How slow is too slow for a bike?

[smoky]

Never mind all the purists on here who jump down every ones throat for riding too fast; what about those plonkers who ride embarrassingly slow and are either totally ignorant to the fact they are holding up traffic, or too completely arrogant to give a flying ***** about any one behind them.

I’ve just been up north on holiday; and twice I caught up with bikes, I was fully packed up in my diesel van most of the time with the trailer loaded to gunnels with push bikes, fishing gear, camping gear and the kayak – every seat in the van full with kids and mum & dad – and yet on a primo windy road up thru Waipu I catch up to about 5 or 6 big bikes – 1 ltr jobs and a 600 kwaka (ZX I think), even in the 35 or 50 k corners they were going so slow they were holding me up, then they would speed off down the straight – only to be holding me up again in the next lot of corners?
On the way home on Sunday we over took a BMW (750 I think) again he was farting along about 70Klm/hr on a primo winding road.

Is it because we’re seeing too many born again wanna-be oldies and chicks getting into riding, who think it’s a cool idea to ride a motorbike – but really have no idea how to ride?

Are they oblivious to traffic wanting to pass them, or do they think no one should have the right to get passed them?
I don’t really care what speed people travel at, as long as they pull over for others, especially when they can’t seem to keep to the speed limit or corner better than a fully loaded diesel van ?

[Zerker]

came across a GN250 the other day, the rider was doing about 65km/h down hill in an 80km/h zone, I had to slow down to avoid catching up to him (I ride a 50cc scooter). though it was good he was going slow, Indian guy wearing sandals, short sleeved shirt and a turban, no helmet.

when I can't do the speed limit, I pull to the left to let em go past. but I've also trained a bad habit or two. I came off last monday, breaking in the wet right on top of the white markings. the roundabout I was heading into is in a 60km/h zone so I was crossing to the right hand side when the car in front stopped about 1m short of the roundabout and I had to brake harder to avoid hitting him, hit the road instead.
lesson learnt, but if I hadn't been on the scoot I'd not have been anywhere near the lefthand side to begin with (I thought I'd allready learnt that lesson, but now it's deffinetly gotten through).


Zerker

[george formby]

You have my sympathies with this one, frustrates the hell out of me being blitzed in a straight line ( I'm fairly law abiding ) only to be baulked through a nice set of bends. What scares me more, is riders who speed up through the corners when I catch them & end up taking suicidal lines. Aaaargh!

[Pathos]

No such thing as going too slow but there is such a thing as being an ass and not letting faster road users pass.

When someone is quicker than me I always just pull over to the left and wave them through.

Holding others up doesn't achieve anything.

[GOONR]

No such thing as going too slow but there is such a thing as being an ass and not letting faster road users pass.

When someone is quicker than me I always just pull over to the left and wave them through.

Holding others up doesn't achieve anything.

I'm glad you said that, I must be one of the slowest people on two wheels... I've only been riding for just over six months and I don't get to ride outside of town that often so I'm very cautious (read slow) when I do. Having said that I keep an eye on the mirror and will get out of the way for anything quicker than me.

[FROSTY]

Provided you have the pheripheral awarenes to actualllyknow they are there. Sok to take the italiann attitude if going abit fasterthan the traffic not so cool if going slower

Must say I was in the same sorta boat with sport car driving car drivers.-The ol van fully loaded needs a heada steam to get p some hills --hate those cars theat drive really slow on the aproach then zap away on the uphill bits

[george formby]

No such thing as going too slow but there is such a thing as being an ass and not letting faster road users pass.

When someone is quicker than me I always just pull over to the left and wave them through.

Holding others up doesn't achieve anything.

I have the same habit, it always makes my day when somebody show's awareness & helps to allow a nice, safe overtake. Brownie points!

[piston broke]

i guess you're lucky not to have been behind me
in my 5.0l holden
everytime i get to a passing lane or a straight bit of road i go as fast as the v8 will go
70kph everywhere else
i don't care so long as noone passes me:laugh::msn-wink:

[Grumpy]

I sometimes wonder if all this "speed kills" shit that has been drilled into peoples minds has started to have an adverse effect. When the needle gets near 100kms/h peoples ring pieces fire off a warning shot and the foot comes off the pedal. The fact they don't worry about the line of traffic in the mirrors is the good old Kiwi aggressive logic ..."it's my road too so fuck ya!":mad:

[YellowDog]

Trying to get past the frustrating slow tosser hogging the road is what kills!

