Motorcycle School: No Joke

[ethics]

Started my first day, and while I expected grilling I didn't expect Army Basic Training + Motorcycle - tear gas.

Jeez, it was tough. Range tomorrow. :)

[MNeedham73]

LOL I start on the 25th.

And if they do that, I'll probably end up trying not to laugh. :)

[Lovehound]

Wow! Now you got your gun, you got your motorcycle, and I forgot the outcome of the tattoo thread... So when are you going to quit your day job and start flying the M/C colors? :)

[Violet1966]

LMAO but they have your attention! That's a good thing! Congrats on your first day! :happy:

[Stiofán]

http://www.mercurymagazines.com/pr1/101/101149

One year free cycleworld. Enjoy.

[ethics]

http://www.mercurymagazines.com/pr1/101/101149

One year free cycleworld. Enjoy.

Dude! You rock! Thanks.

First day was...




F#@(*#@(*#@(#*@ AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I mean I thought I wanted a bike, I THOUGHT I knew how it would feel but man oh man why oh why didn't I do this SOONER!

12 people in the class, I am one of only two people who never sat on a bike (scooter yes) and guess who was leading the group today on the field? Apparently, if you don't learn it right you pick up bad habits and boy some of these show offs sure hated being led by a n00b. :)

But the best part, the one part I was worried about (and this part is how I approach everything in life) is the FEEL of the bike. Would I feel it? Would I "get it"? Would I not overthink it?

Yes to all. I felt the bike right away. I felt one with the bike about 1hr in to the course. The other n00b asked how, "how do you know it's in 3rd and not 2nd?" I just said, "you feel it, man, if you are in third and shift down TWO pegs you will know you in first, it feels more rigid, shaky, and loud." I really didn't know how to explain that one. I was just giddy the whole time because *I* got it, the bike felt right and before you know it, I wasn't learning (although I certainly was) I was having a great time!

Test tomorrow, both range and written. :)

[MNeedham73]

Sweet!!!

Hope I do as well. I better, I just picked my bike up today LOL!

[ethics]

NICE! What did you get! PICS!

[MNeedham73]

lol I'll start another thread :)

[Violet1966]

Yes to all. I felt the bike right away. I felt one with the bike about 1hr in to the course. The other n00b asked how, "how do you know it's in 3rd and not 2nd?" I just said, "you feel it, man, if you are in third and shift down TWO pegs you will know you in first, it feels more rigid, shaky, and loud." I really didn't know how to explain that one. I was just giddy the whole time because *I* got it, the bike felt right and before you know it, I wasn't learning (although I certainly was) I was having a great time!

Test tomorrow, both range and written. :)


OMG Leon you're impressing me already I can tell you that!!! :drool:

Good luck on your range and written tomorrow. :happy: :love:

[ethics]

Thanks. Looks like rain/showers tomorrow :(

[Violet1966]

Damn. :( Well maybe it won't rain until after you're done. The weather is never what they say it will be. LOL ;)

[ethics]

Damn. :( Well maybe it won't rain until after you're done. The weather is never what they say it will be. LOL ;)

It didn't rain, YAY! But man it was cold! BOO!

I passed.

Now where's my license and my bike!?!? ;)

[Violet1966]

Yee F'in ha!!!! Congratulations you biker stud you!!!! :clap::happy:

That license and bike won't be long now huh? :happy:

Boy what a time too. Right as we're approaching the great weather before you know it. :happy:

[ethics]

Yah, I can't wait, Vio! Can't F'in WAIT!

I am planning the bike in about 2-3 weeks, right after the waver from MSF comes and I can go and get my M class from DMV. :)

[ethics]

I'll mention a small story that made me feel good about something that happened at this school.

There were two women and ten guys in the class. Women were mostly tired of being in the back seat when riding with their clubs/hubbies. One was driven by her hubby; Linda's husband took the MSF class five years ago and loved it so much he wanted the same root learning for his wife. The other, Carol, was from Staten Island.

I sat at the table with both of them on the first day--which was all lecture/video. Cool peeps. On the next day, the range stuff, they were doing horribly. I mean they were stalling at the most horrible spots, they were going too slow where the exercise required speed. I was the leader of the pack but Linda was the last. So most of the time, by the time I did my first round around the range I would catch up to Linda.

