropped his bike in that sort of circumstance. He spotted someone he knew at a servo, he then pulled in to say g'day. There was diesel on the ground, when he put his foot down the bike went one way, his foot the other. He ended up laying on his bike, upside down, in a heap on the ground.

That diesel sounds slipperier than a banana peel;so far I've never met up w/ any of it under my shoe.

[calj737]

I never fill up motorcycle at a pump stand where there is diesel fuel next to gas fuel hose.  The logic is I don't want to roll through the spill diesel even in slow speed.

That is a perfect example of something not taught but learned from experience. Many would never think of it, until they pile up beside the pump. I learned that from watching someone "teach" me that trick by virtue of a slider at the pump. Fortunately, no damage but to his pride. Lesson taught once, learned permanently.

[grcamna2]

How does diesel work for a holeshot,better than bleach ?   

[calj737]

To my mind, I wouldn't use it. May not get it all off as the tire compounds tend to absorb it as it's petroleum based, unlike bleach. Don't know for a fact, but since I have a diesel truck, I never park or service it near where my bikes are stored. It's pretty dang slippy stuff. And once on you, it permeates everything for a good, long while.

[trueblue]

To my mind, I wouldn't use it. May not get it all off as the tire compounds tend to absorb it as it's petroleum based, unlike bleach. Don't know for a fact, but since I have a diesel truck, I never park or service it near where my bikes are stored. It's pretty dang slippy stuff. And once on you, it permeates everything for a good, long while.

Tell me about it. I work on the stinking rotten smoking puss buckets for a living. All my work clothes stink of the #$%*. It takes a week away from work before my hands could be considered clean. For the most part it is a #$%* fuel but it serves a purpose.

[grcamna2]

Gotcha

[calj737]

I've only found 4 great uses for it:
1 as a fuel source as intended,
2 cleans the carbon fouling out of shotguns and semi- actions like the bees knees,
3 use it to flush and rinse motor parts after sand blasting to remove media and grease,
4 keeps a burn pile going until the Fire Dept says "enough" 

I've thought about another but never tried it: spray some on an adulterous wife or young daughter. Nobody would come near her!

[Kevin D]

There is no such thing as a "fender bender" when riding a MC.


My coworker lost his life when he had a blowout at speed.
Another walks with a limp, his girl lost her left leg to a car that crossed the centerline.
Another limped in to retirement when he put his Beemer into a steel guard rail, riding aggressively.
Is it always the left leg?

I witnessed a remarkable near miss recently. I'm Following a couple of ladies yakking in the car in front of me, the driver turns her face to the right, distracted by the animated conversation, and starts drifting into the left turn lane. A sport biker, approaching from the opposite direction, turns his face to the right and also starts to drift into the left turn lane. They passed each other about a foot apart without ever seeing each other, probably heard each other, and then recovered their positions.

[Retro Rocket]

Here is one of my OC issues:

I never fill up motorcycle at a pump stand where there is diesel fuel next to gas fuel hose.  The logic is I don't want to roll through the spill diesel even in slow speed.

I wouldn't call that OC mate, very sensible, diesel is like riding on marbles, its without doubt the slipperiest substance i've ever ridden on, I'm just thankful it was at low speed. 

[trueblue]

I've only found 4 great uses for it:
1 as a fuel source as intended,
2 cleans the carbon fouling out of shotguns and semi- actions like the bees knees,
3 use it to flush and rinse motor parts after sand blasting to remove media and grease,
4 keeps a burn pile going until the Fire Dept says "enough" 

I've thought about another but never tried it: spray some on an adulterous wife or young daughter. Nobody would come near her!

It is also useful for freeing rusted parts.  My father found an old hydraulic pump buried in the dirt under where a shed burnt down on his property nearly 30 years ago.  It was missing in the cleanup from the shed.  He soaked it in diesel for about 6 months.  When he pulled it out it was still stiff but no longer siezed, moved it to and fro a couple of times and it was free.  We then pulled it apart, cleaned it out and it was like new inside and even pumps oil .

[70CB750]

And of course, the nut between handlebars and the seat makes for some trouble too.

This morning I took left turn I should not have with a pickup coming at me, all is well but it was a close one.

[grcamna2]

'Close calls' are no fun !

[madmtnmotors]

And of course, the nut between handlebars and the seat makes for some trouble too.

I always have a problem with that one working loose!