[vifferman]

Heh ... a couple of years ago the vifferbabe and I were in Oz and deliberately took the windy road from the Blue Mountains to the Hunter Valley. There was from memory summat like 80 or 90 corners signposted as slower than about 45 km/h over the space of a 15 or 20 km. In this region we came up behind a guy on a RoadKing or similar, who was struggling a bit with the corners I guess. He was going too lsow for the road, so we passed him in the crappy rental Subaru Forester, and left him well behind. When we got to a long straight, he roared past at well over the speed limit. LOLzah....
I so wished I was on the bike - the road was fantastic, picturesque, and the road surface was generally a lot better than similar NZ roads - asphalt rather than the crappy chipseal we have.

[cheesemethod]

I've had this happen quite a lot on the GN250. I sit at 105 ish on a flat straight piece of road, which is far too slow for the average hero kiwi cager to be stuck behind. So they go roaring past me on a straight - mostly in my lane (bikes are small so they don't need space on the road apparently) so they can sit on 109. As soon as a twisty bit comes up, I find myself heavily on the brakes for corners that I wouldn't usually brake for, because Mr HSV hero can't lift his fat tattooed arms up enough to throw the thing into the corner at anything more than 50.

[imdying]

what about those plonkers who ride embarrassingly slow

thru Waipu I catch up to about 5 or 6 big bikes – 1 ltr jobs and a 600 kwaka (ZX I think), even in the 35 or 50 k corners they were going so slow they were holding me up, then they would speed off down the straight – only to be holding me up again in the next lot of corners?The only person embarassed was you.

Learn some road craft and pace yourself so that you're not being continually held up, it's not a race.

[vifferman]

... it's not a race.
What?!?
WTF do you mean? Of COURSE it's a race - the Wacky Races!
Just take a look at the other contestants, and the way they drive, and the shit-heaps they pilot - it's kinda obvious.

[cheesemethod]

What?!?
WTF do you mean? Of COURSE it's a race - the Wacky Races!
Just take a look at the other contestants, and the way they drive, and the shit-heaps they pilot - it's kinda obvious.

Especially that race team that all drive Holdens. You know, the onese with the yellow and blue race stripes, sponsored by some company called 'Police'

[smoky]

The only person embarassed was you.

Learn some road craft and pace yourself so that you're not being continually held up, it's not a race.

So you're one of the retards who thinks every one who goes faster than you has a problem?
What a dick - I was the one pacing myself - doing a steady speed, not excessive either, obviously you're one of those who are completely arrogant and don't give a toss about other road users
Coming from Christchurch you wouldn't even know what a real corner is, and I bet you never take your SV1000 over 90 Klm/hr

[TOTO]

Hey Smoky, there is a group of Chinese students that hangs around Auckland these days. All of them have bought gizzerr 750s and cbr thou squid machines. Biker equivalent of boy racers, but on bikes. No real skill, just posers/straight line riders. I'm guessing thats what you came upon on your holiday. Ive seen them a few times and every time had the same experience as you, except I was on ma bike. At least they know how to go slow, unlike those who of us who have started biking out of pure passion (I presume all KBers) and think they can be super fast straight away.

Another thing is that, if it was not that group, then it is possible that the said group was doing the Waipu road for first time, in which case it is good they were taking it easy. The road is very windy and has bumps which on a bike should be respected.


In any case, go there on your bike and try the road for yourself, quite pleasurable piece of tarmac :)

[crazyhorse]

When it falls over - thats when its too slow :rofl:

[imdying]

So you're one of the retards who thinks every one who goes faster than you has a problem?
What a dick - I was the one pacing myself - doing a steady speed, not excessive either, obviously you're one of those who are completely arrogant and don't give a toss about other road usersIf you're continually compressing up against slower (average, I see your point about them speeding through the straight bits etc) traffic then just back off the gas a little, learn some road craft, make some room. Getting frustrated and throwing your toys out of the cot isn't going to do anything except piss yourself off. Maybe taking 10km/hr out of your straight road speed will prevent you from having to brake to avoid them at corners as they'll stay just far enough ahead for you to make steady progress instead of the speed up slow down problem you're currently experiencing. Pacing yourself isn't worth much if you're doing it wrong (i.e. out of sync with the other road users).

[steve_t]

I give bikers heaps of room and leeway. They may not be as confident or competent getting through the twisty bits as others or as someone in a car. How many youtube videos are there of car vs bike races where the bike smashes past on the straights but gets caned through the twisties? If the road is windy and single laned, you can't really do anything except be patient. The thing that pisses me off, and it happened on Sunday coming back from Rotovegas, is vehicles that go at 80km/h in the single lanes and 120km/h when there's a passing lane!!