There were two instructors on the range, with 12 students, they really don't have time for too much 1 on 1. They spoke to them the most, they really wanted them to succeed. Hell, most people did. But unfortunately, no matter what the instructors said, they kept on making mistakes. What happened with me was by accident. Since I ended up at the back of Linda and had no where to go, I started watching what she did wrong. I am not a person to offer liberal criticism, especially to bare strangers. I don't know if this is wanted or if I come off in a bad way. You know the drill, this is NYC after all.

This morning was 4 hours of grueling exercises capped off by a range test, another 3 hours of lecture, capped off by a written test. Have to pass both to pass the course.

I don't know what propelled me but I started talking to Linda through the motorcycle noise on the line, while we waited our turn. This was early in the AM.

"Linda, when you are rolling off the line, your knees are out. I think this is what gives you instability. Try to tuck them in, make believe it's your security blanket... Also, you are stalling because you are releasing the clutch too abruptly, and are afraid to roll the throttle. Don't be. Get in to 2nd as soon as you can, it's a smoother ride and you don't have to be going fast to get in to and use 2nd gear.

She took the advise VERY well and started trusting me. Her ridership went from hell to something more palatable. By the end of the day, she was riding nicely. She improved A LOT. The big question was, can she pass the trials?

As we were standing on the sidelines, during a break right before the exam on the range, the instructor was asking her to talk to Carol. He thought she belonged here but believed that Carol is missing too much confidence. Linda turns to me and says, "this is my personal advisor... he has helped me so we will try to help Carol..."

The instructor says, "Great..." Linda then says, "do you really think we can do it, being women and all.." I don't know what I was thinking but I was like, "I've seen some awesome female riders, this isn't about gender but confidence. You can do this and you can pass, and so can Carol. You have to stop over thinking everything, feel the bike, and just have fun." Unfortunately, Carol didn't pass. She did come close though.

After the trials, even I messed up on a few maneuvers. But the test score was not apparent until we took the written test. I was the 2nd to get done, he checked me and I got 1 wrong out of 50 (the test was crazy easy so don't think I am all that, the guy after me got 100). He then told me my score and gave me my card. Congratulated me and I left the place to wait outside for others.

Linda came out with tears in her eyes. Hell, not only did she pass, she got a higher score than me. I told her so!

I was so happy for her and her hubby. It just made me feel really good about just a nudge here and there. She had the ability but lacked confidence in herself. Worst part is that she blamed it on her being a woman.

She hugged me, said, "thank you for... oh I better stop before I start really crying".

I think I was more happier for her than for myself. That really made my day. :)

[cmhbob]

Cool deal, all the way!

Grats, and welcome to the brotherhood!

[ethics]

Thanks. It's an honor.

[BigDeputyDog]

From an old biker to a new one: Well done, my nephew! :clap:

Keep your eyes open, always look for a "bail out", stay alert and enjoy your ride!

1 down, 4 up, and watch out for oil slicks... :biggrin:

BDD... :{)

[tke711]

Congratulations Leon and great job with Linda!!

[ethics]

Thanks guys.

[Violet1966]

Wow!!! That must have really felt great!!! :clap:

It's funny, but you really do get sick of riding on the back as a woman. Most people think of female riders as butches or something. Up here, a lot of women ride. The one thing that always scared me was my physical strength and the weight of the bike. One time up at bike week in NH, I saw a beautiful bike and there were women there talking. I was admiring the bike and didn't notice the owner. Then, one of the women turned to me and I asked if she owned it. She told me yes. I was planning at the time of getting my own because I hated sometimes riding bitch. Her bike was pretty big though and I said I'd be scared. She was my size though. She told me not to think about the size and as long as your feet can firmly plant, it's fine. She explained to me how many women make mistakes buying something tiny because they think weight right away. Then, she was so nice, she let me sit on her bike and actually balance it and it was fine. I was thrilled. LOL It's all a balancing act. Amazing how two legs can hold something so big in place just by being able to properly touch the ground. The bike I sat on, she told me she had the shocks or something adjusted for her leg size. I hope one day I can learn too. It's something I've always wanted to do. I envy you Leon and am very proud for you!!! I told hubby yesterday you were taking classes. We were driving and I mentioned your test and how I hoped the weather was good for you. So good to hear the weather was good and you had such a memorable experience and passed too!!! :clap:

[MNeedham73]

Here you go Vio...when my dad and I were out Saturday bike shopping, we saw a woman, probably 5'5" 120-130 or so riding.