[Pascal]

Maybe taking 10km/hr out of your straight road speed will prevent you from having to brake to avoid them at corners as they'll stay just far enough ahead for you to make steady progress instead of the speed up slow down problem you're currently experiencing. Pacing yourself isn't worth much if you're doing it wrong (i.e. out of sync with the other road users).

This was the advise the friendly female officer gave me, along with a ticket, when I passed the young fellow that drove like a bat out of hell in the passing lanes, but slowed down to below 80km/h outside of them. She acknowledged it could be a frustrating experience, but you cannot control or moderate other drivers out there. Far better to take care of your own mindset and adjust accordingly.

Besides, there are plenty of rest stops to pause, have a smoko and appreciate the gorgeous scenery in Godzone.

[BoristheBiter]

Never mind all the purists on here who jump down every ones throat for riding too fast; what about those plonkers who ride embarrassingly slow and are either totally ignorant to the fact they are holding up traffic, or too completely arrogant to give a flying ***** about any one behind them.

I’ve just been up north on holiday; and twice I caught up with bikes, I was fully packed up in my diesel van most of the time with the trailer loaded to gunnels with push bikes, fishing gear, camping gear and the kayak – every seat in the van full with kids and mum & dad – and yet on a primo windy road up thru Waipu I catch up to about 5 or 6 big bikes – 1 ltr jobs and a 600 kwaka (ZX I think), even in the 35 or 50 k corners they were going so slow they were holding me up, then they would speed off down the straight – only to be holding me up again in the next lot of corners?
On the way home on Sunday we over took a BMW (750 I think) again he was farting along about 70Klm/hr on a primo winding road.

Is it because we’re seeing too many born again wanna-be oldies and chicks getting into riding, who think it’s a cool idea to ride a motorbike – but really have no idea how to ride?

Are they oblivious to traffic wanting to pass them, or do they think no one should have the right to get passed them?
I don’t really care what speed people travel at, as long as they pull over for others, especially when they can’t seem to keep to the speed limit or corner better than a fully loaded diesel van ?

It isn't just bikes that do this. it seems to be a NZ thing that you just drive like you want and don't care about other road users.

TOTO is right about that road. the first time i went down it i hit a bump in the road and got spat off to the other side. i slowed down untill we got out of that section.

[Pascal]

It isn't just bikes that do this. it seems to be a NZ thing that you just drive like you want and don't care about other road users.

Easiest way I've found to stop a queue of cars is to pull over to let them pass. It's so against the general mindset here that they'll all slow down to a crawl and usually present you with a rude gesture :p

[BoristheBiter]

Easiest way I've found to stop a queue of cars is to pull over to let them pass. It's so against the general mindset here that they'll all slow down to a crawl and usually present you with a rude gesture :p

Shit don't do that you might start a trend.

I went down to DS in the truck and actuly couldn't belive the amount of cars i caught up to, the truck will only do 100 down hill wind up arse etc.

[yachtie10]

Easiest way I've found to stop a queue of cars is to pull over to let them pass. It's so against the general mindset here that they'll all slow down to a crawl and usually present you with a rude gesture :p

really?
not my experience
maybe they were pissed off that it took you 50k to pull over

Dont think its the vehicle, its the driver/rider
last time i did the waipu road i had to follow a porshe cayenne doing incredibly slow speeds in corners
Im no rossi on a sports bike but it was like they had a glass of water on the dash and didnt want to spill it

[JMemonic]

70K/h is the limit for a learner rider, do you suggest that learner riders are not allowed to travel in any zone the has a speed limit in excess of 70? I know its frustrating sometimes but what are you going to do, folks ride or drive to their ability's or legal requirements isnt that what you would rather have them do that causing accidents and becoming statistics.

[centaurus]

We see everyday people getting ticketed for speeding but when was the last time you saw or heard of anybody getting ticketed for driving on the fast lane when the slow lane is empty or driving at 70kph in a 100kph zone on a straight road (according to the law you should be withing 20kph of the speed limit if the road and conditions allow). Or when was the last time you've heard of anybody being pulled over and frowned upon after holding a huge queue of cars in his wake for a long time. It never happens.

There is no incentive for the average driver to avoid any of the above because there is no real penalty. The only thing they worry about is speed because this is the main thing being enforced nowadays. The government has hopped into the "speed kills" boat (as many other governements in the world today) and everything else is secondary. Who cares that the idiot driving at 70kph and forcing everybody to overtake him dangerously on a narrow road is a big hazzard. As long as he doesn't speed, he's ok. All other road users that end up having to overtake him more or less dangerously, more or less over the speed limit, end up being the victims of the "speed kills" campain and the idiot who caused all this goes home and will do it again tomorrow.

No question about it - there are some driver outthere that need to pass anybody in front of them no matter what and that is both stupid and dangerous, but there are much more people that are oblivious and inconsiderate to all other cars on the road, making our roads riskier and nobody is doing anything about it.

[imdying]

I have to say I've noticed a drop in speeds since the last great petrol price hike. Not just on the open road (probably even less so), but also around town. A lot more people traveling at an indicated 50 instead of 60.

[Goblin]

... Or when was the last time you've heard of anybody being pulled over and frowned upon after holding a huge queue of cars in his wake for a long time. It never happens.

.My ex got a ticket for impeding the flow of traffic, even though there was no traffic. He was in a small truck down south somewhere out of Chch, on the long straights and the wind was blowing the truck all over the road so he'd slowed down. Only car for miles was the cop who told him he was driving too slow.:weird: But I've never heard of any of those fuckwits who do 80-90 everywhere then 120 on the passing lanes being ticketted.

[yungatart]

My ex got a ticket for impeding the flow of traffic, even though there was no traffic. He was in a small truck down south somewhere out of Chch, on the long straights and the wind was blowing the truck all over the road so he'd slowed down. Only car for miles was the cop who told him he was driving too slow.:weird: But I've never heard of any of those fuckwits who do 80-90 everywhere then 120 on the passing lanes being ticketted.

My father in law got done too, same circumstances (except he was in a van)...between Kaikoura and Chch if I remember rightly...same cop?
Mind you...dad in law is an appalling driver!

[trumpy]

The question is pointless and the attitude behind it arrogant.
The answer to the basic question is defined by physics, as Crazyhorse says, go slow enough and you will fall over......simple.

As to the attitude, the road is for everyone who is legally entitled to use it. Slow and fast are relative concepts and often situationally driven. Ride to your skills, ability,environment and how YOU feel on the day. Letting others define your riding style is like signing your own death certificate. I drive 70,000ks a year in the cage (and I don't do slow) and another 15,000ks on the bike and frequently meet the sort of people you describe. Tough. Get over it. If that is going to be the least of your frustrations in life then you are goping to lead a very, very charmed life. As others have said, indulge in a little roadcraft and, heaven forbid, even a bit of patience and the situation will improve. If like me you are short on time (and patience) go find another road. I hardly ever use state highways so don't generally get held up and still use about the same travelling time so don't generally arrive any quicker, just more relaxed. All it takes is a map and a little planning.

As for the " born again wanna-be oldies and chicks getting into riding, who think it’s a cool idea to ride a motorbike – but really have no idea how to ride?" group; they are as entiltled to their lifestyle choices as you are to yours and where is that mythical line where the transition from wannabe to true biker occurs? And who are you to define it (even if only by inference).

[GOONR]

..... driving at 70kph in a 100kph zone on a straight road (according to the law you should be withing 20kph of the speed limit if the road and conditions allow).....

I've never heard that one before, so me on my L plate should not be on a 100k road (legally)?

[centaurus]

I've never heard that one before, so me on my L plate should not be on a 100k road (legally)?

Mate, your speed limit IS 70kph, so theoretically you should not be below 50kph.

[ukusa]

Use the horn, LOUD & looooonnnnngggggg!

[yachtie10]

70K/h is the limit for a learner rider, do you suggest that learner riders are not allowed to travel in any zone the has a speed limit in excess of 70? I know its frustrating sometimes but what are you going to do, folks ride or drive to their ability's or legal requirements isnt that what you would rather have them do that causing accidents and becoming statistics.

The issue isnt that people drive slow, they shouldnt drive faster than they are comfortable. the issue is that some peole drive without a thought for other road users. Like people who think its OK to hold up traffic in the fast lane on the motorway becuase theres no law against it. IMHO they are selfish assholes

If you are holding up traffic and can let them past safely then why not do it?

[GOONR]

Mate, your speed limit IS 70kph, so theoretically you should not be below 50kph.

That would be suicide on a Auckland motorway, in fact I think it would be suicide in any 100k zone.

[steve_t]

My ex got a ticket for impeding the flow of traffic, even though there was no traffic. He was in a small truck down south somewhere out of Chch, on the long straights and the wind was blowing the truck all over the road so he'd slowed down. Only car for miles was the cop who told him he was driving too slow.:weird: But I've never heard of any of those fuckwits who do 80-90 everywhere then 120 on the passing lanes being ticketted.

When I did my defensive driving the other month, the instructor was telling us how quite a few people had failed their learners car licence test from driving too slowly. I think the cruising leeway is only 5-10km/h.
Over the summer the police send a helicopter to watch over the Kopu-Hikaui roads with a specific task of watching for slow traffic impeding flow. They radio down to cars who stop them and give them the learn. The chopper is also there to spot idiot impatient drivers

[Pascal]

Mate, your speed limit IS 70kph, so theoretically you should not be below 50kph.