She was riding a newer Honda Goldwing, all 900 pounds of it :)

[ethics]

It's all a balancing act.

And most of it has nothing to do with your legs. Low speeds are the most difficult. But once you master it, weight has nothing to do with anything.

[Violet1966]

Sweet MNeedham! That's a lot of weight for sure! :)

Yeah, I know the leaning routine Leon, but my fear was always that I would be at a light and the thing would go on it's side on me or something. Or I'd go to stop, and lose it. That and I'm afraid to take off and release the clutch. I actually owned a honda rebel with my ex husband and was planning on riding it, but my feet couldn't touch good and the day he tried to teach me, I just was so afraid to let the clutch out, so I gave up. I'll do it one day. On the back though, I know my leaning. Have to with my husband. He's insane on a bike. LOL :rofl:

Edit: Oh I see what you mean. Slow speed is hard. Thought I saw aren't, misread. Yeah that possible wobble thing would freak me out quite a bit, when going slow. I'm like 5 foot 4 and like 150 and it's mostly, well it's not muscle. I have my woman curves that are there, and just no strength, so that stuff really freaks me out. Wobble would give me a heart attack.

[ethics]

Why not sign up for MSF class?

[Violet1966]

One day I'm gonna do it. I'm really suprised I haven't yet, since I even owned 2 bikes now personally in my life. Last I let go because I got pregnant with the youngest before I ever got to ride it. It's one of the things I want to do in life, before I check out. I'll do it one day. Hubby sold his bike when he had his spinal surgery, so we are without for the last few years, but one day we'll get one again and I'll try and give it another go. Will look into proper training. It's one of my life goals. ;)

[MNeedham73]

I'm like 5 foot 4 and like 150 and it's mostly, well it's not muscle.

Umm, Vi...I'm 6'3" and 165 pounds...how much muscle you think is on me? LOL

If it weren't for wearing size 10 1/2 shoes, a good breeze could probably knock me over lol.

[Brazbit]

My sister learned to ride on a late 70's Honda Hawk 400 (http://www.pillarcom.com/Cycle%20Magazine%20(9-77)%201978%20Hawk%20review.pdf). That thing was one of the tallest, severely top heavy bikes I have ever ridden. I still to this day do not know how she managed to ride that at barely 5' 0" she was all tiptoes ond lean at a stop. However she only dumped it once and that was when she nearly fell asleep after a very long ride late at night. Luckily we were able to hook her up with a little 250 rebel a couple weeks after getting her license, even she bent her knees holding that one up.

There are generally only three time when the weight of a bike comes into play. When you dumped it and have to get it upright again. Getting it on it's center stand. Backing it up when nose down on a hill, on a motorcycle without reverse anyway.

You did great with Linda Ethics. "Feeling" the bike is something someone either gets or they don't, rarely can it be taught. When you learn your bike inside and out and know how to feel it you can diagnose nearly anything just from driving down the street and you can do some pretty fun things.

I use to compete with one of our top riders in the Goldwing club, we would do things like see who could stop at a light longest without putting a foot down. This was an outgrowth of the official skill competitions we both participated in regularly. The funnest part of these little pissing matches was that we always both had passengers which normally makes it more difficult. A good passenger can "feel" the bike as well and is an aid rather than a hinderance to the rider. Els was always the best at this and we won or placed second in many skill competitions together. Once with a malfunctioning borrowed bike which was probably the biggest test of skill ever.

Anyway I can't see the topic on the horizon anymore so I am going to end this now so the thread can drift back that way....

[ethics]

Thanks Braz. See with Linda, I believe she DID feel the bike, she was just too busy listening to her worries instead of feeling the bike and being assured she is got it, she belongs on one.