That, if accurate, must be one of the most obscure laws then. If the point is to keep traffic flow within a similar range for safety, what would be the point in having a speed that is potentially 50km/h off the maximum and 30 km/h off the minimum of the other drivers? Maybe I need more coffee or maybe a sexy mathematics teacher in stockings with g... yeah. Okay.

[onearmedbandit]

So you're one of the retards who thinks every one who goes faster than you has a problem?
Doesn't everyone think that?

obviously you're one of those who are completely arrogant and don't give a toss about other road users
Ah so you two have met before then.

Coming from Christchurch you wouldn't even know what a real corner is, and I bet you never take your SV1000 over 90 Klm/hr
The sooner they get rid of corners the better we say. Damn scary things, what with not going straight and all that monkey business, how are you supposed to work that shit out? And how fast is 90klm/h in km/h?

[BoristheBiter]

There is not nor ever been a minium speed level the land transport act states:
2.1 Keeping left
(1) A driver, when driving, must at all times drive as near as practicable to the left side of the roadway unless this rule otherwise provides.
(2) If a driver's speed, when driving, is such as to impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic, that driver must, as soon as is reasonably
practicable, move the vehicle as far as practicable to the left side of the roadway when this is necessary to allow following traffic to pass.
(3) A driver may drive in the right lane in the direction of travel when driving on a multi-lane road if—
(a) the driver is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving the prescribed signal of that driver's
intention to turn right; or
(b) the driver is passing; or
(c) the left lane is unavailable to the driver; or
(d) the driver is required by any provision of this rule to drive in the right lane; or
(e) a variable lane control downward-facing arrow sign indicates that the driver must drive in the right lane; or
(f) the driver is avoiding an obstruction; or
(g) the traffic in all other lanes is congested;

And you can also read into this that you can get a ticket for sitting in the right lane if you are not overtaking someone

[smoky]

If you're continually compressing up against slower traffic ...... then just back off the gas a little, learn some road craft, make some room. Getting frustrated and throwing your toys out of the cot isn't going to do anything


70K/h is the limit for a learner rider, do you suggest that learner riders are not allowed to travel in any zone the has a speed limit in excess of 70?






As to the attitude, the road is for everyone who is legally entitled to use it. Slow and fast are relative concepts and often situationally driven. Ride to your skills..... If like me you are short on time (and patience) go find another road. I hardly ever use state highways so don't generally get held up and still use about the same travelling time so don't generally arrive any quicker, just more relaxed. All it takes is a map and a little planning.

As for the " born again wanna-be oldies and chicks getting into riding, who think it’s a cool idea to ride a motorbike – but really have no idea how to ride?" group; they are as entiltled to their lifestyle choices as you are to yours and where is that mythical line where the transition from wannabe to true biker occurs? And who are you to define it (even if only by inference).

The lack of comprehension some of you show is rather sad really - you would think if you were at all interested enough to post in here you would actually read and try to comprehend the subject first????

As I said; I don't care what speed people do, go as slow as you like - but why be all arrogant and wanky about letting other go passed you ??? we all share the same road
And for your information no toys were thrown out the cot, and I wasn't hard on the brakes behind them, and I did just sit back and cruise behind them - ya fukwits
read it again morons


Apart from making the point that if you want to ride at a slower pace than the average motorist, then at lest learn to use your mirrors and let people passed when there is room, not open up the throttle and then hold them up again at the next corner, I am also genuinely interested in asking what is it some people find appealing about buying and riding a sports bike that has so much ability and agility then ride it like it's a retarded motorised pushbike on stilts??

Why wouldn't you buy a GN250 or a bike more suited to your ability

And before you dick heads tell me "people can ride what they like"; I know that, I'm just interested why they want to? they're obviously a bit scared of the bike, of the road, of falling off - why not get on something less sporting, less powerful and ride a more suitable machine????

[Toaster]

Exactly. If you are holding up others because of your slower relative speed then give em room to pass.

Its simple, you are required by law to pullover at the first available safe opportunity to allow traffic past. Its used to be $150 fine for impeding the flow of traffic. No idea what it is now.

Toasted.

[BoristheBiter]

The lack of comprehension some of you show is rather sad really - you would think if you were at all interested enough to post in here you would actually read and try to comprehend the subject first????

As I said; I don't care what speed people do, go as slow as you like - but why be all arrogant and wanky about letting other go passed you ??? we all share the same road
And for your information no toys were thrown out the cot, and I wasn't hard on the brakes behind them, and I did just sit back and cruise behind them - ya fukwits
read it again morons


Apart from making the point that if you want to ride at a slower pace than the average motorist, then at lest learn to use your mirrors and let people passed when there is room, not open up the throttle and then hold them up again at the next corner, I am also genuinely interested in asking what is it some people find appealing about buying and riding a sports bike that has so much ability and agility then ride it like it's a retarded motorised pushbike on stilts??

Why wouldn't you buy a GN250 or a bike more suited to your ability

And before you dick heads tell me "people can ride what they like"; I know that, I'm just interested why they want to? they're obviously a bit scared of the bike, of the road, of falling off - why not get on something less sporting, less powerful and ride a more suitable machine????

I understand where you are coming from in regards to people who drive slowly and hold you up ( i get very fustrated at this) but is having a right old rant about people on fast machines going slow the way to go about it.

If we took your thinking we would all be riding 125's as we can't go past the speed limit of 100 ( though some can very easyly) so what's the point of getting something that can.

we all have the right to buy what we want, when we want, and ride it how we want for whatever reason we like, so don't make this the issue. it says you have a 1200 bandit, what the top speed of that and do you ride it hard and fast around the corners if not why do you have it.
Its not a race track and some people do not like to go out of there skill zone and have the possabilty of dropping the bike (myself included) while riding on open roads.

This is an issue about courtesy on the road whether it be a bike, car, truck or push bike so lets leave it at that.

[SPman]

According to Winja....about 200k!

[trumpy]

The lack of comprehension some of you show is rather sad really - you would think if you were at all interested enough to post in here you would actually read and try to comprehend the subject first????

As I said; I don't care what speed people do, go as slow as you like - but why be all arrogant and wanky about letting other go passed you ??? we all share the same road
And for your information no toys were thrown out the cot, and I wasn't hard on the brakes behind them, and I did just sit back and cruise behind them - ya fukwits
read it again morons


Apart from making the point that if you want to ride at a slower pace than the average motorist, then at lest learn to use your mirrors and let people passed when there is room, not open up the throttle and then hold them up again at the next corner, I am also genuinely interested in asking what is it some people find appealing about buying and riding a sports bike that has so much ability and agility then ride it like it's a retarded motorised pushbike on stilts??

Why wouldn't you buy a GN250 or a bike more suited to your ability

And before you dick heads tell me "people can ride what they like"; I know that, I'm just interested why they want to? they're obviously a bit scared of the bike, of the road, of falling off - why not get on something less sporting, less powerful and ride a more suitable machine????


Oh spare me. I understood your post perfectly well but (your statement) "Is it because we’re seeing too many born again wanna-be oldies and chicks getting into riding, who think it’s a cool idea to ride a motorbike – but really have no idea how to ride?" is not a question but a judgemental statement with a question mark on the end. Perhaps if you had put it in more neutral terms then you might have received some insightful answers instead of rants from grumpy old buggers like me.

Everybody gets into, or back to, riding for their own personal reasons which are as varied as the people themselves so I can't answer your question on their behalf. As for me however, when I came back to riding I bought a bike which was considerably more capable than than I was (and still is) for two reasons; firstly, the throttle has more than one position and works in both directions and, secondly I needed something to aspire to. Even at 57 it is my goal to narrow the gap between my bikes ability and mine, preferably by improving my skills (Superbike School is next on my list for this summer......if we actually get one). I took this approach with my motorsport and most other things I have done in my life and for the most part it has worked well for me. Been bitten a time or two because of it but its just my way and I"ll stick to it.

[smoky]

Everybody gets into, or back to, riding for their own personal reasons which are as varied as the people themselves so I can't answer your question on their behalf. As for me however, when I came back to riding I bought a bike which was considerably more capable than than I was (and still is) for two reasons; firstly, the throttle has more than one position and works in both directions and, secondly I needed something to aspire to. Even at 57 it is my goal to narrow the gap between my bikes ability and mine, preferably by improving my skills (Superbike School is next on my list for this summer......if we actually get one). I took this approach with my motorsport and most other things I have done in my life and for the most part it has worked well for me. Been bitten a time or two because of it but its just my way and I"ll stick to it.

If they can handle it fair enough, but most can't (ACC statistics tell us that); they have the ability to ride a hardly hog but go out and buy an R6 or GSXR1000 and proceed to fall of it, or scare themselves into riding it at pootle pace - why? where's the enjoyment in that for them?