[Brazbit]

I believe you saw that and helped her do what she would have done naturally had not her worries and nerves kept her from doing it. You did a very good thing. I only wish I had done something similar for one of the women in my class way back when.

She had a few early problems and the instructors didn't have time to deal with an individual case so they had her do laps around the outside of the course while the rest of us did the class. I never saw them talk to her again. I had seen a couple things that may have helped her but I was 15 and did not feel right offering advice to a 40 year old woman. I bet they broke her confidence with that. She did not show for the final day of classes. Of course I wouldn't have shown either if a class I had paid for turned out to be little more than a merry-go-round.

[ethics]

I saw one wife drop out of the adjacent class. The husband mentioned she didn't feel the bike and stopped trying to do the impossible. I think that's the only time that I think that people should just quit. If you don't feel the bike, feel like you never will, stay off one.

And yah, dude, I felt weird at FORTY offering advice to forty something woman, I can imagine how that would be at 15.

[Violet1966]

Umm, Vi...I'm 6'3" and 165 pounds...how much muscle you think is on me? LOL

If it weren't for wearing size 10 1/2 shoes, a good breeze could probably knock me over lol.

LOL I just get really freaked out. Not really about getting hurt, more about ruining the bike if I were to lose it while standing still stopped or slow and it dumped on me. And just the panic I know I would feel. I remember when me and the ex husband got the rebel and I asked him to hold it while I tip it to the side a bit. I just wanted to feel what it would feel like if it leaned. I just think I get so nervous even thinking that there's got to be a point of no return where a dump is just inevitable. That freaks me out since I don't really know where it is with me. I've been told not to worry, but it's just the only thing in my head. Not cutting a turn wrong no, dumping it on it's side, or letting off the clutch and having it like jerk or something. LOL I'm paranoid. ;)

[Morg]

Congratulations, Leon. :cool:

Are you going to join Heck's Angels? :lol:

Are you getting a bike with an effective muffler?

[ethics]

Stock muffler on the FZ1. It's good enough. Once I get a bit more advanced in riding and about mufflers, I will get in to that as well. :)

And no, I already joined "Secret Society" MC. Good bunch of peeps and I have been talking with them over a month now.

[Morg]

Heck's Angels (http://www.rd.com/money/life-stages/empty-nesters/28448/article28448-1.html)

[ethics]

As I left the mini-mart, I checked out a few of their rides -- and felt like Orville Wright looking at the space shuttle. The bikes were equipped with satellite radio, multi-disc CD players, intercoms, GPS locator systems, radar detectors, heated seats, and -- I'm not kidding -- cup holders.

To me, that's like asking, "what's the point?!" Biking is not about luxury but about freedom, and so many other things BEFORE luxury. The ONLY biker that should be even thinking about the above are the folks who are riding more than 300 miles per day.

My bike is this one, Morg: No GPS, no CD, no cup holders. Just muscle. :)


http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/products/mcy/media/wallpaper/2008/fz1_800.jpg

[Kluge]

My bike is this one, Morg: No GPS, no CD, no cup holders. Just muscle. :)
So, what size was the BRC school bike? Have you had any second thoughts about the power-to-weight that you need for what you're going to do?

Good luck, and be careful out there. Watch out for NYC moguls. I found a nice one on the FDR Drive southbound late one night (or early one morning). A bump that made me go 'ooch' on a 16 cube could have interesting results on something powerful enough to get a speeding ticket.
:sohelpmegod:
And, oh yeah, there was that pitcher's mound size pile of dirt on the Van Wyck exit for Linden Boulevard.
:sohelpmegod:
And, umm, try to be conservative (risk wise, not politically) until you catch on to how everything happens on the streets, cuz the BRC was, like, 3rd gear tops and no real traffic, hey?
:sohelpmegod:

One more thing: :happy:

[ethics]

The school's bikes were Suzuki' GZ250' (http://www.bikez.com/bike/index.php?bike=4359)s. Nice but no way would you want to take that on a NY HWY. So instead of getting a 250, or 600, I don't want to get one and wish I got a bigger bike. 1000 is ok and my cousin recommended it since he owned one and loved it.

As for risks? I am planning to do a lot of empty parking lot runs before doing anything. I really want to nail the motor skills down, find and hold the friction zone, up and down shift flawlessly and practice swerving and quick stops. After that, I will take it out on the streets.

See, what I usually do with a new car is the same. I need to learn it's borders, where the wheels are set, the breaking distances, the skidding, etc... My dad raised me that way and learning your machine before you go out there is one of the things that saved me many accidents.

With the bike, it's even more important.

[Kluge]

It's a good plan. I forgot to mention how cold it gets sometimes. Be wary of that. It's one of the reasons I've gotten obsessed with storage, as in saddle bags etc. Some sport bikes have storage under the back seat, I'm told, haven't checked. I guess you got a taste of cold already, but there's more where that came from. It's tempting to ride faster to get warm sooner. I've seen a few guys I imagined were doing that, guessing by the conditions. I didn't read about them in the paper so I'm sure they worked it out.

[MNeedham73]

See, what I usually do with a new car is the same. I need to learn it's borders, where the wheels are set, the breaking distances, the skidding, etc... My dad raised me that way and learning your machine before you go out there is one of the things that saved me many accidents.

With the bike, it's even more important.

Got that right. Even after I'm done with the basic riding course, my dad, who has been riding for 30+ years (and might take exception to your comments about cupholders, stereos, etc. lol) is going to take me out for even more instruction.

The one advantage I have over you though, I think, are there are plenty empty country roads where I live.

[ethics]

I am sure. Hence the empty parking lots for me. :) I am a quick learner though, so... in about 5 months I am planning to take the MSF's expert course. I hear that one is kick ass.

[Sierra Mike]

You know, you're doing everything Biker told us not to do--i.e., starting off with a rice-guzzling crotch rocket right out of the gate!

SM

[ethics]

Yes, his standards were unreasonable though--to start out with a 250CC is ludicrous. Besides, FZ1 needs 1000CC because it's heavier than, say R1 (same CC but a racing bike = much lighter).

[MNeedham73]

I have to agree with Leon. I didn't buy a crotch rocket though ;)

But, it is 1300CC.

[Sierra Mike]

Could've at least bought a Road King! :)

SM

[MNeedham73]

Yamaha 1300 Tourer: $10k out the door, and that included a helmet and engine guard.

Road King: $17500 MSRP, without any accessories.

Pretty simple decision for me. :)

[Sierra Mike]

Yeah, but Leon's a six-figure man!

SM

[Violet1966]

I'm sure you'll wind up taking rides into NJ to NY state before long. Some nice riding to do over that way if you head towards the outlets in NY State through Harriman. Nice roads and there's even one that there's a pretty decent hot dog/food stand right on the peak of a mountain before you head down to the outlet area. We used to stop there for a break and to eat, and the view is just amazing. Harriman is what my husband would call "the raceways". LOL In the park areas near like Welsh Lake, those roads are pretty cool to ride and some serious leaning to be done. I wouldn't advise anyone else to ride the way my husband and I used to, back in our "crazy" time, but just to cruise around slowly and steady, it's nice in summer. You just have to be careful on the turns that are narrow of course, with traffic coming the other way you might not see. If you go slow, it's really a nice little place to cruise around, Harriman area. Bear Mountain too. Loved taking rides up there. Nice lunch look around, sit by the lake there. Go up the mountain. Really relaxing on a bike even riding bitch. ;)

[ethics]

Yah but if I spill I would cry for the Hog. The Hog will come later, once I have a few years of riding under my belt.

[Sierra Mike]

Well, that's for sure. No one wants to ding a Harley, whereas Japanese plastic is a little easier to part with under tragic circumstances.