[trumpy]

If they can handle it fair enough, but most can't (ACC statistics tell us that); they have the ability to ride a hardly hog but go out and buy an R6 or GSXR1000 and proceed to fall of it, or scare themselves into riding it at pootle pace - why? where's the enjoyment in that for them?

Again I wouldn't presume to speak for someone else, irrespective of what stereotype they may fit into, but for me I did scare myself a time or two ( as do ,by their own admission quite a number of riders on this site much more skilled than I am) but the trick is to sit down and try to work out why, and I have been more than happy (and still am) to ask someone considerably younger but obviously much more skilled than me for advice on what went wrong. I suspect that a lot of older guys feel that at their age "they know" even if they actually don't but that's just a supposition since I don't live inside their heads ........I have enough trouble dealing with what's going on in mine......

Perhaps as a closer answer to your question, I do have a client who came back to riding on a Hyabusa, which I thought was pretty ambitious but it was his choice and he's a consenting adult and it's not my place to tell him otherwise. It took him a good year to figure out that this bike was WAY different from any big bike he'd ridden in his younger days and he ended up hating it. He sat down and had a good think about HOW he really wanted to ride and the fact that his wife was keen to go riding as well. So deals were done and he and his wife now ride a Harley, tassles and all, all over the country and just love it. That's their story and theirs alone and I accept it as such without putting any label/box on them or their experience... it just is.

[BoristheBiter]

If they can handle it fair enough, but most can't (ACC statistics tell us that); they have the ability to ride a hardly hog but go out and buy an R6 or GSXR1000 and proceed to fall of it, or scare themselves into riding it at pootle pace - why? where's the enjoyment in that for them?

What a complete arse. who are you to say how people are to enjoy there riding. i don't tell you you should ride like Rossi all the time because if not where's the fun in that.
who cares what acc say's or anyone else for that matter. if you want to get a GSX1000 and fall off so what. But if you want to talk statistics most accidents happen when the rider just drops the bike on a corner are old riders (ones starting out again) on crusiers

[dipshit]

Going to the brass monkey a couple of years ago, I came up behind about a dozen to 20 bikes in a tight bunch all travelling along at 90 km/h. Front rider had a safety vest on and was obviously setting the pace for the group. Trouble was there was also a long line of cars behind them as the big tight group of bikes would have made it very hard for cars to get past. It was a very inconsiderate and arrogant way for the group to travel.

[smoky]

What a complete arse. who are you to say how people are to enjoy there riding. i don't tell you you should ride like Rossi all the time because if not where's the fun in that.
who cares what acc say's or anyone else for that matter. if you want to get a GSX1000 and fall off so what. But if you want to talk statistics most accidents happen when the rider just drops the bike on a corner are old riders (ones starting out again) on crusiers
Well you're a complete tosser and bit of looser arn't you - try reading & comprehending??

Where did I say anything like that - ya dumb arse
Touch a raw nerve did I?

[smoky]

Going to the brass monkey a couple of years ago, I came up behind about a dozen to 20 bikes in a tight bunch all travelling along at 90 km/h. Front rider had a safety vest on and was obviously setting the pace for the group. Trouble was there was also a long line of cars behind them as the big tight group of bikes would have made it very hard for cars to get past. It was a very inconsiderate and arrogant way for the group to travel.

I've been on a couple of group rides like that, I find them very boring

[BoristheBiter]

Well you're a complete tosser and bit of looser arn't you - try reading & comprehending??

Where did I say anything like that - ya dumb arse
Touch a raw nerve did I?

If you are talking about reading and comprehending then all i comprehend is that you are an arrogent dick who thinks the world revloves around them and everyone on the road should get out of the way.

If you can't remember what you have wrote (must be at that age) i think you should look back through the thread.

If you think you have been making a vaild point then why is there no one backing you up on this?

[Pascal]

If you think you have been making a vaild point then why is there no one backing you up on this?

There have been people agreeing with him / backing him up that it is polite to pull over when there is faster traffic behind you.

[smoky]

If you are talking about reading and comprehending then all i comprehend is that you are an arrogent dick who thinks the world revloves around them and everyone on the road should get out of the way.
You obviously haven't read and comprehended what I have written (or should that be wroted in your vernacular)
I don't get stressed or angry, or think they shouldn't be on the road, nor do i engourage people to drive/ride beyound their capability - but I do wish people who choose to do that would think about other road users and not 'road hog'.

I am also interested in finding out why some people choose a bike that is not suitable for their riding ability or perhaps their riding style - a GSXR or R6/R1 is not cruiser and from my experience riding them in such a manner is difficult and frustrating - so i was wondering why they would choose to do it? Why not buy a bike more suitable?
Can you understand that - or did the raw nerve just set you off on an arrogant rant?