So I guess in 2010 I'll watch Paul Sr. and crew building you a custom bike on American Chopper! ;)

SM

[Violet1966]

My husband's last bike was an 1100cc (if I remember correctly it was at least 1000 I know for sure) motoguzzi police bike and that much cc's is a lot of power in the right bike. The Guzzi was like a touring style with hard bags and all. Ample for carrying his 250 lb ass plus my 160 or so back then after last birth, and having the power for hopping on highway or passing, whatever we needed to do. In a lighter bike, the same cc's would be insane. LOL

[Brazbit]

To me, that's like asking, "what's the point?!" Biking is not about luxury but about freedom, and so many other things BEFORE luxury. The ONLY biker that should be even thinking about the above are the folks who are riding more than 300 miles per day.

My bike is this one, Morg: No GPS, no CD, no cup holders. Just muscle. :)If you are not riding 300 miles a day why bother getting the bike out of the garage? I demand power, freedom, and luxry. Technological superiority is nice as well.

[ethics]

You misunderstand. The cup holder and all is nice if you are going over 300 miles. That doesn't mean that bikes like mine can not or I will be disadvantaged somehow if I do.

[dsl987]

I just started riding again this week after seeing a bike for sale that I couldn't resist. I'll post some pics tonight after I get the camera out.

Congrats on passing the class

[ethics]

Thanks!

[Violet1966]

Running errands today, so many bikes out. Beautiful day up here today. Sun is shining, it's warm enough to wear a light jacket, and the bikes are on the road. Welcome to the season Leon and the rest of the GA bikers!!! :clap:

It's coming, fast. So good to know you'll be ready to take advaantage of it from the beginning too! Safely. :love:

[MNeedham73]

I'm starting to think we need a forum for cars and motorcycles :)

[Violet1966]

LOL The GA biker club area. A sub club that conducts all club business on the net. :rofl:

[Sierra Mike]

Don't forget boats, planes, and what the hell, even blimps. A full-on bling fling.

SM

[dsl987]

OK - here are a few pics of my new baby, I decided to avoid US and Japanese bikes this time and go straight for an Italian Stallion, a 2006 Ducati Monster. That 1000cc V-twin has loads of torque and is a blast to ride.

[ethics]

Oh man! I am not worthy!


:noworthy:

[dsl987]

Oh man! I am not worthy!

:noworthy:

Most of my previous bikes were crotch rockets, but this time around I wanted something that was still sporty but a little more leisurely to ride. Then when I saw this bike for sale I couldn't resist, 2006 model with only 5,500 miles, perfect condition with tons of after-market parts, including the full exhaust and lots of carbon fiber peices. I added up all the custom bits and figured he had put over $4,500 into this bike. So when he said he would sell it for $8,000 it didn't take me long to decide that it was a great buy.

Hope you enjoy the Yammy - they are great bikes.

[ethics]

Thanks... can't wait. :)

[Violet1966]

Sweet looking bike dsl! My husband is always drooling over the Ducati's. :)

[Kluge]

Oh dayum, my 800cc is small and wimpy :l::cry:

[Violet1966]

800 is a great size. Had a lot of fun on bikes in that size range. Hubby had a nice 900 and we loved it. Lots of fun!!! Anything is great if you ask me, as long as you know what it can and can't do and how to handle it. ;)

[MNeedham73]

Anything is great if you ask me, as long as you know what it can and can't do and how to handle it. ;)

We still talking about motorcycles? ;)

[Violet1966]

:rofl:

Well riding a motorcycle is similar isn't it? ;)

[tke711]

Hey Leon, just make sure you don't become one of these statistics (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/a-new-risk-of-middle-age-dying-on-a-motorcycle/index.html?ex=1365566400&en=8143fce5ddb23219&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss).

Notably, nearly half of the riders killed in 2006 were age 40 and older, and nearly a quarter were older than 50. The average age of motorcyclists killed in accidents was about 38.

[ethics]

What most of these statistics don't say is that there ridership has increased, and so has accidents. Also, a lot of guys over 40 are drinking and riding. While you MAY get away with that in a car, in a bike? It's a suicide.

[Violet1966]

Lack of proper training too would have a ton to do with it. You're doing it right Leon. Just be aware that people in cars do not see bikes easily, they don't respect bikes as much, etc. You will get people riding your ass with no respect. Passing and coming in too close, etc. Just like in a car but it's worse on a bike. Up this way, drivers are very aware of bikes. When you're on one, you get more respect. Just stay alert and be defensive in your riding. I'm sure they're teaching you everything specific to that area as well as the basics.