If you can't remember what you have wrote (must be at that age)
Excellent demonstration of how well you understand the Queens English (must be at that age)


If you think you have been making a vaild point then why is there no one backing you up on this?
Again an excellent example of your lack of ability to read and comprehend - did you skip a few pages or something?


There have been people agreeing with him / backing him up that it is polite to pull over when there is faster traffic behind you.

[smoky]

According to Winja....about 200k!

Slightly modified - 240 (on the GPS), bit hard on the ol girl though (and of course never done on the public roads, only on the back straight of Pukakohe)

[BoristheBiter]

You obviously haven't read and comprehended what I have written (or should that be wroted in your vernacular)
I don't get stressed or angry, or think they shouldn't be on the road, nor do i engourage people to drive/ride beyound their capability - but I do wish people who choose to do that would think about other road users and not 'road hog'.

I am also interested in finding out why some people choose a bike that is not suitable for their riding ability or perhaps their riding style - a GSXR or R6/R1 is not cruiser and from my experience riding them in such a manner is difficult and frustrating - so i was wondering why they would choose to do it? Why not buy a bike more suitable?





If you had phrased it that way it the first place it would have sounded a lot better, other than your go at newbees, old riders and chicks. what i was going about is you were talking about the lack of manners people show on the road then you go and show the same lack of manners by going on at everyone that doesn't fit into your style of riding.

How do you know by coming up behind some one that the bike is above there ability?

In regards to backing you up i was refering to your rant about this, not the rant about why people don't pull over as i agreed with you on this.

As for your question, I ride a gsxr750, no way have I got the ability of rossi, nor do I ride it to the full. I got and ride it becuse i wanted to and its as simple as that.

[BoristheBiter]

There have been people agreeing with him / backing him up that it is polite to pull over when there is faster traffic behind you.

Not the part i was talking about, it was his go at how/what people ride.

[GOONR]

You obviously haven't read and comprehended what I have written (or should that be wroted in your vernacular)
I don't get stressed or angry, or think they shouldn't be on the road, nor do i engourage people to drive/ride beyound their capability - but I do wish people who choose to do that would think about other road users and not 'road hog'.

I am also interested in finding out why some people choose a bike that is not suitable for their riding ability or perhaps their riding style - a GSXR or R6/R1 is not cruiser and from my experience riding them in such a manner is difficult and frustrating - so i was wondering why they would choose to do it? Why not buy a bike more suitable?





If you had phrased it that way it the first place it would have sounded a lot better other than your go at newbees, old riders and chicks. what i has going about is you we talking about the lack of manners of people on the road then you go and show the same lack of manners by going on at everyone that doesn't fit into your style of riding.
How do you know by coming up behind some one that the bike is above there ability?
In regards to backing you up i was refering to your rant about this, not the rant about why people don't pull over as i agreed with you on this.

As for your question, I ride a gsxr750, no way have I got the ability of rossi, nor do I ride it to the full. I got and ride it becuse i wanted to and its as simple as that.

Been to the pub by any chance?

[BoristheBiter]

Been to the pub by any chance?

no just thinking about it.
One of these days i might proof read what i have writen (or is that wrote)

[Pascal]

Not the part i was talking about, it was his go at how/what people ride.

Ah, ok. Understood. Thanks. Now that pub sounds like a damn fine idea.

[GOONR]

Ah, ok. Understood. Thanks. Now that pub sounds like a damn fine idea.

Hey it's Friday, lets all Join Boris at the pub!

[smoky]

...other than your go at newbees, old riders and chicks. ..... by going on at everyone that doesn't fit into your style of riding.
No one was having a go at them at all - you're rather sensitive about this whole subject
Over the years I have noticed a lot more big sports bikes being ridden at sub fully loaded diesel van speeds, just suggesting that this may have something to do with more chicks, and new riders, and born again riders going out and being able to purchase these kinds of bikes - they're obviously looking for the image or something, rather than practicality? Not saying they are not allowed too, it's just not a sensible thing to do.


How do you know by coming up behind some one that the bike is above there ability?
Bloody hell - if ya can't work that one out! Something about not being able to take a perfectly good 55k bend at 55k, or watching them hit brakes mid corner and get all out of shape.............



As for your question, I ride a gsxr750, no way have I got the ability of rossi, nor do I ride it to the full. I got and ride it becuse i wanted to and its as simple as that.
Good on you - I've never followed or ridden with you, but if I saw someone on a GSXR750 and they were putting them selves at risk with how they rode, and holding up traffic because they couldn't maintain open road speeds, then I would say they should think about buying a bike more suitable for their ability.