[ethics]

Just be aware that people in cars do not see bikes easily, they don't respect bikes as much, etc.

Yes, big time. Biggest reason for bike/car accident. They see you, they just don't SEE you. And cars only respect you if another biker is driving that car. :(

[Violet1966]

Yup. We give bikes plenty of room but see other cars way too close. Good to know you're aware of it. I think people obsess too much too when on a bike, with looking behind when there's someone too close. When I'd be out with hubby, and someone was too close, I'd tug him to just pull over. Not worth the worry, and just easier to let them pass. Safer when you have a moron behind you on a long road.

[Brazbit]

Ever reach out and slap a car on the hood or knock on the driver window as they start coming into your lane? Wakes them up REAL fast I am told. Never had the need to do it myself, I know where my horn is, but I have seen it done.

Problem is that in addition to making them crap themselves, which is endlessly ammusing, they sometimes jerk the wheel or slam on the brakes which could cause an even bigger accident.

[ethics]

Yah, school says not to get involved and to:

1. Ignore
2. Move on
3. Car vs. Bike = Car wins
4. It's never worth it.

[MNeedham73]

Heh, dad dented someone's front fender with the heel of his boot once when someone didn't see him (how you miss a pearl orange Goldwing is beyond me). He did wait until the next stoplight, however :)

[Violet1966]

Biggest thing they don't see you is if you're in front of a car being passed. I've seen that a lot.

[dsl987]

800 is a great size. Had a lot of fun on bikes in that size range. Hubby had a nice 900 and we loved it. Lots of fun!!! Anything is great if you ask me, as long as you know what it can and can't do and how to handle it. ;)

800cc is a plenty big bike, and to tell you the truth I was actually leaning toward buying an 800cc Monster until I saw this bike. With the amount of horsepower being put out by modern bikes, anything over 500cc must be treated with a lot of respect.

As far as safety goes, always wear your gear, it really does work. Second thing I would recommend is replace the standard horn on your bike with something louder.

[MNeedham73]

Oh definitely. The horn on my bike is soooooo going away. Sounds like the Roadrunner lol. MEEP MEEP!

[Violet1966]

Yeah the horns on some bikes are a joke. So agree. The Rebel me and my ex had was lots of fun even with both of us on it, and it was like a 600-650 I think. We both weighed some pounds and he was able to hop on NJ highways with both of us, without any worry. I know it wasn't the smaller size cc they had out like 400-450, because if it was, I would have been less afraid to ride it. LOL

[MNeedham73]

I think I'll get this one (http://www.bikerhiway.com/stebel-nautilus-compact-motorcycle-air-horn-chrome-p-279.html?utm_medium=frgl&utm_source=froogle) ;)

[Violet1966]

That'll get their attention! :rofl:

[MemphisMark]

You need something with a lower tone. You want to sound like a semi loaded down with 80,000 lbs of bridge parts. THAT will get their attention!

[dsl987]

I think I'll get this one (http://www.bikerhiway.com/stebel-nautilus-compact-motorcycle-air-horn-chrome-p-279.html?utm_medium=frgl&utm_source=froogle) ;)

Sweeeeet :biggrin:

[Kluge]

Oh definitely. The horn on my bike is soooooo going away. Sounds like the Roadrunner lol. MEEP MEEP!

That's not so bad on a twisty 2-lane when you're coming up behind a family on 10-speeds. It can ruin your day just as quick as a careless car driver, it just changes who wears the dunce cap. The best defense is always keeping yourself in the clear, including the next 30 seconds or so.

Ethics, don't forget all the stupid pedestrians. I was on my way to the Javits center (for the bike show... really) and a city bus was making a right turn behind another city bus. He was trying to cut off the pedestrians by getting right up behind the front bus so he wouldn't get caught at the light. Stupid pedestrian (me) fouind himself holding the bus back like superman or something while walking without stopping because the walk sign was lit. Good thing the bus driver gave in, or I'd have earned a darwin award that day. I realized what I did after he stopped. Was thinking something like, if you squish me you'll lose your job!